Featured
Ready to frolic with Amilla Maldives’ festive fun?
Pixies and elves will be taking over Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences this festive season. That’s British pop star, Pixie Lott, to be precise (the resort’s New Year’s Eve headline act), as well as the resort’s hard-working elves. Santa himself will be making a visit, too. In total there’ll be three weeks of thrills and entertainment.
The private island resort, in Baa Atoll, is being lit up with beautiful sustainable solar light installations and a huge Christmas tree on the main beach made of lights, along with a sleigh pulled by reindeer and a super-sized Christmas ornament. Adorable reindeer, hand-made from wood, will also be dotted throughout the resort.
Amilla’s action-packed schedule kicks off on December 23, with the unveiling of a huge hand-decorated Gingerbread House at Fresh restaurant. It will be followed by the hottest date on Amilla Maldives’ social calendar, the Children’s Fashion Show. Recreating moments from famous Christmas stories set in the past, present and future; the kids will strut the catwalk in sustainable clothing and accessories they made during Kids’ Club sessions. All this activity will be rewarded with a feast fit for Santa later that evening, for ‘kids’ of all ages. And of course, Santa himself will arrive on Christmas day with sacks full of gifts for everyone on his ‘nice’ list.
Boxing Day will begin with a distinctly sporty flavour (which will help everyone work off their Christmas dinners and all those treats). It will kick off with Amilla’s festive football camp, hosted by superstar footballer Arjen Robben. The Dutch hero will teach the resort’s littlest VIPs key skills during the five-day camp. Then the hotly-contested Amilla Cup Tennis Tournament is next on the agenda, hosted by LUX tennis resident pro, Ryan Brough.
Following Christmas, a jam-packed week of activities will lead up to the much-anticipated ‘Out of the Blue’-themed New Year’s Eve celebrations. This year’s theme blends Venetian glamour with mystical underwater creatures. On the main stage, Maldivian DJ Tappu will kick off the show before the legendary Maldivian group, Limestone Band, hits the stage. The headline act, Pixie Lott, will thrill the crowds before DJ Alex Fresh, direct from Russia, counts down the last seconds of 2021 and welcomes in 2022, accompanied by a stunning fireworks display.
Guests will be able to enjoy a plethora of dining experiences throughout the festive period, with theme nights such as Asian Street Food, Arabic and Seafood, as well as delectable festive menus featuring caviar and truffles. A degustation wine-pairing dinner is another of the highlights, as well as two luxury champagne and caviar cruises aboard the beautiful Princess 62 yacht, Blend.
Christmas will come twice this year at Amilla, as the resort will celebrate Russian Orthodox Christmas in January. Ded Moroz and the Snow Maiden will pay a visit to the children on the 30th of December. Russian pop star, Dima Bilan, will perform on the main stage on Christmas Eve on the 6th of January, supported by his band and DJ Alex Fresh. The party will continue with the local Limestone Band into the small hours.
A limited number of villas are still available for last-minute bookings for anyone who doesn’t want to miss the star-studded celebrations. Contact stay@amilla.com or ask your travel agent for more information.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
-
Cooking1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
News1 week agoThe Standard Maldives targets Chinese market with new all-inclusive programme
-
Cooking1 week agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept
-
Action1 week agoEri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
-
Action1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi hosts football programme with Marcus Allbäck
-
News1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu unveils ‘Kodhipparu Escapes’ promotion
-
Awards6 days agoAngsana Velavaru achieves 4.8 rating in British Airways Customer Awards
-
Honeymoon5 days agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers secluded island experiences for couples


