News
Discover a season of artisanal elegance at One&Only Reethi Rah
As the holiday season approaches, One&Only Reethi Rah, the private island resort in the Maldives, is gearing up for spectacular celebrations. From enchanting Christmas traditions to glittering New Year’s Eve galas, and even a taste of Orthodox festivities, the ultra-luxury resort promises a season of magic and delight for its guests.
The festive season kicks off with a pool-side Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Cocktail at Rah Bar overlooking the Indian Ocean. A magical evening awaits where guests of all ages can gather to witness the resort’s sparkling Christmas tree come to life, accompanied by delightful cocktails, canapés, and traditional carols. On Christmas Eve, guests are treated to a sumptuous and elegant feast at the lavish Buffet Dinner at Reethi Restaurant. Christmas Day itself is a treat with an exciting arrival at Reethi Pool & Beach where little ones and grown-ups alike can welcome Santa Claus to the island and enjoy the timeless tradition of gift-opening and enjoying sweet treats.
As the year comes to a close, One&Only Reethi Rah invites guests to partake in their iconic incredible New Year’s Eve events. Perched directly on the shores of Sunrise Beach, the evening begins with the New Year’s Cocktail Party as a delightful precursor to the main event, the grand Gala Dinner promising an unforgettable evening of award-winning entertainment from a 12-piece show band, an abundant epicurean feast paired with fine Champagnes and world-class wines, and a stunning display in the sky to ring in the coming of 2024.
For those following the Orthodox calendar, One&Only Reethi Rah has special celebrations planned with the Orthodox Christmas Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner at Sunrise Beach, followed by a joyous Brunch the next day, and Orthodox New Year’s Dinner to close off the magical season.
Beyond the holiday feasts and traditions, One&Only Reethi Rah offers a full programme catering to guests of all interests, with activities suited for kids and teens, wellness connoisseurs, fitness junkies, art enthusiasts, and more. Children can delight in exciting ocean cruises, island treasure hunts, sunny pool parties, and even meet and adopt a sea turtle with the resort’s charity partner the Olive Ridley Project. Over at the buzzing heart of the resort, Club One, those seeking more active pastimes are invited to compete in numerous tournaments and matches, including padel, football, badminton, and water volleyball, a twist to your classic beach volleyball games. Then, venture into the award-winning One&Only Spa where leading Visiting Practitioners and expert therapists will be featuring unique treatments and experiences ranging from podiatry workshops, martial arts like Qigong, singing bowl meditation, and peaceful yoga sessions against the backdrop of the cerulean ocean.
This festive season, One&Only Reethi Rah invites you to experience the artisanal magic of the Maldives, where each and every moment on the island is a celebration of joy and wonder.
For bookings and more information, please visit oneandonlyresorts.com/reethi-rah/festive or contact reethirah.festive@oneandonlyreethirah.com.
Honeymoon
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers secluded island experiences for couples
Nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels and Resorts, just a short speedboat journey from Malé, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives unfolds as the perfect island destination for honeymooners and couples seeking seclusion, privacy, and truly immersive experiences. Surrounded by tranquil lagoon vistas, the resort offers an intimate escape where every moment is designed to be shared, savoured, and remembered.
Thoughtfully designed for togetherness, the resort’s collection of beachfront and overwater villas provides a sense of space and exclusivity, allowing couples to retreat into their own private world. Expansive decks, private pools or Jacuzzis, and uninterrupted views of turquoise waters create a setting where time slows, inviting quiet mornings, unhurried afternoons, and evenings beneath starlit skies.
For honeymooners, each day at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is an invitation to connect more deeply. Private dining experiences by the ocean’s edge, sunset cruises across endless horizons, and thoughtfully curated moments of intimacy set the stage for memories that linger long after your stay. Culinary journeys are equally enchanting, with five distinct outlets offering everything from international flavours to teppanyaki and tandoor grills, Asian cuisine, and modern Mediterranean fare. A range of meal plans is available to suit every preference, and depending on the selected plan, couples can also enjoy access to the culinary offerings at the neighbouring underwater-themed Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, adding even more immersive and memorable dining experiences.
Wellness and discovery are at the heart of the resort. Couples can unwind with holistic wellness journeys at SPA Cenvaree Retreat, inspired by Thai healing traditions, or explore the vibrant marine world together through immersive water sports and marine adventures. Each experience is designed to be shared, remembered, and to linger long after your stay.
Beyond honeymoon escapes, the resort offers a timeless setting for couples at every stage of life. Intimate celebrations and vow renewals unfold against turquoise waters and golden light, creating deeply personal moments that are meaningful and memorable.
Rooted in Thai-led hospitality, every detail is delivered with warmth, care, and intuitive attention, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in the rhythm of the island and experience the Maldives at its most serene and captivating.
At Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, every stay is an invitation to reconnect, to celebrate, and to create moments that linger long after you leave.
Awards
Angsana Velavaru achieves 4.8 rating in British Airways Customer Awards
Angsana Velavaru has received the British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award 2025, recognising the resort for consistently high levels of guest satisfaction and service.
The award is based on verified customer feedback and reflects guest experiences at the resort. Angsana Velavaru achieved an overall score of 4.8 out of 5, with recognition given for service delivery, attention to detail and guest care throughout the stay.
Located within a lagoon in South Nilandhe Atoll, the resort offers a range of accommodation options, including beachfront villas with direct beach access and its InOcean Villas, situated approximately one kilometre from the main island. These overwater villas provide a more secluded setting with open ocean views.
The resort caters to a variety of travellers, including families, couples and individual guests. Family-oriented programmes and shared activities are available, while other guests can take part in leisure, wellness and exploration experiences. Through its 101 Things To Do programme, guests can engage in activities such as snorkelling, marine excursions, cultural experiences and wellness sessions.
The surrounding reef environment provides opportunities for marine exploration, while the resort’s service approach focuses on delivering personalised guest experiences. This combination of natural setting and service delivery forms a central part of the resort’s offering.
The British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award is presented to hotels that achieve high customer ratings, serving as an indicator of guest satisfaction within the travel sector. For Angsana Velavaru, the recognition reflects its continued focus on maintaining service standards and delivering consistent guest experiences.
The resort continues to position its offering around accessibility to nature, varied experiences and a service model aimed at supporting guest comfort and engagement throughout their stay.
Action
Eri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
Eri Maldives is located within the waters of North Malé Atoll and is surrounded by a house reef accessible to both beginner and experienced divers. With four direct reef entry points and shore access, the resort offers opportunities for snorkelling, introductory dives and certified diving.
The house reef supports a range of marine life, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, mobula rays and spotted eagle rays, as well as schools of reef fish. The accessibility of the reef allows guests to explore the area over multiple days, providing opportunities to observe marine behaviour and habitats over time.
Turtle encounters
Hawksbill turtles are among the most frequently observed species on the reef. The resort’s dive team has identified 14 individual turtles, each recognised by shell patterns and physical features. These include turtles known as Rosie, Cara and Anna, which have been documented through repeated sightings.
The resort maintains records of these turtles, allowing returning guests to identify individuals over time. Guests may also contribute to this initiative by naming newly identified turtles that have not previously been recorded.
Manta ray season
From December to April, manta rays are known to visit cleaning stations at Bodu Hithi Thila, located approximately one hour by boat from the resort. During this period, ocean conditions support plankton flows that attract mantas to the area, where they can be observed feeding or visiting cleaning stations.
Night diving experiences
Night snorkelling and diving activities provide a different perspective on reef activity. Species such as reef sharks, trevallies, moray eels and nurse sharks become more active after dark, offering guests the opportunity to observe nocturnal marine behaviour.
At Eri Maldives, marine experiences form a central part of the guest offering, with the house reef providing consistent opportunities for exploration. The resort’s dive programme is designed to support repeated interaction with the marine environment, allowing guests to experience a range of underwater activity throughout their stay.
Accommodation is available in studio and beach villa categories, with full board packages offered for direct bookings, subject to availability.
-
Cooking1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives introduces Onda with Mediterranean-inspired menu
-
Action1 week agoSix Senses Kanuhura participates in international COASTS Project on blue carbon ecosystems
-
Cooking1 week agoAnantara Veli Maldives continues Michelin guest chef series with female lineup
-
Awards1 week agoMandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa receives global wellness award
-
Action1 week agoBaros Maldives introduces ‘Lines of Respect’ fishing programme
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Veli introduces new treatments at Ocean Spa
-
News1 week agoReethi Faru Resort joins global Earth Hour campaign with conservation efforts
-
Awards1 week agoVilla Park recognised with CHECK24 Top Hotel Award


