Featured
Maamunagau’s secret garden: Festive season 2022 at Intercontinental Maldives
The most wonderful time of the year is knocking on our doors again, and guests can look forward to a plentiful festive season at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. The resort’s festive programme is inspired by the idea of spending time together and stepping into a Secret Garden full of splendour and beautiful experiences.
This year’s festive season at Maamunagau Island is all about culinary heights led by a visiting Michelin star chef and award-winning flair bartender, time together as friends, family, and couples, and simply celebrating life. Guests get to retreat from their daily hustle and embrace nature, reconnect with what matters and soak in the serenity that only a tropical, remote island can host.

Enjoyment and adventures are on the list to participate for both children and adults, beginning from the moment the Christmas tree is lit up on 22nd December 2022 to welcome the festive spirit to the island and kick off the season for this year, all the way through to the New Year 2023.
With visiting celebrity chef Anita Lo from the USA and visiting Flair Bartender Anne-Lise Jouenne from Paris, the resort will elevate the extensive bespoke guest experience offers even further.

Having travelled the world, the US-based Michelin Star Chef Anita Lo loves to mix and fuse flavours, reflecting stories and secrets from her journey and different cultures to become one of the most sought-after chefs in America.
“For me, there is nothing better than discovering a new culture through its food. Ingredients tell stories, both personal and historical, about the people who cook it, about migration, strife, and the surrounding land. Food is identity, and I love nothing more than sharing what I’ve learned along the way,” says Anita Lo.

Anne-Lise Jouenne is an extremely talented flair bartender visiting the island’s shores from France. She is one of the very few flair bartenders in France and likely the reason for one or
the other broken spirit bottles in private homes as her fans express themselves in this skilful art inspired by her TikTok fame. As the best female participant of the prestigious Roadhouse competition in London in 2019, she will also present her unique creations to the extensive cocktail offering of the resort.

As well this festive season, guests can explore the wellness journeys visiting practitioners have prepared at AVI Spa, creating once-in-a-lifetime memories for the whole family or a romantic interlude for two to remember forever. With different healing techniques, guests can create their own spa journey, choosing from the diverse portfolio the wellness professionals offer.
For children and families, the Planet Trekkers team has put together quite a selection of exciting as well as creative and educational experiences. Kids and their families will have ample opportunities to create memories and spend meaningful days together, from the overwater to the beach to the sky.

This year’s festive season is welcoming guests to a Secret Garden, and to enter their curated, personal paradise, where they get to wander through the maze of tropical beauty that is the enchanting island and discover hidden pleasures like a Secret Pop-Up Bar.
Rates start from USD 2585++ per night in a Water Pool Villa including breakfast for two in December 2022. Compulsory Festive Gala Dinners on 24 and 31 December 2022 will be applicable to all guests. For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or contact the resort directly at reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
Featured
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives aligns festive events with World of Care commitments
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.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
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