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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Ihuru to offer twin island festive experiences
Underwater adventures, festive performances and Christmas activities set against a stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean await guests of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru this year.
Island festivities
The festive celebration will begin with the decorating and lighting of Christmas trees on December 22. Christmas Eve will be traditional with a small twist as Santa will arrive by boat instead of sleigh on the 24th, followed by lively Christmas carols whilst guests enjoy cocktails and canapés.
On the morning of 25th, Santa and his divers will visit the Rannamaari Wreck to check out the resident guitar fish and other marine creatures.
Fun activities will commence at Banyan Tree beach such as festive games, Zumba session and beach volleyball every day before the sunset. Live arts with local market experience and t-shirt painting are available for the crafty and the much anticipated activity ‘Swim Across the Channel,’ an 890-metre swim between the two islands will also take place.
Guests are encouraged to come as they are for the New Year’s Eve, even barefoot if they prefer but they can dress up and get that perfect Instagram-worthy Christmas shot on the specially designed festive photo booth.
New Year’s Eve at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru will be for those who seek laid back celebration under the stars. The resident acoustic band will serenade guests throughout the evening until the countdown.
For guests who prefer to dance their night away and welcome the New Year under twirling disco lights, they can head over to Angsana Ihuru and show their moves on the dance floor during the DJ performance.
‘Tis the season for the kiddies
A series of fun activities awaits for the kids!
The little ones can try kids-yoga on the beach, coral planting, or bracelet making from recycled fishing nets. For something a little more festive, kids can decorate their own gingerbread man or create Christmas cards using recycled paper.
Activity highlights
Those who seek tranquility can retreat to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and be rejuvenated by the time-honoured treatments at Banyan Tree Spa. Guests can reconnect to nature by meditations and yoga classes led by the resorts’ inhouse Yoga instructor.
A romantic cruise on the Indian Ocean during the Christmas or New Year’s Eve is also a one-of-a-kind festive experience.
A team of experienced dive instructors will offer the most wonderful underwater adventures to divers and non-divers alike. Divers can meet the resident guitarfish, batfish and moray eels of the legendary Rannamaari Wreck whilst beginners can explore Angsana Ihuru’s vibrant house reef. For non-swimmers, swimming lessons or guided snorkelling can be arranged.
Guests can visit the Marine Lab to participate in conservation activities such as coral planting, citizen science snorkelling and Marine Talk.
For something a little extra, in case the northeast wind blows a little bit stronger, guests can expect a kiteboarding show from the resorts’ kite surfers including one of Maldives’ finest, Ahmed ‘Hambe’ Hamdhan.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru opened its door in 1995 and is the first international chain resort in the Maldives. With just 48 pool villas dotting around the island, privacy and relaxation can easily be attained. The resort has a restaurant, bar, PADI Gold Palm five-star resort dive centre and a Banyan Tree Spa. It is also home to the Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab, the first of its kind to be funded and built on a private resort, where guests can learn about marine conservation and partake in the many sustainability activities on offer including coral planting, reef cleaning and daily stingray feeding sessions.
Angsana Ihuru is surrounded by one of the most vibrant and well preserved coral house reefs in the Maldives. The resort has 45 villas, a restaurant and a bar, a PADI Gold Palm five-star resort dive centre and an Angsana Spa.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru are located in North Male Atoll, just 25 minutes away by speedboat from the airport. The two resorts are just five minutes by boat away from each other.
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Ayada Maldives introduces the sleek Jet Car experience
Ayada Maldives, renowned for its luxury experiences and stunning oceanic paradise, has introduced an exhilarating new way to explore the island’s turquoise waters: the Jet Car. This innovative, sports-car-inspired watercraft offers guests the ultimate blend of luxury and adventure, providing a one-of-a-kind experience in the Maldivian seas.
The Ayada Maldives Jet Car is more than just a ride; it represents an unforgettable thrill. Designed to resemble a sleek sports car, this watercraft glides effortlessly over the lagoon, offering an exhilarating way to explore the island’s pristine waters in style. Perfect for adventure seekers and luxury enthusiasts alike, the Jet Car presents an unmatched opportunity to experience the breathtaking views and vibrant marine life of the Maldives from an entirely new perspective.
Guests embarking on the Jet Car adventure will feel the excitement as they cruise through Ayada’s stunning waters, creating waves and turning heads along the way. This unique watercraft is not only a visual spectacle but also easy to operate, making it accessible for both experienced water sports enthusiasts and those new to water-based adventures.
The Jet Car experience is available for booking at Ayada Maldives’ Watersports Center, with prices starting from $249 per ride. Each ride promises to be a highlight of any guest’s stay, providing an unbeatable blend of adrenaline and beauty that captures the essence of the Maldives.
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Discover unmatched luxury and adventure at Kandolhu Maldives
Kandolhu Maldives is the quintessential honeymoon destination, where intimacy and relaxed luxury harmonise on a tranquil, small island. Featuring only 30 exquisitely designed villas, this enchanting retreat offers couples the ideal setting for privacy and rejuvenation, framed by pristine white sandy beaches and breathtaking turquoise waters that surround one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs.
Dining at Kandolhu is a remarkable experience that enriches every guest’s stay. Visitors can choose from five à la carte restaurants, a bar, and unique beach dining options. They can imagine enjoying a private five-course dinner beneath the stars, with their toes in the soft sand and the gentle sound of waves as their soundtrack. Whether guests opt for an oceanfront meal, a moonlit dinner on the jetty, or the comfort of their villa’s veranda, each culinary creation is expertly tailored to individual preferences. The culinary team is dedicated to ensuring every dish is not only delicious but also meaningful, accommodating dietary needs and special requests. This sets the stage for romantic evenings filled with lasting memories.
For adventure seekers, the house reef at Kandolhu presents some of the finest snorkelling in the Maldives. Home to a diverse array of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and even eagle rays, this vibrant ecosystem guarantees that each snorkelling excursion is both unique and thrilling. Enthusiasts may even encounter hawksbill turtles gliding gracefully through the water, adding a touch of magic to their underwater adventures. Large schools of fish, such as snappers, fusiliers, and moorish idols, contribute to the stunning marine landscape, and the reef’s accessibility allows guests to explore its wonders at their own pace, with expert guides on hand to enhance the experience.
Relaxation reaches new heights at Kandolhu’s Varu Spa, where exclusive treatments are designed to foster connection and tranquility. Signature experiences like “A Moment in Love” and “Forever in Love” offer indulgent therapies, including aromatherapy, soothing coconut oil massages, and special rituals such as a thread bracelet exchange in a candlelit setting. The serene ambiance of Varu Spa, set against lush surroundings, creates an idyllic environment for couples to reconnect and recharge.
Kandolhu Maldives also provides a variety of experiences for guests to enjoy. Whether indulging in à la carte dining at one of the five restaurants, taking a sunset stroll along the beach, or experiencing a couple’s spa treatment, there’s always something to ignite the senses. For those with a passion for underwater exploration, Kandolhu offers scuba diving and various excursions. Guests can also embark on a private sunset cruise, allowing them to witness the sun dip below the horizon in perfect seclusion with their loved ones.
More than just a stunning island, Kandolhu Maldives is an unforgettable experience crafted to linger in the memories of its visitors. With its breathtaking natural beauty, intimate atmosphere, and laid-back luxury, it provides the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a dream destination for honeymooners.
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Sun Siyam Resorts launches 24-hour all-inclusive packages
Sun Siyam Resorts is elevating the all-inclusive experience in the Maldives with the introduction of its 24-hour, resort-wide all-inclusive benefits, available across all properties beginning November 1st. Known for its commitment to attainable luxury and product innovation, the Maldivian-owned company is expanding all-inclusive offerings beyond just meals. Guests now have round-the-clock access to dining, drinks, activities, and entertainment, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in island life without restrictions.
This 24-hour all-inclusive plan builds on the success and high demand of Siyam World’s premium all-inclusive model, now extended across all Sun Siyam resorts. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining at various restaurants, premium drinks, and a wide selection of activities, all included in their stay. From snorkelling safaris and dolphin cruises to sunset fishing and spa or watersports credits, each experience is tailored to accommodate every type of traveler, whether they seek relaxation, adventure, or both. With the widest array of accommodation types in the Maldives, guests can customise their stay as they wish. The following 24/7 venues will be available on the islands starting November 1st:
- Siyam World: Kulhivaru Sports Bar offers nonstop drinks and snacks in a lively setting, with national and international sports games broadcasted around the clock.
- Sun Siyam Iru Fushi: The Water’s Edge Bar provides refreshing drinks and light bites, allowing guests to relax with uninterrupted ocean views.
- Sun Siyam Olhuveli: Sunrise Bar features 24/7 service, lagoon views, and activities for all ages, ideal for families.
- Sun Siyam Iru Veli: The Chemistry Bar serves drinks and snacks throughout the day and night, making it a social hub for relaxation and interaction.
- Sun Siyam Vilu Reef: Positive Energy Bar ensures a continuous flow of refreshments, offering everything from poolside cocktails to late-night snacks.
With this new 24-hour all-inclusive concept, Sun Siyam Resorts sets a new standard for flexible and worry-free travel, offering exceptional value and endless ways for guests to experience the beauty and culture of the Maldives without hidden costs. Each resort adds its own unique flair to the all-inclusive experience:
- At Iru Veli, the Premium All-Inclusive Signature Plan includes paddleboarding, windsurfing, and credits for jet skiing or spa services, along with three excursions.
- Siyam World’s WOW! Premium All-Inclusive plan is designed for families and adventure-seekers, featuring unlimited access to Siyam Water World, the Maldives’ largest floating water park, multiple excursions, and 24/7 dining across 18 bars and restaurants.
- Iru Fushi’s All-Inclusive package includes a dine-around meal plan at over 15 restaurants and bars, offering luxurious, day-to-night experiences with drinks and snacks on demand.
- Vilu Reef and Olhuveli each feature All-Inclusive dine-around packages with waterfront bars, open at all hours.
With endless options and personalised service, Sun Siyam Resorts presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore the Maldives without compromise.
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