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Celebrate ‘Ocean Odyssey’ festive season at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi

Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi, a five-star luxury resort, presents ‘Ocean Odyssey,’ a thoughtfully crafted festive programme of extraordinary moments and one-of-a-kind celebrations. Discerning guests will experience the grandest of feelings during the most awaited season of the year, with culinary excellence, enchanting adventures, eco-inspired activities, immersive entertainment, and rejuvenating wellness journeys.
Nestled in one of the country’s largest lagoons, the resort with its 120 all-pool villas, whether on the beach, over the turquoise waters, or amidst the lush tropical jungle, will bring new meaning to the holiday season with the ‘Ocean Odyssey’ festive theme. Designed to captivate the essence of the Indian Ocean and its allure, guests can enjoy a myriad of experiences surrounding the ‘Secret Water Island,’ such as a visit to the Coralarium, the world’s first and only underwater art gallery and coral regeneration project, dive and snorkelling excursions in the 9km-long house reef, as well as the exploration of the crystal-clear lagoon with adrenaline-filled activities such as catamaran sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Guests can kick off the festivities with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on 20 December 2022, followed by exceptional culinary journeys across the resort’s restaurants and bars. They can savour flavours from around the world at the all-day dining restaurant, Raha Market, indulge in Asian favourites at the Japanese restaurant, Kata, enjoy an incredible seafront dining experience at Azure, and take advantage of the many cocktail and champagne-sipping opportunities at Onu Onu.
Experience-seeking and eco-conscious travellers are invited to catch a glimpse into the thriving oceanic life that dwells beneath and above the surface with the resident Marine Biologist, who will be on hand to connect them with the aquatic environment through the unique Turtle Ranger Programme and guided tours. They can also visit the Sustainability Lab – the first of its kind in the Maldives – a hub of eco-education where guests can learn how to recycle and create bespoke souvenirs from plastic waste. Furthermore, guests can indulge in the archipelago’s most luxurious glamping adventure with a stay in the new Beach Tented Villas, allowing them to be at one with nature and learn more about the island’s innovative sustainability endeavours.
As part of its ongoing commitment to ensure that younger guests stay inspired and curious, the Kids’ Club offers an exciting line-up of festive-inspired activities, such as arts & crafts sessions, educational workshops, island treasure hunts, and dance classes.
To help guests keep fit and active, former Spanish professional tennis player Nicolas Almagro will offer one-to-one coaching sessions on the resort’s jungle court. For those searching for a calmer adventure, the time-honoured traditions at the Willow Stream Spa are sure to relax and rejuvenate. Visiting certified Reiki Master, Marketa, on the other hand, will guide guests on their personal journey and help them enhance their overall sense of mindfulness, health, and well-being.
From 27 December 2022 through 3 January 2023, adventure-seeking guests will have the opportunity to join Big Game Fishing expert, Ben Jones, on one of the guided Big Game Fishing excursions to experience the thrills and wonder of an authentic Maldivian escapade. The trip takes them on an exhilarating pursuit of some of the fastest and largest fish species in the tropical waters of Shaviyani Atoll.
Also joining all the festivities is the accomplished Michelin Star Chef, Mickael Viljanen, who will delight avid gourmands with an inspiring medley of flavourful and beautifully presented dishes at Azure from 29 December 2022 through 1 January 2023.
The grandest of celebrations will come alive on New Year’s Eve. Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi will host ‘Ocean Disco’ – an immersive night of bespoke dining, wining, and entertainment, including spectacular performances that pay tribute to the iconic music of Elton John and Donna Summers, the Queen of Disco. The resort will also welcome multi-skilled performers from Black Rabbit Projects, who will surprise guests with extraordinary entertainment and cinematic experiences and bring this season’s festive theme of ‘Ocean Odyssey’ to life.
When the clock turns to midnight, the resort’s Main Beach will set the stage for a memorable after-party, with a mesmerising fireworks show, eclectic beats, live music, and a vibey atmosphere.
Stay in the Beach Sunrise Villa starting from $2,500 per night based on two people sharing, including daily breakfast. Book before 15 December to take advantage of the offer (terms and conditions apply). For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.fairmont.com/maldives/ or email MLD.Reservations@fairmont.com.
Excursions
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.
Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.
Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.
The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.
For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.
Featured
Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.
According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.
To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.
Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.
The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.
Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.
Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.
According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.
Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”
The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.
Featured
October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.
Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.
The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.
Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.
For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.
October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.
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