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Celebrate festive season with island revelries in Maldives
As the year draws to a close, Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives have curated special packages and themes inspiring guests from around the world to come together and celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with fervour in the archipelago.
Private island resorts transform into picturesque playgrounds to reconnect with family and friends, allowing one to share heartfelt experiences together once again. Guests will be spoilt for choice with an array of experiences to celebrate the magic of Christmas and to ring in 2023, from gastronomical adventures and festive decor to a fabulous countdown party.
Whether it is a romantic couple getaway or a multi-generational resort vacation, a holiday wellness weekend with friends or a special treat from Santa for the kids, Maldives as a destination lends itself perfectly to suit all types of travellers. Guests can choose between the curated holiday packages at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, W Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort as they step into a wonderful world of festive delight on this secluded haven, surrounded by the endless blue of the Indian Ocean. A variety of inspiring dining events, entertainment and an out-of-the-ordinary New Year’s Eve celebration, set against a gentle sea breeze and swaying palm trees, will ensure an unforgettable revelry.
Explore what’s on offer and prepare to make these five-star resorts a home for the holidays, where one can relish culinary delights on the shores of pristine beaches overlooking the azure Indian Ocean and partake in festive celebrations and activities with loved ones.
A MAGICAL ADVENTURE AT JW MARRIOTT MALDIVES RESORT & SPA
Located on Vagaru Island, Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents everything one needs for a luxurious stress-free family vacation. The resort features 60 beach and overwater villas, all with private pools, spacious wooden decks and a wide array of amenities with personalised Thakuru (Butler) service. Eclectic dining experiences are offered throughout the resort’s five dining venues and three full service bars, while Spa by JW offers a journey to revitalise mind, body, and spirit.
Imaginative, unique and paired with infinite ocean views, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites guests to celebrate the most special time of the year with a spectacular voyage inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean Saga and share memorable moments with loved ones as they ring in the year 2023. The resort promises an unforgettable adventure with all the sophisticated fun and good cheer one could dream of, captivating wellness activities, live entertainment, and generous gastronomy, from December 20, 2022, to January 10, 2023. Children can look forward to an action-packed calendar of activities from a Santa Hunt to popsicle stick craft, movie nights with popcorn and hot chocolate and more at the FAMiLY by JW Little Griffins Kids Club.
Fly & Dine includes:
- Daily buffet breakfast at Aailaa restaurant for two persons
- Daily lunch or dinner at selected restaurants for two persons
- Complimentary shared seaplane transfers from and to Male Airport
- A minimum of three-night stay is required
A CAPTIVATING HOLIDAY AT W MALDIVES
Located in North Ari Atoll, W Maldives is a lifestyle luxury resort, igniting curiosity and expanding worlds. The five-star resort features six restaurants and bars, a pampering AWAY® Spa and the world beneath the waves at DOWN UNDER with reef sharks in one of Maldives’ best house reefs.
W Maldives is all set to glow this festive season featuring a neon aquatic theme for a colourful, upbeat and stylish celebration. Guests will be regaled through a series of exciting activities designed to ensure their guests go longer, stay later and vibe with their tribe in true W style as they ring in the New Year. Themed dinners across dining venues, special festive offerings at AWAY® Spa, daily schedule of complimentary FUEL Your Workout and wellness classes, Just For Kids activities and more will make the holiday escape truly engaging from 21 Dec 2022 to 14 Jan 2023.
READY SET GLOW! includes:
- Festive Dining – choose from a Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24, 2022 and/or New Year’s Eve Dinner on December 31, 2022
- Always-On Festive Programming – W Festive Lighting, Santa’s arrival to W Maldives, Mix & Mingle Cocktail Sessions, B&F Curated Evenings, FUEL activities, and many more
- Welcome amenity
- Daily breakfast at KITCHEN
- Whatever/Whenever® Service
- Non-motorised watersports experiences
FESTIVE GATEWAY TO PARADISE AT SHERATON MALDIVES FULL MOON RESORT & SPA
Situated on a private island in North Male Atoll, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is accessible via a complimentary 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, making it an attractive destination for those who prefer brief travel. Focusing on togetherness, the five-star resort features seven restaurants and bars, two freshwater pools, a tennis court, a 24-hour gym and ample of on-island activities including Sheraton’s signature Side-by-Side Family Program, the resort is the picturesque destination for honeymooners, families with young children or teens and solo travellers alike.
Guests can escape to paradise this festive season and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with loved ones. Special treats range from sumptuous culinary experiences to thoughtful amenities. A schedule of events, themed nights from Latin American to Mediterranean and Maldivian, special activities and games for kids and festive dinners ensure the celebrations continue from Christmas till the start of the New Year.
Timeless Festive offer includes:
- Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24, 2022
- Santa Sandbank trip on December 25, 2022
- Scheduled and shared return transfers by speed boat
- A bottle of sparkling wine per stay
- Daily buffet breakfast at Feast Restaurant
- Daily dinner at designated outlets
- Special welcome amenity of selected fruits and chocolates
- A minimum of four-night stay is required
FESTIVE CELEBRATION AWAITS AT THE WESTIN MALDIVES MIRIANDHOO RESORT
Nestled on a beautiful coral island of the Baa Atoll, the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site in Maldives, guests of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort can experience a tranquil wellness escape with uninterrupted ocean and pristine turquoise lagoon views. The idyllic setting for romance, family hideouts, gastronomy and well-being, the contemporary resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of the holiday season with completely private, standalone spacious villas offering discreet and personalised service, allowing one to reconnect with themselves and the people that they loved as 2022 draws to a close.
Inspired by the book “Around the world in 80 days”, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests into a culinary journey through 80 dreamy destinations and less known authentic regions while staying there this festive season. At Island Kitchen, experience and enjoy well-known cuisines from Italy to India, in conjunction with less explored Nordic and Basque delicacies. Dance with the vibrant beats from our Boduberu – traditional Maldivian music, while enjoying the best seafood Maldives has on offer. Feel part of the hustle and bustle of South East Asia at Hawker, where the exceptional cuisines from Vietnam, Bali, Korea, and the Philippines will leave you craving for more; all while sipping on the finest Rosé or well-known Asian Beers. Their signature restaurant, The Pearl, offers delectable Japanese cuisine in a fine dining setting during lunch and dinner which are paired with Sake to please every palate.
Fly & Dine includes:
- Festive welcome amenity in the room upon arrival
- Daily breakfast at Island Kitchen
- Daily three-course dinner at Island Kitchen or Hawker
- Gala dinner for Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve included in the package
- Curated activities and adventures are offered for kids and adults (complimentary and paid)
- Use of snorkelling equipment and ocean kayaks (up to two hours)
- Daily workout and wellness sessions
- A minimum of three-night stay is required
To know more about the Festive offers at the resorts click here and for further details on Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in Maldives click here.
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.
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.
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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