This festive season, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, invites guests to embrace the wonder of Magic by the Sea, an imaginative celebration of togetherness, discovery and island living. Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort will transform its celebrated Island Playground into a world of festive enchantment, where cherished traditions meet contemporary creativity, exceptional gastronomy and the carefree spirit of the Maldives.

Unfolding from 21 December 2026 through early January 2027, the festive programme brings together an inspiring collection of experiences designed for guests of all generations. From sun-drenched days exploring the island’s natural beauty to atmospheric evenings beneath the stars, the celebrations capture Finolhu’s distinctive approach to luxury: vibrant, expressive and effortlessly relaxed.

At the heart of the festivities is a celebration of connection. The season begins with the traditional Festive Tree Lighting, bringing guests together for an evening of music, entertainment and holiday cheer against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Christmas takes on a distinctly tropical character, with Santa Claus making a special island arrival, while elegant Christmas Eve celebrations and a spectacular New Year’s Eve gala bring a sense of occasion to the shores of Finolhu. As the year draws to a close, live performances by the international Goldsingers, captivating entertainment and a dazzling fireworks display set the stage for an unforgettable welcome to 2027.

Gastronomy remains central to the festive experience, reflecting Finolhu’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ leading culinary destinations and its recent recognition as Best Culinary Resort at the TTM Awards 2026. Throughout the season, guests can discover a diverse collection of dining experiences that celebrate international flavours, local ingredients and the pleasure of sharing memorable moments around the table. From refined festive gala dinners and exclusive Anguru dining experiences to relaxed beachfront gatherings, seafood specialities and vibrant culinary celebrations, each occasion is thoughtfully designed to complement the island’s extraordinary setting.

Creativity also finds its place within Magic by the Sea, with Finolhu’s Art Lab offering opportunities for guests to explore artistic expression inspired by the surrounding ocean. A highlight of the season is the collaboration with Casa Adams, founded by ceramic artist Araceli Adams, whose hands-on pottery experiences invite guests to discover traditional techniques and create personal keepsakes inspired by the colours, textures and beauty of the Maldives. Alongside these artistic encounters, an engaging programme of painting, craft workshops and creative experiences encourages guests of all ages to embrace their imagination.

For families, the festive season promises a world of discovery and adventure. Finolhu’s Oceaneers Club and Teens Hut will host an extensive programme of experiences tailored to younger guests, from festive baking and treasure hunts to creative workshops, sporting challenges and island explorations. Family-friendly competitions, interactive entertainment and shared adventures offer opportunities for parents and children to connect, while dedicated experiences for teenagers introduce a contemporary mix of music, photography, creativity and outdoor activities.

Beyond the festivities, the natural beauty of Baa Atoll provides the setting for moments of exploration and renewal. Guided snorkelling experiences with Finolhu’s Marine Biologist offer a closer connection to the remarkable marine environment, while ocean-inspired educational activities introduce younger guests to the importance of marine conservation. For those seeking a gentler rhythm, sunrise yoga, meditation, wellness experiences and peaceful moments by the sea provide a welcome balance to the season’s lively celebrations.

As daylight gives way to golden sunsets, Finolhu’s signature social spirit comes alive. Beachfront cocktail gatherings, sunset celebrations, live music, DJ performances and the resort’s celebrated White Parties create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and refreshingly playful. Whether enjoying a leisurely afternoon at Crab Shack, gathering with loved ones on the sandbank or dancing beneath the stars, guests are invited to experience the festive season at their own pace.

Framed by turquoise lagoons, powder-soft beaches and Finolhu’s iconic two-kilometre sandbank, Magic by the Sea offers more than a traditional festive escape. It is an invitation to rediscover the joy of being together, embrace new experiences and create lasting memories in one of the Indian Ocean’s most extraordinary island settings.

With its distinctive blend of creativity, gastronomy, wellness and spirited entertainment, Finolhu welcomes guests to celebrate the season in true Island Playground style, where every day brings a new discovery and every evening holds the promise of something magical.

For more information and reservations, visit www.finolhu.com.

Eight years of island moments, memorable stays, and Maldivian hospitality come together this November as Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa celebrates its eighth anniversary with a month of special experiences, culminating in a gala evening on 7 November.

Set against the turquoise waters of Noonu Atoll, the celebrations reflect what makes time at Kuredhivaru distinctive: the freedom to slow down, reconnect, and discover the island in unexpected ways.

The anniversary gala will begin with cocktails on Bodumas Beach before guests gather for dinner at Onu Marche. Live music, DJ performances, a special address from the General Manager, and the traditional cutting of the anniversary cake will bring the evening together in a festive celebration of the resort’s journey.

Throughout November, guests can also discover Eight Experiences for Eight Years, a collection of curated dining, wellness, and ocean adventures. Highlights include private dining in the resort’s Secret Garden, a castaway picnic on a nearby private island, and Cinema Underthe Stars, where a movie unfolds beneath the Maldivian night sky.

For those seeking a slower pace, multi-day spa journeys offer moments of renewal and relaxation. Guests looking for adventure can take to the waves with special offers on jetskiing or even explore the breathtaking underwater world with their first Discover Scuba Diving experience.

The celebrations extend beyond dining and wellness, with recreational activities and friendly competitions bringing guests together through beach sports, stand-up paddleboarding, fitness challenges, and family games.

More than marking a milestone, the eighth anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the experiences and connections that have shaped Kuredhivaru over the years. From quiet moments by the lagoon to evenings shared beneath the stars, the resort’s November programme invites guests to make new memories while celebrating eight years of island living.

For any reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 656 3000.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has been named Best Resort of the Year at the 2026 AHA Asia Hotel Awards, held at Capella Bangkok in Thailand. The recognition places the resort among leading hospitality properties across Asia, acknowledging its approach to luxury hospitality, guest experiences, design and service.

The award was presented during the 15th edition of the ceremony, which marked a milestone in the programme’s history. Established in 2010 by LIFESTYLE Magazine as the CHA China Hotel Awards, the programme expanded in 2026 to become the AHA Asia Hotel Awards, bringing together hotels and resorts from across the region.

The decision to host the gala in Bangkok for the first time reflected the programme’s broader ambition to recognise achievements in hospitality beyond China. The ceremony brought together hospitality leaders and industry representatives to celebrate achievements in luxury accommodation, resort experiences, design, wellness and service.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives received the Best Resort of the Year award in recognition of its approach to providing guest experiences that combine contemporary design, personalised service and a connection to the island’s natural surroundings.

“To receive this recognition alongside some of Asia’s most respected hospitality names is a proud moment for all of us at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager.

“Our island has its own character, and we have always believed that the most meaningful experiences come from allowing guests to discover it at their own pace. This award belongs to our team, whose care, dedication and genuine warmth bring that philosophy to life every day. We are equally grateful to our guests for choosing to share their time and special moments with us.”

Located in Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives features 41 beachfront villas, 36 overwater villas, three two-bedroom beach villas and the Boduge Residence. Each accommodation category includes a private pool, with designs intended to offer privacy while maintaining a connection to the island’s landscape and surrounding Indian Ocean.

The resort offers a range of experiences centred on its location, including guided house reef exploration with marine experts, underwater activities and opportunities to learn about Maldivian traditions through cultural programmes.

Its dining experiences include seafood and international cuisine, as well as private dining arrangements on The Shack, a secluded sand cay. Spa Alila offers treatments and wellness programmes designed around relaxation and wellbeing.

“An award such as this reflects the dedication of many people working together, often through the smallest details that guests may never see,” said Jamal Ahmed, Resort Manager.

“We take great pride in creating an atmosphere where service feels personal and unforced, and where every guest feels genuinely welcomed. It is especially rewarding to see the efforts of our colleagues recognised on a regional stage.”

The latest recognition follows another achievement for Alila Kothaifaru Maldives in 2026, when the resort received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. The accolade places the property among the top 10 per cent of hotels worldwide based on traveller reviews and ratings.

The two awards recognise the resort’s performance from both industry and guest perspectives, reflecting its focus on service standards, guest satisfaction and experiences connected to the Maldivian environment.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives continues to focus on delivering personalised hospitality, maintaining service standards and developing experiences that allow guests to explore the natural and cultural attractions of the Maldives.