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Direct from Mumbai to Maldives: Vakkaru Maldives’ effortless escape package makes weekend escape easier

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Figuratively, the clamour of Mumbai and the calmness of the Maldives may seem a million miles away, but with Vakkaru Maldives’ inauguration launch of Effortless Escape from Mumbai to Vakkaru package, holiday-goers will be able to spring from the bustling city to the private island in half a day.

For those who want to make a stress-free retreat to a place that specialises in timeless serenity, this promises to be the ultimate weekend getaway.

A direct two and a half hours flight on Maldivian Airlines from Mumbai takes you to nearby Maafaru International Airport which lies in close proximity to Vakkaru Maldives home in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its exceptional sea life and incredible dive and snorkelling sites.

From the airport, it’s a scenic one hour and 20-minute speedboat transfer or 15-minute seaplane ride to the resort.

Available exclusively to guests travelling from India, the package includes direct international return flights from Mumbai to Maafaru International Airport, transfers, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, soft drinks during meals, and applicable service charges and taxes.

With check-in completed in a jiffy, Effortless Escape to Vakkaru guests can immediately commence their holiday.

Dive centre Splash is the resort’s gateway to the Maldives’ underwater marvels; overwater award winning Merana Spa is one of the Indian Ocean’s most blissful wellness destinations; resort facilities include the exceptional kids’ club Parrotfish Club, a 24/7 overwater gym, and best-in-class tennis coaching session by Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis.

Vakkaru’s beautifully appointed villas are either set on the powder-soft sands of the beach or placed over the turquoise waters of its bath-warm lagoon, where residents can expect to see kaleidoscopic marine life from their private decks.

During leisurely meals, guests can indulge in abundant buffet breakfasts at Amaany Restaurant which features an Indian food station.

Guests may choose from the extensive dining options for lunch and dinner, including the laidback Italian restaurant Isoletta, South-East Asian specialities at Onu, beach grill at Vakku or Japanese delicacies at Lagoon Bar.

On selected evenings, Amaany offers Indian Ocean Splash buffet featuring a lavish spread of Indian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian cuisines.

For extra special occasions, guests can arrange private destination dining experiences under the shade of palm trees in Vakkaru’s lush organic garden, or on a private sandbank.

Available to book until July 31, the Effortless Escape to Vakkaru package is valid for stays from May 9 to October 31.

Both honeymoon and family-friendly, Vakkaru Maldives’ is also extending the offer to families. Special rates are available for two adults and two children below 12 years staying in Family Villa categories, and to four adults and two children staying in Two Bedroom Beach Pool Residences.

An introductory three-night packaged rate inclusive of direct flight starts from an enticing $3,900++.

Nestled in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Vakkaru is a timeless sanctuary intuitively designed for guests seeking unassuming luxury and cherishable experiences.

A scenic 30- minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport takes you to this secluded reef island blessed with timeless ocean views, powder-soft white sand beaches, unique deep blue holes and spectacular marine biodiversity.

The 113 beautifully-appointed Over Water and Beach Villas are elegantly designed to respect the surrounding tropical nature and Maldivian charms.

Indulgent dining choices, a world-class wine cellar – home to a curated selection of fine vintage and non-vintage offerings from Old to New World — as well as curated leisure activities and amenities create enriched experiences for everyone.

For reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.

Celebration

‘A Season by the Sea’: Jumeirah Olhahali Island reveals holiday calendar

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Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced its festive programme, ‘A Season by the Sea’, which will take place from Thursday 18 December 2025 to Wednesday 7 January 2026. The programme combines seasonal traditions with experiences designed for guests of all ages.

The celebrations begin on 18 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, where guests can enjoy festive treats and live music. The following day, children will have the chance to take part in a gingerbread house decorating workshop.

A range of wellness and leisure activities will be available throughout the festive season, including sunrise power yoga, Pilates by the water’s edge, and tennis sessions in the evenings. Holiday tournaments will add a competitive edge for sports enthusiasts. Marine activities will also feature prominently, with options such as the Ocean Wonders Christmas morning snorkelling excursion, Dolphin Quest cruises, and private nurse shark encounters.

Dining experiences form a central part of the programme. Guests can take part in themed events including an Oyster and Caviar Dinner, a Maldivian Sharing Beach Dinner, and a private Festive High Tea. Christmas Eve will be marked with a Gala Gathering followed by the Olhahali Oceanside Gala Dinner, with live music, performances, and a festive menu. On Christmas Day, the resort will host a Poolside Brunch featuring seasonal dishes.

New Year’s Eve will be celebrated with a soirée at the heart of the island, followed by the resort’s signature Gala Dinner at Glow, which will feature a specially curated menu and entertainment. The celebrations continue on New Year’s Day with a Beachside Brunch, and the week that follows will include events such as the Chef’s Table at Kayto, highlighting Nikkei cuisine, and Taste of India at Glow, showcasing Indian culinary traditions.

To complement the programme, Jumeirah Olhahali Island offers a range of villas suitable for couples, families, and larger groups. Options include one-bedroom overwater and beach villas with private pools, rooftop terraces, and direct ocean access, as well as two- and three-bedroom residences such as the signature MIRI Villa. These larger accommodations feature spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms, and infinity pools set over the lagoon or beach, designed to create a setting for shared celebrations during the festive season.

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Celebration

Early bird festive packages unveiled at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is set to transform the festive season into a wellness-inspired escape, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to combine celebration with rejuvenation. Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort has introduced its Festive Early Bird offer, available for booking until 31 October 2025 for stays between 20 December 2025 and 15 January 2026.

The package includes a complimentary dining upgrade from breakfast to half board, with children under 12 staying and dining free of charge. Guests are also offered 20% savings on spa treatments, alongside experiences such as kayaking, a 30-minute professional photo session, and a programme of recharging activities. The Westin Family Kids Club provides younger guests with engaging activities, ensuring families can enjoy the holiday in full.

The highlight of the festive programme will be a Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. The evening will capture the spirit of the 1920s with vintage cocktails, champagne, live entertainment, and a midnight fireworks display set against the Maldivian night sky.

The resort’s well-being philosophy, built on the pillars of Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, and Play Well, underpins the holiday experience. From restorative rest on the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed to fresh, seasonal cuisine at three dining venues and bars, every detail is designed to support balance and renewal.

In addition, Marriott Bonvoy members will earn an extra 20,000 bonus points when booking the ‘Celebrate Festive – Early Bird Offer’.

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Celebration

Boduberu, craft and cuisine highlight National Day at Grand Park Kodhipparu

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Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, marked Maldives National Day with a cultural programme designed to highlight the traditions and heritage of the islands. Guests were offered opportunities to experience aspects of Maldivian culture in the natural surroundings of North Malé Atoll.

The resort organised a Boduberu workshop where visitors were introduced to the rhythms of the traditional Maldivian drum. Local artisans guided participants in traditional jewellery making, sharing techniques that have been passed down through generations. Guests also took part in palm weaving, once an essential island skill, and were able to dress in traditional attire to connect with Maldivian customs.

Culinary traditions were featured through tastings of Maldivian dishes prepared by the resort’s chefs, showcasing local flavours and long-established recipes. Visitors explored a display of Maldivian arts and crafts, with works produced by local artisans representing the country’s creative and artisanal heritage.

The day concluded with a Boduberu performance at sunset, combining music, dance and rhythm in a communal expression of cultural identity.

Citra Suriah, Director of Marketing at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, said: “At Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, we believe in the quiet power of culture to connect, ground, and inspire. This celebration is both a tribute to the beauty of the Maldivian way of life and an invitation for our guests to witness and take part in something deeply authentic and enduring.”

The resort continues to focus on cultural preservation and community support, curating experiences that reflect and honour the spirit of the Maldives while offering guests a meaningful connection to local heritage.

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