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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
Amilla Maldives presents ‘Eid in Harmony’ island celebration
Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.
Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.
During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.
The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.
Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.
Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.
Featured
SO/ Maldives unveils three-day Easter celebration
SO/ Maldives has announced a three-day Easter programme taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026, featuring dining experiences, sunset gatherings, beach cinema and family activities across the island.
Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lagoon waters, the programme is designed to combine culinary events, music and leisure activities, offering guests a variety of experiences over the Easter long weekend.
The celebrations begin on Good Friday, 3 April, with the Ocean Harvest & Wine Soirée at Citronelle Club. The event features a five-course seafood dinner inspired by South African cuisine, accompanied by a curated wine pairing hosted by a master sommelier. The experience will be limited to 20 guests.
Later in the evening, entertainment will continue at Lazuli Beach Club, where the Vintage Nights at Lazuli event will feature curated wines and DJ music in a beachfront setting.
On Saturday, 4 April, guests will be invited to a Golden Hour Sundowner at the Pavilion Bar, where cocktails will be served during sunset overlooking the lagoon.
The evening will continue with the Starlit Holy Saturday Feast at Lazuli Beach Club, featuring a three-course dinner served outdoors. The programme will conclude with an open-air beach cinema experience, where guests can watch a film on the beach accompanied by popcorn and refreshments.
The programme concludes on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a series of events along the island’s shoreline. The evening begins with Easter Bloom Cocktail Hours, offering floral-inspired drinks prepared with fruit and botanical ingredients.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Grand Beach Barbecue at Citronelle Club, featuring grilled dishes served in a seaside setting. The event will also include live saxophone performances and music.
Throughout the weekend, children will have access to a dedicated programme at The Nest, where activities will include Easter crafts, egg decorating, dance sessions and an Easter egg hunt. Additional activities such as face painting, piñata games and creative workshops will also be available.
Through its Easter programme, SO/ Maldives aims to provide a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering guests the opportunity to mark the holiday while enjoying the island setting.
Featured
Oaga Art Resort brings back Kula Kula Festival with global influences
Kula Kula Festival will return for its fourth edition at Oaga Art Resort from 20 to 25 March, bringing together cultural influences from the Maldives, Brazil and India in a programme centred on art, music and community.
The festival combines the traditions of Eid al-Fitr, the vibrant spirit of Brazilian Carnaval, and the colours of Holi, creating a multi-cultural celebration that highlights performance, heritage and shared experiences.
The programme begins with Eid-related traditions, inviting guests to take part in cultural rituals and performances inspired by Maldivian heritage. The festival continues its collaboration with Kiyavahi Culture Studio, which will present workshops, demonstrations and interactive installations showcasing traditional Maldivian crafts and storytelling.
Guests will have opportunities to explore cultural practices such as Fangi Viyun (thatch weaving), Roanu Veshun (coir rope making), Kasabu Gethun (lacquer work) and Thundu Kunaa Viyun (mat weaving). Through these sessions, participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of these crafts.
The festival begins with Eid Malhi, a bonfire lit by Oaga’s Rahvehin on 19 March to mark the sighting of the new moon. This is followed by Eid prayers and Eid Sai, a traditional breakfast at Kaa Kada. Throughout the day, guests can take part in activities such as Eid Kulhivaru beach games and Fen Kulhi, which combines water and colour play. The Maali Parade, inspired by Maldivian folklore, will lead guests to a high tea gathering at Raa Baa Beach featuring live performances and traditional attire experiences.
Live entertainment forms a central part of the festival programme, with performances from local and international artists. Guests will experience Boduberu fusion performances by Nuff and Ciam, storytelling rhythms by the Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and electronic music performances by Digital Flock during the Kula Kula Rave.

Dhivehi music will also be featured through performances by solo artist Naffah, while storyteller Amney will share Maldivian folklore through music sessions at O’Fire.
Indian classical music will be represented by sitar player Kalyan, who will perform across multiple sessions during the festival. Brazilian performer Alikko will introduce elements of Brazilian culture through fire shows and performances accompanying dining experiences at Kaa Kada.
Dining experiences will also highlight cultural diversity, with lunch and dinner services featuring themed presentations such as Eid Jaafaiy and Indian-inspired cuisine prepared in collaboration with Kalyan.
Evening programmes will include live music, fire performances, communal barbecues and a collaborative live art and music showcase titled Unethical Projection, featuring both resident and guest artists.
For the first time at the festival, Brazilian Carnaval will be incorporated into the programme. The segment will feature a Brazilian-inspired buffet at Kaa Kada, performances by Alikko and a Kula Kula Rave hosted by Digital Flock.
The final days of the festival will bring together Maldivian, Indian and Brazilian cultural influences under the theme Made of Many, Felt as One. Activities will include music sessions, collaborative performances featuring the Rav drum with Nuff, and storytelling by Amney.
The festival will conclude with a Deserted Day Picnic at Hastheem Sandbank, where guests can enjoy watersports, snacks and DJ sets by Afruh.
Through its programme of performances, cultural workshops and shared experiences, the Kula Kula Festival continues to position itself as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, reflecting the creative identity of Oaga Art Resort.
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