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
Sirru Fen Fushi to host Eid al-Adha celebration from 27–29 May
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has announced its “Eid in Harmony” programme for Eid al-Adha, scheduled from 27 to 29 May 2026, offering guests a series of curated experiences centred on dining, cultural elements and leisure activities.
The programme is designed to provide a structured yet relaxed approach to the celebration, with a focus on shared experiences and engagement with the island environment. According to the resort, the initiative aims to bring together cultural traditions and hospitality offerings within a resort setting.
A central feature of the programme will be the Eid al-Adha Feast, a dining experience presenting a selection of dishes prepared for the occasion. The event will be set in a themed environment reflecting elements associated with Eid.
The resort will also introduce an “Eid Gift with Purpose” initiative, positioned as a gesture aligned with the values of giving and reflection associated with the occasion.
In addition, guests will have the option to participate in a Guest Archery Competition, offering a recreational activity designed to complement the island setting and provide an alternative form of engagement during the celebration period.
Alongside the programme, the resort has launched an “Eid Island Escape” offer, which includes a range of inclusions for guests staying during the period. These include a 30-minute jet lag recovery massage, daily breakfast at Raha Market, dinner on a dine-around basis across selected restaurants, and a one-time floating breakfast experience.
In a statement, the resort’s management said the programme is intended to reflect the values of togetherness and reflection associated with Eid al-Adha, while offering guests opportunities to spend time with family and participate in shared experiences.
Through the three-day programme, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort is presenting Eid al-Adha as a combination of dining, leisure and cultural activities within a resort environment.
Celebration
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives unveils Maldives Summer Escape for Eid al Adha
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has introduced its Maldives Summer Escape offer as part of its positioning for Eid al Adha travel, combining accommodation benefits with seasonal dining and guest experiences for families, couples and small groups.
Available for stays through to 31 October 2026, the offer is designed to support longer stays and multigenerational travel, with a focus on dining flexibility and island-based experiences within a private resort setting.
To mark the Eid period, the resort will present a series of guest experiences linked to the occasion. On 27 May, guests will be offered an Eid breakfast at Seasalt Restaurant, featuring live Arabic cooking stations prepared by Egyptian chefs, alongside dishes such as foul medames, manakish and shakshuka.
An Eid-themed dinner buffet will also be held the same evening, with regional dishes and live cooking stations forming part of the dining programme. On other days, guests will also have the option of visiting a nearby local island to observe traditional Eid celebrations in a Maldivian community setting.
From 27 to 29 May, Mirus Bar will host a series of evening activations including a shisha lounge and DJ sets. The resort said the programme is intended to create a social setting suited to both couples and groups.
The Maldives Summer Escape offer includes daily breakfast and three-course à la carte dinners at selected venues, along with a USD 75 dining credit that can be used for alternative experiences such as Teppanyaki, The Shack or private dining.
Additional benefits include 15 per cent off treatments at Spa Alila, 20 per cent off food and beverage purchases, and 20 per cent off return seaplane transfers.
The resort said the offer is particularly suited to families and groups, with villa accommodation designed to provide both shared living space and privacy, while also appealing to couples through its more understated approach to island stays.
Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, said the resort had designed the offer around the significance of Eid and the expectations of guests travelling during the period.
“Eid is a deeply meaningful time, centred on togetherness, reflection, and shared moments,” he said. “For those choosing to celebrate away from home, we’ve curated an experience that feels both intimate and considered — where thoughtful dining, unhurried surroundings, and the natural beauty of the island come together to create something truly memorable.”
Through the combination of seasonal programming, dining inclusions and additional guest benefits, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is presenting the Maldives Summer Escape as an option for Eid travel in the Maldives.
Celebration
Centara Maldives resorts to mark Songkran with Thai-inspired celebrations
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives has invited guests to celebrate Songkran this April across its resorts in the Maldives, marking the Thai New Year through a series of experiences inspired by the brand’s Thai heritage.
The hotel group said the celebrations would reflect Thai culture and hospitality while adapting traditional Songkran elements to island settings in the Maldives. Across its resorts, the festival is being presented through activities centred on renewal, togetherness and shared experiences.
At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the celebration is set to take place in a family-focused setting. The resort said guests could take part in water activities, beach games and poolside gatherings, followed by a Songkran carnival by the sea. Evening dining experiences will feature Thai flavours in a setting designed for families and groups.
At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection, the programme will include a beachfront parade and traditional Thai games. The resort said evening events would continue with a Thai-inspired dining experience, cultural performances and entertainment. Activities for younger guests will also be included as part of the celebrations.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, which caters to adults, is also marking Songkran with its own programme. The resort said guests could expect beachside activities, evening dining experiences and entertainment shaped around the festival’s themes of joy and togetherness.
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives said the Songkran celebrations across its properties are intended to give guests an opportunity to experience Thai-inspired traditions in the Maldives while creating shared holiday experiences during the festival period.
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