Featured
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.
Entertainment
New Year’s Eve Gala at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La to feature live performance by Nasooh
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La is preparing to host a vibrant New Year’s Eve Gala Night on 31 December 2025, inviting guests to welcome 2026 with an evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and festive celebration.
The event will be headlined by Mohamed Nasooh, one of the Maldives’ emerging musical talents whose voice has earned national recognition. Nasooh first rose to prominence as a former vocalist of the popular band 2ofus, which represented the Maldives internationally and achieved notable success as the 2nd Runner-Up at the Battle of the Bands International. His growing popularity on TikTok, combined with his expressive vocal performances, has made him a well-loved figure among audiences of all ages.
Guests attending the New Year’s Eve Gala Night can look forward to a memorable live performance from Nasooh, who will bring his distinctive vocal style and stage presence to the celebration as the country ushers in a new year.
Adding to the excitement, the evening will also include a special grand prize, with details set to be announced soon. The announcement has already generated anticipation and is expected to be a highlight of the event.
The Gala Night will offer an elegant dining experience and a festive atmosphere, providing an inviting setting for families, couples, and friends wishing to celebrate the start of 2026 in style. The full programme and menu will be shared in the coming days.
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La welcomes guests to join this exceptional evening—an occasion filled with music, flavour, and celebration marking the arrival of the new year.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, located amid the clear waters of Raa Atoll, has introduced an experiential interpretation of the Blue Mind Theory through a new tailored package. The scientifically rooted concept suggests that being near, in, on, or under water can enhance happiness, calmness, and a sense of connection, while also boosting creativity and reducing stress. According to a UK survey by the Ocean Conservation Trust, 94% of participants reported improvements to their wellbeing after interacting with the ocean.
The resort offers direct access to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant marine environments and has curated a selection of wellness, adventure, and relaxation experiences aligned with the restorative principles of the Blue Mind Theory. Situated within the Maldives’ largest natural lagoon, its colourful house reef is home to blacktip reef sharks, turtles, and manta rays. As a key partner of The Manta Trust, InterContinental Maldives provides opportunities for guests to swim with manta rays in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts guided by experts.
Insights from The Manta Trust help illustrate the theory in practice. Meral Hafeez, Project Manager at the organisation, observes that encountering manta rays for the first time often brings a profound emotional response: “Time seems to slow down, fear is replaced with wonder, and what remains is a palpable sense of joy. Much of this stems from the grandeur the sea evokes – you are constantly humbled by its immensity. Feeling a sense of awe increases wellbeing and deepens our connection to the world.”
Drawing on this specialist knowledge, the resort’s Blue Mind package includes overwater meditation, guided seaside yoga, tailored treatments at AVI Spa, snorkelling sessions with The Manta Trust, and a private dinner under the stars. Guided yoga and meditation sessions held at dawn and dusk promote mindfulness while synchronising with the natural rhythm of the ocean. AVI Spa offers treatments inspired by marine elements and water-based techniques to reduce anxiety, restore balance, and support circadian wellbeing.
Guests may also choose a five-course dinner with champagne on a remote sandbank, offering a uniquely tranquil setting surrounded entirely by the Indian Ocean. The resort’s secluded location enhances its suitability for practising the principles of the Blue Mind Theory, supported by ongoing involvement from The Manta Trust.
Residence rates begin at USD 4,745++ per night, inclusive of a variety of tailored experiences.
Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, has announced the launch of a dedicated Sea Turtle Conservation Programme, developed in partnership with the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre (AMCC). Beginning on 25 November 2025, this long-term initiative strengthens the resort’s commitment to the Vignette Collection pillar Means for Good, reflecting a considered approach to environmental stewardship and responsible hospitality.
The waters surrounding Noku Maldives support a naturally thriving ecosystem, characterised by extensive seagrass meadows, coral-rich shallows, and warm lagoons that provide an essential refuge for sea turtles. In recent years, the island has recorded multiple nesting events along its shores — a rare and significant indicator of the health of its marine environment. The new programme aims to safeguard and enhance this natural heritage.
As part of the collaboration, a full-time AMCC marine biologist will be stationed on the island to lead a comprehensive portfolio of conservation activities. This will include monitoring the local sea turtle population, assessing reef and coral health, supporting long-term scientific research, and conducting fieldwork and outreach initiatives across neighbouring islands.
The programme will also enhance guest engagement through educational talks, guided snorkelling experiences, and hands-on conservation workshops, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with the underwater world in an enriching and meaningful way.
The initiative complements Noku Maldives’ growing suite of Means for Good activities, which already include reef conservation studies, coral restoration projects, cultural experiences, and community-led programmes. Together, these efforts underpin the resort’s commitment to delivering stays that are rooted in authenticity, responsibility, and deep respect for the natural environment.
“Our lagoon has always been a peaceful refuge for sea turtles and marine life,” said Hussain Shahid, General Manager of Noku Maldives. “This partnership with AMCC reflects our dedication to protecting these waters and ensuring they continue to flourish. By bringing conservation, community involvement, and guest education together, we hope to create meaningful and lasting impact for the atoll.”
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