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Festive extravaganza at Hard Rock Hotel, SAii Lagoon Maldives

S Hotels & Resorts has announced an extensive line-up of events in Maldives this festive season.

The Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will ring in the New Year with all things pink for the resort’s first festive season. The SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, will spread festive cheer and ring in the New Year with exotic celebrations, live entertainment and tropical delicacies.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is ready to rock ‘n’ roll this Christmas with an array of music-themed festive activities on offer throughout the holiday season. Think pink as the resort decks its halls with rose-coloured decorations, accessories and beverages, inviting guests to complement the theme and dress pretty in pink.
The festivities kick off on December 22 with an Island Food and Wine Fun Fair, where delicacies of the world are combined with fragrant wines from the resort’s cellar to create a bountiful island feast. Guests are invited to adorn a chef’s hat and apron at Sessions and learn the tricks of the trade behind each chef’s live cooking station, featuring an assortment of exotic flavours from Indonesia to Japan, to Saudi Arabia.
On December 23, little rock stars are invited to rock around the Christmas tree with the resort’s tree lighting ceremony at Octagon Lawn, accompanied by delicious Christmas cookies, fruit punch and heart-warming mulled wine for adult rockers.
On Christmas Eve, families and friends can come together to enjoy Christmas In The Sand at Sessions, a novel dining experience on the peaceful shores of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. On Christmas Day, jingle all the way to The Elephant and The Butterfly, where rosé and pink hats are aplenty and a pink Christmas brunch like no other awaits.
The festivities resume on December 27 with La Vie en Rosé Fridays; sip rosé, savour seafood, soak in the sunshine and dance to live music throughout the day at The Elephant and The Butterfly. On December 29, celebrate the delights of the Indian Ocean with a seafood market.
On New Year’s Eve, Hard Rock rings in the New Year with all things pink, where a sumptuous feast at Sessions tickles the tastebuds, and everything from gin, to cocktails, to champagne and beer, are all served in shades of pink. Live entertainment ensues by the beach with Latino band Sugar, followed by renowned acoustic guitarist Luca Stricagnoli.

The festive season is all around at SAii Lagoon Maldives, as the resort celebrates its first SAiisational winter with a series of fun-filled activities for guests of all ages. Decorations of blue and silver will echo throughout the resort, bringing festive cheer to the island paradise.
The festivities begin on December 22, as you join the resort’s chefs to craft and decorate your very own gingerbread house at Miss Olive Oyl. The build-up to Christmas continues on December 23, when parents, children and couples are invited to enjoy the resort’s SAiisational Tree Lighting, during which fruit punch, cookies and glühwein will be served to the sound of joyous SAiicarollers.
On Christmas Eve, little ones can make their way to Santa’s Wishing Counter at Koimala & Maalimi’s Junior Kids Club and Camp, where Santa’s helpers will be ready to make wishes come true on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve dinner will be served at Miss Olive Oyl.
On Christmas Day, wondrous surprises lie in store as Santa’s sleigh touches down on the shimmering sands of SAii Lagoon Maldives. Guests will be invited to gather around Koimala & Maalimi’s Junior Kids Club and Camp as an exciting morning filled with engaging activities and amusement awaits. At lunchtime, Miss Olive Oyl Pool will host Art Of The Party; a colourful event featuring flamboyant costumes, vibrant artworks and Mediterranean delights alongside live musical entertainment.
SAii reignites the festivities on December 27 with a seafood market at Miss Olive Oyl, showcasing the freshest local catches of the day.
On New Year’s Eve, guests can enjoy an exotic celebration at One Thousand And One Nights, an evening filled with aromatic flavours, fairy tale lighting and live entertainment. The celebrations continue after dinner in Café del Mar Maldives with a Countdown Party till late.
SAii Lagoon Maldives, a Curio Collection by Hilton, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives are part of Crossroads Maldives, the Maldives’ first and largest integrated tourist destination owned by Thailand’s leading developer Singha Estate.
Crossroads encompasses nine idyllic islands fringing the Emboodhoo Lagoon in the South Male Atoll, three of which have been used as the first phase of the project.
Phase one of the integrated development opened in September, and features two lifestyle hotels, SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, both of which have direct access to extensive facilities at The Marina @ Crossroads, an 800-metre lifestyle area and beach walk featuring retail, entertainment and dining outlets. The facilities include a 30-berth marina, the Junior Beach Club and Camp, the Crossroads Event Hall, Maldives Discovery Centre and Marine Discovery Centre – the project’s environmental and educational hub.
A Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, SAii Lagoon Maldives is an original and inspiring resort that features a series of rooms and villas, including overwater pool villas, plus world-class dining as well as access to extensive water sports, cultural activities and wellness at The Marina.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives features 178 rooms, suites and villas, plus family-friendly experiences and Hard Rock’s branded concepts, including a Hard Rock Cafe, Rock Spa, and two Rock Shops showcasing merchandise and music memorabilia.
Both hotels are operated by S Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
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