News
This Holiday Season It’s New Year No Rules at W Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – With the holiday season approaching, W Maldives has created exciting happenings from December 11, 2016 to January 1, 2017. Breakfasts with international DJs, pool and desert island parties, sunset sessions and cruises, cocktail parties and a gala dinner, offer guests a plethora of choice this festive season.
W Maldives will upend tradition and rewrite the rules of the holidays with a street art–style take on the season. In the spirit of the graffiti artists who inspired us, W Maldives will push the boundaries and colour outside the lines in 2017. W Hotels have partnered with graffiti legend John “Crash” Matos to create a custom Christmas tree and celebrate the New Year with bold messages in bright colors.
Raised in the Bronx, Crash first honed his craft tagging subway cars. These days he can be found collaborating with luxury brands including Ferrari, Tumi and Fender. Like W, Crash also has deep roots in the music world, with close connections to Grandmaster Flash, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys as well as a partnership with MTV.

On December 11, 18 and 24, W Maldives will hold Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony hosted by its Resident DJ Ivan Zubo from Slovakia. Complimentary snacks and a glass of Champagne will be available upon arrival.
On CHRISTMAS EVE, Saturday 24 December, guests can join the Dreamscape Sunset Cruise with Champagne, canapés and festive mixes by DJ Kane Ian from Singapore on the two-mast yacht ‘Escape’. 5:30PM-7:30PM / US$110++ per person.
Extraordinary Gala Dinner Under the Stars on serene beachfront including a large selection of live cooking BBQ stations featuring supreme meat and local “catch of the day”. The island’s interactive chefs will be carving, stirring and whipping up whatever guests are craving. 7:30PM-11:00PM / US$390++per person incl. a free flow of house beverages.
After dinner guests can make their way to the scenic WET deck to celebrate Christmas with W Maldives’ Resident DJ Ivan, who will keep his guests entertained with his ‘Chillout Beats by the Pool’ party. 8:30PM – midnight / free entry.

On CHRISTMAS DAY, Sunday 24 December, breakfast will be served at KITCHEN to celebrate Christmas in a tropical style, complemented by vibrant mixes from DJ Justin Paul, our celebrity guest DJ from LA. 7:00AM – 1:30AM.
On both of the above dates Parasailing and Jet Ski with Santa will be offered by DOWN UNDER & WAVE (watersports and diving) team.
Fuel at the Pool party will be held on WET pool deck, and hosted by DJ Kane. There will be endless BBQ and dessert options.1:00PM – 4:00PM / price upon consumption.
Overwater Sunset Session at SIP overwater bar will quench everybody’s thirst with mouthwatering cocktails created by resort’s talented mixologists to the tune of intoxicating sunset beats by DJ Ivan. 6:00PM – 7:30PM.
Chillout After Dinner Party with DJ Justin will keep everyone entertained, where guests will sip on creative cocktails, mix and mingle! 8:30PM – MIDNIGHT.
W Maldives will launch 31 December in style and with a party of a lifetime ‘Stranded on a Desert Island’, during which guests will be escorted to the Gaathafushi private island located just minutes away from the resort. Our culinary team will set up a special BBQ on the beach, and DJ Justin will entertain everybody with his LA inspired mixes. 12:00NOON – 3:00PM / US$ 210++ per person including two glasses of Champagne, a free flow of house beverages and BBQ. US$ 110++ per person incl. BBQ only.
The NEW YEAR’S EVE will start with the Glamorous Cocktail Party at LIVING ROOM, where Champagne and canapés will be served to DJ Ivan’s festive tunes. 19:30PM – 9:00PM / Free entry includes a glass of Champagne.
White Sensation Gala Dinner will take place on the FIRE beach and it will be a top feast sensation! Guests will savour fresh bites like oysters, canapés, prime meat cuts and locally sourced seafood. 9:00PM – 11:00PM / US$650 per person and includes food and house beverages.
Let the Countdown Begin with spectacular midnight fireworks and impressive line-up of international DJs and performers afterwards, including DJ Ivan Zubo, DJ Justin Paul, DJ Kane Ian and Céline Roscheck, a ravishing violinist from Vienna, the night will be truly hipped, vibrant and unique! 11:00PM – 1:00AM / Entry included in the Gala Dinner.
After the party on the beach guests will be able to enjoy After Midnight Munchies at 15BELOW underground club. These will including glow-in-the-dark cocktails and snacks complemented by more festive beats from DJ Justin. 1:00AM – until early morning / Entry doesn’t include food and drinks.
On NEW YEAR’S DAY everybody will enjoy a late Hangover Breakfast at KITCHEN restaurant. 9:00AM – 12:00NOON.
In the evening at FISH specialty overwater restaurant, Director if Cuisine Ilias Kafalis will treat guests with his famous four-course dinner Lobster Fiesta featuring the freshest Maldivian lobsters. 6:00PM – 10:30PM / US$ 180++ per person.
Alternatively, guests will be able to enjoy the Sunset Session at SIP overwater bar while listening to the chill out beats by DJ Ivan, or sipping on yummy. 6:00PM – 7:30PM.
AWAY Spa will offer a Detox. Retox. Repeat Journey that will include an aroma infused steam followed by the 80-minute AWAY massage and Detox Body Wrap to get back your own self. Our therapist’s magical hands will drift your body and mind away from toxins and unnecessary tension. 110 minutes / $ 270++ per person.
For more information please visit www.wmaldives.com
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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa to stage 14th edition of Surfing Champions Trophy
The Indian Ocean provides consistent surf conditions throughout the year, but each September, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa hosts the Surfing Champions Trophy at the Sultans break. The event is scheduled to return from 4 to 11 September 2026, bringing together professional surfers, guests and spectators.
Now in its 14th edition, the Surfing Champions Trophy is an invitation-only event featuring professional surfers competing across three board disciplines: single fin, twin fin and thruster. The competition takes place at Sultans, a reef break in North Malé Atoll, with Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa serving as the base for participants, officials and attending guests.
The line-up for the 2026 edition will be announced in stages in the coming months.
The event was first held in 2011, with Mark Occhilupo winning all three divisions and the Grand Champions Final. Since then, previous winners have included Damien Hardman (2012), Taylor Knox (2013), Dave Rastovich (2014), Shane Dorian (2015), Taj Burrow (2016, 2017 and 2024), Josh Kerr (2018 and 2019), Kelly Slater (2022), and Joel Parkinson (2023).
Over the years, the competition has also featured a range of international surfers, including Carissa Moore, Maya Gabeira, Tom Curren, Rob Machado, Layne Beachley, Bethany Hamilton, Mikey February, Jeremy Flores and Jadson Andre.
The 2025 edition saw Tahitian surfer Michel Bourez secure victory despite sustaining a hamstring injury during the event. He won both the thruster division and the Grand Champions Final, achieving the only perfect score of the competition in the closing moments of the final. Other participants included Owen Wright, Jesse Mendes, Craig Anderson and Maldivian wildcard Ismail Rasheed.
In parallel with the event, the resort offers the “Surf’s Up” package, which includes coaching sessions with Tropicsurf professionals, guided surf trips, daily yoga sessions, spa treatments, and accommodation with transfers. The package is available to guests seeking to participate in surf-related activities during the event period.
Updates on the 2026 competition, including participant announcements, will be released through official channels of the Surfing Champions Trophy and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.
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JOALI brings England football legend Fara Williams to Maldives
JOALI has announced a partnership with retired footballer Fara Williams, who will visit JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING this April to lead a series of football-related activities for guests and the local community.
Fara Williams is among the most capped players in English football history, with 172 international appearances for the England women’s national team. Over the course of her career, she represented clubs including Chelsea and Charlton Athletic, and captained Everton to victory in the Premier League Cup in 2008 and the FA Women’s Cup in 2010.
As part of the initiative, Williams will host a football workshop for girls from Dhuvaafaru Island on 11 April 2026. The session is intended to support the development of women’s football in the Maldives and reflects JOALI’s engagement with communities in Raa Atoll.
In addition, family-focused football sessions will be held for resort guests on 13 April at JOALI Maldives and on 17 April at JOALI BEING. These sessions will provide children and families with the opportunity to participate in football activities guided by Williams.
JOALI Maldives offers villas starting from USD 3,256 per night for two guests sharing a Water Villa with Pool on a bed and breakfast basis. At JOALI BEING, villas start from USD 3,162 per night for two guests sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a bed and breakfast basis.
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Grand Park Kodhipparu to host lunar-themed experiences in May
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has unveiled Moon Over Kodhipparu, a month-long programme of curated lunar-inspired experiences scheduled to take place throughout May 2026. Drawing on the natural rhythm of the moon, the resort invites guests to experience the Maldives through a series of immersive activities designed to foster connection to self, others, and the surrounding island environment.
Set against the Indian Ocean, the programme structures each significant lunar phase as a distinct experiential segment. The Flower Full Moon at the beginning of the month introduces a theme of renewal, with activities including guided sound healing sessions, sunset cruises that extend into moonlit lagoon journeys, and oceanfront dining experiences.
Midway through the month, the Super New Moon presents a contrasting focus on stillness and reflection. Guests are invited to participate in beachside wellness sessions, starlit cruises under dark skies, and night fishing experiences guided by the natural rhythm of the sea.
The programme concludes with the Blue Moon on 31 May, marked by a series of experiences centred on celebration and connection, including couples’ spa treatments, lagoon cruises, and curated dining experiences under moonlight.
In addition to these key lunar events, the programme runs throughout May with a range of experiences integrated into the resort offering. Evening options include private beach lounge settings illuminated by lanterns, alongside a selection of botanical cocktails reflecting the changing tones of the night sky. The resort also offers tailored private dining and proposal arrangements, as well as a Mother’s Day concept that enables guests to arrange personalised experiences for travelling family members.
The programme reflects a broader trend in luxury travel towards experience-led stays. At Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, this is reflected through the integration of wellness, dining, and ocean-based activities into a structured programme designed to create continuity across the guest experience.
Guests are able to access the programme through the resort’s “Night on Us” offer, available for bookings made until 30 April 2026. The offer includes two complimentary nights on a six-night stay, allowing guests additional time to engage with multiple phases of the programme. It is valid for stays through 31 October 2026.
Located approximately 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives offers overwater villas, a house reef, and a range of curated experiences that reflect the natural and cultural setting of the Maldives.
Through Moon Over Kodhipparu, the resort continues to expand its experience offering by aligning guest activities with natural cycles and structured programming.
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