Velaa Private Island, the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in the Maldives, has announced that it will host an exclusive collection of jewellery by the world-renowned British designer Stephen Webster starting from this festive season. This remarkable collection will include unique pieces that cannot be found anywhere else in the world and will be available for purchase exclusively on the island for a limited time.

Nestled amidst the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Velaa Private Island provides the perfect backdrop for the glamour and artistry of Stephen Webster’s bold and innovative designs. Known for his masterful craftsmanship and daring creativity, Webster has captivated a global clientele with his iconic jewellery collections that blend technical precision with imaginative storytelling.

The jewellery collection will be available on Velaa Private Island for a limited period starting this December. Guests will enjoy an exclusive chance to explore and purchase these extraordinary pieces in the island’s idyllic setting, where beauty and luxury converge seamlessly. Designed for the modern aesthete, each jewellery piece encapsulates a narrative of beauty, mystery, and innovation, brought to life through Stephen Webster’s expert craftsmanship.

Stephen Webster is one of the most celebrated British jewellery designers of his generation, with a reputation for breaking boundaries in the art of fine jewellery. Webster’s distinctive aesthetic and commitment to ethical sourcing have earned him international acclaim, making his creations a favourite among Hollywood royalty and global tastemakers.

Join Velaa Private Island this festive season to witness the convergence of breathtaking natural beauty and the captivating artistry of Stephen Webster’s jewellery collection—a celebration of timeless luxury and creativity.

Nestled within the constellation of islands that form the Noonu Atoll in Maldives, Velaa Private Island takes exclusivity to the next level with facilities and service that go beyond traditional resorts. Designed by award-winning Czech architect Petr Kolar as “an elegant fusion of Maldivian culture with contemporary luxury, intimate with Maldivian nuances”.

Velaa Private Island is the realisation of a dream to create a ‘beyond luxury’ exclusive boutique hideaway in the Maldives. Velaa means “Turtle” in the local language – named after generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch. From a broader “bird’s eye view” which greets arrivals by seaplane, the island’s exclusive over-water villas are also constructed to resemble the head of a turtle, with the island forming the body.

The resort comprises 47 private villas, houses and exclusive residences. While 18 of the 47 are built over water, the Romantic Pool Residence can only be reached by boat, allowing even more privacy and exclusivity.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is more than a tranquil island retreat. Tucked within its lush grounds lies a budding initiative that is transforming sustainability and dining which is the resort’s very own organic farm, a project that embodies innovation and eco-conscious living.

The story of the organic farm began in August 2024, shortly after the arrival of the resort’s General Manager, Marlon Robert. With a vision to provide fresher, healthier produce for both guests and staff while championing eco-friendly practices, the organic farm took root. Guests dining at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives can now enjoy dishes featuring spinach, basil, watermelons, and pumpkins with each ingredient growing mere steps away from the resort’s kitchen.

Reflecting on the organic farm’s progress, General Manager at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Marlon Robert shared, “This initiative is just the beginning. Organic farming is a journey, and to truly witness its full potential and impact, we need to give it time. The results we’ve achieved so far are encouraging, and we’re looking forward to seeing even greater outcomes in the coming year.”

The journey to cultivate such a lush and productive farm has not been without its challenges. The team at the resort has embraced sustainable farming methods to ensure the farm thrives in the island’s unique environment. Composting organic waste from the resort enriches the soil, natural pest control methods keep the produce chemical-free, and crop rotation techniques maintain soil fertility.

Guests are invited to explore this verdant space through guided farm tours, where they can learn about organic farming practices and the resort’s sustainability initiatives. Plans are also underway to introduce culinary demonstrations that will feature ingredients freshly picked from the farm. These immersive experiences aim to educate and inspire, providing a deeper connection to the land and the resort’s eco-conscious ethos.

This is also the second organic farm initiative by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives, building on the success of the first farm at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon. Through hands-on workshops in the garden, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts are not just growing fruits and vegetables, but nurturing a vision for a more sustainable future.

Amilla Maldives kicked off its festive season on December 20th, and let’s just say it was far out! With the 70’s-inspired theme, the island transformed into a dazzling, groovy paradise.

The festivities continue with the much-anticipated tree lighting ceremony. The evening began with a cocktail reception then as the countdown began, the children eagerly assisting, with a burst of light, the grand 30-ft Christmas tree came to life, casting shimmering colours of a paisley print reminiscent of the 70’s theme. The crowd cheered as the carolers invited everyone to sing, dance, and revel in the festive magic that filled the air.

On 24th December guests were treated to a mouth-watering spread of festive flavours while being entertained by local band “Voodoo”.

25th December brought the grooviest parade of all with the arrival of Santa Claus. First life-size gingerbread characters made their entrance, leading the kids on a search for Santa. And just when the excitement couldn’t get any higher, Santa made his entrance from the second floor of the Sunset Bar, giving the kids a chance to catch a glimpse of him from above before he made his way down to greet them. Santa rode off on his disco ball decked buggy, creating the most fabulous parade. Of course, Santa made sure every child received their very own gift, spreading the holiday cheer.

The day was packed with entertainment, including poolside mermaids, a mouth-watering Christmas brunch, and a lively football match between staff and guests.

The celebrations continue with the show-stopping Abba-solutely fabulous Björn Again on December 31st, as we welcome 2025.