Entertainment
Pop icon Rita Ora confirms exclusive New Year’s Eve performance at Amilla Fushi
Pop phenomenon Rita Ora has confirmed an exclusive New Year’s Eve performance at scene-shaping Maldives luxury resort Amilla Fushi.
As if spectacular entertainment from pyro performers The Fuel Girls and lead singer of B*witched Edele Lynch were not enough, guests seeing out 2018 at Amilla can now look forward to an intimate performance by the UK singles chart’s most successful British female artist of all time. Taking place two months before the start of the Phoenix World Tour, which kicks off in Melbourne on March 1, 2019, the Amilla ‘tribe’ could be amongst the first to get a live experience of the singer’s long-awaited new album Phoenix, which releases this Friday.
It has been a momentous year and a half for Rita. Following a sold out European tour, her last five hit singles have amassed over 1.3 billion Spotify streams worldwide – with global hit, Your Song , written by Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac, reaching more than 352m streams alone. She released global Top 10 hit Lonely Together, a collaboration with Avicii, in August, and in October her single Anywhere earned a #2 spot in the UK. Further collaborations saw Rita team up with Liam Payne on For You for the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack, her fourth Top 10 hit; and Cardi B, Bebe Rexha and Charli XCX on girl-power anthem Girls, another global success. These hit songs all feature on her new album.
Rita has starred onscreen as a coach on BBC1’s The Voice; a judge on ITV’s The X Factor UK; host of MTV’s EMAs in 2017; and as host of VH1’s America’s Next Top Model. In addition, Rita’s brand work to date includes 15 best-selling Adidas collections, capsule collections for Tezenis, and an ambassadorship for Rimmel.
The President of Kosovo, Rita’s country of birth, awarded her honorary ambassador for raising awareness of the country and she continues to support UNICEF’s tremendous efforts to help children in danger around the world.
The Amilla elves are busily wrapping up days and nights packed with enchantment and wonder for this festive season.
As well as the star-studded New Year’s Eve performances – open to all island guests at no extra charge – festive foodie surprises are also in store. Chef Hiro Nakamura charts an incredible journey of flavourful Japanese cuisine to Amilla’s signature overwater restaurant Feeling Koi, showcasing a selection of artfully crafted sushi, nigiri and sashimi by the water’s edge. There will also be lip smacking themed nights at the chilled-out foodie hub Baazaar and enchanting dining experiences in the magical Mystique Garden.
Australian football hero and former Everton player Tim Cahill will also be on the island, inspiring young footballers with a four-day festive training camp. Kids aged from five to eight years, and teens from 9-16 years, can perfect their skills on Amilla’s very own full-sized pitch with elite coaching from the Socceroos’ all-time leading goal scorer.
Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from the main Velana International Airport, Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestled amongst lush tree tops or hugging the shores of pristine white sand. Additionally, eight spectacular four to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy are also available.
Amilla’s innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Baazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop in to gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop and Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses.
With an unrivalled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options, and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids’ Club, Amilla Fushi is putting the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.
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
Entertainment
New Year’s Eve Gala at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La to feature live performance by Nasooh
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.
-
Drink1 week agoFelice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
-
Drink1 week agoSun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island
-
Featured1 week agoKuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
-
Entertainment1 week agoHulhule Island Hotel names 2ofus as New Year’s Eve 2026 headline act
-
Featured1 week agoSpring reawakens: Sirru Fen Fushi showcases Maldives at its calmest
-
Cooking5 days agoThe St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes Chef Renzi Gianluca for Tastemaker series collaboration
-
Cooking1 week agoChef Frank Fol leads plant-based culinary programme at ananea Madivaru Maldives
-
News1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives achieves Green Globe Certification after rigorous audit


