Featured
Family glamour or crimson couples: Celebrate sparkling festive season in Maldives with Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is inviting couples and families to end the year in paradise with a joyous festive vacation at a choice of award-winning resorts in the Maldives. With two world-class island retreats, glittering dinners, immersive activities, sparkling parties and much more, every guest can enjoy a heavenly holiday season with Centara!

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a breath-taking five-star retreat in the South Ari Atoll that is perfectly suited to families. With spacious accommodation including Family Overwater Villas with bunk beds and PlayStations, plus tennis, volleyball, water sports, snorkelling and diving, six restaurants, bars and lounges, a Spa Cenvaree and more, all surrounded by pure white sands and turquoise lagoons, this is the perfect destination for multi-generational festive vacations.
This holiday season, all ages are invited to a season of “Ritz & Glitz” with a wealth of exciting experiences. Starting with the “Christmas Tree Lighting” on 22nd December, which will be marked with carol singing and canapés, the festive calendar of activities will run all the way through until the first Friday of 2023, on 6th January.
Highlights include the “Classical Christmas Gala Dinner” with live music and carols on 24th December, “A Treasured Christmas Morning” with a visit from Santa, and a traditional “Christmas Lunch” at Reef Restaurant (25th December), “Light Up the Night”, a funk-house DJ party at Coral Bar on Boxing Day (26th December) and “Bedazzled Summer Beach Party” on 29th December. Then on the last night of the year, guests can dress up for a glamorous Great Gatsby-themed “Ritzy-Glitzy Affair Gala Dinner,” with electrifying performances to end 2022 in style – including a line-up of internationally-renowned Thai musicians!
Families can come together and kickstart 2023 with a “Rise & Shine” New Year’s Day breakfast and “Gastronomical Holiday Lunch” on 1st January, plus beach games and Pilates. To ensure that the resort caters for all guests, an “Orthodox Christmas Buffet” will be staged on 6th January, and revellers can get their groove on with a “First Friday of 2023” beach party. Throughout the season, Camp Safari will host a daily line-up of exciting activities, from Christmas craft sessions to meetings with Santa, kids’ discos and even special dinners!

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, the exclusive adults-only island sanctuary in the North Malé Atoll, is inviting couples and friends to its “Crimson Tales” celebrations this December. This serene retreat houses a collection of beautiful beachfront and overwater villas, seven restaurants and bars, a Spa Cenvaree, water sports, diving and much more. For 10 fabulous days, the resort will raise the tempo with a full calendar of experiences, ranging from “Tai Chi”, “Yogalates” and “Tranquility & Meditation” sessions during the day to exhilarating after-dark events, including “Cuban Duo Beats” every evening!
The festivities commence on 22nd December with the “Christmas Tree Lighting” at Waves Beach and “Santa’s Arrival” on 24th December. The “Christmas Eve Gala Dinner” will feature a full range of traditional fare and “East meets West” flavours at Waves Beach. The week between Christmas and New Year will be marked with a series of spectacular culinary occasions, including “Masterchef Culinary Secrets” on 26th December and a “Seafood BBQ” on 27th December. Then, as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean for the last time this year, couples can ring in 2023 at the “New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner” – a sensational celebration of international cuisine, cultural dances, traditional bodu beru drums and Cuban beats!
For a truly unforgettable vacation, travellers at both resorts can also go parasailing or diving in a Santa hat – a unique photo opportunity that will create memories that last a lifetime. The therapists at Spa Cenvaree will also be giving guests a holiday glow with a choice of revitalising therapies that embrace the shimmer and sparkle of the season.
Whether you’re seeking an inspiring island escape with your loved one or a fun-filled vacation with friends and family, the “Winter Getaway” package will make your festive season even more magical. Enjoy up to 35% discounts at either of Centara’s world-class resorts in the Maldives, plus a bottle of wine and fruit basket upon arrival, and 20% off spa treatments. Guests booking a pool villa for four nights or longer will also be treated to a floating or in-villa breakfast and late 4pm check-out (subject to availability). Book between 15th November and 15th December 2022 and receive triple Centara The1 points! Not a member yet? Click here to join for free!
Rates start from USD 350++ per night at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives and USD 300++ per night at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives.
For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts and to book your “Winter Getaway” in the Maldives, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/winter-getaway.
Featured
Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories
Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.
The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.
The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.
A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.
Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.
Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.
The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.
All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.
The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.
The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.
Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.
The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.
The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.
The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026
.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.
The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.
The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.
At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.
Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.
The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.
The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.
The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.
The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.
These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.
The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Awards
Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027
Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.
The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.
The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.
Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.
Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.
Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.
Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.
The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.
The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.
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