Barcelo Nasandhura Malé, the Maldives’ newest luxury destination, is set to open its doors in Q1 2025.

Located on the site of the former Nasandhura Palace Hotel, the property will become the largest hotel in the capital, Malé. With 136 elegantly designed rooms, including 95 with stunning ocean views, and 116 luxurious serviced apartments, Barcelo Nasandhura Malé promises a unique blend of sophistication, comfort, and convenience in the heart of this vibrant city.

Operated by the renowned Spanish hotel chain Barcelo Group, the hotel represents a significant expansion of the brand’s presence in the Maldives and beyond. Barcelo Group, known for its exceptional resorts, recently opened Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives in South Ari Atoll in August 2024, further solidifying its growing portfolio in the region. In addition to its Maldivian properties, Barcelo Group manages a range of high-profile hotels across the UAE, Thailand, and several European countries.

Barcelo Nasandhura Malé will feature an array of premium facilities, including four upscale dining outlets, a rooftop shisha bar, an oceanfront pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a luxurious spa. The hotel will also boast 1,034 square meters of versatile MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space, making it an ideal venue for corporate events and gatherings.

While some serviced apartments were initially intended for residential use, they will now be available for daily rental, offering guests enhanced flexibility and a wider range of accommodation options. Originally scheduled to open on December 1, 2024, the opening has been slightly delayed due to minor construction work. However, the team remains committed to ensuring Barcelo Nasandhura Malé is ready to welcome its first guests in Q1 2025.

Barcelo Hotel Group, awarded World’s Leading Hotel Management Company 2023 by the World Travel Awards, is the second-largest hotel chain in Spain and ranks among the 30 largest globally in terms of the number of rooms. Founded in 1931, this family-run organisation operates 280 four- and five-star city and holiday hotels, offering more than 62,000 rooms across 25 countries. The group markets its hotels under four distinct brands, each focused on providing diverse and memorable travel experiences.

Renowned for its commitment to excellence and sustainability, Barcelo Hotel Group delivers exceptional stays, seamlessly blending luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

Fushifaru Maldives has announced its fun-filled festive programme, set to bring joy and cheer to guests from 20th December 2024 to 6th January 2025. With an array of exciting activities tailored for adults and children, the resort promises an unforgettable holiday experience on their exquisite, little island.

The festivities will begin on 20th December with a Christmas tree decorating event, inviting guests to embrace the spirit of the season as they come together to adorn the island’s grand Christmas tree, which will be followed by a Lighting Ceremony in the evening. Throughout the festive period, both children and adults can look forward to engaging in unique experiences that highlight the best of Fushifaru’s offerings.

Adults can join sushi-making classes with expert chefs, alongside sunrise and sunset beach yoga sessions and wine enthusiasts will have the chance to indulge in exclusive wine tastings, sampling a carefully curated selection of fine wines under the guidance of the resort’s sommelier, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Families visiting Fushifaru will find a host of activities designed to create lasting memories for younger guests. Children can unleash their creativity during cookie decorating sessions, crafting their own festive treats with an array of colourful toppings.

The highlight of the season will be Santa’s much-anticipated arrival on Christmas Eve, where he will make a spectacular entrance, bringing gifts and spreading holiday cheer across the island. In addition, little adventurers can take part in a fun-filled treasure hunt, exploring the island in search of hidden surprises.

As the New Year approaches, Fushifaru will host a dazzling New Year’s Eve celebration. Guests can expect a vibrant night of live music, themed dining experiences, and a grand countdown party on the beach, welcoming 2025 with style. The celebrations will continue into the new year, with a special focus on Orthodox Christmas on 6th January and unique events and activities that honour this important cultural holiday.

This year, the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Orthodox Christmas Dinner will be graced by a spectacular performance from the renowned Anna Sklyar. A Russian opera and pop singer celebrated for her participation in The Voice, Anna is known for her unique soprano voice with a captivating timbre that enchants audiences.

Her diverse repertoire spans eight languages and ranges from timeless opera classics to contemporary pop hits, promising an unforgettable evening of world-class entertainment that perfectly complements the festive celebrations at Fushifaru.

Indulge in seasonal delights, festive celebrations, live music, DJ and entertainment as well as a variety of activities tailored for the whole family. From scrumptious Christmas & New Year Gala Dinners to exciting events such as Santa’s Arrival and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Fushifaru Maldives ensures a magical holiday season for everyone.

Book your stay of 5 nights or more before 23rd December 2024 for travel between 24th December 2024 and 9th January 2025, and enjoy 20% discount on room rates. For more information about Fushifaru Maldives and its services and experiences, please visit www.fushifaru.com or contact reservations@fushifaru.com

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, has unwrapped its Christmas & New Year 2024/25 line up. From a shark snorkel to crafting gingerbread water villas, a series of festive feasts with a twist, this island paradise is the ultimate location in which to spend the most wonderful time of the year.

The festive fun will centre around the theme ‘Tree of Life’, drawing inspiration from the timeless symbol: celebrating nature’s rhythms, the fresh energy of new beginnings and the strength of deep roots, growth and connection. Kicking off on the 22nd December 2024 all the way through to the 7th January 2025, the yuletide offerings include the below activities. 

Whether islanders prefer to get crafty or ground themselves with yoga, meditation and a hypnotherapy workshop, there’s seasonal serenity in store for everyone at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives. Guests can sign up for a gingerbread house making class, create wooden Christmas decorations using recycled wood and get into the festive mood with a special tree-lighting ceremony on the beach to the sound of the Gili Christmas Choir.

For those in favour of active pursuits, a tennis match or surf lesson with Santa Claus, a beach volleyball tournament, shark snorkel, and a dolphin cruise are all on offer. Little ones will revel in the opportunity to watch Christmas movies with their toes in the sand at Gili’s cinema under the stars, enjoy coconut shell dreamcatcher making, and receive gifts delivered to their villa courtesy of Santa on a speedboat!

Guests will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in educational experiences and excursions that honour and celebrate the incredible natural wonders of the world.

Join the island’s marine biologists in crafting the Gili Coral Tree, head on a Gili Water Plant Tour, where guests can explore how the island turns ocean water into clean drinking water or opt for the Tree Expedition and Tree Grafting workshop where nature lovers will discover the fascinating technique of grafting (creating new trees by combining different parts from different plants). Little ones will love playful activities such as branch decoration class and gardening with the island’s head organic gardener.

Sustainability and conservation are at the heart of Gili Lankanfushi’s vision, with an emphasis on preserving the natural environment, protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and leaving only footprints behind. Thanks to the island’s Coral Lines project, guests can now get involved in the island’s sustainability initiatives during their stay.

An array of very special ‘bucket list on the beach’ gastronomic experiences will be on offer to guests. Foodies will be spoilt for choice with culinary offerings ranging from an Indian Tandoor feast and a Brazilian barbeque served churrascaria-style to a Mediterranean spice souk bazaar and a “Roots” wine dinner, where the chef and sommelier will curate a paired dinner inspired by a tree’s life-giving and anchoring root.

Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with a laid-back-luxury, ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy.

Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £1,070/$1,440, based on two adults sharing a Villa with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.