Celebration
Priyanka Chopra skips IIFA awards to celebrate birthday in Maldives
Actress Priyanka Chopra has skipped the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards this year and has come to the Maldives to celebrate her birthday with her family.
Priyanka posted a photograph on Instagram on Sunday where she is seen along with her mother Madhu Chopra and brother Siddharth Chopra taking a seaplane to an unidentified resort island, after arriving in the Maldives.
On Sunday evening, she posted another photo, which showed her on the beach, and captioned it, “Mermaid under the stars… #birthdayfeels🎈🎂🎉 #thechopravacation.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWnYGMkAcSN/?taken-by=priyankachopra
Priyanka will be celebrating her 36th birthday on Tuesday.
Earlier in an interview with an Indian daily, Priyanka had revealed that the real reason for her not attending the award show, which was held in New York on Friday, was that she wanted to spend her birthday with her family.
“I always do the opposite. I never do normal. Normal is boring. It’s my birthday and I am going out with my family and friends. For me, this year doing this was more important and IIFA is happening around that time. I wanted to spend time with my family because we don’t get to be with each other much while juggling between Mumbai, Pune and the US. I think I deserve a five-six day break,” she had said.
Priyanka made her Hollywood debut with Seth Gordon’s Baywatch this year. She was currently spotted on the sets of her third Hollywood film, Isn’t It Romantic. The Don actress will co-star with Rebel Wilson, Adam Devine and Liam Hemsworth in the film.
The former Miss World is also shooting for Silas Howard’s A Kid Like Jake, co-starring actors Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) and Claire Danes (Homeland).
Priyanka, who became a popular face in the west after she starred in the American TV series Quantico as FBI recruit Alex Parrish, will reportedly soon begin shooting for the third season of the show soon.
Priyanka’s last Bollywood venture was Prakash Jha’s Jai Gangaajal. As per reports, the Kaminey actress has signed a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, titled Gustakhiyan, in which she will play the role of writer-poetess Amrita Pritam. She will also feature in the biopic of late astronaut Kalpana Chawla.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWnuvAGgysn/
Maldives has become a sought after destination by Bollywood stars.
Famous Bollywood stars who have visited the Maldives include Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra. Bollywood couples such as Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor have also spent their vacation in the Maldives, while Bollywood couple Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan has declared the Maldives as their favourite holiday destination.
Additionally, India has become a major emerging source market for the Maldives tourism industry.
Official figures show that 66,955 tourists arrived in Maldives from its closest neighbour last year, a 27.9 percent increase from the 52,368 Indian travellers that chose the Maldives in 2015.
That growth is expected to continue this year as well, as the number of Indian tourists that visited the Maldives recorded a 20.3 percent increase in the first five months to reach 30,610 compared to 25,441 in the same period last year.
Celebration
Dhigali Maldives lights up the holidays with festive cheer and tropical magic
Dhigali Maldives has officially commenced its festive season in grand style, highlighted by the lighting of its sustainable driftwood Christmas trees—a cherished tradition that combines creativity with environmental awareness. Enhancing the evening’s charm, the resort’s Christmas carollers surprised guests with a lively dance performance, spreading festive cheer and excitement.
This year, the resort unveiled a captivating Christmas train, designed to transport guests around the island with a delightful touch of holiday magic. To celebrate the season’s arrival, a vibrant street market was organised, offering an array of cuisines prepared by the resort’s skilled chefs. The market created an authentic and lively atmosphere, bringing guests together in celebration.
The festivities continue with a dynamic lineup of events, including a Classic Christmas celebration and a Tropical Carnival-themed New Year’s party. Guests can anticipate live entertainment, mesmerising fire and samba dancers, and a cultural highlight with the Dhigali Island Fire Ritual, which blends tradition with dazzling performances to create unforgettable experiences.
This holiday season at Dhigali Maldives promises to deliver a truly magical experience, where the tropical allure of the island meets the joy of the holidays.
Celebration
Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s spiraling Christmas Tree kicks off AstroFest
Sun Siyam Olhuveli inaugurated the highly anticipated AstroFest 2024-2025 with a spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 21, 2024. The event showcased a unique, spiral-designed Christmas tree constructed from sustainable materials, symbolising the solar system and emphasising the resort’s dedication to sustainability and creativity.
Inspired by the elliptical patterns of the solar system, the tree’s design quickly became a focal point of the celebration. Guests participated in decorating the tree, adding a personal touch that embodied the spirit of unity and the festive season. This collaborative effort marked a memorable beginning to AstroFest, a celebration of the cosmos, innovation, and togetherness.
Mohamed Ali, Director of Operations at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “The elliptical design of our tree represents not just the beauty of the cosmos but also our dedication to sustainability and guest engagement. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our guests to become a part of our festive story while creating lasting memories.”
The ceremony set the tone for a season of celestial wonder, with AstroFest featuring stargazing sessions, cosmic-themed events, and interactive activities designed to celebrate the mysteries of the universe during the festive season.
As the festive lights illuminated the island, the resort embraced a joyful atmosphere, blending tradition with innovation to offer guests an enchanting holiday experience at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
Celebration
Ring in 2025 with spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
As the countdown to 2025 approaches, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to celebrate the New Year with a festive feast and a toast to new beginnings. This unforgettable evening promises an array of culinary delights, live music, and exciting giveaways.
On 31st December 2024, guests can indulge in an exquisite buffet at Azur Restaurant, featuring a wide variety of flavours, including a selection of tapas, live grills, and decadent desserts. The festive ambiance will be enhanced by live music, setting the perfect tone to welcome the New Year. In addition to the celebration, JEN Maldives will offer exclusive giveaways, providing guests with the opportunity to win amazing prizes.
“We are delighted to end the year on a high note by expressing our gratitude to our valued guests,” said Manisha Chhetri, F&B Manager at JEN Maldives Malé. “This New Year’s Eve, we aim to create an evening filled with joy, delicious food, and exciting surprises as we welcome 2025 together.”
Guests attending the New Year’s Eve gala dinner will have the chance to win one of the following prizes:
- A 3-day, 2-night stay in a deluxe room at Shangri-La Singapore, including daily breakfast for 2 adults
- An exclusive Pool Brunch experience for 2 people at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
- A 1-hour Balinese massage for 1 person at Aristo Spa
The winners will be selected and announced on the same night, following the countdown celebration at Azur Restaurant. JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to join this unforgettable evening, with gala dinner tickets available for purchase directly at the hotel.
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