Celebration
A Different Kind of White Christmas in the Maldives
Plan on escaping the cold this Christmas and basking in the sun on a dreamlike beach? You’re not the only one. Tropical destinations like the Maldives are popular in December up until April, according to Make My Trip. While the Maldives may not be as popular for Asian travellers, results for the 24th World Travel Monitor Forum indicated that there was 8 percent growth for travel in South Asia in the first 8 months of 2016.
A Maldivian holiday in December is definitely something worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime. Though for some, seeing snow on December 25th has become somewhat of a tradition, similar to hanging stockings and decorating a tree that started probably around 1940 when Irving Berlin released his song “White Christmas.” Since then, it has become an ultimate goal for those that never experience snow around this time of year.
Media and mainstream culture continue to promote the image of this typical Christmas, as carolers sing tunes like “Walking in the Winter Wonderland” and watch snowy Christmas movies like Home Alone. Even the games we play interpret the Christmas theme with snowflakes and white powder, as evidenced by Angry Birds Seasons: Winter Wonderham on our devices and Secrets of Christmas that is hosted on specialist slot platform Spin Genie.
It’s clear that we’ve been made to believe that this holiday season isn’t complete without a bit of snow. You can’t really blame those that do. A huge chunk of the world never sees the signs of winter in December, but that doesn’t mean tropical destinations don’t know how to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Take this South Asian nation as an example.
It’s a destination frequented by celebrities all over the globe around this time of year, you just have to reference the article we shared from Hello! Magazine that named our islands as a favourite for celebrities like the Beckham family and Danni Minogue. With a number of luxury resorts ready to serve you a gourmet Christmas dinner and help you ring in 2017 with a host of New Year’s Eve parties, the Maldives is an excellent choice for luxury travellers to truly spoil themselves and their families.
During the day, you can soak up the sun on idyllic beaches or opt for a relaxing spa treatment, relaxing right before the evening festivities roll in. As Travel Bag has indicated, almost every restaurant and bar you come across will have their own set of events and parties to help visitors feel the holiday spirit, and see what exactly the country has to offer. Expect loads of pool parties, cocktail parties, sunset cruises, and lavish spreads for dinner buffets.
Some hotels are introducing new themes to celebrate the holidays this year, which is perfect for anyone looking for a unique experience to conclude 2016. For one, W Maldives is debuting a street art theme to modify their traditions, featuring a renowned graffiti artist to customise their tree. Festivities for this hotel began on the 11th and will continue into the New Year. This year, Jumeirah Vittaveli will have a “Fire and Ice” themed season with the events starting on the 22nd.
Are you heading to the Maldives this December? How will you celebrate Christmas and New Year?
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Photo courtesy Kanuhura
Celebration
Bandos Maldives kicks off festive season with joy and tradition
Bandos Maldives recently announced the commencement of the Festive Season with a grand evening featuring the traditional Jolly Mix and the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Tree. This event marks the beginning of a magical holiday celebration on the island.
Guests can enjoy the spirit of the season through a variety of festive activities planned daily. The lineup includes engaging activities for both children and adults, meaningful coral planting experiences, a traditional Maldivian feast, and thrilling land and sea games. These events are designed to create unforgettable memories for all visitors.
The tropical paradise of Bandos Maldives offers a warm and joyous holiday experience, filled with wonder and the true essence of the season.
Conveniently located just 7 kilometres from Malé International Airport, Bandos Maldives is a pristine coral island spanning 18.66 hectares in the heart of North Malé Atoll. For half a century, it has embodied its ethos as ‘the island of hospitality,’ making it a premier travel destination in the Maldives.
Set amidst the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort features 220 accommodations, along with three vibrant bars and four restaurants. Guests can relax at the Orchid Spa or stay active at the state-of-the-art Clubhouse sports complex, which includes beach volleyball, tennis, steam baths, a sauna, and a modern fitness suite. For diving enthusiasts, Dive Bandos, one of the Maldives’ longest-established dive centres, offers safe and thrilling underwater adventures.
Celebration
Celebrate prosperity and joy: Angsana Velavaru’s Lunar New Year extravaganza
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a curated two-day experience blending tradition, adventure, and festive spirit. On January 28-29, the resort will host a series of unique activities and exclusive culinary offerings to honour the season’s spirit while immersing visitors in its vibrant atmosphere.
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, attendees can participate in a hands-on Dumpling Workshop at Kaani Restaurant. This activity is followed by the ‘Flavours of Asia and Chinese Feast Buffet’, featuring a variety of regional delicacies thoughtfully prepared for the occasion. The evening culminates with the Chunwan New Year’s Eve Gala, an event filled with captivating entertainment that ushers in the new year with unforgettable flair.
For those seeking excitement, the resort provides a range of diving and snorkelling activities suitable for both experts and beginners. Visitors can explore the vibrant house reef through the Citizen Science Snorkelling experience, an initiative that allows participants to contribute to ocean conservation, making their holiday both memorable and meaningful. As night falls, the resort hosts a Caribbean-themed DJ party, where the lively rhythms of the islands set the tone for an energetic evening. A variety of cocktail stations with eclectic drink options further enhances the celebratory atmosphere.
Families are also well catered for, with activities such as friendly Beach Volleyball matches, invigorating Water Aerobics sessions, and a heartwarming Love Bird Feeding experience, ensuring fun-filled moments for guests of all ages.
The first day of the New Year features a Kite Flying Festival—a joyous celebration of the winds, skies, and the endless possibilities of the year ahead. Guests can also embark on a Dolphin Cruise, where serene Maldivian waters meet playful pods of dolphins. For those interested in mixology, the Mojito Mixology Bar at Kuredhi Pool Bar offers an interactive and refreshing take on the classic cocktail. The festivities conclude with a Lunar New Year Banquet at Funa, providing a grand setting for visitors to enjoy a delectable array of dishes, symbolizing prosperity and joy for the year to come.
Angsana Velavaru presents an idyllic setting for an unforgettable Lunar New Year celebration—a serene island retreat where adventure, culture, and tradition converge to create exceptional memories.
Celebration
From Atlantis to new beginnings: Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s spectacular festive program
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has announced an enchanting Christmas season program themed ‘Atlantis and the Underwater World.’ Running from December 22, 2024, to January 7, 2025, the resort will transform into the mythical city of Atlantis, offering guests a magical underwater adventure.
The island resort will feature a variety of festive delights, including bountiful breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets designed to bring holiday cheer to visitors’ Maldivian getaway. Guests will experience stunning underwater-themed decor and a mesmerising ambiance that perfectly complements the island’s natural beauty.
The resort’s culinary team has curated a series of special dining experiences throughout the season, highlighting both local Maldivian flavours and international delicacies.
The festivities begin on December 22nd with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Pool Bar Deck, accompanied by a special dinner buffet and live holiday music. On December 25th, an opulent Christmas Eve Gala Dinner will be held at the Alita Deck, featuring live Christmas carols, a visit from Santa Claus, and an opportunity to dance the night away to live music while indulging in a sumptuous feast.
The New Year will be welcomed with an electrifying glow-in-the-dark party featuring a live DJ, delectable appetisers, and signature cocktails. On New Year’s Day, celebrations continue with a Bubbly Brunch at Alita, a vibrant pool party at the Main Pool with live DJ music, and a Mediterranean dinner buffet in the Alita restaurant. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, from savoury mezze platters to succulent grilled seafood, crafted with the freshest ingredients.
As the new year begins, the resort has planned a range of recreational activities, including Aqua fitness sessions, sunset gatherings, and Pilates classes. Relaxation seekers can participate in sound healing and meditation sessions or take advantage of significant discounts on rejuvenating treatments at the Suvadiva Spa.
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort aims to create magical moments and cherished memories for all its guests. This festive season offers a unique blend of the enchantment of Atlantis and the natural beauty of the Maldives, where every day is a celebration of joy, wonder, and togetherness.
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