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.