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World’s first underwater spa powers off and turns on underwater avatar-like wonderland

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Huvafen Fushi

Maldives.net.mv – This Earth Hour, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi is shining its light on climate change underwater, literally.

Home to the world’s first and only underwater spa and one of the pioneers of coral reef regeneration in the Maldives, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi will treat guests to an awe-inspiring encounter with the surreal. As the resort shuts down power to mark Earth Hour, the interior and exterior of LIME Spa will fade to black in a dramatic transformation far from city lights. Breaking out of the darkness, an ethereal Avatar-glow will overtake the reef.

Brain coral, finger corals and sea anemone will glow before guests’ eyes in hallucinatory yellows, greens and blues. Masterminding the show, the resort’s in-house marine biologists Verena Wiesbauer and Hassan Hamid will wield alternative light sources, blue lights powered by electric torches, to trigger light-sensitive proteins in the surrounding reef life. Absorbing the blue light, corals and creatures re-emit the fluorescence at longer wavelengths, producing a colourful otherworldly spectacle.

With 80% of the island’s power shut down, guests will savour dinner under the stars and attend an evening of awareness raising to understand the impact of fossil fuels on the environment, including upon the natural richness of the Maldives. Guests will learn about the initiatives PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi takes to reduce fossil fuel emissions and protect the environment – along with steps guests can take back in their day-to-day lives.

Throughout the year, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi guests are invited to witness a similar glowing underwater phenomenon with the resort’s Spaquarium experience, held likewise in the underwater spa. Guests also have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in the Maldives with the resort’s underwater coral regeneration project. Since 2007, the initiative has grown and planted over 3,000 corals. Participating guests snorkel to the coral nursery and choose a living coral to adopt and cultivate in the reef. All proceeds from the adopt-a-coral programme are used to fund marine monitoring, maintenance and research at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi.

An annual event, Earth Hour is marked in thousands of locations worldwide. In 2016, Earth Hour will be held on Saturday 19 March from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm in each local time zone. Like many resorts in the Maldives, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi operates on ‘Island Time’, one hour past the official Maldives time zone, in order to let guests better take advantage of daylight hours.

To book a stay at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi and join in the glowing underwater experiences or coral adoption programme, travellers can visit www.peraquum.com/huvafenfushi.

Celebration

Festive cheer meets island bliss at Kuramathi Maldives

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Kuramathi Maldives is set to welcome guests into the spirit of the festive season with a thoughtfully curated programme of celebrations designed to delight families and travellers of all ages. Blending vibrant activities with the island’s natural beauty, the 2025 festive calendar promises a series of memorable moments for all.

The festivities begin on 21 December with the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the island’s sandbank. Guests can enjoy tropical cocktails, canapés, and live festive music by the resident band. In the days leading up to Christmas, guests will have the opportunity to take part in cultural excursions, such as local island tours, or join engaging culinary sessions including Thai cooking and sushi-making demonstrations. Family-friendly fun continues with treasure hunts, sand sculpting competitions, and live evening entertainment across the island’s bars.

For younger guests, the Bageecha Kids Club will host a daily festive programme from 21 December to 1 January 2026. Activities include cookie and ornament decorating, gingerbread house building, jewellery-making workshops, and coconut painting. Children can also join fitness and water games, including yoga, Zumba, beach Olympics, and Splash Pad fun. Highlights of the children’s schedule include writing letters to Santa, a family treasure hunt, and carol karaoke.

Kuramathi’s Christmas celebrations commence on Christmas Eve with a cocktail party on the sandbank, featuring champagne toasts, festive cocktails, Christmas carols, and a special appearance by Santa Claus and his elves. The evening concludes with a lavish Christmas Eve gala buffet at select restaurants.

Christmas Day begins with a festive talent show at the Sand Bar and the anticipated arrival of Santa Claus at the Dhoni Bar deck, where children will enjoy gift-giving, photos, and games. The day continues with activities such as beach volleyball, while the evening features live music and entertainment across the resort. Meanwhile, the Bageecha Kids Club will keep young guests engaged with eco-workshops, Christmas movies, and a mini festive market.

Kuramathi Maldives will bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026 with a night of celebration and glamour. The New Year’s Eve festivities begin with a cocktail reception on the sandbank, followed by a spectacular gala buffet dinner. As the night unfolds, guests can dance to live music and enjoy a lively countdown to midnight under the stars.

On New Year’s Day, celebrations continue with a festive brunch served at the island’s restaurants, along with the “First Dive of the Year” for those eager to explore the house reef. The day concludes with live music and an energising aerobics session. At the Bageecha Kids Club, children will close the season with activities such as creating a memory book, exploring the island’s hydroponic garden, and performing the festive closing song — ending the holiday with cherished memories and joy.

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Celebration

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa unveils ‘Around the World’ festive celebration inspired by global cultures

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As 2025 draws to a close, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites guests to celebrate ‘Around the World’ — a spectacular festive season inspired by global cultures and culinary traditions, set against the serene beauty of the Maldivian seascape. From 20 December 2024 to 10 January 2025, the luxury multi-generational resort will transform into a vibrant global wonderland, offering families and friends a journey that celebrates togetherness, discovery, and the spirit of the season.

Embracing the diversity of the world’s festivities, the resort will feature décor inspired by cultures from across the globe. More than a theme, ‘Around the World’ serves as an invitation to connect and create lasting memories, with each moment thoughtfully designed to foster genuine togetherness in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

The festive season unfolds as an extraordinary gastronomic voyage. Guests are invited to embark on a journey of taste with the grand ‘Aromas of the World’ buffets, followed by exclusive dining experiences throughout the resort. From authentic Thai flavours at the treetop restaurant Kaashi to refined Japanese specialities at the overwater Hashi, each venue offers its own distinctive charm. For an elegant evening, Shio presents a sophisticated four-course dinner showcasing premium cuts and ocean-fresh delicacies, including wagyu, lobster, and caviar. The global feast is complemented by unique experiences such as sustainable cocktail-making classes at the JW Garden, where guests use fresh, seasonal ingredients grown on the island.

The celebration reaches its heart on Christmas Eve with a magnificent gala dinner on the beach. Beneath a canopy of stars, guests will enjoy a night of culinary excellence, awe-inspiring performances, and a spectacular fire show. The joy continues on Christmas Day with a lavish breakfast followed by ‘Festive Flavours of Christmas’—a traditional feast of beloved seasonal dishes that evoke warmth and nostalgia.

The festivities culminate on New Year’s Eve with an elegant dinner inspired by the ‘Around the World’ theme. Guests will be transported on a final global journey through a sumptuous buffet of international delicacies, world-class entertainment, and dazzling decorations from across the continents. The evening promises a perfect moment to reflect on the year past and welcome the one ahead.

Throughout the season, younger guests can experience the magic of mindful play at the Family by JW – Little Griffins Kids Club. Activities such as ‘Snowmen at the Beach,’ Christmas ornament making, and ‘The Hunt for Santa’ are designed to inspire creativity, joy, and shared family memories.

To enhance the celebration, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents the ‘Festive Splendour; offer. Guests booking by 15 November 2025 for stays between 20 December 2025 and 10 January 2026 will enjoy an exclusive Early Bird Offer that includes a daily resort credit of USD 200, ideal for romantic dinners or rejuvenating spa treatments. The package also features daily breakfast at Aailaa, complimentary non-motorised water sports, and access to the Little Griffins Kids Club — ensuring a season filled with memorable experiences for every guest.

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s dual celebration of Diwali and culinary artistry

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli is set to host two joyous celebrations on 20 October 2025, honouring both the Festival of Lights, Diwali, and International Chefs Day. The occasion will feature India’s renowned Chef Meghna alongside performances by Chandana Wickramasinghe and The Dancers’ Guild, Sri Lanka’s premier dance ensemble. Together, they will merge tradition and innovation, celebrating culinary artistry while showcasing the vibrant colours, flavours, and rhythms of South Asia in an unforgettable experience.

At the heart of the celebration is Chef Meghna, the acclaimed creator of Meghna’s Food Magic and one of India’s most beloved culinary personalities. With a following exceeding three million, she is celebrated for making everyday cooking engaging, healthy, and full of heart—from oil-free samosas to sugar-free cakes. For this special occasion, she will present a Diwali-inspired menu highlighting plant-based cuisine and sustainable food choices. During the day, Chef Meghna will also conduct an interactive cooking session, giving guests the opportunity to experience her creative approach and signature techniques first-hand.

As the evening unfolds, guests will be treated to a captivating performance by Chandana Wickramasinghe and The Dancers’ Guild. This acclaimed ensemble of 40 artists is known for fusing centuries-old Kandyan and folk traditions with contemporary choreography, creating performances that bridge cultures and tell powerful stories. Having enchanted audiences in more than 70 countries, the troupe will bring their artistry to Sun Siyam Olhuveli, transforming the stage into a vibrant celebration of movement, music, and soul.

Beyond the performances, the event embodies the spirit of connection—sharing moments, discovering flavours, and celebrating cultural harmony. Throughout the resort, guests can participate in rangoli art sessions, beachside games, and hands-on cooking activities designed for all ages, creating a festive atmosphere for families and friends alike. Meanwhile, the resort’s culinary team will engage in friendly competitions and team-building challenges that reflect their passion, creativity, and unity.

“As we celebrate Diwali and International Chefs Day, we’re celebrating more than food and art—we’re celebrating connection,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “This event is about coming together, exploring traditions, and creating memories that last.”

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a day filled with creativity, taste, and tradition, and an evening alive with rhythm and culture—an experience where the magic of celebration and culinary excellence come together at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

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