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Let your imagination soar this festive season with ‘Around the World’ festive celebration at Vakkaru Maldives

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Experience a festive holiday season surrounded by snow-white sands and countless shades of shimmering blue at Vakkaru Maldives. This year the world is your oyster as the timeless sanctuary gears up to take you  on a whirlwind adventure, “Around The World”. 

Spanning Asia, Europe, the Middle East and everywhere in between, the journey allows you to reconnect and celebrate with family and friends. Share unforgettable experiences  together, from festive cocktails and gourmet cuisine to ocean adventures and the  spectacular New Year countdown. 

From bespoke menus, wine journeys, and private dinners to kids’ talent shows, sports tournaments and bespoke wellness programmes, this island paradise has something to get  everyone of all ages into the festive spirit. Special culinary events include a Lobster and Champagne Dinner, Marakkesh Night, Robatayaki Dinner, and South African and Australian  wine tastings. Those looking to make wellness resolutions for the new year can sign up for  the daily yoga and meditation sessions with the resident yoga teacher. Additionally, there are  workshops on coconut oil, head & shoulder massages, and the Secret of Healthy Living by  Siddhalepa Ayurveda with Dr Kalani Perera. 

Complementing your festive getaway is an engaging programme of leisure activities,  including training by Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis, rejuvenating spa experiences, and calming  yoga and meditation sessions. Explore beyond our resort’s white sand borders and explore  Baa Atoll’s unique marine environment with Splash and our resident marine biologist. Additionally, superb entertainment with dazzling fire and light art shows, dance troupes, live  bands and DJ performances make this year-end a festive season to remember. 

Those looking to make health-related resolutions for the new year can book a consultation  with Domingos Folgado, a visiting award-winning wellness practitioner, therapist, acupuncture expert and qualified personal trainer from Portugal. This will be the third time Folgado will visit the timeless sanctuary to motivate guests to change their lifestyle and  improve their overall wellbeing.

Young islanders have not been overlooked. Activities for them include the Young  Ambassador of the Ocean workshop – a bespoke programme for kids and teens designed  by recent visiting expert, Oliver Steeds, which inspire a love for the sea and coral reef, and a passion for protecting it. There is also plenty of fun things to do including Kids Tennis  Clinic by Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis, chocolate mixology, Little Masterchef, Santa Parade,  Movies Under the stars and Beach Olympics. In addition, older kids and families can  participate in football matches, padel tennis fun, beach obstacle race, tennis tournament and  more. 

The festivities kick off on 24 December with evening cocktails followed by a sumptuous  Christmas Eve Gala buffet dinner featuring live cooking stations with specialities from around  the globe, a live band, DJ and entertainers. On Christmas Day, meet and greet Santa Claus  and enjoy plenty of fun games for the whole family, with prizes and giveaways to add extra  festive cheer. In the afternoon, the main pool is transformed into a tropical oasis with pool  games, signature cocktails from the pop-up bar and a groovy soundtrack from DJ Leila. 

On New Year’s Eve, Vakkaru invites all guests to travel the globe in one fantastic night with our  ‘Around the World’ Gala Dinner and party by the beach. Starting with a selection of signature  cocktails at Isoletta Beach, then usher the new year amid some of the world’s most famous  landmarks as you enjoy culinary delights from Japan, India, Italy, Egypt and more. Funky  entertainers and live acts keep the party grooving until the clock strikes 12 and the sky lights  up with a spectacular fireworks display. Start 2023 in style with our fun pool party featuring  DJ Leila, exciting pool games and your favourite cocktails to toast yet another smashing  year. 

Speaking about the festive calendar, General Manager Iain McCormack said, “This year, we  want our guests to be swept up in the joyous spirit of the season as our private island  sanctuary is transformed into a tropical wonderland celebrating our ‘Around the World’  theme. The team has worked hard to create exceptional, immersive experiences for all ages.  Every last detail has been taken care of so our guests can relax and enjoy their time with  those who matter most.”  

To experience the most cherishable time of the year at Vakkaru Maldives, guests can book the resort’s Festive Getaway Early Booker which includes up to 25% discount on luxury accommodation and daily breakfast. The offer is available to book until 22 December 2022, applicable for a minimum stay of 5 nights and stay period from 23 December 2022 till 11 January 2023.

For reservations and general information,visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact  reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau unveils ‘Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks’

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has introduced “Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks”, a new package combining marine adventure, wellness and education in Raa Atoll.

The package is designed for travellers seeking experiences that go beyond leisure, offering opportunities to engage with the natural environment through activities that are both educational and responsible. Located close to one of the most accessible nurse shark snorkelling sites in the Maldives, just a 10-minute boat ride from the resort, InterContinental Maldives is offering guests the chance to observe the species in its natural habitat.

At the centre of the package is a guided swim with nurse sharks, giving guests the opportunity to observe the animals at close range in the water. Ahead of the excursion, guests are invited to attend a complimentary presentation led by one of the resort’s resident marine biologists. Held two days before the swim, the session is designed to address common misconceptions about sharks while providing information on their behaviour and ecological role. The presentation also includes refreshments and an interactive question-and-answer session.

The package also incorporates wellness elements in line with the resort’s broader focus on wellbeing. On the morning of the excursion, guests may take part in a 60-minute Morning Meditation & Slow Stretch session at the resort’s Yoga Pavilion. The session includes guided breathwork and mindful movement intended to help participants feel prepared before entering the water. The group session is priced at USD 35++ per person.

Before the swim begins, the resort’s marine team assesses shark activity and water visibility in Maamunagau Lagoon to ensure suitable conditions. The experience does not involve feeding or pursuing the sharks. Instead, guests observe them from a respectful distance as they rest on the seabed or move along the reef. The activity is positioned as an accessible marine encounter for a wide range of guests, including families, while also serving as an introduction to marine ecosystems and conservation. The guided swim is priced at USD 120+.

After the excursion, guests may choose from a selection of spa treatments at AVI Spa. These include Floating Sound Healing, which places guests in water while sound vibrations are used to support relaxation, priced at USD 150+. Another option is the 120-minute Maldivian Essence ritual, a full-body treatment drawing on local healing traditions and designed to relax muscles, nourish the skin and restore balance. This treatment is priced at USD 280+.

Through the “Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks” package, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is bringing together marine education, responsible wildlife interaction and wellness experiences in a single programme. The package presents ocean exploration as both a nature-based activity and a restorative experience, allowing guests to engage with the marine environment in a considered and structured way.

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SO/ Maldives to celebrate Eid Al Adha with dining, wellness and entertainment

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SO/ Maldives has announced its Eid Al Adha programme, “Eid, the Island Way”, set to take place from 26 to 28 May 2026, presenting a resort-led celebration that blends cultural elements with contemporary luxury.

Set in the Indian Ocean, the resort is positioning the three-day programme as an immersive experience aimed at travellers seeking leisure, wellness and curated island activities. The celebration will bring together a series of daytime and evening experiences built around relaxation, dining, entertainment and family-oriented programming.

During the mornings, guests will be able to begin the day with sunrise yoga overlooking the lagoon or take part in snorkelling and diving activities designed to showcase the surrounding marine environment. The programme is intended to reflect a style of luxury travel in the Maldives centred on personal experience and wellbeing.

Throughout the day, Lazuli Beach Club will serve as a social venue for guests, offering tropical milkshakes, live music, and Karak tea paired with shisha. The setting is designed to create a relaxed atmosphere for guests to gather and mark the occasion of Eid.
In the evenings, the resort will shift its focus to live entertainment. The programme will include Oud performances, DJ sessions by the shoreline, and fire dance performances. Pavilion Bar will also host its Sunset Hour, where guests can enjoy drinks alongside views of the sunset.

Dining will be a central part of the Eid offering. At Hadaba, SO/ Maldives’ signature restaurant, guests will be offered a four-course menu inspired by traditional flavours and presented through a contemporary approach. The menu will feature dishes influenced by shawarma, slow-cooked lamb and pistachio-based desserts.

The resort will also offer a range of wellness and activity-based experiences during the celebration. These will include spa treatments such as the Eid Aroma Deep Journey, as well as fitness sessions aimed at relaxation and rejuvenation. Marine excursions will give guests opportunities to explore coral areas and observe marine life.

Families travelling to the resort will also have access to activities for children, including workshops and cultural sessions, intended to reflect the spirit of Eid across different age groups.

Through the programme, SO/ Maldives continues to develop its identity as a luxury lifestyle resort in the Maldives, combining design, hospitality and curated guest experiences. With “Eid, the Island Way”, the resort is presenting Eid Al Adha as a multi-day celebration centred on connection, dining, entertainment and island living.

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Sirru Fen Fushi secures dual nomination in Condé Nast Traveler Awards

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has been nominated in both the Condé Nast Traveller (UK) and Condé Nast Traveler (US) Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, reflecting recognition across two of the travel industry’s established global platforms.

The annual awards highlight hospitality brands based on guest feedback, with nominations reflecting performance across areas such as service, design, wellness and overall guest experience.

Located within one of the Maldives’ larger resort lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi is known for features including the Coralarium, an underwater art installation, as well as its approach to sustainability and wellness. The resort said the dual nomination reflects its continued focus on delivering guest experiences aligned with international expectations.

According to the property, its offering combines accommodation, dining and wellness programmes within a natural island setting, supported by service and curated activities.

In a statement, resort management said the nomination acknowledged both the contribution of its team and the support of its guests.

“We are honoured to be nominated in both editions of the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards,” the resort said. “This recognition is a testament to our dedicated team and the heartfelt support of our guests. We remain committed to creating experiences that resonate long after our guests return home.”

Voting for the Condé Nast Traveler (US) Readers’ Choice Awards and Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Readers’ Choice Awards is open until 30 June 2026.

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