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

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.
Featured
Heritance Aarah achieves prestigious LQA Certification, redefining service standards

Heritance Aarah, the award-winning all-inclusive resort located in the heart of the Maldives, has achieved an outstanding score in the LQA audit. This significant accomplishment underscores the resort’s steadfast dedication to excellence and marks a defining milestone that elevates Heritance Aarah’s position on the global hospitality stage.
Leading Quality Assurance (LQA), an internationally acclaimed organisation based in the United Kingdom, specialises in benchmarking luxury hospitality experiences. Their comprehensive evaluations cover the entire guest journey—from pre-arrival and reservation processes to check-in, in-stay experiences, and departure. Each interaction is assessed with a focus on emotional intelligence, personalisation, consistency, and service finesse.
Heritance Aarah’s path to this achievement began with the introduction of HO3, a signature service culture campaign designed to empower every associate to deliver excellence. The LQA certification is a reflection of the passion, dedication, and craftsmanship present in every guest interaction at the resort. This recognition positions Heritance Aarah as a leader in service excellence, exemplifying what world-class hospitality represents in the Maldives.
Every aspect of the Heritance Aarah experience is thoughtfully curated, from the moment a reservation is made to the guest’s departure. With seven diverse restaurants helmed by award-winning chefs and a selection of wellness therapies inspired by both modern and ancient healing traditions, each element contributes to an immersive and soulful stay.
This latest achievement cements Heritance Aarah’s status among the finest resorts globally. It highlights the resort’s commitment to world-class standards, meticulous attention to detail, and heartfelt service, all while continuously evolving to meet the ever-changing expectations of today’s discerning traveler.
Celebration
Celebrate Eid in paradise: music, magic, and Maldivian culture at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

This Eid Al-Adha, Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives presents an extraordinary island-wide festival featuring a vibrant five-day cultural and entertainment showcase from 6th to 10th June 2025. The event blends the rich heritage of the Maldives with a cutting-edge international lineup, offering something for every traveler—from music and dance enthusiasts to families seeking a soulful tropical escape.
Taking centre stage is DJ Kaboo, the Dubai-based Egyptian artist renowned for pioneering ‘Arab Trap’ music. Known for his appearance on Marvel’s Moon Knight soundtrack and electrifying performances worldwide, DJ Kaboo will headline the festivities with his signature blend of deep-rooted Arabic sounds and modern beats.
Magician and mentalist Thomas McElroy, direct from Mesmerise Dubai, will add an element of wonder to the evenings. His interactive, mind-bending illusions promise to captivate audiences of all ages, creating unforgettable magical moments.
Adding to the dynamic atmosphere is American-born belly dancer and circus performer Otta. Known for her exotic stage presence and rhythmic grace, Otta’s high-energy performances will seamlessly complement the celebratory spirit of the island.
In addition to the international acts, the resort will celebrate authentic Maldivian traditions, including:
- Traditional music and dance
- Folk games such as Koadi Nerun and Dheli Mali
- The colourful Eid Market, Bodu Mas parades, and cultural shows
These experiences will take place against the stunning backdrop of one of the Maldives’ most picturesque islands.
Hassan Adil, General Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, shared, “This upcoming Eid Al-Adha celebration is our tribute to Maldivian culture and our global community. By integrating homegrown traditions with top-tier international entertainment, we aim to create an inclusive, joyful experience that reflects the spirit of Eid—bringing people together in celebration, discovery, and connection.”
The resort also offers an exclusive Eid package for guests seeking an immersive holiday experience. The offer includes up to 40% off on stays, daily breakfast and dinner, complimentary airport transfers, and a variety of cultural activities designed to create lasting memories with loved ones.
Featured
Summer Island Maldives named among top 10% of hotels worldwide by TripAdvisor

Summer Island Maldives has been recognised as one of the top travel destinations globally, having received the prestigious TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2024. This accolade places the resort among the top 10% of hotels worldwide, based on exceptional traveller reviews and ratings collected over the past year.
Located just 45 minutes by speedboat or a short seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, Summer Island Maldives offers an idyllic barefoot beach retreat. The resort is known for its personalised service, commitment to sustainability, and relaxed luxury, consistently appealing to travellers from around the world.
Mariya Shareef, Chief Operations Officer of Kaimoo Travels and Hotel Services, expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting that the award reflects the dedication and passion of the entire team, who work diligently to deliver memorable experiences. She highlighted that the honour is especially meaningful as it is based on genuine guest feedback.
A popular choice for honeymooners and returning guests, the resort features two restaurants, three bars, and a variety of curated experiences, including private sandbank picnics and sunset sailboat cruises. Summer Island Maldives is also widely praised for its strong sustainability practices, such as eliminating single-use plastics, integrating renewable energy solutions, adopting eco-friendly mosquito control methods, and creating the world’s largest 3D-printed coral reef—an initiative recognised by the Guinness World Records.
The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards celebrate excellence in hospitality, with winners selected based on consistently high ratings across key categories such as service, value, cleanliness, and location.
This recent recognition joins a growing list of accolades for Summer Island Maldives, including TUI’s Global Hotel Quality Award for 2024 and 2025, as well as the Leading Eco-Friendly Resort Award at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) in 2023.
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