Featured
Enjoy sun, sea, sand this festive season at Anantara Dhigu, Veli, Naladhu
This year, why not escape a cold UK Christmas and celebrate the festive season in style with a trip to paradise with Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort and Naladhu Private Island Maldives?
Guests can look forward to Christmas crafts and tropical tree decorating, magical dinners and festive feasts, a New Year’s Eve to remember and adventures with Santa himself, from December 23, 2019 to January 7, 2020.

Whether guests are looking to escape the hectic buzz of the festive season, embrace an alternative Christmas or mix and match old and new traditions, children and adults alike can celebrate this special time of year in this beautiful Indian Ocean lagoon.
Each island will host its own tree lighting ceremony, with carol singing, seasonal treats and a magical Maldivian twist. Festive feasts will be served by the beach under the stars, with a lobster dinner, pool party and food and wine fair perfect for couples looking to for a sophisticated but relaxed Christmas together.
Throughout the festive season, kids will love spotting Santa across the islands, posing for photos underwater, parasailing in the sky or speeding across the ocean on a jet ski. The Dhoni Kids Club has a fun filled programme with festive adventures including Christmas crafts, tree decorating, a New Year’s Eve Party and treasure hunt, where Santa is bound to make an appearance!
Other activities for all guests include dance classes and team sports such as water polo, beach tennis, and pètanque to name a few. Those looking for more adventurous Christmas can go diving in the lagoon, have a go at flyboarding or head for the waves with Tropicsurf, whose dedicated team cater for all abilities whether just beginning to test the waters, or a fully-fledged surfer dude.

Children will be bursting with excitement as they wake up on Christmas morning to find Santa himself at Fushi Café with a sack full of presents to open before enjoying a traditional roast turkey lunch with all the trimmings as well as Maldivian specialities and freshly caught fish at the Christmas Day feast.
Celebrations don’t stop after Christmas, with A Whole New World Gala feast, which will transform the islands into an Arabian fairy tale, planned to welcome in the New Year. After a spectacular dinner of fresh seafood and elements from the beloved Aladdin, sparkling fireworks will light up the star-studded sky and ring in the New Year with a bang.
Those looking to revitalise and rebalance after a busy year can visit the Anantara Spa, which offers holiday packages and treatments sure to leave guests feeling reenergised, reinvigorated and ready for 2020. The stunning overwater sanctuary and Balance by Anantara Spa now offer innovate therapies by Cocoon Medical Spa. Try the Diamond Microdermabrasion that exfoliates and leaves the skin firm and even, or the Jet Lag Hydration Vitamin IV Infusion that reboots the system through a high-dose Vitamin C and saline blend.
Those seeking a sunshine-filled festive escape should look no further than Anantara Dhigu Maldives, Anantara Veli Maldives and Naladhu Private Island Maldives, where magical memories are guaranteed.
Nightly rates at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort start from £814++ in a Sunset Beach Villa on a bed and breakfast basis.
Nightly rates at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort start from £725++ in a Deluxe Over Water Bungalow on a bed & breakfast basis.
Nightly rates at Naladhu Private Island Maldives start from £1,193++ in an Ocean House with Pool on a bed and breakfast basis.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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