Entertainment
Jumeirah Vittaveli announces ‘Carnival Around the World’ festive programme
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.
Entertainment
Hulhumalé’ set for New Year festivities as Visit Maldives and partners launch preparations
Visit Maldives Corporation, together with the Ministry of Tourism & Environment and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), has commenced planning for New Year celebrations in Hulhumalé’, building on the success and positive public response of last year’s festivities.
The celebrations are expected to feature signature elements that resonated strongly with the public in 2024, including a special Drone Show, Fireworks, Food stalls, and cultural experiences designed for both locals and visitors. The initiative, running from 30 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, aims to once again create a vibrant, inclusive, and family-friendly atmosphere to welcome the New Year.
At this stage, planning is ongoing and further details regarding the programme, dates, and activations will be announced in due course.
The New Year celebrations are being developed as a joint initiative by Visit Maldives, the Ministry of Tourism & Environment, and HDC.
Organisers are also in discussions with potential partners and sponsors and welcome expressions of interest from organisations keen to be part of this national celebration.
Entertainment
Award-winning singer Nicole Scherzinger to appear at One&Only Reethi Rah’s New Year’s Eve celebrations
One&Only Reethi Rah, the all-villa resort in the Maldives, has announced the international star and award-winning singer Nicole Scherzinger will make an exclusive live appearance during the resort’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations, welcoming guests into 2026 with a special musical performance as part of the countdown.
Renowned for her magnetic stage presence and powerhouse vocals, Nicole Scherzinger originally rose to fame as a member of one of the best-selling female groups of all time, the Pussycat Dolls, before pursuing her career as a solo musician, a judge on various television shows, and a stage actress in theatrical work such as in Cats and Sunset Boulevard. Throughout her career, Scherzinger has received numerous nominations and awards, including the 2024 Laurence Olivier Award and the 2025 Tony Award, both for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Sunset Boulevard.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the resort’s annual New Year’s Eve celebrations take place on 31st December 2025 at the Believe Ball, the Festive program’s main event featuring a refined beachside cocktail reception before unfolding into a joyous evening of epicurean discovery and thrilling entertainment. As the year draws to a close, Scherzinger will take the stage for a highlight live performance as part of the countdown, bringing the New Year’s celebrations to new heights with glamour, energy, and musical prowess.
“We are thrilled and honoured to welcome Nicole Scherzinger to One&Only Reethi Rah for our New Year’s Eve celebrations,” said Jan Tibaldi, General Manager of the resort. “Her global appeal, extraordinary talent, and dynamic energy make her the perfect artist to be part of our most iconic evening of the year, setting the scene for a remarkable welcome to 2026.”
The Festive season at One&Only Reethi Rah invites guests to embrace the spirit of the season with this year’s theme of Believe, centered on celebrating the joy, wonder, and magic of the holidays. From Christmas family traditions and world-class culinary experiences to quiet moments of deep wellbeing and exciting sports tournaments, the resort’s Festive program promises an array of unforgettable moments designed to delight guests of all ages and interests. Scherzinger’s special live appearance will be the highlight of the program, culminating with an exciting countdown to welcome the New Year.
The Festive season at One&Only Reethi Rah commences on 20th December 2025 with the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony & Cocktail and ends on 13th January 2026 with the Orthodox New Year Gala Dinner.
Reservations and pre-bookings are recommended for most of the Festive events. For inquiries and bookings, please contact the VIP Services team at reethirah.festive@oneandonlyreethirah.com. For bookings, please call +960 664 8800 or contact the Reservations team at reservations@oneandonlyreethirah.com.
Entertainment
Hulhule Island Hotel names 2ofus as New Year’s Eve 2026 headline act
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
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