Featured
CROSSROADS Maldives unveils upbeat experiences for tropical holiday season in Maldives
CROSSROADS Maldives, the fully-integrated lifestyle destination and premier multi-island resort, is inviting the world’s travellers to celebrate the festive season in a tropical paradise this December and January, with a series of exciting, immersive and engaging activities overlooking the idyllic Emboodhoo Lagoon.
Nestled in the South Malé Atoll, just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport, CROSSROADS Maldives is a “one-stop, non-stop” destination where adventurous families, friends and couples from all over the world can cross paths and explore a wealth of attractions, including five-star resorts, diverse dining, world-class wellness, specialty shopping and more, all surrounded by powder-soft sands and shimmering seas.
The heart and soul of the destination is The Marina @ CROSSROADS, an 800-metre beachside boardwalk which is lined with cool cafés, refined restaurants and upmarket boutiques. This lively district sets the stage for sparkling celebrations, starting on 21st December with the CROSSROADS Lighting Ceremony at Village Plaza, accompanied by a live local band. For the next two weeks until early 2023, this lifestyle hub will be illuminated by uplifting occasions for all ages, including street festivals, music, games, kids’ activities and a pulsating Pool Party at the Beach Club on Christmas Eve!
The seven days leading up to New Year’s Eve will be Carnival Week with a Street Fest at Maritime Plaza featuring four hours of fun and games every day, while other engaging events will include a Maldivian Cultural Day at the Maldives Discovery Centre, Open Mic Night & Karaoke and an Authentic Maldives Fashion Show. Then on the final day of the year, revellers can ring in 2023 with the Gala Dinner & Countdown Party at Bean/Co!
At SAii Lagoon Maldives, the playful and free-spirited resort, a full calendar of activities will keep every guest entertained from 23rd December onwards. With Gingerbread House Decorating, Kids’ Mini Discos, Sandcastle Making Contests, a Children’s Talent Show, and even a Kids’ Costume Party, youngsters will enjoy a season of thrills. Adults can soak up the holiday spirit with DJ by the Pool sessions and live music by the beach, and generations can come together for a spectacular selection of dining experiences, from Sunday Brunch, Indian Ocean Buffet Dinner, and Levantine Buffet at Miss Olive Oyl, the vibrant Mediterranean seafood grill and bar, to the beachfront Christmas Dinner Buffet Beach Seafood BBQ and Wine Dinner at Mr. Tomyam, the Thai-inspired seafront restaurant.
Then on New Year’s Eve, SAii Lagoon Maldives is inviting little ones to a Kids’ Pool Party and grown-ups to a glittering Guest Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner with Live Music, culminating with a glamorous, classic Hollywood-themed New Year’s Eve Countdown Party on the beach! What a wonderful way to end 2022 in paradise. Rates at SAii Lagoon Maldives start from just USD 895 per night.
Across the lagoon at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, this rocking resort will be tickled pink with a series of colorful celebrations! Following the bright pink Tree Lighting Ceremony. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will light up its traditional and creative tree, a little earlier than usual this year to bring extra fun to its Rock Stars and be part of the Pink Festive, starting from 7th December 2022 the lighting ceremony will be held three times and the celebrations will continue throughout the month. The official and grand tree lighting ceremony will be on 21st December, and the upbeat retreat will stage four weeks’ days of exciting cultural and culinary happenings. From Maldivian Folklore evenings, a Wonderland Show, Picnic Party, Navidad Buffet & Samba Show, and Colorful Island Show at The Elephant & The Butterfly, the Latin American-inspired beachfront restaurant, to the Pavilion Night Parties, Rock Shop Fashion Shows and an exhilarating DJ Pool Party, every event will hit the right notes!
Guests can get dressed up and party on down at the Pink Christmas Gala Dinner at the beach and Christmas Eve Party in the marquee, before Santa Claus Comes to Town on Christmas Day, with fun kids’ activities, a Deck Lunch by the Pool, and Kids’ Christmas Party. Then, as the sun sets over the Maldives on 31st December, loved ones can come together for the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and dance the night away at the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party. Rates at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives start from just USD 1,180 per night.
With a prime location just 15 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives’ main international gateway, these enchanting island resorts are suitable for shorter stays and even weekend breaks, as well as longer vacations. So, if you’re seeking an exotic alternative to your traditional end-of-year vacation, CROSSROADS Maldives promises truly unforgettable festive escapes.
For more information about CROSSROADS Maldives and to book your end-of-year escape in the Indian Ocean, please visit crossroadsmaldives.com.
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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