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
Experience renewal and celebration at The Westin Maldives this Lunar New Year
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to celebrate the Chinese New Year with its event, ‘Lunar Reflection: An Uplifting Beginning in the Year of the Wood Snake’. Situated within the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort provides a serene environment for a rejuvenating holiday that harmoniously combines Maldivian hospitality with vibrant New Year festivities.
From January 28 to February 12, 2025, the resort offers a range of thoughtfully curated experiences. The celebrations commence with the Prosperity Buffet Dinner at Island Kitchen, featuring an Asian-inspired menu in a festive atmosphere. For a more intimate dining experience, the Taste of Asia at Hawker showcases a family-style sharing menu infused with regional flavours.
Festivities continue with a Lunar Pool Party, where music, cocktails, and festive cheer create a lively atmosphere under the Maldivian sun. As the evening unfolds, guests can enjoy a buffet dinner blending international and Chinese cuisines at Island Kitchen. Additional culinary highlights during the celebration include Izakaya Night at Pearl and the exclusive Chef & Sommelier Dinner, where Executive Chef Fahdrul and his team present a meticulously crafted menu paired with fine wines.
The Heavenly Spa by Westin offers rejuvenation through the ‘Lunar Detox Ritual’, available throughout the celebration period. This restorative spa package includes a detoxifying green tea body wrap followed by a 60-minute massage with a herbal poultice, designed to leave guests refreshed and invigorated for the year ahead.
Families are also catered to with engaging activities at the Westin Family Kids Club. Children can participate in creative workshops such as crafting Hong Bao, making snake puppets, and designing lanterns. Adventure seekers can explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs of the Baa Atoll using complimentary snorkelling and ocean kayaking equipment, immersing themselves in the underwater wonders that make the region a diver’s paradise.
Renowned for its thoughtful design, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort emphasises comfort and sustainability. Its spacious overwater and beach villas, featuring the award-winning Heavenly Bed and panoramic ocean views, offer a luxurious retreat. Guests are encouraged to embrace the resort’s wellness pillars, which promote eating, sleeping, moving, feeling, and playing well.
Celebration
Festive magic at Lily Beach Resort & Spa: artistic journey with Elvira Carrasco
Lily Beach Resort & Spa marked the festive season with a vibrant infusion of artistry, highlighted by the presence of world-renowned artist Elvira Carrasco. Her visit served as the centrepiece of the resort’s celebrations, captivating and inspiring guests with a series of extraordinary experiences that left a lasting impression.
The festivities commenced on December 25th with a special cocktail event on the beach, where Elvira unveiled her exclusive art exhibition. This enchanting evening seamlessly blended art, elegance, and the unique charm of the Maldivian ambiance, setting the stage for the events to follow.
On December 26th, guests had the opportunity to participate in a two-hour painting masterclass under the starlit Maldivian skies. Enhanced by premium Spanish wines, the session combined creativity and indulgence, allowing participants to paint and savour the moment in perfect harmony.
December 28th featured a rare and unforgettable event as Elvira performed a live face-painting demonstration on herself. Guests were mesmerised by her artistry, as the performance showcased her talent and left a profound impact on all who witnessed it.
On December 30th, Elvira transformed her art exhibition into an interactive celebration of creativity. Guests were invited to immerse themselves in a vibrant world of colour, emotion, and storytelling. This event extended beyond a traditional art showcase, offering an intimate journey into Elvira’s artistic vision and her experiences at Lily Beach.
Elvira’s warm and engaging demeanour infused the evening with joy and laughter. As she shared anecdotes about her inspirations and the stories behind her work, guests were not only captivated by her artistry but also charmed by her humour and passion. The exhibition became a standout highlight of the festive season.
Laurent Driole, General Manager of Lily Beach Resort & Spa, reflected on the significance of this collaboration, emphasising the transformative power of art:
“Art, often seen as the domain of the informed and discerning, has an extraordinary ability to transcend boundaries when approached with vision and sensitivity. While deeper understanding can enrich its appreciation, the true essence of art lies in its power to evoke emotion and create transformative experiences. At Lily Beach, we strive to embed this quality into our five-star philosophy—moments that touch the soul and remain etched in memory.”
Laurent continued, “Elvira Carrasco’s artistry epitomised this ethos. Through her expert interplay of colour, graphic design, and poetic photographic compositions, she offered more than aesthetic experiences—she invited our guests into a realm of creativity and self-expression. The image of Elvira painting her face on a pristine sandbank surrounded by the Indian Ocean’s turquoise hues was a moment of sublime inspiration, resonating deeply with all who witnessed it. This collaboration was not merely an artistic interlude but a lasting gift that will continue to inspire and be cherished for years to come.”
The festivities concluded on January 1st, 2025, with a closing art exhibition, during which guests eagerly selected personalised art pieces to take home. These bespoke creations served as timeless mementos, reflecting Elvira’s exceptional talent and the unforgettable experiences of their time at Lily Beach. Each piece embodied the beauty and magic of the festive season and the personal connections formed during the events.
The celebrations continued at Lily Beach until January 5th, leaving guests enchanted and eager for future experiences.
As one of the first all-inclusive, premium resorts in the Maldives, Lily Beach remains dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences while redefining luxury in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. The resort honours its cherished guests, many of whom return year after year, becoming lifelong members of the Lily Beach family and creating enduring memories in paradise.
Celebration
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives brings Holiday cheer: spectacular end to 2024
As the year came to a close, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives transformed into a festive wonderland, offering guests an unforgettable Christmas and New Year experience. With picturesque settings, sumptuous feasts, enchanting decorations, and vibrant entertainment, the celebrations created cherished memories for all who attended.
Culinary indulgence took centre stage during the festivities, as each resort presented an array of delectable dishes inspired by global and Maldivian traditions. Guests enjoyed an impressive selection of Christmas-themed buffets, live cooking stations, and decadent desserts, all perfectly paired with fine wines and tropical cocktails. The New Year’s Eve gala dinners were particularly noteworthy, featuring exquisite menus that provided a delightful conclusion to 2024.
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by breathtaking decor throughout the resorts. Twinkling fairy lights, intricately crafted ornaments, and shimmering Christmas trees added a magical touch, beautifully set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Each resort embraced the festive theme in its own unique way, creating a warm and joyous ambiance that immersed guests in the holiday spirit.
Entertainment options ensured the celebrations were filled with excitement. Live performances and cultural experiences added vibrant energy to the festivities. Children were not forgotten, as fun-filled activities, games, and a special visit from Santa Claus made the season especially magical for families.
Building on the success of this year’s celebrations, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives invites travellers to plan their next holiday in the Maldives. With upcoming events such as Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, Summer Escapes, and year-end celebrations, the resorts promise more incredible experiences tailored to make every occasion memorable. Guests are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming events and exclusive offers to ensure their next visit is unforgettable.
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