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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.
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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