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Celebrate mid-autumn festival, Chinese golden week at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

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Nestled amidst the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island warmly invite those seeking a unique blend of traditional festivities and tropical luxury to book a visit this upcoming holiday season. From September 29th to October 6th, 2023, this stunning contemporary resort transforms into a haven of culinary excellence, moonlit wonder, and cultural discovery in observance of the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese Golden Week.

A Week of Culinary Delights

No celebration is complete without culinary delights, and Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island offers a culinary journey that transcends borders. Guests can start their day with a taste of China at GLOW, where breakfast features delicacies like chicken congee, house-made dim sum, and Cantonese Chow Mein. In the afternoon, Café Lounge extends an invitation to explore wine and cheese pairings, complemented by a curated selection of Chinese wines. As day turns to evening, they can indulge in traditional prawn and egg fried rice and reef fish steamed with soya, ginger, and spring onion. The culinary extravaganza continues with an International Market Night, featuring a tantalising array of Asian flavours. For an immersive dining adventure, guests can join the hot pot experience, savouring seafood, fresh vegetables, and their choice of signature Sichuan spicy broth or clear mild chicken broth, paired with authentic dipping sauces.

Beyond these exceptional culinary experiences, the all-villa island resort boasts a diverse selection of dining options that traverse the globe, including Japanese and Peruvian fusion delights at Kayto, signature Greek-Mediterranean cuisine at Shimmers, international dishes at GLOW, and tailor-made private dining experiences.

A Week of Adventures and Moonlit Wonder

Adventure enthusiasts and moon admirers can relish a range of experiences at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island that seamlessly unite tradition with wellness. Here, guests have the opportunity to participate in Full Moon Yoga sessions on the rooftop of the resort’s renowned Talise Spa, unwinding amidst the tranquil sounds of gentle waves beneath the moon’s enchanting glow. Alternatively, serenity can be found in Tibetan Bowl Sound Healing sessions, offering meditative moments against breathtaking overwater vistas. As a cherished festival tradition, guests are also welcomed to make wishes and release floating lanterns over the resort’s expansive GLOW infinity pool, creating a captivating moment of moon appreciation (shangyue).

With over 50 weekly activities to choose from, boredom is simply not an option at this stunning secluded island paradise. Guests can dive into the vibrant marine life with a Semi-Submarine adventure at the Dive Centre or embark on an exhilarating Dolphin Quest. Those seeking a unique experience can try their hand at traditional sunset fishing, even having the chance to catch their own dinner. For a blend of water fun and fitness, Beachside Splash Zumba at Shimmers Pool awaits. And if the dream includes cinematic nights under the stars or underwater adventures, private rooftop cinema and snorkelling exploration experiences promise to fulfil the island getaway bucket list.

Discover Maldivian Charms

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island opens doors to the rich tapestry of Maldivian culture. Individuals can dive into the heart of local life with a guided visit to a nearby island, led by a knowledgeable Maldivian team member from the resort. The rhythms of the islands come alive as they engage in a masterclass to learn the traditional art of playing the Bodu Beru drum. Younger visitors are invited to partake in an exciting island treasure hunt, where a well-deserved prize can be claimed. As the sun gently sets, the resort hosts a lively cocktail party featuring enchanting Maldivian cultural performances, crafting memorable evenings infused with local charm.

Create golden memories with loved ones this Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese Golden Week with exclusive discounts of up to 25% and a Resort Credit of USD 300 per villa. For more information about Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island and to secure reservations, please contact Reservations.JMH@jumeirah.com.

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COMO’s Maldives resorts welcome festive season with culinary and wellness programmes

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COMO Hotels and Resorts has announced its festive programmes for 2026 at COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi in the Maldives, featuring Christmas and New Year celebrations, dining experiences, wellness activities, marine excursions and family programmes.

The two resorts will offer a series of events throughout December and into January 2027, with each property introducing its own programme of culinary experiences, outdoor activities and celebrations to mark the festive season.

At COMO Cocoa Island, located in South Malé Atoll, the celebrations will include themed dinners, cooking classes, sunset cruises and wellness sessions.

The culinary programme at the resort’s Ufaa restaurant will begin with a five-course Italian Christmas Eve dinner on 24 December, accompanied by live music. A Christmas Day dinner under the stars will follow on 25 December, while a steak and seafood barbecue is scheduled for 29 December.

Guests will also have opportunities to participate in Italian cooking classes featuring pasta and risotto, afternoon high tea at Faru Bar, and an Indian thali dining experience. Sunrise fishing excursions on 20 and 27 December will allow participants to catch fish that the resort’s chefs will prepare as a four-course meal, incorporating sashimi, Maldivian-style soup and coconut curry.

The resort will welcome 2027 with a White Soirée on 31 December at Ufaa, featuring live cooking stations, entertainment and a live band.

Beyond dining, COMO Cocoa Island will offer sunset cruises, guided house reef snorkelling, nurse shark excursions, night snorkelling and turtle expeditions. Family activities will include treasure hunts, coconut painting, island races and other beachside competitions.

Wellness will form part of the programme through COMO Shambhala, with visiting Japanese healing practitioner Yuki Nishikubo offering treatments incorporating acupuncture and Shiatsu from 16 November to 27 December. Additional activities will include yoga, Pilates, meditation, sound baths and breathwork sessions.

Guests will also be able to participate in sustainability activities, including guided tree planting, alongside kayaking, sunset fishing and outdoor cinema screenings.

At COMO Maalifushi, located in Thaa Atoll, the festive programme will focus on culinary experiences, family activities, marine exploration and wellness, culminating in a Tropical Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve celebration.

The resort’s Christmas dining programme includes a Christmas Around the World five-course dinner across Madi, Thila and the poolside, accompanied by live music and entertainment.

Other culinary experiences will include a Noble Vines wine dinner on 27 December, featuring wines from several French regions paired with a four-course menu, as well as Japanese dining events involving sushi, nigiri, temaki, sake pairings and yakiniku.

The resort will also introduce a Fisherman’s Table experience on selected dates, allowing guests to visit a local fish market with a fisherman before having their catch prepared by the resort’s chefs. Champagne breakfasts, seafood dining experiences and a New Year’s Day beachfront lunch are also included in the programme.

On 31 December, COMO Maalifushi will host its Tropical Gatsby Gala Dinner on Madi Beach, beginning with cocktails and canapés before dinner, live music and dancing. A DJ performance and fireworks display over the water will mark the arrival of 2027.

For families, the resort’s Play by COMO programme will offer children’s activities, crafts, games, yoga and outdoor entertainment. Other experiences will include snorkelling excursions, sunset cruises, kayaking, water sports and family marine safaris led by the resort’s resident marine biologist.

Guests can also participate in coral planting activities on 27 December, while a padel tournament, traditional fishing excursions and water sports sessions will take place during the festive period.

COMO Maalifushi’s wellness programme will feature visiting practitioner Kimberly Rose Kneier from 1 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. Her sessions will incorporate acupuncture, Qi Gong, breathwork and traditional Chinese medicine. The programme will also feature sound healing, family wellness treatments and a complimentary yoga session on New Year’s Day.

Both resorts are offering festive accommodation promotions with savings of up to 25 per cent on room rates, subject to applicable booking conditions. Further details on the festive activities, dining experiences and reservations are available through the official websites of COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi.

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OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI to host Diwali celebrations in November

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Some Diwali memories are made at home; others begin when the family journeys somewhere extraordinary together. This festive season, THE OZEN COLLECTION invites Indian families to bring the warmth of their traditions to two private Maldivian islands, where time slows, celebrations feel personal and every generation can reconnect. On 8th and 9th November, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will pair the familiar flavours and rituals of Diwali with the space, privacy and intuitive hospitality of an island escape.

At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the festivities will unfold across the specially decorated Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine overwater restaurant. On 8th November, from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM, TRADITION INDOCEYLON will present an exclusive thali inspired by India’s diverse culinary heritage, complemented by time-honoured Diwali sweets. Vibrant lights, lanterns and floral décor will transform the setting into an elegant island celebration where families can gather, reconnect and share the rituals of the season at an unhurried pace.

At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, SAFFRON will host The Festival of Lights on 8th and 9th November, from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM. Specially curated vegetarian and non-vegetarian Diwali thalis will reinterpret traditional Indian dishes with contemporary touches. A live chaat counter will prepare Dahi Bhalla and Aloo Tikki to order, while a festive welcome drink adds thoughtful notes of ceremony. Musical performances will complete an intimate evening created for generations to celebrate together, with privacy, ease and a genuine sense of occasion.

The celebrations are included within the resorts’ respective plans: the INDULGENCE™ Plan at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and the RESERVE™ Plan at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. For families imagining Diwali differently this year, the experience brings together festive dining, generous island living and the rare luxury of uninterrupted time together. Whether sharing a thali, passing cherished rituals to a younger generation or simply gathering without the rush of an itinerary, guests can celebrate a Diwali that carries the heart of India into the beauty of the Maldives.

THE OZEN COLLECTION, an exceptional brand from the Atmosphere Core portfolio, curates timeless sanctuaries set apart by an experience of Refined Elegance. Travellers can expect an abundance of sophisticated services blended with a grand sense of space and design and an enriching culture. The brand comprises two private islands in the Maldives, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI.

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Centara unveils Festival of Lights celebrations across Maldives resorts

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Celebrating Diwali in the Maldives brings a distinctive island perspective to the Festival of Lights, where cherished traditions meet the beauty of the Indian Ocean. Across four distinctive island resorts, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives invite guests to immerse themselves in thoughtfully curated celebrations that reflect the character of each island. From cultural experiences and creative activities to Indian-inspired feasts, Bollywood rhythms and beachfront evenings beneath the stars, each resort offers its own interpretation of Diwali. Whether discovering the artistry behind traditional festive customs, sharing a meal inspired by the flavours of India or gathering by the shore as the evening unfolds, guests can experience the warmth and spirit of the Festival of Lights in a setting shaped by the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Set within the tranquil waters of the North Malé Atoll, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers an elegant island retreat defined by refined beachfront and overwater living, spacious one two- and three-bedroom villas and residences, holistic wellness and a diverse gastronomic journey. From 07 to 09 November, the Festival of Lights brings an added cultural dimension to the island experience, with a curated programme of festive arts and crafts, family activities, Bollywood entertainment and cinema beneath the stars. Against the natural beauty of the lagoon, Diwali unfolds through moments of discovery and connection, complementing the resort’s distinctive approach to contemporary island living.

Designed around family discovery, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives brings an underwater-inspired world to life, with the Maldives’ first lazy river, a dedicated water park and splash zones offering a distinctive setting for island adventures. From family-focused beachfront and overwater accommodation, including villas with bunk beds, to the candy-themed Candy Spa, every detail is thoughtfully shaped around experiences for all generations. From 07 to 09 November, Diwali adds a vibrant cultural dimension to the island, with celebrations inspired by the artistic traditions and flavours of India. Rangoli creations, creative masterclasses, Indian-inspired dining, festive cocktails, Bollywood entertainment and a beachside fire show bring colour and shared moments to the Festival of Lights, creating a celebration for the whole family.

Surrounded by the rich marine life of the South Ari Atoll, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, offers an island experience shaped by its remarkable house reef, underwater discoveries and distinctive culinary offerings. From vibrant coral gardens and encounters with marine life to considered dining experiences inspired by regional flavours, the resort brings together nature, wellness and gastronomy in a setting defined by the Indian Ocean. On 08 November, Diwali introduces the traditions of India through henna artistry, rangoli, a cocktail-making experience and sunset yoga beside the sea. A specially curated Indian buffet dinner sets the scene for an evening of Bollywood rhythms beneath the Maldivian sky, bringing cultural expression and island living together for the Festival of Lights.

Set against the turquoise waters of the North Malé Atoll, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives offers an adults-only island experience defined by barefoot beachfront living, overwater villas and unhurried moments by the Indian Ocean. On 08 November, Diwali brings the rich culinary traditions of India to the shores of Waves Beach, where a specially curated beachfront biryani dinner features regional specialities, tandoori favourites and traditional festive sweets. As the evening continues, music and karaoke at Giraavaru Bar invite guests to gather and celebrate beneath the Maldivian night sky, adding a lively note to the island’s relaxed atmosphere.

Across the four resorts, Diwali becomes an opportunity to experience the traditions of the Festival of Lights through culinary, art, entertainment and moments of connection, each shaped by the character of its island setting. Whether shared over a festive meal, discovered through cultural experiences or celebrated beneath the stars, the occasion offers a distinctive way to experience Diwali in the Maldives.

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