This festive season, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is inviting travellers to return to where the story of the “Original Maldives” began — a sanctuary of barefoot elegance, ocean tranquillity and heartfelt connection.

From 22 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, the island will celebrate its 30-year journey with the theme “A Season to Return” — a tribute to gratitude and renewal, where moments of wellbeing, community and culinary artistry come together.

The festive period at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is designed as a time to slow down, restore balance and reconnect with what truly matters. Each day begins with sunrise yoga or meditation by the ocean, followed by regenerative spa rituals at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, recognised at the Travel + Leisure Asia Awards 2025.

Programme highlights include the New Year’s Yoga Awakening on the Lagoon Platform, Gratitude Meditation sessions and Herbal Massage Oil Workshops. Each experience reflects Banyan Tree’s holistic approach to wellbeing, harmonising nature, mindfulness and rejuvenation as the new year unfolds.

A celebration of global flavours with local inspiration will be presented across the resort’s three restaurants and two bars.

Each evening will offer a distinctive dining journey that highlights a sense of place. At Saffron, the Thai Degustation Dinner will showcase refined interpretations of Thai cuisine, while at the award-winning Madi Hiyaa, an elegant Omakase and Sake Pairing menu will be served, with each course crafted to tell its own story of flavour and artistry.

At Sangu Garden, themed evenings such as Maldivian Oasis and Fisherman’s Night will pay homage to the island’s vibrant heritage. The Orthodox Night, curated in honour of the Russian New Year, will bring additional warmth to the season with a candlelit dinner under the stars, featuring ocean-fresh delicacies and live music.

The programme will also feature indulgent tasting experiences, including Japanese Lobster and Champagne dinners and Lagoon Wine and Chocolate tastings, curated to inspire curiosity and delight. Hosted at Madi Hiyaa, the overwater restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean, these evenings will unfold against a backdrop of tranquil lagoon vistas — a celebration of togetherness and the timeless beauty of the Maldives.

Guests interested in culinary creativity will be able to participate in a series of interactive classes. The Saffron Signature Cooking Class, Maldivian Curry Class and Island Barman Japanese Cocktail Workshop will offer opportunities to learn new skills under the guidance of the resort’s culinary team, combining technique with the simple joy of creation.

As the sun sets, the island will transform into a setting for connection and celebration. The festive line-up includes Christmas Eve Sunset Cocktails, a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with a Masquerade theme and a beachside countdown, complemented by traditional Bodu Beru performances under the stars. Each moment is designed to reflect Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s legacy of hospitality, nurturing a sense of connection, wellbeing and belonging.

In line with the brand ethos “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People”, the festive season will also be anchored in purpose. Guests will have the opportunity to join meaningful activities led by the resort’s pioneering Marine Lab — the first of its kind in the Maldives. Initiatives such as Christmas Coral Micro-Fragmentation Planting, “Save the Reef” snorkelling experiences, local reef clean-ups and educational marine talks will support the island’s long-standing conservation mission and encourage deeper engagement with the ocean environment.

With the theme “A Season to Return”, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s festive programme reflects the spirit of the resort’s 30-year journey — a tribute to the people, culture and heritage that have helped define the Original Maldives for generations.

Travellers choosing to return to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru for the 2025 festive season will enjoy exclusive benefits, including savings on villa stays for bookings of five nights or more, along with a range of additional privileges designed to inspire joy, balance and renewal.

As the year draws to a close, A Season to Return offers moments of gratitude and gentle anticipation for new beginnings — a celebration of love, romance and the enduring appeal of returning to where it all began.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is set to host an exclusive winemaker’s dinner on 12 November 2025 at its beachfront restaurant, The Asian Kitchen. The evening will feature special guest and vineyard co-owner Carolyn Martin, who will present a curated selection of vintages from Creation Estate, one of South Africa’s most recognised wineries, located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge.

Guests will be served a four-course menu, with each dish paired with a premium Creation wine to showcase the estate’s elegance and terroir-driven character.

Founded by Jean-Claude and Carolyn Martin, Creation has gained international recognition for its innovative approach, commitment to environmental stewardship and its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Since its beginnings in 2002, when virus-free vines were first planted, the estate has gone on to be named among the Top Ten of the World’s Best Vineyards and Number One in Africa, reflecting a philosophy rooted in respect for nature, craftsmanship and ongoing innovation.

Situated against the backdrop of the Babylonstoren Mountain and influenced by cooling ocean breezes from the nearby Atlantic, Creation benefits from ancient soils, diverse flora, favourable temperatures and carefully managed vines, resulting in expressive wines with purity, balance and finesse.

“When you are harvesting quality fruit, guide it gently through the winemaking process so as to preserve the sense of place,” said Creation Cellarmaster, Jean-Claude Martin.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives’ Director of Culinary, Restaurants & Bars, Chef Eddie Ng, has created a refined menu to complement the wines. Guests will begin with a choice of Crispy Oysters paired with Creation Rosé 2024 or Shrimp Ceviche paired with Creation Sauvignon Blanc 2023. The soup course features a Vietnamese favourite, Rolled Salmon with Dill in Clear Soup with pineapple and tomato, served with Creation Viognier 2024.

For the main course, diners may select Lemongrass Chicken Dumplings paired with Creation Chardonnay 2023 or Slow-braised Beef Short Rib paired with Creation Pinot Noir 2023. The dinner concludes with a Chocolate Marquise with Cherry Compote and Hazelnut Praline, matched with Creation Syrah Grenache 2022.

The event is open exclusively to in-house guests of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives and is priced at US$119 per person. Guests on all-inclusive packages or dinner-inclusive meal plans at The Asian Kitchen are eligible for a special discounted rate of US$69++ per person. The resort currently has availability on 12 November, with a range of villa options on offer for those wishing to attend this guest-only occasion.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.

Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.

From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.

On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.

Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.

A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.

On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.