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Completely relaxed Christmas at Hideaway Beach Resort
Children have been looking forward to the Christmas season for months. For parents, however, the holiday season is often associated with challenges. The reflective moments are often missed out when too many commitments are ahead.
Leave Christmas preparations to someone else and spend a Christmas far away: wouldn’t that be wonderful?
The crescent-shaped island of Dhonakulhi in the north of the Maldives, home to Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, is all ready for a glittering Christmas. Christmas dreams in the tropics — a very special experience for the whole family!
“Every Christmas and New Year, we cast a magical spell all over the resort and transform it into a fantasy world for children and adults alike. It is even more beautiful to see the joy and happiness in their eyes, setting a warm festive mood all throughout the stay during the holidays,” Christian Szabo, General Manager of Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Parents, pause and rest, in shorts and barefoot on the beach.
For the children, the Christmas festivities start with writing a letter to Santa Claus for the last wishes before the big party, and moves onto baking gingerbread houses, decorating tinker trees and cookies, and painting t-shirts.
In the evening, the many fairy lights in the palm trees glow along with the starry night sky, creating a very festive ambience.
The next day begins with a discovery tour of Maldivian fish and dolphins, a fashionista party with the self-painted t-shirts, a splash at the kids club, a bubble show, and a Maldivian kids party – conquer the dance floor with friends from all over the world in the evening.
Between baking the gingerbread houses and the decorating Christmas tree, there will still be time to splash around in the sea or in the pool, and to enjoy Christmas time as relaxed as ever before with the already-relaxed parents.
On the big day, excitement rises at the Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. In addition to the smell of fresh cookies and gingerbread, there will be a big question in the air: Will Santa Claus find their way to the Maldives? Yes, dear children, he will, and this meeting is unlikely to be forgotten as even the bearded man from the North Pole puts off the stress and falls into a holiday mood.
Say “cheese” in the photo box, the most extraordinary festive pictures will be created together with Santa.
Guaranteed relaxation and unforgettable holidays for the whole family, far away, at 30 degrees.
“Christmas is considered to be one of the most joyous times of year, filled with festivities and gift giving that’s why I am excited to see families and friends travel and gather together especially to those who are coming back to celebrate with us every year, making it even memorable for them this year as so many exciting surprises and activities await,” Michael Wieser, CEO of Lily Hotel & Resorts, said.
Hideaway Beach Resort is located on the crescent-shaped island of Dhonakulhi in the northernmost Haa Alif atoll of the Maldives, 290km from capital Male. Characteristic features are unique quietness, comfort and privacy in a 297,000sqm tropical setting.
A total of 103 spacious villas in 10 categories are situated at a great distance from each other, either amongst evergreen tropical vegetation or above the turquoise blue lagoon. A personal butler is available in almost all villa categories and fulfils all guest wishes. The resort’s culinary diversity is reflected in four restaurants and bars.
With a paradisiacal house reef to be explored directly from the beach, Hideaway Beach Resort is the only hotel in the Maldives with a fully equipped harbour. It also offers the largest rum and whiskey menu in the Maldives, and is home to The Spa at Hideaway Maldives, diving school Meridis Dive & Relax, and a professionally supervised Kids Club.
For reservation and queries, please contact reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com or visit the resort’s website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com.
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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