Featured
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.
Featured
Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories
Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.
The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.
The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.
A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.
Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.
Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.
The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.
All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.
The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.
The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.
Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.
The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.
The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.
The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026
.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.
The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.
The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.
At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.
Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.
The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.
The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.
The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.
The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.
These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.
The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Awards
Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027
Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.
The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.
The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.
Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.
Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.
Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.
Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.
The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.
The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.
-
Action1 week agoCROSSROADS Maldives welcomes international padel stars for historic women’s tournament
-
Action1 week agoW Maldives welcomes Olympic badminton champion Wang Chi-Lin for exclusive coaching experience
-
Awards1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi shortlisted for family and sustainability honours at Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Awards
-
News1 week agoMaldives-born wellness brand ELE|NA celebrates 11 years of operations
-
Cooking1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi welcomes back Chef Tristan Brandt for exclusive festive dining experiences
-
News1 week agoNH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort unveils ‘Havana Nights’ festive programme
-
Featured1 week agoAngsana Velavaru brings island-inspired celebrations to Christmas and New Year
-
Featured6 days agoSix Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories


