News
Live well, travel well: Experience life through a different lens with Banyan Tree Group
Travelling has the power to transform perspectives. In unfamiliar surroundings, the ordinary becomes captivating, unlikely connections are forged, and discomfort awakens the senses to deeper insights. As travellers explore new destinations, they discover different parts of themselves, and open entirely new worlds.
Showcasing an extraordinary array of offerings across its diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, and gallery outlets in various countries, Banyan Tree Group invites guests to embark on a journey of exploration, new possibilities, and self-discovery.
From 15 September to 15 October 2023, the annual “Live Well, Travel Well” campaign invites travellers to immerse themselves in the world of Banyan Tree Group’s multi-brand Hotels and Resorts, indulge in rejuvenating Spa experiences, discover exquisite craftsmanship at the Gallery, and experience the exceptional personal care line, Essentials.
Join Banyan Tree Group’s anniversary celebration to experience life through a different lens:
- Stay longer to explore some of the world’s most spectacular locales with up to 40% savings at select accommodations, ensuring exceptional value and creating unforgettable experiences.
- Rejuvenate between adventures with 35% off à la carte Spa treatments with 35% off (excluding beauty and facial treatments, and other promotional treatments).
- Support artisan communities and gain an appreciation for indigenous crafts with 35% off retail items (excluding consignment and other promotional items) at Gallery.
- Take the spa experience home with the Essentials personal care line at 35% off on purchases over USD 150.
Participating properties include all three resorts in the Maldives – Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is a luxury barefoot tropical paradise at the heart of North Male’ Atoll, 25-minute away from Velana International Airport via speedboat. With 48 pool villas dotting around the island, privacy and relaxation can easily be attained.
Situated approximately two-minute away via speedboat from Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru lies Dhawa Ihuru, formerly known as Angsana Ihuru, is a distinct island retreat of its own with 45 villas, and dubbed as “one of the best house reefs” in the Maldives.
Angsana Velavaru, known as “Turtle Island” in the Dhivehi language, and the first to have an exclusive collection of water villas in the Maldives, is perched on a private lagoon in the virtually untouched South Nilandhe Atoll.
This multi-brand campaign encapsulates the essence of living well and travelling well, highlighting the Group’s commitment to prioritising wellness across all its offerings.
For more information and reservations, please visit https://www.banyantreegroup.com/offers/live-well-travel-well.
News
‘Around the World in Wonder’ brings culture, cuisine, celebration to Amilla Maldives
The festive season is in full swing at Amilla Maldives, where the island has come alive with Around the World in Wonder, a journey through global cultures, flavours and traditions. Inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the celebration runs from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, inviting guests to explore the world without leaving the island.
A meaningful early highlight of the programme was Amilla’s 11th anniversary on 21 December, marked by a festive cocktail and cake-cutting ceremony, followed by a Maldivian Night with bodu beru performances. The celebrations continued with the Tree Lighting Ceremony, which formed the glowing centrepiece of an Italian-themed Masquerade Ball. The evening unfolded with Viennese waltz performances and a fire show, while carolers filled the air with gentle festive melodies.
Christmas Eve turned its focus to France, featuring the lively Dance of the Can-Can, a festive buffet and aerial hoop performances. On Christmas Day, Argentina took centre stage as Santa arrived by yacht and rolled into the festive train buggy, leading a joyful island parade and gift-giving moments. The day continued with a festive brunch celebrating flavour, fun and festive cheer.
Festivities will build towards New Year’s Eve, with the Around the World in a Cocktail party and Global Carnival Event, including live performances from the Hamilton Band, bongo beats, soaring saxophone, acrobats and fire dancers, culminating in a countdown to 2026 under the Maldivian night sky.
Every detail has been thoughtfully prepared by the Amilla Maldives team, allowing guests to relax, explore and celebrate in a setting shaped by nature, warmth and wonder.
Click here to explore the full festive programme at Amilla Maldives. For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com.
News
Christmas at Fushifaru Maldives begins with tree lighting, Boduberu, kids’ activities
Fushifaru Maldives welcomed the Christmas season in grand style, beginning with a mesmerising tree lighting ceremony on 20 December set against the serene sunset at Thundi, accompanied by live music and tantalising canapés to mark the start of the celebrations. The holiday season runs from 20 December to 6 January, offering a variety of family-friendly activities, including cupcake decorating, pool parties, Boduberu classes, sandcastle making, and tennis classes for the little ones.
On Christmas Eve, 24 December, guests enjoyed a truly unforgettable celebration. The evening began with Santa’s arrival and a sunset aperitif with kids’ gift-giving, followed by a Christmas Gala Dinner featuring an extensive selection of international cuisines. Seafood lovers delighted in a live grilled station featuring jumbo prawns, lobsters, fishes, clams, octopus, and many more, all beautifully displayed on the Maldivian Dhoni boat, alongside a dedicated Japanese corner offering fresh sashimi, oysters, and other delicacies.
For dessert, the chefs presented a heavenly assortment including mousses, crème brûlée, tiramisu, macarons, meringues, soufflés, and many more, ensuring every guest indulged in a sweet finale. The night culminated in a vibrant disco by DJ Elton and a breathtaking performance by Anastasia Gordienko, a talented hula hoops, LED, and aerial gymnastics performer, leaving guests in awe and perfectly closing the Christmas Eve celebration.
News
Villa Nautica hosts Bollywood filmmaker Farah Khan for holiday stay
Bollywood filmmaker and celebrated choreographer Farah Khan marked the festive season with a holiday escape to the Maldives, staying at Villa Nautica and experiencing the island’s signature mix of warmth, privacy, and ocean-side celebration.
A defining creative force in Indian entertainment, Farah Khan has shaped some of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable on-screen moments, from iconic dance sequences to blockbuster storytelling. Widely regarded as one of Bollywood’s most influential choreographers, she has worked across more than 80 films and received major recognition for her craft, including India’s National Film Award for Best Choreography and multiple Filmfare Awards.

Farah’s impact extends beyond choreography. As a director, she is known for beloved mainstream hits including Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om, and Happy New Year, bringing together spectacle, humour, and heart with a style that audiences instantly connect with. She is also a familiar face to viewers through television and entertainment formats, where her sharp wit and straightforward personality have made her a standout on screen.
Villa Nautica is located on Lankanfinolhu Island in the North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, making it an easy choice for travellers planning a festive season getaway in the Maldives. The resort is known for its yacht-life inspired spirit, shimmering lagoons, and a vibrant range of ocean experiences, including diving and watersports, paired with relaxed island luxury for all-day unwinding.
-
News1 week agoSerenity Spa at Baros Maldives introduces new rituals, multi-day wellness journeys
-
Love1 week agoMonth of romance: Dusit Thani Maldives sets out Valentine’s dining, private experiences
-
Spa1 week agoRadisson Blu Resort Maldives brings back Thana Jindashotinun for holistic wellness programme
-
News1 week agoThe Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives to host holiday celebrations and seasonal experiences
-
News1 week agoHard Rock Hotel Maldives unveils holiday line-up featuring Christmas and New Year gala nights
-
Awards1 week agoThe Nautilus Maldives named to Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2026
-
Drink1 week agoAtmosphere Core celebrates 100th wine masterclass with Bottega Gala Gold event
-
News1 week agoCelebrate retro tropicana holiday at SAii Lagoon Maldives


