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From private islands to Great Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve party, Kanuhura Maldives announces festive programme
Luxury resort Kanuhura Maldives has rolled out its festive programme, featuring bespoke festive options for luxury travellers.
Highlights of the Christmas and New Year high season include gourmet dining across its eight restaurants and bars culminating in a stunning poolside Christmas Eve gala dinner, and a Great Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve party on the beach complete with live band, DJ and fireworks at midnight.
The New Year’s Eve party dress code is white tie, ballgown and bare feet for better dancing the night away in the sand. A champagne bar in the sand will be in full flow, as will the team of 35 kitchen chefs who will be cooking up a range of gourmet temptations from locally caught lobster and seafood to the finest foods from around the world.
“In keeping with the five-star resort’s gypset concept (a combination of gypsy and jet-set which describes a lifestyle that blends the vibrant free-spirited life of the world-traveler and the sophistication of jetsetters), celebrations will be both luxurious and unpretentious with the many beautiful locations on the island being showcased at their very best,” Kanuhura said, in an announcement.
For many guests, it is the range of tailor-made events in unique locations where Kanuhura stands out from the herd. For example, guests can choose to arrange breakfast at a table in the water in the lagoon; or they may prefer a dégustation dinner inside the Chef’s Herb Garden in the glow of twinkling lights and the stars above. The resort’s wine cellar can be booked for private festive dinners for up 12 while the free-spirited traveler may prefer celebrating on one of the two deserted islands off the tip of Kanuhura which can be booked exclusively for their own use.
Kanuhura has two- and three-bedroom villas, making it the perfect choice for a festive family getaway in the sun. Better yet, children under 12 can stay and eat for free when staying in the same villa as the parents.
Families can expect a full programme of daily activities, including a visit from Santa Claus on December 25 delivering gifts to children and teens. Parents can enjoy a truly relaxing break while the kids’ club for children aged four to eleven keeps younger guests occupied with daily events that include pirate cruises, watersports, nature walks and cooking classes.
Located at the heart of one of the most spectacular Maldives atolls, Kanuhura is considered one of the most iconic barefoot beach resorts in the Indian Ocean. Part of the Mauritius-based hotel and leisure group Sun Resorts, Kanuhura hosted its first guest in 1999.
A reimagining of the resort last year, which includes the acquisition of neighbouring Masleggihura uninhabited island, positions it for the latest trend travellers have identified as Gypset; part gypsy in their drive for freedom and jetset, reflected in their wealth and craving for luxury living. The gypset muse of Kanuhura is Erin Wasson, famous top model and face representant of Maybelline.
The new rooms are luxury villas and suites with unusual elegance and furnished with natural materials with a touch of refinement and modernism. Whether you stay on the sunrise or sunset side of the island, you will be overwhelmed by the breathtaking view of the sea. The water villas have a private terrace with private access to the lagoon.
With its eight restaurants and bars, Kanuhura will make you discover various cuisines from all over the world such as Italy, Brazil and the Maldives. The chef also provides interactive cookery demonstrations.
Those looking for tranquility and well-being will be able to visit Kokaa Spa, the resort’s award-winning wellness and spa centre that offers a unique sensual experience for uplifting your body and mind. The spa features nine spacious treatment rooms including three doubles for side-by-side couples’ treatments, an outdoor beachside spa pavilion, cold plunge pools, jacuzzis, separate steam bath and dry sauna, and a beauty salon. It also features an air-conditioned gym and an aerobics studio, while a professional instructor is on-site to conduct yoga sessions.
Room rates start at USD 866 per night for a Beach Bungalow on bed and breakfast basis in December.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.
Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.
From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.
On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.
Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.
A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.
On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
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