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Jawakara Islands Maldives opens: 2 islands, 1 resort, multigenerational experiences

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Jawakara Islands Maldives opened its doors on Sunday, offering an adventurous bolthole where multigenerational travelers can collaborate, indulge and rejuvenate. This is the latest opening in the Crown & Champa Resorts portfolio which includes Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Maldives, and Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa in its luxury collection.

Jawakara is a 290-villa, ‘One Island, One Resort’ Maldivian concept. Just 40 minutes either by luxury speedboat from Madivaru domestic airport in Lhaviyani Atoll or 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport, the five-star getaway comprises two separate islands – Mabin and Dheru – connected by an oversea walkway.

Jawakara will be managed as one resort with a focus on family-friendly and multigenerational experiences. Guests can choose to have an action packed schedule from surfing, diving, motorised and non-motorised watersports including kite surfing, kayaking and many more and snorkelling to golf, paddle and football tournaments on a full-sized pitch with much more in between. Alternatively, there are two Suhla spas, a big kids club, a yoga retreat and two infinity pools.

Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager, Jawakara Islands Maldives, comments: “Jawakara is designed to be every family’s dream for a luxury getaway – every detail has been thought of for all generations alike for an all-encompassing offering that will define Jawakara as the pioneer for luxury multi-generational travel in classically Maldivian surroundings.”

Activities

Mabin Island is home to the Jawa Kids Club, available to children staying in all accommodation types. The Jawa Kids programme is packed with exciting and age-appropriate activities from mini golf, football and paddle tennis instruction to child-friendly spa treatments to lessons in the art of sushi making and mocktail mixology. The programme includes opportunities for children to learn about Maldivian culture through music, dance, art, and even how to fish using traditional Maldivian methods as well as sustainability workshops and exploring the ocean with the in-house marine biology expert.

Jawakara is one of the very few luxury resorts in the Maldives where guests can surf. The surf school will provide equipment and lessons to guests looking to catch the perfect wave. Jawakara also offers a wealth of other water activities for families; from guided diving and snorkelling trips to paddleboarding and kayaking as well as the opportunity to complete certifications at the PADI five-star training centre alongside jetskiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, sofa-rides, windsurfing, kayaks and catamaran sailing.

Other facilities include two infinity pools overlooking the ocean, a kid’s pool; artificial turf courts for football (futsal); paddle tennis, tennis and badminton courts; a fitness centre; a volleyball court; and a 9-hole golf course, the biggest in the Maldives.

Accommodation

Mabin is home to 202 villas, while Dheru comprises 88 villas, totalling 110 Beach Villas, 90 Beach Pool Villas and 70 Water Pool Villas. This includes 10 two-bedroom Villas on Mabin which can be converted into a twin or triple room for larger groups or families. In addition, there are 5 three-bedroom beach pool villas which sleep up to 8 people on Dhehru. Two of the bedrooms have outdoor bathrooms while the middle bedroom has an indoor bathroom. These villas offer families flexible sleeping arrangements and are ideal for multigenerational holidays, large families, families who wish to bring a nanny or for two families holidaying together.

Each villa is complete with a king-size bed, private sun-decking, a 48-inch flatscreen TV with the latest movies, and indoor bathroom with a rain shower, creating a space filled with both privacy and spaciousness where time slows down and families can truly relax and connect.

Dining

There is a variety of dining experiences available for all tastes. ‘MOLO’ à la carte restaurant, located on Mabin Island invites guests to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine, while ‘HIDEOUT RESTAURANT’, is an upscale international fast-food restaurant that offers an innovative take on comfort classics such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. SAIMA and AILA serves indoor and al fresco all-day buffets in an open-air dining room with live cooking stations. Mabin also boasts a choice of 3 bars, namely Nika Bar, Bonthi Bar, and Molo Bar.

Guests can enjoy buffet-style dining at ‘THE VELA RESTAURANT’ on Dheru or opt for á la carte Asian-Pacific cuisine ‘UMI 海 RESTAURANT’ at the heart of the walkway connecting the two islands to enjoy a unique dining experience whilst watching the sunset on the Indian Ocean horizon. The ‘THILA BAR’ has a spectacular view from on high and ‘UMI 海 BAR’ treats you to an awe-inspiring panorama of the Jawakara House Reef and lagoon, setting the stage for a memorable drink experience.

Wellness

Two Sulha Spas – one with 8 double treatment rooms located in the tropical jungle of Mabin island and the other with 6 treatment rooms and a yoga retreat that sits above the crystalline Jawakara lagoon – offer an Ayurveda spa and wellness experience that harnesses Asian massage techniques alongside organic products to create a truly natural approach.

Curating a stay

Mabin Island offers something for everyone with a premium all-inclusive package, or full board, half board or bed and breakfast only. Pre-opening starting rates are from $600 per room based on double occupancy on a bed & breakfast basis.

Dheru island offers a fully all-Inclusive, intimate island escape. Pre-opening starting rates are from $992 per room based on double occupancy.

Three-bedroom villas starting rate for the opening period is US$2400 for 5 people, with additional charges of US$692 for each extra person per night with a total maximum of 8 people on an all-inclusive basis.

“I would always say that Jawakara will make a difference in the market with its offerings and unique concept. Jawakara caters for everyone’s needs, and is not limited to just one segment. It’s a very large five-star, family friendly and active Resort,” emphasised the Director of Sales and Marketing at Crown & Champa Resorts, Ahmed Shaheen.

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The Ritz-Carlton pairs Singapore and Maldives for two-destination Asian escape

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The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands come together to inspire a multi-destination journey pairing the vibrant energy of Singapore with the natural beauty and tranquility of the Maldives, ideal for those looking to experience two distinct sides of Asia in unparalleled luxury. Just approximately four hours apart, with two daily nonstop flights operated by Singapore Airlines, one of the world’s leading airlines, the two destinations offer a seamless experience from Singapore’s vibrant cultural and culinary scene to the endless blue horizons and serenity of the Maldives.

Award-winning dining and spa experiences await across both destinations, brought together through art, design, and architecture, and elevated by the exceptional savoir-faire of The Ritz-Carlton Ladies and Gentlemen.

Two Destinations, One Legendary Ritz-Carlton Experience

While distinctly rooted in their respective destinations, both properties share the unmistakable spirit of The Ritz-Carlton. At the heart of each experience are the Ladies and Gentlemen, whose intuitive and personalised service transforms every stay into something meaningful.

Whether arriving in the heart of Singapore or stepping onto a private Maldivian island, guests are welcomed with the same sense of belonging; the comfort of feeling at home while discovering somewhere entirely new. This connection extends to the dining experience at Summer Pavilion, where guests can savour exceptional Cantonese cuisine at the Michelin-starred Marina Bay restaurant, before discovering new flavours at its island counterpart, the Forbes Four-Star Summer Pavilion, set over the Maldivian waters in an intimate lantern-lit ambiance. Thoughtful experiences, exceptional dining, distinctive design, and genuine care create a natural thread between both destinations, allowing the journey to continue seamlessly from city to island.

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore: A Canvas of Views

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is renowned for its prime Marina Bay location, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the Singapore Flyer to the Formula 1 street circuit and the Kallang cityscape. Guided by the principles of Feng Shui, the property’s architecture and interiors are composed to balance energy and enliven the senses. This philosophy is expressed in the iconic octagonal bathroom windows featured in every guest room, including the signature Club Premier Suite, Club Deluxe Suite and Millenia Suites, framing panoramic views of the Singapore skyline while alluding to the auspicious number eight, best experienced during the In-room Butler Drawn Bath.

Within its walls, the property is home to one of the largest contemporary art collections in Southeast Asia, with over 4,200 artworks featuring renowned artists including David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Dale Chihuly, Frank Stella and Zhu Wei, of which 90% specially commissioned for the hotel. Guests are invited to explore selected pieces through the hotel’s Augmented Reality Art Tour, bringing each work to life in an entirely new dimension.

That same spirit of discovery extends to the table, where The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore stands as a culinary destination in its own right. General Manager Peter Mainguy shares: “Food is one of the most authentic ways to experience Singapore’s culture, history and diversity. We are passionate about connecting guests with the destination through meaningful culinary experiences. Through seven immersive conservatory kitchens at Colony, savour a true taste of Singapore, celebrating the diverse flavours and culinary traditions that define the nation. At Summer Pavilion, One Michelin Star refined Cantonese cuisine offers an intimate dining experience, rooted in culinary craftsmanship and heritage. Republic offers a sixties-inspired cocktail experience, while The Ritz Lounge is a haven for contemporary all-day dining. Every dining experience offers an opportunity to discover and celebrate the multicultural spirit that defines Singapore.”

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands: Embrace the Circle of Island Life

At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, guests are invited to embrace the natural rhythm of island life. Designed by the late Kerry Hill, the resort’s distinctive circular architecture sits in harmony with the ocean and surrounding landscape, with fluid indoor-outdoor spaces that draw the eye toward endless horizons of blue. From private overwater and beach pool villas to expansive premium residences and The Ritz-Carlton Estate, the resort offers a contemporary expression of Maldivian island living, shaped by design, nature, and a profound sense of place.

This connection with the destination extends throughout the guest experience. The award-winning The Ritz-Carlton Spa, set over the lagoon, offers a sanctuary inspired by the natural elements and ancient principles of Yin and Yang, while the resort’s expert Naturalists invite guests to discover and contribute to the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem. Younger guests embark on their own island adventures at Ritz Kids, while a curated calendar of visiting chefs, artists, wellness practitioners, and other Masters of Crafts brings new opportunities for discovery throughout the year.

Dining unfolds across seven distinctive restaurants and bars, from relaxed Mediterranean moments at Beach Shack and Japanese flavours at IWAU to contemporary Cantonese cuisine at the Forbes Four-Star Summer Pavilion, suspended above the lagoon. Throughout the stay, each guest is accompanied by a dedicated Aris Meeha, or island butler, whose intuitive and personalised service allows days to unfold effortlessly and at an unhurried pace.

“There is something truly special about a journey that connects the pulse of Singapore with the serenity of the Maldives,” says Oscar Postma, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. “Here, Kerry Hill’s circular architecture invites guests to slow down and embrace island life at its own unhurried pace, a philosophy that feels like a natural counterpoint to the vibrant energy of a Singapore stay. Having called Singapore home twice, spanning a total of 15 years – including as part of the leadership team at The

Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, and again before joining our Maldives resort 18 months ago – I’ve experienced firsthand how these two destinations, though worlds apart, share the same soul of genuine hospitality. Both have captured my heart in their own distinctive way.”

From Artful City Lights to Elevated Island Living

Together, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invite guests to embrace two distinct rhythms in one remarkable journey: feel energised by the vibrant pulse of a global city, surrounded by art and dazzling lights, before slowing down to the gentle rhythm of the ocean within an architectural masterpiece on a private Maldivian island.

Connected by more than a flight, the two stays are united by a shared approach to hospitality, creating a journey where guests can discover something entirely different at each destination while always feeling unmistakably at home.

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Singapore and ritzcarlton.com/Maldives

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Niva Kurumba sets stage for ‘A Night at the Circus’ this New Year’s Eve

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Niva Kurumba has announced its festive season programme for 2026–2027, a curated collection of experiences running from 21 December to 7 January. The programme unfolds in two chapters: a classic tropical Christmas from 21 to 25 December, followed by a New Year at the Circus from 26 December to 6 January, with celebrations positioning the iconic resort as a destination for togetherness, celebration, and discovery.

An idyllic tropical Christmas

The season opens with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, its glow accompanied by festive carols. Festive dining anchors the celebrations. The Christmas Eve Gala Dinner and Christmas Day Lunch at Vihamaana bring lavish buffets, live cooking stations, and music, while sunset rituals at Kandu Bar mark each evening by the water’s edge. Throughout the season guests may expect themed sundowners – from a Sunset Carnival to Blush Sunset Hour and Flames of the Island – each layered with music, handcrafted cocktails, and a fun shoreline atmosphere.

A sense of wonder

After Christmas, the island leans into wonder. Days are shaped by barefoot celebrations and shoreline gatherings – a Beach Fiesta with music and DJ beats, a Maldivian Mas Race fishing competition, Island Illusion magic show, a spectacular fire performance, and a showstopping fashion show by the pool. The programme builds towards a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner themed ‘A Night at the Circus’, where fire performers and aerial artists set the scene before fireworks illuminate the Maldivian sky at midnight – a farewell to 2026 and a joyful welcome to 2027.

The underwater world unfolds in breathtaking colour and life

Guests can slip into warm, crystalline waters for guided snorkelling excursions with stingrays and turtles to gentle nurse sharks. Experienced guides lead voyages across coral gardens and breathtaking reefs, revealing the archipelago’s underwater beauty. On Christmas Day a secluded sandbank offers an invitation to swim in the clear water and experience the quiet beauty of the Maldives.

A season for play

Little moments of magic are created for the island’s youngest guests with a world designed just for them, offering a season of playful days and festive fun. Hands-on activities include gingerbread decorating, snowflake making, sand art, seashell crafts, and clown crown making. Special events include a sand snowman competition on the beach, a splash party by the pool, and a Grand Show Stopper Fashion Show. The spirit of the holidays continues with Christmas wreath making and a search for Santa across the sea, while a Circus Cruise brings new year adventure.

For those seeking calm

A quiet invitation to slow down. This festive season, LIME Wellbeing introduces a collection of restorative experiences designed to reset and reconnect. Highlights include the Romantic Escape for two, the family-focused Together Treasure, and Serenity Under the Stars – an alfresco couple’s massage where warm coconut oil is massaged into the skin using cowrie shells.

A Season of Light awaits. The full programme and festive season special offer are available for those ready to plan their escape at Festive Season | Niva Kurumba Maldives.

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Jumeirah Olhahali Island reveals festive programme following island-wide refresh

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This festive season, Jumeirah Olhahali Island invites guests to experience ‘Tides of Celebration’, a programme of memorable dining, ocean adventures, creative discovery and restorative wellbeing, from 15 December 2026 to 7 January 2027. With a full refurbishment underway, the festive season offers an opportunity to experience the newly reimagined island, where 67 beach and overwater villas and residences, refreshed dining experiences and thoughtfully designed spaces create a setting for guests to reconnect and celebrate together.

Inspired by the natural rhythm of island life, the programme is centred around gratitude, connection and the moments that bring people closer together, giving guests the freedom to celebrate the season at a pace entirely their own.

Festivities begin with The First Festive Glow, Christmas tree lighting ceremony on 15 December, before a calendar of experiences unfold across the island. On 31 December, the Last Sunset Soirée will mark the final sunset of 2026 before the Starlit New Year’s Eve Gala welcomes the year ahead with exceptional dining and live entertainment. Celebrations continue into January, culminating in the Seasonal Oceanside Gala on 6 January in celebration of Orthodox Christmas.

Dining provides a recurring thread throughout the programme, with highlights including An Evening Curated with Krug on 19 December, An Izakaya Evening at Umi Kei on 22 December, Terroir & Tide on 26 December and A Journey of Gaja & Gastronomy on 1 January. Guests can also discover Maldivian-inspired dining, curated wine pairings, degustation menus and intimate gatherings by the ocean.

At Talise spa, visiting specialists Petra Kinga Nagy and Balazs Sebestyen will lead a carefully curated programme spanning movement, breathwork, nutrition, recovery and holistic wellbeing, complemented by sunrise yoga overlooking the lagoon and immersive workshops designed to restore balance and vitality.

Beyond the celebrations, guests can discover the natural and creative character of Jumeirah Olhahali Island through Turtle Quest, Reef Discovery Snorkelling, yacht excursions and workshops at MURACA Art Studio. Younger travellers can join a Jumeirah Circle programme of culinary workshops, outdoor adventures and cultural activities, alongside family traditions including the Gingerbread Atelier.

For more information and to explore the full programme, visit here.

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