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Cherishable festive season at Vakkaru Maldives

Vakkaru Maldives has invited travellers from all around the world to be part of a cherishable festive season.
To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, the resort has launched a festive calendar along with a special Festive Season Offer, which allows guests to enjoy up to 35 per cent off room rate with daily breakfast at Amaany restaurant included. This offer is valid for direct bookings on vakkarumaldives.com for stays between December 20, 2019 and January 11, 2020.

Guests who stay during the festive season have a lot of exciting programmes to look forward to, as the resort’s team has prepared indulgent culinary experiences, lively entertainment, exciting recreational and kids’ activities as well as rejuvenating wellness programmes for all to enjoy.
An extensive selection of sumptuous treats will be available at the resort’s six dining venues and its very own wine cellar Vakkaru Reserve, offering a perfect environment for everyone to relax and indulge in holiday spirit.
Guests will be treated to a festive high tea and a cheese and charcuterie pairing session with a resident sommelier, as well as a Christmas market featuring a multitude of stalls with food and beverage offerings, spa products, luxury boutique items and local souvenirs throughout the festive weeks.
Fishermen’s Night, Lobster and Champagne Dinner, Thai Night and Christmas Eve Gala Dinner are some of the culinary highlights on the days leading up to Christmas Day.
Towards the end of the year, the resort will continue to offer daily themed-dinners, including Latino Buffet, Shisha Night, Maldivian Cultural Experience and Crab Galore to satisfy every taste bud. Live music performances will be available at different venues every day to set the mood whilst keeping the guests entertained during dinner.
The most anticipated carnival-themed New Year’s Eve celebration on Vakku Beach will take inspiration from the classic funfairs, keeping guests of all ages entranced and fully immersed from dusk till midnight, with fun games, a wide array of live food stalls, live acts and music, as well as selection of party-perfect drinks.
Usher in 2020 with a morning sun salutation session at the overwater gym, before feasting on the Pearl and Caviar New Year’s Brunch at Vakkaru Reserve. Little islanders from 3-12 years of age will be treated to a New Year’s mini brunch at Parrotfish Club.

To conclude the festive week in style, the resort will welcome internationally-renowned fashion illustrator and author Megan Hess for the exclusive launch of her third book in The Claris Collection, Claris: Bonjour Riviera from January 5-6, 2020.
Guests who pre-book their seats will be the first in the world to receive signed copies of Claris: Bonjour Riviera hot off the press, view the unveiling of Claris’ new resort collection by luxury fashion house, Poca & Poca, attend an exclusive illustration masterclass conducted by Megan Hess, and enjoy a bespoke Megan Hess dessert table on Orthodox Christmas night.
An array of energetic or relaxing indulgent activities in and around the island have been thoughtfully designed for all family members to enjoy. Teenagers and adults have 24-hour access to fun recreational activities at Coconut Club and scheduled sporting activities like table tennis and foosball tournaments, badminton and tennis tournaments, water polo, pool gym, and beach volleyball.
Tennis enthusiasts can make the most of their island getaway as Vakkaru welcomes guest tennis coach Erika Zanchetta, an Italian tennis professional who played in the semi-finals of European Championship 2019, bringing her flair for the game to the resort’s sports fields from December 20, 2019 to January 20, 2020.
The resort’s overwater Merana Spa and gym will offer scheduled wellness programmes, including product workshops, selected treatment trials, yoga and fitness classes, as well as sound therapy sessions. From 10am to 10pm, guests will have complimentary access to relax in the wellness centre with sauna and steam room, a warm Jacuzzi, and a cold plunge pool.

Vakkaru Maldives is a secluded tropical island resort located within the Baa atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Only 30 minutes north of Velana International Airport by seaplane, Vakkaru – meaning coconut timber in Dhivehi – is an unforgettable paradise blessed with powder soft, brilliant white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, 360-degree uninterrupted views and sprawling coral reefs with unique marine biodiversity.
Keeping the natural beauty of the island as unspoilt as possible – including retaining over 2,300 fully grown coconut trees – and drawing on the rich traditions of the locale, design elements are focused on Maldivian style fused with the finest natural resources and contemporary interior.
Guests can revel in the choice of 113 beach and overwater villas and suites, as well as five sensational restaurants, two bars, a wine cellar and an outstanding array of treatments in the overwater Merana Spa.
Facilities also include Splash Dive and Water Sports, two tennis courts, a badminton court, the Parrotfish Club for children below 12 years, Coconut Club for teens and an overwater gymnasium with personal trainer.
For reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.
Celebration
‘A Season by the Sea’: Jumeirah Olhahali Island reveals holiday calendar

Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced its festive programme, ‘A Season by the Sea’, which will take place from Thursday 18 December 2025 to Wednesday 7 January 2026. The programme combines seasonal traditions with experiences designed for guests of all ages.
The celebrations begin on 18 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, where guests can enjoy festive treats and live music. The following day, children will have the chance to take part in a gingerbread house decorating workshop.
A range of wellness and leisure activities will be available throughout the festive season, including sunrise power yoga, Pilates by the water’s edge, and tennis sessions in the evenings. Holiday tournaments will add a competitive edge for sports enthusiasts. Marine activities will also feature prominently, with options such as the Ocean Wonders Christmas morning snorkelling excursion, Dolphin Quest cruises, and private nurse shark encounters.
Dining experiences form a central part of the programme. Guests can take part in themed events including an Oyster and Caviar Dinner, a Maldivian Sharing Beach Dinner, and a private Festive High Tea. Christmas Eve will be marked with a Gala Gathering followed by the Olhahali Oceanside Gala Dinner, with live music, performances, and a festive menu. On Christmas Day, the resort will host a Poolside Brunch featuring seasonal dishes.
New Year’s Eve will be celebrated with a soirée at the heart of the island, followed by the resort’s signature Gala Dinner at Glow, which will feature a specially curated menu and entertainment. The celebrations continue on New Year’s Day with a Beachside Brunch, and the week that follows will include events such as the Chef’s Table at Kayto, highlighting Nikkei cuisine, and Taste of India at Glow, showcasing Indian culinary traditions.
To complement the programme, Jumeirah Olhahali Island offers a range of villas suitable for couples, families, and larger groups. Options include one-bedroom overwater and beach villas with private pools, rooftop terraces, and direct ocean access, as well as two- and three-bedroom residences such as the signature MIRI Villa. These larger accommodations feature spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms, and infinity pools set over the lagoon or beach, designed to create a setting for shared celebrations during the festive season.
Celebration
Early bird festive packages unveiled at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is set to transform the festive season into a wellness-inspired escape, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to combine celebration with rejuvenation. Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort has introduced its Festive Early Bird offer, available for booking until 31 October 2025 for stays between 20 December 2025 and 15 January 2026.
The package includes a complimentary dining upgrade from breakfast to half board, with children under 12 staying and dining free of charge. Guests are also offered 20% savings on spa treatments, alongside experiences such as kayaking, a 30-minute professional photo session, and a programme of recharging activities. The Westin Family Kids Club provides younger guests with engaging activities, ensuring families can enjoy the holiday in full.
The highlight of the festive programme will be a Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. The evening will capture the spirit of the 1920s with vintage cocktails, champagne, live entertainment, and a midnight fireworks display set against the Maldivian night sky.
The resort’s well-being philosophy, built on the pillars of Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, and Play Well, underpins the holiday experience. From restorative rest on the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed to fresh, seasonal cuisine at three dining venues and bars, every detail is designed to support balance and renewal.
In addition, Marriott Bonvoy members will earn an extra 20,000 bonus points when booking the ‘Celebrate Festive – Early Bird Offer’.
Celebration
Boduberu, craft and cuisine highlight National Day at Grand Park Kodhipparu

Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, marked Maldives National Day with a cultural programme designed to highlight the traditions and heritage of the islands. Guests were offered opportunities to experience aspects of Maldivian culture in the natural surroundings of North Malé Atoll.
The resort organised a Boduberu workshop where visitors were introduced to the rhythms of the traditional Maldivian drum. Local artisans guided participants in traditional jewellery making, sharing techniques that have been passed down through generations. Guests also took part in palm weaving, once an essential island skill, and were able to dress in traditional attire to connect with Maldivian customs.
Culinary traditions were featured through tastings of Maldivian dishes prepared by the resort’s chefs, showcasing local flavours and long-established recipes. Visitors explored a display of Maldivian arts and crafts, with works produced by local artisans representing the country’s creative and artisanal heritage.
The day concluded with a Boduberu performance at sunset, combining music, dance and rhythm in a communal expression of cultural identity.
Citra Suriah, Director of Marketing at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, said: “At Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, we believe in the quiet power of culture to connect, ground, and inspire. This celebration is both a tribute to the beauty of the Maldivian way of life and an invitation for our guests to witness and take part in something deeply authentic and enduring.”
The resort continues to focus on cultural preservation and community support, curating experiences that reflect and honour the spirit of the Maldives while offering guests a meaningful connection to local heritage.
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