Featured
Fairmont Maldives to host eco-inspired festive celebrations

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi invites guests to swap winter blues for summer hues and celebrate the festive season with an array of activities and events.
From crafting their own Christmas decorations using recycled island materials, snorkelling the coral reef and dolphin spotting to relaxing in their Tented Jungle Villa with safari-style spa treatments, there’s something to tempt every type of traveler.
Unleash your inner artist
This is the season of gifting, and at the fully equipped on-site Art Studio, creative guests can paint, sculpt, draw or craft their own bespoke gifts for their loved ones, inspired by the natural beauty of the island. Guests can try coconut and canvas painting, authentic Maldivian rug weaving, pottery, shell jewellery design and sand turtle sculpturing, all guided under the watchful eye of the resident artist.

There will even be Christmas tree decorating for little ones, to complement the symbolic Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Raha Market.
Be pampered in paradise
Those seeking privacy and relaxation can retreat to the unique Tented Jungle Villas set in the heart of the Maldivian jungle, for fresh seafood barbecues and private film screenings of Christmas classics under the stars.
The Safari Spa Package brings the serenity of the spa to the outdoors where a rejuvenating Chamomile scrub, Blissful Marma massage and facial, champagne and fresh fruit smoothies combine with the tranquility of the inland jungle for a tropical spa experience.

For guests who prefer more traditional treatments, the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Maldives boasts a carefully curated selection of results-driven rituals inspired by local island life, using sustainable sourced, natural products.
Get active and adventurous
Active guests looking to keep their fitness levels in check this season can try paddle board yoga, cycling sandy walkways, a beach boot camp, parasailing, jet-skiing and kayaking around the resort’s lagoon – the largest in the Maldives.

Fairmont Maldives also invites exploration of the 9km lagoon and the underwater art sculptures in the Coralarium – a unique coral regeneration project in the Indian Ocean. Designed by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the semi-submerged sculptures in the Coralarium act as an artificial reef which guests can explore on guided snorkelling tours, before planting their own coral.

Whilst adults are occupied, little ones can get active with sunshine kids yoga and aqua aerobics, as well as a variety of exciting festive-filled activities at the Kids Club – Majaa; including everything from gingerbread house making, beach obstacle courses and kids Christmas movie nights to a child-friendly pirate cruise and visit from Santa on a jet-ski.
With a philosophy firmly rooted in eco-education, Fairmont Maldives also offers an informative and immersive Ocean Discovery Camp for children, including a workshop with the resident marine biologist, snorkelling lessons for junior explorers and turtle releases.
Feast in style
As the season to indulge with friends and family, Fairmont Maldives offers an abundance of delicious dinner and party celebrations.
The lively Onu Onu Bar will host a Ladies Soiree and Christmas Eve Beach Party with music from a live DJ and a fire show performance. The seafood restaurant Azure offers a Wine, Dine and Jazz evening, a Christmas wine pairing dinner and a New Year’s Day champagne breakfast, complimented by live music. At the sophisticated Japanese restaurant and bar, Kata, experimental guests can enjoy an Asian-inspired Christmas day dinner before indulging in mulled wines and Fairmont signature cocktails on Kata’s picturesque rooftop lounge, for the best sunset views on the island.
Whilst, to countdown and toast to the New Year in style, Fairmont Maldives’ Pirates of the Maldives theme party at Onu Onu beach will offer a delicious feast, surprise celebrity DJ, a live band, fire dancers and an array of fun and pirate themed games for the kids.
A sun-soaked sanctuary that opened in April 2018, Fairmont Maldives is the only resort on the pristine Shaviyani atoll, and offers 112 luxury villas each with their own private pool. In addition to the luxury safari-style Jungle Tented Villas, the Beach Villas and Water Villas inspired by the bohemian rustic chic vibe with copper bathroom fittings and carved wood detailing on furniture are also ideal for couples or families.
Fairmont Maldives is located in the northern Shaviyani atoll. The resort is accessible by domestic flight in 50 minutes from Velana International Airport followed by a speedboat from Hanimaadhoo Airport to the resort. Alternatively, guests can book a 50-minute scenic seaplane flight directly to the resort.
Visit https://www.fairmont-maldives.com/festive/ for more details of the festive programme.
Excursions
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.
Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.
Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.
The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.
For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.
Featured
Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.
According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.
To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.
Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.
The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.
Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.
Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.
According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.
Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”
The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.
Featured
October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.
Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.
The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.
Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.
For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.
October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.
-
News6 days ago
Hauntingly beautiful Halloween night with VICTORI at Reethi Faru Resort
-
Drink1 week ago
THE OZEN COLLECTION marks four years of partnership with Bodegas Viñátigo
-
News1 week ago
Barceló Nasandhura Malé celebrates World Photography Day with #PortraitsAtNasandhura
-
Business1 week ago
SATA 2025 announces partnerships; confirms Hotelier Maldives, Maldives Insider as Media Partners
-
Celebration1 week ago
Season of wonder and connection: festivities at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Sea, sand, and Centara: Maldivian escape at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa
-
Featured1 week ago
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives welcomes GCC families with Stay 3, Pay 2 offer
-
Action7 days ago
Dusit Thani Maldives offers direct access to Baa Atoll’s living reef