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PER AQUUM dares you to experiment above and below the ocean waves this festive season

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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
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

Villa Park sets holiday line-up with sunset welcome, Santa visit and NYE gala

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Villa Park has announced its Festive 2025–2026 programme, running from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026. The schedule moves from lagoon-side mornings to music-led evenings on the beach, beginning with a sunset welcome and continuing with beach barbecues, creative workshops, Christmas Eve dinner, Santa’s visit on 25 December, and a New Year’s Eve gala with a midnight countdown. The season concludes with programmes on New Year’s Day and Orthodox Christmas.

Daytime activities include chef demonstrations, shoreline art sessions, and live music. Evenings feature romantic tables, treetop dining for two, and simple set-ups that highlight the island setting. The programme is designed for couples, friends, and families to join as they wish.

Family programming centres on Park Players, presented as the Maldives’ largest kids’ club, with letters to Santa, gingerbread crafts, ocean-themed art, movement classes, story time, and film nights. Group sizes are kept small to ensure attentive supervision.

Villa Park’s family offering has been recognised beyond the festive season, with the resort named among the Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, a reader-voted accolade reflecting guest feedback on space, programming, and flexible pacing.

Throughout the calendar, private experiences sit alongside larger celebrations, including candlelit beach dining, treetop tastings, floating breakfasts, and open-air cinema for two. Guests can set their own rhythm, whether opting for lively beach gatherings or quiet evenings under lanterns and palms, from sunrise through to the New Year countdown and beyond.

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Mindful festive escape: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa focuses on connection and renewal

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This festive season, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa will welcome guests to a celebration of warmth, wonder and mindful connection. From 19 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, the resort will transform into a serene island sanctuary where nature, gastronomy and meaningful experiences come together in harmony.

Situated in one of the most untouched atolls of the Maldives, Huvadhu Atoll, Hadahaa embodies a refined simplicity that showcases the beauty of the natural world. Throughout the festive period, guests are invited to slow down, reconnect and rediscover the joy of being fully present, surrounded by turquoise waters, lush island greenery and Maldivian hospitality.

“The festive season at Hadahaa is more than a celebration — it’s a homecoming,” said Anshul Sharma, General Manager of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. “It’s a time to reflect, to celebrate togetherness and to embrace the island’s timeless rhythm where nature and joy coexist effortlessly.”

Highlights of the Festive Season:

  • Holiday splendour and timeless traditions – From the twinkling lights of the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to the New Year’s Eve Countdown by the Beach, each event is shaped by the understated elegance that defines Park Hyatt. Familiar festive traditions are reinterpreted with authentic island touches, creating celebrations that feel both comforting and renewed.
  • Beneath the holiday surface – Adventure enthusiasts will be able to join Festive Snorkelling and Diving excursions, Turtle Quests and an Exclusive Christmas Night Dive. Each marine experience offers a deeper connection to the ocean’s vibrant ecosystem, enhanced by the festive spirit of exploration.
  • Season of renewal – Guests can restore body and mind with holistic spa journeys at The Vidhun Spa, featuring Ayurveda-inspired treatments, island botanicals and festive rituals designed to support inner balance. The resort will also host Dr Jyoti Kodwani, founder of The Sacred Chakras, for a month-long Festive Wellness Residency offering transformative healing therapies.
  • Festive flavours and family moments – From Barefoot BBQs by the Bay to elevated treehouse dining beneath the stars, dining experiences are designed to become lasting memories. Younger guests can take part in creative workshops, treasure hunts and Santa’s seaside arrival, ensuring special moments for families and guests of all ages.

This year, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa’s festive programme captures the essence of renewal and joy, celebrating life’s simplest pleasures with a blend of sophistication and soul.

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Celebrating 30 years: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru launches festive ‘Season to Return’

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This festive season, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is inviting travellers to return to where the story of the “Original Maldives” began — a sanctuary of barefoot elegance, ocean tranquillity and heartfelt connection.

From 22 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, the island will celebrate its 30-year journey with the theme “A Season to Return” — a tribute to gratitude and renewal, where moments of wellbeing, community and culinary artistry come together.

The festive period at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is designed as a time to slow down, restore balance and reconnect with what truly matters. Each day begins with sunrise yoga or meditation by the ocean, followed by regenerative spa rituals at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, recognised at the Travel + Leisure Asia Awards 2025.

Programme highlights include the New Year’s Yoga Awakening on the Lagoon Platform, Gratitude Meditation sessions and Herbal Massage Oil Workshops. Each experience reflects Banyan Tree’s holistic approach to wellbeing, harmonising nature, mindfulness and rejuvenation as the new year unfolds.

A celebration of global flavours with local inspiration will be presented across the resort’s three restaurants and two bars.

Each evening will offer a distinctive dining journey that highlights a sense of place. At Saffron, the Thai Degustation Dinner will showcase refined interpretations of Thai cuisine, while at the award-winning Madi Hiyaa, an elegant Omakase and Sake Pairing menu will be served, with each course crafted to tell its own story of flavour and artistry.

At Sangu Garden, themed evenings such as Maldivian Oasis and Fisherman’s Night will pay homage to the island’s vibrant heritage. The Orthodox Night, curated in honour of the Russian New Year, will bring additional warmth to the season with a candlelit dinner under the stars, featuring ocean-fresh delicacies and live music.

The programme will also feature indulgent tasting experiences, including Japanese Lobster and Champagne dinners and Lagoon Wine and Chocolate tastings, curated to inspire curiosity and delight. Hosted at Madi Hiyaa, the overwater restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean, these evenings will unfold against a backdrop of tranquil lagoon vistas — a celebration of togetherness and the timeless beauty of the Maldives.

Guests interested in culinary creativity will be able to participate in a series of interactive classes. The Saffron Signature Cooking Class, Maldivian Curry Class and Island Barman Japanese Cocktail Workshop will offer opportunities to learn new skills under the guidance of the resort’s culinary team, combining technique with the simple joy of creation.

As the sun sets, the island will transform into a setting for connection and celebration. The festive line-up includes Christmas Eve Sunset Cocktails, a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with a Masquerade theme and a beachside countdown, complemented by traditional Bodu Beru performances under the stars. Each moment is designed to reflect Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s legacy of hospitality, nurturing a sense of connection, wellbeing and belonging.

In line with the brand ethos “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People”, the festive season will also be anchored in purpose. Guests will have the opportunity to join meaningful activities led by the resort’s pioneering Marine Lab — the first of its kind in the Maldives. Initiatives such as Christmas Coral Micro-Fragmentation Planting, “Save the Reef” snorkelling experiences, local reef clean-ups and educational marine talks will support the island’s long-standing conservation mission and encourage deeper engagement with the ocean environment.

With the theme “A Season to Return”, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s festive programme reflects the spirit of the resort’s 30-year journey — a tribute to the people, culture and heritage that have helped define the Original Maldives for generations.

Travellers choosing to return to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru for the 2025 festive season will enjoy exclusive benefits, including savings on villa stays for bookings of five nights or more, along with a range of additional privileges designed to inspire joy, balance and renewal.

As the year draws to a close, A Season to Return offers moments of gratitude and gentle anticipation for new beginnings — a celebration of love, romance and the enduring appeal of returning to where it all began.

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