Entertainment
Stop the Clock at W Retreat & Spa – Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – Make your holiday season truly memorable this year! Get away in style and escape to W Retreat & Spa – Maldives, the most iconic Resort in the Maldives. Located only 25 minutes away from the International airport, on the very exotic island of Fesdu in the North Ari Atoll, the luxury playground is the best place to usher in the New Year. Offering blissful spa treatments, delectable cuisine, the coolest cocktails and the biggest, most glamorous party night of the year, with a line-up of visionary DJ’s and entertainment in a wonderland of dazzling white sand and turquoise lagoons, the Festive Season will be unforgettable.
Celebrate like there’s no tomorrow
The impressive line-up of international DJs and fabulous fireworks will help you to unplug 2015 and welcome the New Year in style. Erica Rhone, Barber and Satin Jackets will step behind the decks at FIRE beach to spin vibrant tunes all nights for the Indian Ocean’s most dazzling crowd to ring in 2016.
Erica Rhone, acclaimed as one of New-York city’s most well-known female DJs and producers, has toured and played in some of the best nightclubs. She has rocked the Playboy Mansion and the desert for Burning Man in the USA and played at Jenja and W Bali in Indonesia, BASH in Bangkok and Attica in Singapore just to name but a few.
Faceless Recordings co-founder, OFF Recordings newcomer and Nurvous Records debutant, English DJ and producer, Barber has quickly established himself as an artist to keep a close eye on. His greatest attribute when it comes to production is his flair for improvisation, which is exactly how he learned to play the keys on blues and jazz scales. Taking influences from a samba background, percussion is an obvious crucial element in the music he creates where the grooves are designed to complement Barber’s most prominent factor, his voice!
Finally, Satin Jackets is the brainchild of German music producer Tim Bernhardt who teamed up with his friend Den Ishu as lead performer. Recent successes like “You Make Me Feel Good”, collaborations with highly demanded vocalists, as well as top-ranked remixing work have turned the project into a very recognizable brand name for lush Indie Dance tunes with a pop appeal and a four-to-the-floor groove.
Usher in the New Year 2016 with style!
Start New Year’s Day refueling your body and mind at the award winning AWAY® Spa with the spectacular ‘Diamond Indulgence’. Begin this pampering journey with an aromatic steam session followed by a pungent foot bath, diamond dust & pearl scrub and gold clay body mask. Sink into a Champagne bath looking out across a spectacular infinite Indian Ocean view while sipping on a glass of Veuve Clicquot and savoring En Ke Baeki Caviar. Last but not least, a Pomelo & gold full body massage, whitening facial and hand manicure perfection will be provided along with a comfort sole for an irrepressible sexy mood.
New Year’s Day will see the legendary line-up of DJ’s step behind the decks once more to spin some glam-over hangover beats at the legendary Shock Wave Pool party for the hotel’s glossy guests.
After a long afternoon of celebration, a lucky couple will have the possibility to start 2016 on Gaathafushi, W’s own deserted island to indulge in exquisite serenity, exploring the surrounding silent lagoon before hanging on the beach and unwinding like never before while their private Chef sets up a special candle light BBQ as the sun dips over the horizon. At night, the activity of choice includes star-gazing, before falling asleep under the thatched roof, feeling the fresh breeze of the Indian Ocean. Natural wakeup calls are attuned to the languid pace of the island, with breakfast served on the white sand beach.
To ring in the New Year in style, the glamorous ‘Stop the clock’ package is ideal for those looking to amplify their entrance to 2016. This package is available for bookings until 28 December 2015, with a minimum of three nights. Book early and receive the New Year’s Eve Gala dinner on house!
For more information visit www.wretreatmaldives.com.
Entertainment
New Year’s Eve Gala at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La to feature live performance by Nasooh
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La is preparing to host a vibrant New Year’s Eve Gala Night on 31 December 2025, inviting guests to welcome 2026 with an evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and festive celebration.
The event will be headlined by Mohamed Nasooh, one of the Maldives’ emerging musical talents whose voice has earned national recognition. Nasooh first rose to prominence as a former vocalist of the popular band 2ofus, which represented the Maldives internationally and achieved notable success as the 2nd Runner-Up at the Battle of the Bands International. His growing popularity on TikTok, combined with his expressive vocal performances, has made him a well-loved figure among audiences of all ages.
Guests attending the New Year’s Eve Gala Night can look forward to a memorable live performance from Nasooh, who will bring his distinctive vocal style and stage presence to the celebration as the country ushers in a new year.
Adding to the excitement, the evening will also include a special grand prize, with details set to be announced soon. The announcement has already generated anticipation and is expected to be a highlight of the event.
The Gala Night will offer an elegant dining experience and a festive atmosphere, providing an inviting setting for families, couples, and friends wishing to celebrate the start of 2026 in style. The full programme and menu will be shared in the coming days.
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La welcomes guests to join this exceptional evening—an occasion filled with music, flavour, and celebration marking the arrival of the new year.
Entertainment
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives announces week-long Music in Paradise experience with Kate Miller-Heidke
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, in partnership with Music in Paradise, has announced that acclaimed Australian artist Kate Miller-Heidke will perform live at the private island resort from 3 – 10 October 2026.
Renowned for her soaring vocals, magnetic stage presence and evocative storytelling, Kate is one of Australia’s most distinctive and celebrated performers. A classically trained vocalist from the Queensland Conservatorium, she moves effortlessly between pop, folk and opera. Alongside her chart-topping solo work, Kate and longtime collaborator Keir Nuttall composed the original music for Muriel’s Wedding The Musical and together with Iain Grandage and Lally Katz, the award-winning opera The Rabbits. In 2019, she captivated global audiences when she represented Australia at Eurovision with her hit “Zero Gravity”, and more recently has acted as a coach on The Voice Australia.
Kate’s debut at Kandooma Maldives will feature three intimate sunset concerts in an exclusive beachside setting with audiences capped at just 200 guests. Attendees can expect beloved favourites, reimagined arrangements and a few special surprises in an unforgettable island atmosphere.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives General Manager, Mark Eletr, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kate to Kandooma next year. Her unmistakable voice, magnetic stage presence, and those breathtaking, angelic high notes promise a magical week of music on our beaches. With three intimate sunset concerts, it’s an experience our guests will be talking about for years to come.”
The first-release Ultimate Experience Package is now available at a special launch rate of A$5,790 per person twin share (regular price A$6,590). The package includes:
- Seven nights in a stunning Overwater Villa (3–10 October)
- Welcome bottle of sparkling wine
- Entry to three performances
- Music in Paradise welcome bag, event poster & t-shirt
- Welcome drinks with the Music in Paradise team
- Meet & greet with Kate
- Professional photo with Kate
- Return shared speedboat airport transfers
- Daily buffet breakfast at Kandooma Café
- Complimentary snorkel trip & snorkelling gear
- Unlimited group yoga sessions
- Unlimited group “Learn to Surf” experiences
- Ultimate Dolphin Cruise
- Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
- Tea, coffee and water provisions in-villa daily
- Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee
Additional early-bird packages start from A$3,490 per person. Full details, please visit the event website.
Entertainment
Holiday Inn Kandooma confirms Missy Higgins’ 2026 Maldives residency
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, together with event organisers Music in Paradise, have announced the return of one of Australia’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, Missy Higgins, for a series of intimate performances at the resort’s private island from 13–20 June 2026.
Following her inaugural 2025 Maldives concerts, which drew rave reviews from fans and media alike, Missy was quick to declare she had “unfinished business” in the tropics, promising to return for more music, surfing, diving, and island relaxation.
The week-long event blends all the magic of a Maldivian getaway with three exclusive sunset concerts, performed by Missy Higgins against the backdrop of swaying palms and turquoise waters. Guests will enjoy beachfront and rooftop Sunset Bar shows, plus unique meet-and-greet opportunities with the artist.
With 26 ARIA Award nominations and five Australian No. 1 singles to her name, Missy’s return to Kandooma promises to be one of the most sought-after events of 2026. Attendance is capped at just 200 guests, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable experience.
“There’s nothing better than great live music and a beach. Add in Missy Higgins and the Maldives, and you’ve got the ultimate getaway. Bring your mates, bring your family — this is one trip you’ll be talking about for years,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
“Imagine starting your day diving or snorkelling in the Maldives, then ending it with Missy Higgins singing just metres from the water’s edge. That’s what awaits at Kandooma in 2026, and after my experience at her last performance here, I can promise it’s an experience you’ll carry with you forever.”
The Gold Experience Package is selling fast at A$4,490 per person twin share including:
- Entry to three exclusive evening events
- Three intimate performances by Missy Higgins
- Meet & greet session with Missy Higgins
- Professional photo opportunity with the artist
- Music in Paradise welcome bag, commemorative poster & t-shirt
- Seven nights in a Beach View Villa (13–20 June 2026)
- Daily buffet breakfast at Kandooma Café
- Return shared speedboat transfers from Malé
- Welcome drink & cold towel on arrival
- Tea, coffee & bottled water in-villa, replenished daily
- Complimentary snorkel trip & snorkelling gear
- Two scuba dives per day for two (T&Cs apply, licensed divers only)
- Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee
Information about Premium packages, including the VIP Experience (Beach House) and Platinum Experience can be found here. The Ultimate Experience (Overwater Villa) and Family VIP Experience are already sold out.
Set in the South Malé Atoll, just 40-45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a tropical paradise of white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush coconut palms.
Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses, and the signature Overwater Villas. Families are well catered for with spacious 2- and 3-bedroom villas and the vibrant Kandoo Kids’ Club. Six dining outlets showcase international flavours, while Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers a tranquil escape for body and mind.
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