News
Celebrate festive ‘Moments in our Hearts’ at Angsana Velavaru Maldives
As the most joyous time of the year is fast approaching, Angsana Velavaru, an all-inclusive premium resort in South Nilandhe Atoll, Maldives will be hosting “Moments in our Hearts”, a festive celebration of bonding and connection with family, friends, loved ones and nature from 21 December 2023 to 7 January 2024.
Guests are invited to cherish the gift of time and travel – taking in the beautiful sights around, creating beautiful memories and reconnecting with the people that matter the most.
As the inspiring spirit of giving and sharing fills the air, guests can revel in the vibrant colours of island life with an array of activities crafted just for them – from indulgent feasts and thrilling games to party nights and dazzling entertainments.
The Celebrations Commence
The resort will be embellished with colourful and eco-friendly ornaments. On 21 December, the traditional cake mixing, annual festive tree and gingerbread house lighting will take place to ring in the joy and magic of the season.
Guests will receive a genuine and heartfelt welcome, akin to family, while also having the chance to immerse themselves in the Maldivian culture, heritage, and customs. An enthralling Maldivian Cultural Night is in store, featuring the captivating Boduberu rhythms that entice guests to embrace the enigmatic dance, alongside various other local performances.
Joyful Culinary Delights
Each dining experience will be a symphony of flavours and cultures, weaving together moments of joy and indulgence. Guests can delight in themed nights featuring global cuisines from the exotic allure of Maldivian and Mongolian to sizzling Barbecue and enticing Asian flavours, as well as the elegant Mediterranean and international cuisines. They can also explore innovative cocktails and enjoy relaxing sundowners.
Highlighting the season are the lavish Festive Gala Dinner on 24 December, the sumptuous New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner followed by the lively “Friendship in Diversity” New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Countdown Party on 31 December, the symbolic Orthodox Holiday Dinner on 6 January, as well as the mesmerising Lunar New Year’s Eve Dinner, welcoming the “Year of the Dragon”.
Fantastic Fun for the Little Ones
Engaging in do-it-yourself (DIY) festive ornaments, crafting dream catchers and keychains, creating adorable teddy bears and more, the little ones will be able to channel their creativity. Excitement peaks with the highlight – a grand arrival parade by Santa himself on 24 December, igniting wonder and spreading holiday cheer, a magical journey of fantastic fun and heartwarming moments, making the festive season truly unforgettable especially for the precious little ones.
Sense of Family
This festive season, families staying at Angsana Velavaru can bond over activities that create cherished memories, such as heartwarming experiences in kite flying, sand art and sculpture, and bird feeding – fostering connections. They can immerse themselves in the magic of a movie under the stars, where captivating tales come to life against a celestial backdrop. For those seeking aquatic thrills, they can partake in exhilarating watersports and water activities, including house reef and citizen science snorkelling, a chance to contribute to sustainability through coral planting, and engaging marine talks. If they wish to elevate the Watersports holiday spirit, they can sign up for festive sandbank snorkelling trips or even embark on a remarkable dive with Santa adventure.
Relaxation and Wellness
At Angsana Velavaru, the festive season is not just a celebration – it is an opportunity to discover the true meaning of relaxation, wellness, and the beauty of nature. Whether you choose to embark on a Barefoot Power Walk, dive into self-discovery, or indulge in Unveiling the Secrets of Couple Massage, your stay will be enjoyable and enriching.
Meaningful Entertainments
Celebrate togetherness with lively and immersive theme gatherings – whether it is a tropical luau, beachside soirée or cultural spectacle, these themed nights are designed to foster connection and create bonds.
As the sun sets, the Beatus Band, hailing from the Philippines with performances in luxury hotels and resorts across China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the Maldives will provide the soundtrack to magical evenings with their vocal prowess and skillful mastery of guitar, keyboard, and saxophone.
For an unforgettable New Year’s Eve soirée, delight in an opulent Gala Dinner complete with live culinary theatrics and a sumptuous selection of both timeless classics and global gastronomic treasures. As a prelude to the mesmerising countdown, immerse yourself in a captivating tapestry of performances from across the globe in a Cultural Show. The pinnacle of the night arrives with the “Friendship in Diversity” New Year’s Eve and Countdown Party. Groove to the harmonious melodies of the Beatus Band, an exceptional musical ensemble hailing from the Philippines, and dance into the night’s embrace with the resort’s resident DJ. To heighten the jubilation, guests can stand the chance to win the lucky draw with amazing prices at stake. Together with its guests, Angsana Velavaru will usher in 2024 by celebrating diversity, fostering friendships, and honouring traditions – truly “Moments in our Hearts”.
The season of celebration and joy is just around the corner – and there is no better place to better #SenseTheMoment than Angsana Velavaru. Download Angsana Velavaru’s Festive Brochure 2023 – 2024. Find out more through this link: Sharing Time Offer | Angsana Velavaru Resort & Spa. Enjoy and earn Accor Live Limitless points, too!
Awards
Tripadvisor ranks Machchafushi Island Resort among world’s best hotels
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives by The Centara Collection, has announced its recognition in the Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards Best of the Best for 2026, placing the resort among the top 1% of listings worldwide.
This highest tier of Tripadvisor recognition celebrates properties that consistently captivate travellers through exceptional experiences, as reflected in authentic reviews shared by guests over the past 12 months. The award stands as a global benchmark of guest satisfaction and trust.
Set within one of the Maldives’ most naturally expressive islands in South Ari, Machchafushi is defined by its living reef, rich marine biodiversity, and the quiet presence of its 200-year-old Banyan Tree, Ummeedhu. The island offers an experience shaped by discovery, where overwater and beachfront living, a diverse culinary journey, and wellness come together with the underwater world, island heritage, and the natural rhythm of life in seamless harmony.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised among the world’s most exceptional destinations, as chosen by the travellers who experience Machchafushi first-hand,” stated Francesco Pompilio, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. “This island is not defined by its scenery alone, but by the emotions it evokes, the sense of wonder beneath the sea, the stillness beneath the Banyan Tree, and the memories created in between. This recognition belongs to our guests, whose journeys give meaning to our story, and to our team, whose passion brings the island’s spirit to life every day.”
“Congratulations to Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives on its Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award: Best of the Best win for 2026,” said Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer, Tripadvisor Group. “Earning a place among the top percentage of listings globally is no small feat. It reflects the lasting impression made on travelers who took the time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. Travelers look to Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best as a trusted guide to the world’s top destinations and experiences. We hope this recognition helps inspire even more visitors in 2026 and beyond!”
This achievement reaffirms Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives as a destination where nature, authenticity, and experience converge to create lasting impressions.
News
Grand Park Kodhipparu enhances Summer Lagoon Living campaign with new inclusions
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is building on the success of its Summer Lagoon Living campaign with the introduction of Summer Made Seamless. Rather than introducing a separate package, the promotion adds new benefits to the resort’s existing Bed & Breakfast, Half Board and Full Board rate plans, allowing guests to enjoy more value and flexibility throughout their stay.
Celebrating the simple pleasures of island life, Summer Lagoon Living encourages guests to slow down, reconnect and discover the joys of unhurried days spent by the lagoon. The newest addition to the seasonal campaign removes some of the practical barriers to travel while adding meaningful value throughout the guest journey.
Just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the award-winning island retreat is introducing a collection of enhanced inclusions that allow guests to focus less on planning and more on enjoying quality time with loved ones, embracing wellbeing and immersing themselves in the beauty of the Maldives.
The new enhancements apply across Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives’ standard direct booking offers and are designed to add value without requiring guests to select a separate promotional package. Available for new direct bookings throughout the summer season until 30th September 2026, the promotion rewards guests with enhanced inclusions based on their chosen meal plan:
- Book Bed & Breakfast for three nights or more and enjoy complimentary return speedboat transfers.
- Book Half Board and receive a complimentary upgrade to Full Board.
- Book Full Board and receive a complimentary upgrade to All-Inclusive.
In addition, all guests can begin and end their days with complimentary sunrise and sunset group yoga sessions, embracing the restorative rhythm of life by the lagoon.
“Summer Lagoon Living is about rediscovering the luxury of time,” said Liz Smailes, Director of Marketing at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives. “With Summer Made Seamless, we’ve taken that concept a step further by simplifying the travel experience and adding thoughtful benefits that allow guests to focus on what matters most: spending time together, unwinding and creating lasting memories.”

The announcement follows the resort’s recent recognition in the 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, placing Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives among the top 10% of hotels worldwide. The accolade reflects the guest experiences that sit at the heart of Summer Lagoon Living: meaningful connection, authentic hospitality and time well spent.
Whether snorkelling the vibrant house reef, enjoying leisurely breakfasts overlooking the Indian Ocean from Edge restaurant, unwinding at the award-winning spa or simply watching the colours of sunset dance across the lagoon from Breeze bar and restaurant, guests are invited to experience the resort’s philosophy of Connected Island Luxury—where luxury is measured not by excess, but by meaningful experiences and genuine connection.
From sunrise yoga overlooking turquoise waters to evenings spent sharing stories beneath starlit skies, every element of the Summer Lagoon Living campaign has been designed around one simple aspiration: helping guests leave feeling better than the day they arrived.
Summer Made Seamless:
- Book Bed & Breakfast (minimum three nights) and receive complimentary return speedboat transfers.
- Book Half Board and receive a complimentary upgrade to Full Board.
- Book Full Board and receive a complimentary upgrade to All-Inclusive.∞ Complimentary sunrise and sunset group yoga sessions.
These enhancements can be combined with the resort’s existing direct booking benefits, providing guests with greater value while maintaining the flexibility to choose the board basis that best suits their style of holiday.
Awards
Tripadvisor names Centara Ras Fushi among travellers’ favourite destinations
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives has announced that it has been recognised with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, placing the resort among travellers’ favourite destinations worldwide.
Awarded based on genuine reviews and ratings shared by guests over a 12-month period, the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award celebrates hospitality businesses that consistently deliver exceptional experiences. Winners are recognised among the top-rated properties on Tripadvisor, reflecting the trust and appreciation of travellers from around the globe.
Nestled in the heart of the Maldives and accessible via a short speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives is an adults-only island escape designed for couples, honeymooners, and travellers seeking a tranquil escape. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and breathtaking sunsets, the resort offers a blend of contemporary comfort, authentic Maldivian experiences, and warm Thai-inspired hospitality.
Guests can enjoy a diverse collection of dining experiences, rejuvenating treatments at SPA Cenvaree, unforgettable marine adventures, and idyllic overwater and beachfront accommodation, all set amidst the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean.
“To be recognised by those who have experienced our island is the greatest accolade we could receive,” said Francesco Pompilio, Cluster General Manager of Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection. “Every stay is shaped by meaningful moments, genuine connections, and the dedication of our team. This recognition reflects the memories created on our shores and the trust our guests place in us. We are deeply grateful to every guest who has been part of our journey and to the team members who bring our hospitality to life each day.”
“Congratulations to Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2026,” said Matt Dacey, Chief Marketing Officer, Tripadvisor. “Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2026 and beyond.”
The award reflects Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives’ continued commitment to creating memorable island experiences and delivering genuine hospitality that inspires guests to return year after year.
-
News1 week agoTwo islands, one wellness journey: Coco Collection launches restorative retreat
-
Excursions1 week agoAnantara Maldives celebrates 10,000 coral milestone with Dr Oriana Migliaccio
-
News1 week agoNH Maldives Kuda Rah celebrates World Ocean Day through hands-on marine conservation
-
News1 week agoFrom Barefoot Luxury to Bare Luxury: Soneva charts a new chapter
-
Action1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Veli expands reef restoration efforts with new coral planting programme
-
News1 week agoFour Seasons Maldives brings sporting legends and explorers together for summer programme
-
News1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu celebrates nine years of memorable island experiences
-
Awards1 week agoHuvafen Fushi becomes Maldives’ only Condé Nast Traveller Triple Crown property


