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
‘A Season by the Sea’: Jumeirah Olhahali Island reveals holiday calendar

Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced its festive programme, ‘A Season by the Sea’, which will take place from Thursday 18 December 2025 to Wednesday 7 January 2026. The programme combines seasonal traditions with experiences designed for guests of all ages.
The celebrations begin on 18 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, where guests can enjoy festive treats and live music. The following day, children will have the chance to take part in a gingerbread house decorating workshop.
A range of wellness and leisure activities will be available throughout the festive season, including sunrise power yoga, Pilates by the water’s edge, and tennis sessions in the evenings. Holiday tournaments will add a competitive edge for sports enthusiasts. Marine activities will also feature prominently, with options such as the Ocean Wonders Christmas morning snorkelling excursion, Dolphin Quest cruises, and private nurse shark encounters.
Dining experiences form a central part of the programme. Guests can take part in themed events including an Oyster and Caviar Dinner, a Maldivian Sharing Beach Dinner, and a private Festive High Tea. Christmas Eve will be marked with a Gala Gathering followed by the Olhahali Oceanside Gala Dinner, with live music, performances, and a festive menu. On Christmas Day, the resort will host a Poolside Brunch featuring seasonal dishes.
New Year’s Eve will be celebrated with a soirée at the heart of the island, followed by the resort’s signature Gala Dinner at Glow, which will feature a specially curated menu and entertainment. The celebrations continue on New Year’s Day with a Beachside Brunch, and the week that follows will include events such as the Chef’s Table at Kayto, highlighting Nikkei cuisine, and Taste of India at Glow, showcasing Indian culinary traditions.
To complement the programme, Jumeirah Olhahali Island offers a range of villas suitable for couples, families, and larger groups. Options include one-bedroom overwater and beach villas with private pools, rooftop terraces, and direct ocean access, as well as two- and three-bedroom residences such as the signature MIRI Villa. These larger accommodations feature spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms, and infinity pools set over the lagoon or beach, designed to create a setting for shared celebrations during the festive season.
Celebration
Early bird festive packages unveiled at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is set to transform the festive season into a wellness-inspired escape, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to combine celebration with rejuvenation. Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort has introduced its Festive Early Bird offer, available for booking until 31 October 2025 for stays between 20 December 2025 and 15 January 2026.
The package includes a complimentary dining upgrade from breakfast to half board, with children under 12 staying and dining free of charge. Guests are also offered 20% savings on spa treatments, alongside experiences such as kayaking, a 30-minute professional photo session, and a programme of recharging activities. The Westin Family Kids Club provides younger guests with engaging activities, ensuring families can enjoy the holiday in full.
The highlight of the festive programme will be a Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. The evening will capture the spirit of the 1920s with vintage cocktails, champagne, live entertainment, and a midnight fireworks display set against the Maldivian night sky.
The resort’s well-being philosophy, built on the pillars of Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, and Play Well, underpins the holiday experience. From restorative rest on the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed to fresh, seasonal cuisine at three dining venues and bars, every detail is designed to support balance and renewal.
In addition, Marriott Bonvoy members will earn an extra 20,000 bonus points when booking the ‘Celebrate Festive – Early Bird Offer’.
Celebration
Boduberu, craft and cuisine highlight National Day at Grand Park Kodhipparu

Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, marked Maldives National Day with a cultural programme designed to highlight the traditions and heritage of the islands. Guests were offered opportunities to experience aspects of Maldivian culture in the natural surroundings of North Malé Atoll.
The resort organised a Boduberu workshop where visitors were introduced to the rhythms of the traditional Maldivian drum. Local artisans guided participants in traditional jewellery making, sharing techniques that have been passed down through generations. Guests also took part in palm weaving, once an essential island skill, and were able to dress in traditional attire to connect with Maldivian customs.
Culinary traditions were featured through tastings of Maldivian dishes prepared by the resort’s chefs, showcasing local flavours and long-established recipes. Visitors explored a display of Maldivian arts and crafts, with works produced by local artisans representing the country’s creative and artisanal heritage.
The day concluded with a Boduberu performance at sunset, combining music, dance and rhythm in a communal expression of cultural identity.
Citra Suriah, Director of Marketing at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, said: “At Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, we believe in the quiet power of culture to connect, ground, and inspire. This celebration is both a tribute to the beauty of the Maldivian way of life and an invitation for our guests to witness and take part in something deeply authentic and enduring.”
The resort continues to focus on cultural preservation and community support, curating experiences that reflect and honour the spirit of the Maldives while offering guests a meaningful connection to local heritage.
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