Celebration
PER AQUUM dares you to experiment above and below the ocean waves this festive season
Always daring to be different, PER AQUUM Hotels & Resorts offers dreamers, adventurers and families alike a myriad of luxury aquatic experiences over, on and under the Maldives’ Laccadive Sea this festive season. From the avant-garde to the surreal, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi and its sister resort PER AQUUM Niyama are set to thrill holidaymakers with an array of experiences and offerings ranging from radiant glow parties six metres under the sea to dreamlike sleep-overs at sea, and the Maldives’ first live underwater coral Christmas tree.
PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi
Meaning ‘Dream Island’ in the local Dhivehi language, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi invites revellers to swing into 2017 with carnival vibes and tropical feasts, or retreat into cocoons of bliss to reflect on the dawn of a new year. The resort continues to pioneer indulgence with all-time favourite experiences including underwater spa rituals at LIME Spa; underground dinners with wine pairing at Vinum; sleeping under a blanket of stars on a Dream Dhoni; or lazing the day away on a deserted sandbank.
This festive season’s highlights include all-day Splash Pool Parties to the cool island sounds of live DJs; lobster and Champagne buffets around the infinity edge pool; and exotic Tiki bar pop-ups on the beach.
Christmas Eve will see a TropiCarnivale-themed celebration at the water’s edge at Fogliani’s, while romantics at heart can opt for an intimate five-course dinner as they perch atop the Maldives’ crystal waters in an over water pavilion at Salt.
On New Year’s Eve, spectacular fireworks over the Laccadive Sea will radiate upon ocean swells to the rhythm of live smooth island beats. The TropiCarnivale themed extravaganza starts with a gala dinner on the beach at Fogliani’s or an exquisite set menu dinner with wine pairings over the water at Salt, and culminates in a countdown party accompanied by designer cocktails at Umbar to see in the new year in chic island style.
Fashionistas will also be treated to a designer collection this festive season by Indian leather artisans Nappa Dori, the latest offering in a stream of artistic collaborations for PULSE by PER AQUUM.
PER AQUUM Niyama
Aptly known as Nature’s Playground, PER AQUUM Niyama offers adjoining twin islands, Chill and Play, where couples and families alike can be as active or laidback as their festive fantasies desire. Here holidaymakers are invited to revel in their own version of luxury by enjoying adrenaline-charged activities, frosty fairy tale vibes and spellbinding feasts, or retreat into surreal bliss, giving thanks for the dawn of a new year.
On Christmas Eve, island carollers will spread traditional festive cheer on the beach, followed by a White Christmas Eve gala dinner on the oceanfront at Epicure and an intimate fine dining feast over the water at Edge, 500 metres out to sea. With Santa Claus expected to make a tropical grand entrance on a surfboard from the fantastic swells just off Play Island’s edge, kids of all ages can join him on a treasure hunt around the islands on Christmas Day and an afternoon Christmas Party in the resort’s sprawling Explorers Children’s Club.
On New Year’s Eve, the festivities will come to a crescendo on the beach with a Countdown Glow Party, after a cocktail party at Tribal Beach accompanied by a live performance of arias from the musical Les Misérables and a gala dinner celebration at Epicure and Dune Beach.
Radiance is all the island rage this festive season, from nonsurgical facelifts by Beverly Hills-based Dr. David Alessi from the Alessi Institute for Facial Plastic Surgery to Intraceuticals oxygen-based facials at Lime Spa, and from total health transformation consultations by acclaimed New York-based health coach and longevity expert, Paulo Fernandes, to Glow Parties six metres below the waterline at Subsix, the world’s first underwater playground and lounge, to show it all off.
In a Maldives first, PER AQUUM Niyama’s Marine Biologist is growing a live underwater coral Christmas tree to be unveiled to holidaymakers during a lighting ceremony on 22 December 2016. Positioned six metres under the waterline, the live Christmas tree will be visible just outside the windows of Subsix underwater lounge during the day and illuminated at night during the regular Glow Parties. Using a technology called Biorock, a low current voltage runs through the Christmas tree’s support structure which helps coral grow faster.
For a taste of the PER AQUUM Life this festive season, visit www.peraquum.com or contact info@peraquum.com
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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