Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has unveiled Kodhipparu Reef Connection, a new experience-led stay designed around one of the island’s greatest natural treasures–its award-winning house reef, recognised among the Top 10 House Reefs in the Maldives in the 2026 Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific.

Created around the resort’s Reef Pool Villas, the new experience moves beyond the traditional Maldives villa stay by connecting accommodation, marine discovery, wellbeing and dining through one continuous journey inspired by the reef.

Rather than treating snorkelling, yoga and dining as individual resort activities, Kodhipparu Reef Connection follows the natural rhythm of a day on the island. Positioned to face the sunrise, our Reef Pool Villas allow guests to watch the island awaken from their own private deck, with the house reef stretching out before them. Sunrise yoga turns this natural moment into the beginning of the day’s journey — a quiet connection with the ocean before discovering what lies beneath it.

The connection then moves beneath the surface. Through the Blue Mind reef experience, our Marine Biologist introduces guests to her work protecting Kodhipparu’s house reef, the marine life that calls it home, and how the reef changes throughout the day. Guests learn what to look for–and where and when they are most likely to find it–giving them the knowledge to explore the reef independently and see each snorkel through more informed eyes.

As daylight softens, the experience moves above the water with sunset cocktails and chef’s canapés, followed by a signature three-course dinner at FireDoor, Grand Park Kodhipparu’s overwater speciality restaurant.

A reserved glass-floor table provides the setting for the evening, with the resort’s Marine Biologist introducing guests to Life Beneath Your Table and the marine world visible below before dinner begins.

The experience reflects a wider philosophy at Grand Park Kodhipparu: that modern luxury hospitality should be about much more than the room itself.

Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, said: “A beautiful villa is important, but today it is only the beginning of what guests expect from a resort. What creates lasting memories is everything that happens around and beyond the room–the connection to nature, food, people and a genuine sense of place.”

“Our award-winning house reef is part of the identity of Kodhipparu, so with Reef Connection we wanted to bring it into the whole rhythm of the stay. Guests wake above it, swim through it, learn about it and, at FireDoor, dine above it. It is a perfect example of what I believe hospitality should be about: not simply selling a room, but creating a reason to stay.”

Located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu offers guests unusually easy access to the underwater world of the Maldives while staying at a boutique luxury resort. Its house reef begins directly off the island, allowing guests to explore vibrant coral gardens and marine life without the need for a separate boat excursion.

Recognised among the Maldives’ leading house reefs by Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau’s Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, the reef is more than an amenity at Kodhipparu. It is part of the character of the island and increasingly central to the resort’s approach to experiences that connect guests more meaningfully with nature and the ocean.

Kodhipparu Reef Connection includes:

• 3-night stay in a Reef Pool Villa
• Complimentary Half Board upgrade
• Daily sunrise and sunset yoga
• Blue Mind reef discovery with a Marine Biologist, introducing the reef, its marine life and ongoing conservation work
• One signature three-course dinner for two at FireDoor
• Reserved glass-floor dining table
• Sunset cocktails and chef’s canapés for two
• Life Beneath Your Table introduction with the Marine Biologist

Guests booking directly also receive additional Park Rewards benefits and savings across selected dining, spa and watersports experiences, together with personalised service from a dedicated Lifestyle Host.

The launch forms part of Grand Park Kodhipparu’s evolving Connected Island Luxury philosophy, which sees luxury not simply through accommodation or traditional five-star conventions, but through meaningful connections to nature, wellbeing, people and place.

With Kodhipparu Reef Connection, that philosophy begins just beyond the villa deck at sunrise and continues through to sunset with the living reef beneath the resort’s signature restaurant.

Anantara Hotels & Resorts is marking its 25th anniversary with a collection of signature experiences across its portfolio, including a stargazing programme at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas in Baa Atoll.

The anniversary initiative brings together experiences across Thailand, the Maldives and Italy, with a focus on stillness, wellbeing and slower forms of travel. The experiences are being offered across Anantara’s more than 50 properties throughout 2026, with each programme developed around its destination.

In the Maldives, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is highlighting the night sky through its Celestial Maldives experience at SKY, the resort’s overwater observatory.

As daylight fades over the Indian Ocean, guests are invited to the observatory for a guided stargazing session with the resort’s SKY Edhuru, or astronomy guide. Using the telescope at the observatory, guests can observe galaxies, constellations and planets above the Maldives.

According to Anantara, the experience reflects the broader theme behind its anniversary programme: encouraging travellers to spend more time observing their surroundings rather than focusing on covering more destinations or activities.

Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah has incorporated astronomy into its guest experience through SKY, which the resort says is home to the most powerful telescope in the Maldives. The observatory offers guests an opportunity to explore the night sky with guidance from its resident astronomy team while remaining within the resort’s overwater setting.

The Maldives programme forms part of a wider series of anniversary experiences developed by Anantara around different interpretations of rest, reflection and wellbeing.

At Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel in Italy, guests can take part in a morning programme inspired by the property’s history as a 13th-century Capuchin convent. The experience includes a walk through its gardens with Friar Marcus, sound healing in the convent sanctuary and a picnic featuring produce from the property’s gardens.

In Thailand, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort has introduced an experience built around a journey along the Mae Ping River aboard its teakwood boat, Nam Jai. The programme includes visits to Wat Ket Karam and Khua Kaek Bridge, an alms-giving ceremony and a Lanna khantoke lunch beneath Bodhi trees at the resort.

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is meanwhile offering a wellbeing programme beginning with a personal consultation at Layan Life by Anantara, followed by sound healing, heated herbal therapy, sunset viewing and stargazing.

Anantara said the collection is intended to mark its 25th year by drawing attention to experiences rooted in the character of each destination.

Founded in 2001, Anantara Hotels & Resorts is the experiential luxury brand of Minor Hotels. Its portfolio now spans more than 50 properties, including several resorts in the Maldives.

The signature 25th-anniversary experiences, including Celestial Maldives at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, are available during 2026.

There is a certain magic that settles over the Maldives during the festive season, a quiet sparkle that transforms the island sanctuaries into havens of celebration and togetherness. At THE OZEN COLLECTION, you are invited to experience this enchantment, where every sunset brings new wonder and every evening holds the promise of shared joy.

From 22nd December 2026 to 7th January 2027, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invite guests to immerse themselves in a curated calendar of festivities—from cherished Tree Lighting ceremonies that herald the start of the season to spectacular New Year’s Eve galas and the serene observance of Orthodox Christmas. Every detail has been thoughtfully composed to honour time-honoured traditions while celebrating the unique spirit of the Maldives.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: An Indian Ocean Celebration

Mornings begin with restorative wellness rituals at ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa, while younger guests delight in the creativity of Gingerbread house-making. A lively Sangria Fiesta and an underwater tree planting ceremony pay tribute to the resort’s profound connection with the ocean. Christmas games, a spectacular Gala Dinner, and a Bubbles Breakfast ensure each day is imbued with festive cheer. The season is further enriched by family-themed activities, curated wine, gin, and bubbles tastings, immersive culinary journeys, and interactive cooking classes—ensuring every generation discovers something to treasure.

Speaking on the festive offerings and what to expect, Mei P. Pun, General Manager mentioned “This festive season at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a celebration of connection—between families, between cultures, and between the ocean and our island home. Watching our guests create memories that will last a lifetime is the greatest gift we could ever receive.”

As the year draws to a close, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO will welcome 2027 with a ‘Glitz & Glam’ New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with fireworks, live entertainment, and an atmosphere of sparkling elegance. The festive season concludes with the serene observance of Orthodox Christmas, offering a moment of quiet reflection and tradition.

View and download the Festive Brochure for OZEN LIFE MAADHOO here.

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI: A Winter Wonderland

The resort transforms into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ for Christmas, offering an enchanting fusion of festive charm and tropical beauty. Guests can embark on a Wine Journey through rare vintages, master the art of mixology at an exclusive class, and savour gastronomic experiences across the resort’s celebrated dining venues. A Black & White Theme Night and a vibrant Pool Party add a playful, spirited touch to the festivities.

The season culminates with ‘A Night of Refined Elegance’ —a New Year’s Eve celebration that promises a sophisticated farewell to the year, complete with gourmet dining, champagne, and live entertainment. The festive period draws to a graceful close with Orthodox Christmas celebrations, offering a moment of calm and reverence before the new year begins.

“At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, the festive season is about more than celebrations—it is about the quiet joy of togetherness in a setting of unparalleled beauty. We are honoured to welcome guests to our island sanctuary, where every tradition is reimagined with elegance and every moment becomes a cherished memory,” says Abnash Kumar, General Manager, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI.

Festive-themed entertainment across both resorts will transform the islands into a theatre of music, laughter, and shared celebration.

These curated experiences are seamlessly integrated into the INDULGENCE™ Plan at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and the RESERVE™ Plan at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, offering guests the freedom to immerse themselves fully in the season’s magic—without a single worry.

View and download the Festive Brochure for OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI here.