Featured
Vibrant festive cheer awaits guests at Seaside Finolhu
Seaside Finolhu has announced its festive schedule for this year’s holiday season.
Guests of the luxury Maldives resort are guaranteed an extravaganza of unforgettable gourmet, cultural and entertainment experiences designed to delight everyone from children to families and from couples to groups of friends.
While Finolhu’s Magic Experience Team always go to great lengths to ensure that every day is full of joy and wonder on Finolhu’s island playground, they have gone the extra mile to conjure up some fantastical treats as part of their vibrant festive celebrations.
In addition to all the usual entertainment and culinary delights on offer at Finolhu, the festivities get underway on December 22 and run through until January 3 with many special activities designed to entertain and delight friends, families and children.

Throughout the holiday period, the in-house DJ will be setting the mood to party time, while the amazing Silent Alarm band will be providing live music at a very special New Year’s Eve event.
For many people, the festive season is all about children, and the Finolhu team have ensured that the resort’s younger guests will enjoy a thrill-packed holiday season of joy and wonder. From the eager excitement of awaiting Santa’s arrival to the playful delight of fun-packed games and activities, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to get into the festive spirit at Finolhu.
The little ones get a chance to set their creative spirit free by making their own festive candles at the Oceaneer’s Club of December 22, while all of Finolhu’s younger guests are invited to join the elves and help Santa prepare for the big day by making some extra special gifts on December 23.
Part of the Christmas Eve festivities include a Kid’s Fashion Show when they get a chance to dress up in their favourite costumes, while the undoubted highlight of Christmas Day for the young ones will be Santa’s arrival ceremony.

There are, as you would expect, a number of activities designed to bring the whole family together as well. Featuring entertainment and games, the underlying theme here is that, “The family that plays together stays together.”
A sand sculpting competition on December 24 encourages team spirit and creativity, while the Christmas Day Glitter Art activities give the young and young-at-heart the creative freedom to sprinkle some festive cheer into their imaginative creations in Finolhu’s Art Studio.
All guests are invited to join in the fun and games at the Family & Friends Fun Challenge on December 26, when they will have plenty of opportunity to get into the island playground spirit by competing against other teams in a series of fun-filled games where the laughter never stops and everyone is a winner.
There is also a chance for all guests to make sure that 2020 ends with a big splash at the Last Aqua Fun event. Those with a sense of fun and adventure can take the plunge and dive into the fun games and performances in and around the pool during the day on New Year’s Eve.
For anyone feeling a bit more energetic, there is even a mini-soccer tournament planned for January 2.

Of course, it would not be the festive season without a few parties and shows. Finolhu’s not-to-be-missed Maldivian Culture Show provides a great insight into the sights, sounds and tastes of the local culture with a combination of the finest music, entertainment and food from the Maldives. Guests can catch the show on December 22 and again on December 29.
In the midst of all the action and games, Movie Night gives everyone a chance to chill out at the Beach Club on December 27 and January 2.
As anyone who has ever visited Finolhu knows, food is a major part of the resort’s identity and guests will have plenty of opportunities to indulge their taste buds during this year’s festive season. In addition to the local treats and delicacies on offer during the Maldivian Culture Shows, there will be a selection of canapés and cocktails served at the official Coconut Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the sandbank on December 23.
However, the real epicurean adventure begins on Christmas Eve with the season’s first big feast. The highlight of the White Party on the beach is a sumptuous Christmas Dinner served beneath the swaying palm trees and with a full evening’s entertainment that includes the Kid’s Fashion Show and many special performances.
The Christmas Day Lunch promises to be a real festive feast with a variety of international specialties served up in the relaxed atmosphere of the Beach Kitchen.

The New Year’s Eve festivities get underway with a cocktail party followed by a New Year’s Eve Dinner. The resident DJ sets the mood, while the Silent Alarm band are sure to get everyone up on the dance floor with their set of international classics. Throughout the evening, there is also live entertainment by a number of surprise performances with details yet to be announced.
As the sun sets on New Year’s Day, Finolhu’s guests are invited to celebrate the first night of the New Year in the vibrant neon glow of the Kaleidoscope Disco. The colourful black light party features a live DJ spinning the tunes in an evening of music and dancing.

Finolhu was opened in June 2016 and consists of four islands with long beaches. It has 125 beachfront and overwater villas (more than half with private pool) and four restaurants.
While popular with honeymooners, the extensive resort is also very family-friendly, with a kids’ club, a wide choice of activities and world-famous entertainment.
Owned and managed by Seaside Collection, a Europe-based hotel group with an exclusive portfolio of high-end resorts and city hotels, Seaside Finolhu Maldives is a luxury island resort. “Finolhu”, which is a direct translation of “sandbank” in Dhivehi is located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives.
For more information or to make a booking, please visit www.finolhu.com.
Featured
Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories
Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.
The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.
The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.
A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.
Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.
Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.
The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.
All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.
The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.
The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.
Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.
The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.
The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.
The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026
.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.
The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.
The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.
At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.
Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.
The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.
The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.
The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.
The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.
These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.
The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Awards
Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027
Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.
The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.
The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.
Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.
Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.
Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.
Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.
The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.
The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.
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