Escape the cold winter and come to the sunny Maldives this Christmas and New Year. Situated in the heart of the Indian Ocean and a stone’s throw away from a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, celebrate your festivities this year amongst the unique and rich marine life of manta rays and dolphins, at the recently-opened InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort.

With an exotic spirit of Gypsy Bohemian theme, be prepared to be transported to a magical place this festive season. The InterContinental Maldives resort invites you to come and experience a myriad of activities, entertainment and a whole host of special events happening just for you.

Set across a 1.5km private island, the InterContinental Maldives has a range of delectable dining and party spaces to choose from, including the adults-only enclave The Retreat, or the fun family cluster of Café Umi. Whether it is dining with handpicked festive menus in a stunning manta-sanctuary lagoon or the rip-roaring fun of DJ festive party nights, there really is something for everyone.

The InterContinental Maldives will also be hosting a range of exclusive events, including a fire show, international artistes and performances.

If you are counting down to the New Year with a special someone, the resort has got you covered. You will be romancing the celebrations with dozens of unique experiences such as three-tier afternoon teas, Dining by Design or a wine masterclasses.

“Why not treat your friends or families to a gift voucher this Christmas with a trip to Maldives for that uniquely curated experience in a location they will never forget?” an announcement by the resort read.

“With all these lined up, all that is left for us to do is wish you glad tidings, and we do hope to welcome all of you this year for an unforgettable celebration.”

Situated on the picturesque island of Maamunagau at the southern tip of Raa atoll, the InterContinental Maldives is surrounded by a stunning natural lagoon and is a 35-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport. Guests arriving on flights after 3.30pm will be escorted to the Domestic Terminal for a 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport followed by a 35-minute speedboat ride to the resort.

The InterContinental Maldives’ 81 luxuriously appointed beach, lagoon and overwater villas and residences offer a new level of InterContinental experience, with contemporary Maldivian design, unobstructed views of breath-taking ocean panoramas and each equipped with their own private terrace and pool.

As the first and only all-Club InterContinental Resort, resort guests can experience personalised touches and complimentary benefits throughout the island; breakfast, afternoon tea and refreshments, and evening digestives at The Retreat, an adults-only enclave with its private bar and its own infinity pool at the water’s edge. Standing at this pool’s periphery, a favourite drink in hand, whilst watching the glistening ocean’s expanse meet the horizon.

The resort features six restaurants; from Mediterranean tapas amidst 360-degree vistas at The Lighthouse, to sea-to-table South Asian inspired dining at The Fish Market and a fusion of cross-continental flavours at Café Umi, guests can expect organic, local and sustainable ingredients in thoughtfully curated ambiances.

Inspired by the ethereality of the water and transformational power of crisp island air, AVI Spa by is designed to recharge the soul by awakening the senses. Guests can rejuvenate in one of six overwater treatment villas, each harnessing the psychology of natural light and sound play to send them into a deep state of relaxation.

With a captivating array of wildlife just on the doorstep, Planet Trekkers is a youngster’s paradise for discovering the deep wonders of the Indian Ocean. Through games, arts and crafts and mini expeditions, budding marine biologists and curious explorers from ages 4-12 can connect with the magic of the island whilst making brilliant friendships.