Entertainment

Jumeirah Vittaveli announces ‘Carnival Around the World’ festive programme

Published

8 years ago

November 14, 2017

Jumeirah Vittaveli has announced its festive programme, inviting guests to live entertainment, lavish gala dinners and exhilarating activities inspired by events around the world, including the grand Venetian and Rio de Janeiro carnivals.

The fun starts in December and runs until the first week of January, when a glittering Russian Christmas event closes the festivities. The carnival theme will be embraced by the Kuda Koli Kids Club, the Talise spa, the Dive Center, and the restaurants and bars, so guests can enjoy the festive spirit across the island.

Families and couples can admire performances by the Favera dance troupe, watch in awe as the resort’s fire dancers showcase the Art of Poi, party on the beach to the resident DJ, or enjoy a live concert by Simon and Eva.

“Over at our French fine dining restaurant Fenesse, we are introducing three new venues, the Cyan over-water lounge, Cuvée, the wine library, and Fumée, a cigar, shisha and vaping lounge. Our main bar has been remodelled and offers an extended entertainment and lounge area. The festive spirit has always been strong at Jumeirah Vittaveli and our team takes pleasure in surprising guests with special décor in their villa,” General Manager Amit Majumder was quoted in an announcement, as saying.

The traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony will unveil the resort’s floating Christmas tree. Last year’s glowing-from-within tree was wrapped in foil (collected from the kitchens throughout the year) which was then recycled after the festive season.

The Kuda Koli Kids Club will amaze little ones with stained glass painting, gingerbread house making, snowman building and Christmas tree decorating. Santa will make a show-stopping entrance on 25 December, deliver goodies and meet and greet the children and the young at heart.

Samsara Beach will offer festive gala dinners on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Executive Chef Francis Cornelious will serve delicacies, including Vindaloo (made with his mother’s secret recipe), roasted butterball turkey, Christmas stolen and a special Christmas cake, made from the fruit, nuts, and spirits mix that was prepared in a fun ceremony with guests in October this year.

At the overwater venue Fenesse, guests can indulge in gourmet set menus including the world’s best black caviars – Beluga, Ossetra, and Sevruga – and selection of fine oysters including the Belon Oyster from France, the Gallway Oyster from Ireland and the Tsarskaya Oyster from Cancale in Northern France. Fresh White Alba Truffle will be shaved onto gourmand’s plates at Fenesse. MU Beach Bar and Grill will offer a stone grill with Wagyu grade 9++ Marble beef, cape grim beef and Churrascaria.

At the signature Indian restaurant Swarna, guests can try out the famous Gold menu, which offers edible gold.

On New Year’s Eve, a carnival party at Samsara Beach will offer a gala menu, live music acts, a stunning fireworks display over the lagoon and a Glow-in-the-Dark DJ beach party.

For the resort’s Orthodox guests, a lively celebration will take place on 6 January. A saxophone performance will enchant guests, followed by LED, fire dance shows and DJ Eva will play into the night. Ded Moroz, the Russian Father Christmas, and his assistant Snegurochka will also visit on December 31.

Located a short 20-minute ride on board a luxurious motorised catamaran from capital, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration, whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or an exotic destination for your family.

In addition to the brand new Royal Residence, which was recently recognised as Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa at the World Travel Awards, Jumeirah Vittaveli comprises 89 villas and suites each with their own swimming pool and direct access to the beach or lagoon. The private and spacious villas are available with one or two bedrooms making them the ideal accommodation for both families and couples. Highlights are the free-standing Ocean Suites, located only a heartbeat away from the main island and accessible by complimentary boat service.

For the evenings, guests have the choice of a culinary journey through India in the resort’s signature restaurant Swarna, or an overwater fine dining experience featuring French cuisine at Fenesse.

The Talise spa at Jumeirah Vittaveli has been named Best Luxury Wellness Spa in Maldives by the World Travel Awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Treatments at the spa are inspired by concepts of light and space connecting with the purity and vibration of ingredients. The team produces their own island made 100 percent pure coconut oil, which is used in treatments and available as a take-home souvenir. The garden and overwater treatment rooms provide romantic spaces for couples who wish to enjoy blissful relaxation, while the spa menu also includes dedicated Mother-Daughter and Father-Son pampering sessions.

For those seeking adventure, the island’s water sports centre offers flyboarding. For those looking to experience the wonder of the underwater world of the Maldives, there are diving and snorkelling excursions to see turtles and magnificent shipwrecks.

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Entertainment

Hulhule Island Hotel names 2ofus as New Year’s Eve 2026 headline act

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

m@ldives

Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) has announced 2ofus as the main entertainment for its New Year’s Eve 2026 festive events. The highly sought-after musical band has partnered with HIH to bring an unforgettable night of performance, energy, and celebration to guests.

Known for their exceptional talent and stage presence, 2ofus has reached remarkable heights in the music scene, participating in and performing at international competitions and concerts. Their collaboration with HIH marks an exciting addition to the hotel’s festive lineup.

Renowned as the most popular festive destination in the Greater Malé Area, HIH continues its tradition of delivering vibrant, world-class celebrations. This year, the hotel once again promises a festive season filled with elegance, entertainment, and the signature warmth HIH is known for.

Commenting on the partnership, Group General Manager, Ali Shakir said: “Signing with 2ofus for New Year’s Eve is truly special for us. They are one of the most in-demand acts during the festive season, and we are delighted to have them onboard. Their energy and talent are unmatched, and we are confident that HIH will once again be the place to be this New Year’s Eve. Our team is committed to creating a celebration that brings our guests joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories.”

For 2026, HIH unveils exclusive celebrations, granting guests access to multi-venue experiences, curated staycation packages, diverse multi-cuisine dining, and a range of thoughtfully designed festive highlights.

With limited slots available, guests are encouraged to secure their bookings early for the best experience.

For more information or reservations, please contact +960 762 2667 or email events@hih.com.mv

Entertainment

New Year’s Eve Gala at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La to feature live performance by Nasooh

Published

5 days ago

December 9, 2025

m@ldives

JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La is preparing to host a vibrant New Year’s Eve Gala Night on 31 December 2025, inviting guests to welcome 2026 with an evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and festive celebration.

The event will be headlined by Mohamed Nasooh, one of the Maldives’ emerging musical talents whose voice has earned national recognition. Nasooh first rose to prominence as a former vocalist of the popular band 2ofus, which represented the Maldives internationally and achieved notable success as the 2nd Runner-Up at the Battle of the Bands International. His growing popularity on TikTok, combined with his expressive vocal performances, has made him a well-loved figure among audiences of all ages.

Guests attending the New Year’s Eve Gala Night can look forward to a memorable live performance from Nasooh, who will bring his distinctive vocal style and stage presence to the celebration as the country ushers in a new year.

Adding to the excitement, the evening will also include a special grand prize, with details set to be announced soon. The announcement has already generated anticipation and is expected to be a highlight of the event.

The Gala Night will offer an elegant dining experience and a festive atmosphere, providing an inviting setting for families, couples, and friends wishing to celebrate the start of 2026 in style. The full programme and menu will be shared in the coming days.

JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La welcomes guests to join this exceptional evening—an occasion filled with music, flavour, and celebration marking the arrival of the new year.

Entertainment

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives announces week-long Music in Paradise experience with Kate Miller-Heidke

Published

2 weeks ago

November 28, 2025

m@ldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, in partnership with Music in Paradise, has announced that acclaimed Australian artist Kate Miller-Heidke will perform live at the private island resort from 3 – 10 October 2026.

Renowned for her soaring vocals, magnetic stage presence and evocative storytelling, Kate is one of Australia’s most distinctive and celebrated performers. A classically trained vocalist from the Queensland Conservatorium, she moves effortlessly between pop, folk and opera. Alongside her chart-topping solo work, Kate and longtime collaborator Keir Nuttall composed the original music for Muriel’s Wedding The Musical and together with Iain Grandage and Lally Katz, the award-winning opera The Rabbits. In 2019, she captivated global audiences when she represented Australia at Eurovision with her hit “Zero Gravity”, and more recently has acted as a coach on The Voice Australia.

Kate’s debut at Kandooma Maldives will feature three intimate sunset concerts in an exclusive beachside setting with audiences capped at just 200 guests. Attendees can expect beloved favourites, reimagined arrangements and a few special surprises in an unforgettable island atmosphere.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives General Manager, Mark Eletr, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kate to Kandooma next year. Her unmistakable voice, magnetic stage presence, and those breathtaking, angelic high notes promise a magical week of music on our beaches. With three intimate sunset concerts, it’s an experience our guests will be talking about for years to come.”

The first-release Ultimate Experience Package is now available at a special launch rate of A$5,790 per person twin share (regular price A$6,590). The package includes: