Celebration
LUX* South Ari Atoll celebrates winning best Indian Ocean hotel title at World Travel Awards

LUX* South Ari Atoll is celebrating its win at the World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, for being named the best hotel in the region.
The prestigious World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony took place at the five-star Sun Aqua Vilu Reef resort in Maldives on Saturday, with hospitality leaders from across the region in attendance.
At the ceremony, LUX* South Ari Atoll was presented with the Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel award.
“We would like to thank everyone who has voted for us and most importantly I want to thank our team members at the resort who show us on a daily basis their passion and focus on delivering on our service promise,” Glenn Daniels, General Manager of LUX* South Ari Atoll, was quoted in a statement celebrating the win.
Fresh from its relaunch late last year, cutting-edge designer villas and world-class dining can be found only a 30-minute seaplane flight away from the main Velana International Airport, making LUX* South Ari Atoll one of the most exciting resorts in the Maldives.
With 187 private villas dotted at the water’s edge along four kilometres of powder fine beach or perched on stilts above a crystal clear lagoon, these spacious pavilions and villas bring an entirely original vibe of coastal, beach house chic to the Maldives.
Excellent eating and drinking is always a cut above the rest at LUX* and at South Ari Atoll, there is authentic South East Asian street food in the Maldives’ only over-the-water gourmet night market and world-class Chinese cuisine at East, along with the Japanese restaurant, Umami, which offers live teppanyaki and dazzling selection of sakés.
While the resort has a PADI-certified dive centre, two infinity pools, a floodlit tennis court, a fitness centre and a renowned spa which hosts a wellness concierge and a menu of indulgent treatments, what set the property apart from its neighbours are surprises, or better known as #ReasonstogoLUX. Designed to create lasting memories for guests, these ‘reasons’ can range from island-roasted coffee in Café LUX* to impromptu movie screenings at cinema paradise and the chance to hang your wishes on the Tree of Wishes.
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.
Celebration
Season of wonder and connection: festivities at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives

Four Seasons Resorts across Asia are ushering in the festive season with an array of experiences that merge cultural traditions, playful entertainment, and meaningful rituals, creating a distinctive holiday calendar that resonates across their award-winning properties. In the Maldives, where the tropical warmth contrasts with winter’s chill elsewhere, celebrations are designed to capture both the spirit of joy and the magic of place. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, guests are invited on a musical journey spanning decades, from the glamour of 1920s soirées to the neon-lit energy of 1980s roller-disco nights. The atmosphere is charged with rhythm and nostalgia, setting the stage for evenings of dancing, themed dining, and family gatherings. Meanwhile, at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, the festivities transform into a fantastical escape on Ellgy Island, where reggae beats, immersive storytelling, and whimsical adventures unfold against the backdrop of the Baa Atoll’s turquoise waters. Adding to the sense of exclusivity, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah presents Christmas as a personalised experience, with guests shaping their own version of celebration—whether through Michelin-starred cuisine, live performances, oceanfront rituals, or fireworks beneath the island sky, all enabled by a dedicated team.
The season brings with it a celebration of togetherness. Guests at the Maldivian resorts can gather for Christmas cheer infused with the region’s playful character. Santa’s arrival is a highlight, bringing festive fun for children and adults alike, while themed dinners and entertainment provide memorable moments for families. The sense of warmth and shared joy is echoed across the Four Seasons properties worldwide, yet the Maldives, with its pristine beaches and island charm, creates a unique canvas where these experiences are magnified by the natural beauty of the setting.
New Year’s Eve takes on a particularly vibrant tone across the Maldives resorts. At Kuda Huraa, the high-energy celebrations continue into the early hours with live music and curated dining, offering guests the chance to welcome the year ahead under starlit skies. At Landaa Giraavaru, the enchanted Ellgy Island narrative culminates in a festive finale filled with storytelling, music, and fireworks, blending fantasy with celebration in a way that reflects the creative spirit of the resort. On Voavah, the New Year is a blank canvas just as much as Christmas—every detail is tailored to the guests’ vision, ensuring a one-of-a-kind night of indulgence and anticipation for the year ahead.
For those seeking balance between celebration and restoration, the resorts also recognise the quieter days between Christmas and New Year’s—often referred to as “Twixmas.” This period allows guests to pause and rejuvenate, with options ranging from spa experiences by the ocean to mindful practices under starry skies. Families, couples, and solo travellers alike can shape itineraries that balance relaxation with adventure, taking advantage of the Maldives’ natural abundance and tranquil surroundings. Sound therapy, meditative sessions, and couple’s rituals add depth to the festive period, ensuring it is not only celebratory but also restorative.
The family dimension is not overlooked, with dedicated activities that encourage meaningful connections. Children’s parties, creative workshops, and outdoor adventures offer opportunities for younger guests to engage while adults enjoy moments of calm or shared experiences. Exclusive excursions across nearby islands and lagoons provide further scope for discovery and bonding, creating holiday memories that extend beyond traditional celebrations.
In bringing together music, culture, fantasy, and wellness, the holiday programme at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives epitomises the brand’s ability to elevate the festive season into a multidimensional experience. It is a blend of high-energy revelry and serene reflection, tailored indulgence and collective joy, all set against one of the world’s most striking natural backdrops. As guests prepare to welcome a new year, the resorts offer not just a destination but a narrative of connection, imagination, and renewal, ensuring the festive season in the Maldives is as memorable as it is meaningful.
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Season of wonder and connection: festivities at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives