News
Get ready for spectacular New Year’s celebration at Lily Beach Resort
Prepare to be enchanted by the holiday spirit at Lily Beach Resort & Spa as the resort unveils a spectacular Festive Programme 2023. This year, the resort is set to create lasting memories for guests with a dazzling array of activities and events that promise to make this holiday season truly special.
The festivities commence on the 23rd of December, building an atmosphere of eager anticipation for the highly awaited arrival of Santa Claus on the 24th. Santa brings not only gifts but also an abundance of joy for everyone. Moreover, the resort’s esteemed Executive Chef Michele Antonio Totaro will curate an exquisite Christmas Eve Gala dinner on the 24th, promising an extraordinary culinary experience.
Throughout the holiday season, guests can look forward to a diverse array of experiences, including themed buffet nights, Gala dinners, and captivating live music performances. Adding an extra layer of enchantment to our celebration, the renowned magician Tommilusions will astound and mesmerise with jaw-dropping magic shows.
Christmas Day at Lily Beach promises to be a day of joy and togetherness. Activities abound for both children and adults, mesmerising magic shows, lantern releases with wishes that light up the night sky, and a lively Disco night with a live DJ, ensuring everyone can dance their way into the night.
Lily Beach Resort’s Festive Programme is designed to offer a wide array of health and wellness-inspired events for both children and adults. Families can come together to create precious memories through swimming activities, picnics, and local island visits to discover the rich culture and heritage of the Maldives. Gastronomical delights await, including Seafood extravaganzas, Asian Street Food nights, and much more to tantalise taste buds.
For the little ones, a very special and exciting programme awaits! One filled with colours, painting, swimming, treasure hunts and presents! Lily Beach’s very own Turtle Kids Club has prepared an exceptional programme for the children, ensuring that all the children have the best possible time this season.
As the resort bids farewell to the old year, it does so in style. New Year’s Eve at Lily Beach will be a grand celebration filled with thrilling activities, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. Live band and DJ will provide the soundtrack to the night, ensuring guests can dance their way into the New Year with joy and enthusiasm.
On the eve of New Year, following the sumptuous Gala dinner, guests will have the opportunity to participate in the beloved annual Bon Voyage Bonfire event. This cherished tradition invites guests to pen their farewell letters to 2023, symbolising the act of bidding adieu to the past year, and as the embers of the bonfire flicker, Lily Beach warmly welcomes the dawn of the New Year, 2024.
Join the team at Lily Beach this holiday season for a magical and memorable experience. The team is dedicated to creating the perfect backdrop for your cherished moments, ensuring your festive season is filled with laughter, love, and lasting memories.
For the complete Festive Programme, please click here. For more information and reservations, please click here.
News
Bandos Maldives marks 53 years of hospitality with guest celebration
Bandos Maldives marked its 53rd anniversary on 10 December 2025 with a heartfelt celebration alongside in-house guests. The celebration honoured more than five decades of service since the resort first opened on 10 December 1972, becoming one of the earliest pioneers of Maldivian tourism.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager Ismail Rasheed thanked everyone who has been part of Bandos’ journey, including long-time guests, partners, and the dedicated team that has carried the resort forward. He noted that reaching 53 years is a remarkable achievement built on consistency, care, and the spirit of hospitality that Bandos is known for. He also shared that the resort is preparing for an exciting phase of improvements in the years ahead.
Bandos has continued to grow its reputation recently, earning multiple international awards over the past years for its exceptional service, family experiences and diving. The resort is also proud to be a Green Globe certified property, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism
Bandos has plans for upgrades with focus on fresh designs, improved comfort, and modern amenities to elevate the overall guest experience while maintaining the classic charm that many loyal visitors love.
With its long heritage, strong values, and continued focus on innovation, Bandos Maldives remains committed to offering memorable island experiences for travellers from around the world.
Entertainment
Hulhule Island Hotel names 2ofus as New Year’s Eve 2026 headline act
Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) has announced 2ofus as the main entertainment for its New Year’s Eve 2026 festive events. The highly sought-after musical band has partnered with HIH to bring an unforgettable night of performance, energy, and celebration to guests.
Known for their exceptional talent and stage presence, 2ofus has reached remarkable heights in the music scene, participating in and performing at international competitions and concerts. Their collaboration with HIH marks an exciting addition to the hotel’s festive lineup.
Renowned as the most popular festive destination in the Greater Malé Area, HIH continues its tradition of delivering vibrant, world-class celebrations. This year, the hotel once again promises a festive season filled with elegance, entertainment, and the signature warmth HIH is known for.
Commenting on the partnership, Group General Manager, Ali Shakir said: “Signing with 2ofus for New Year’s Eve is truly special for us. They are one of the most in-demand acts during the festive season, and we are delighted to have them onboard. Their energy and talent are unmatched, and we are confident that HIH will once again be the place to be this New Year’s Eve. Our team is committed to creating a celebration that brings our guests joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories.”
For 2026, HIH unveils exclusive celebrations, granting guests access to multi-venue experiences, curated staycation packages, diverse multi-cuisine dining, and a range of thoughtfully designed festive highlights.
With limited slots available, guests are encouraged to secure their bookings early for the best experience.
For more information or reservations, please contact +960 762 2667 or email events@hih.com.mv
News
The Standard, Maldives achieves Green Globe Certification after rigorous audit
The Standard, Maldives has announced that it has successfully achieved the prestigious Green Globe Certification, recognizing the resort’s comprehensive and continuous dedication to sustainable operations and management. This monumental achievement underscores the property’s commitment to protecting the pristine Maldivian environment, supporting local communities, and maintaining the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility across all aspects of its unique island experience.
The certification follows a rigorous auditing process that evaluated The Standard, Maldives’ performance in energy and water conservation, waste management, social responsibility, and sustainable procurement. A key highlight of the resort’s innovative sustainability initiatives is the introduction of the Zero Capsule Machine System for Coffee. By replacing traditional single-use capsules with eco-friendly coffee balls, the resort has achieved an estimated reduction of over 25,000 pieces of non-biodegradable coffee capsules annually, substantially minimizing plastic and aluminium waste and setting a new, greener standard for in-room and dining beverage service.
Furthermore, as part of our commitment to local support and Green Globe sustainability standards, The Standard, Maldives has actively strengthened its local supply chain. For the past three months, the resort has been consistently sourcing fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and lettuce from a local farm, Maldivian Mermaid, on a nearby island. This initiative not only strengthens our relationship with the local community but also:
- Reduces carbon footprint by minimizing long-distance transportation.
- Supports regional agriculture and local island economies.
- Optimizes logistical efficiency by easing storage demands on regular supply boat from Malé, ensuring imported items are kept at the correct temperature. The redefining agriculture farm delivers directly to the resort using their own boat, streamlining the process.
“Achieving Green Globe Certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who embody our commitment to sustainability every day,” says Justin Swart, General Manager The Standard, Maldives. “Our goal is to demonstrate that lifestyle, luxury and responsible travel can, and must, go hand in hand. Initiatives like the Zero Capsule Machine System and our growing partnership with local farmers like Maldivian Mermaid, show our proactive approach to finding practical, impactful solutions that preserve the incredible natural beauty surrounding us for generations to come.”
Moving forward, The Standard, Maldives will continue to implement and expand its sustainability programs, focusing on marine conservation, further reducing its carbon footprint, and enhancing local community engagement, all while ensuring guests enjoy the playful, yet mindful, hospitality the brand is known for. The resort looks forward to contributing to a more sustainable future for the Maldives and the broader travel industry.
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