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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.
ELE|NA has been named Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the Maldives-based wellness brand’s contributions to the hospitality and wellness industry across the region.
The recognition comes as wellness continues to become an integral part of luxury hospitality, with ELE|NA working alongside resort partners to develop and operate wellness facilities that combine therapeutic experiences, trained professionals and operational expertise.
Guided by its Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, ELE|NA incorporates wellness into different aspects of the guest experience. Its six Pillars of Vitality – TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight – encompass therapeutic treatments, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, restorative sleep and nutrition. The framework allows individual resorts to develop wellness programmes tailored to their locations and guest preferences.
In addition to providing wellness experiences, ELE|NA works with hospitality partners on concept development, spa operations, therapist training and service delivery. Its operational model combines the individual characteristics of each resort with standardised systems and procedures aimed at maintaining service consistency across its properties.
Sustainability also forms part of the brand’s operations. All ELE|NA properties in the Maldives have received Platinum Sustainable Wellness Accreditation, recognising their approach to responsible spa operations, environmental management and community wellbeing.
The brand also invests in professional development through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, which provides training programmes for therapists and wellness professionals. The academy combines traditional therapeutic practices, practical training and contemporary wellness knowledge to support professional development and strengthen service standards across the industry.
The recognition at SATA 2026 comes as ELE|NA continues to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, extending its wellness concepts and services into India, Nepal and other emerging hospitality destinations.
With wellness increasingly influencing travellers’ accommodation choices and holiday experiences, ELE|NA continues to focus on integrating wellness services into resort operations while supporting the development of trained professionals and sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.
Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome award-winning chef James Knight-Paccheco, widely known as Chef JKP, on 11 and 12 December 2026 for two culinary events focusing on cooking techniques, culinary experiences and the exploration of new flavours.
On 11 December, Chef JKP will conduct a culinary workshop, offering guests the opportunity to cook alongside him, learn professional techniques and exchange ideas in the kitchen. The following evening, he will host a wine-pairing dinner featuring dishes prepared in his signature style, accompanied by wines selected by the resort’s resident sommelier to complement each course.
With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef JKP has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and restaurant projects across the UK and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. He is also the creator and host of The Chef JKP Podcast, which has recorded more than 6.5 million downloads.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, the culinary experience draws inspiration from the island’s surroundings, Maldivian flavours and traditional cooking methods, combined with international influences introduced by the resort’s team of chefs. This approach encourages the exchange of culinary knowledge and techniques, allowing guests to explore local dishes, learn new cooking methods and engage with the chefs responsible for their dining experiences.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo offers a setting where dining experiences focus on personalised service and interaction between guests and culinary professionals. Chef JKP’s visit is intended to provide guests with opportunities to engage directly with the visiting chef, gain insights into his approach to cooking and experience his culinary creations.
The culinary workshop will take place on 11 December 2026, followed by the wine-pairing dinner on 12 December 2026.
Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.
The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.
The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.
For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.
Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.
According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.
Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.
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