News
Discover enchanted elements, golden grandeur festive celebrations at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
This festive season, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is inviting guests to experience the natural splendour of the island with a dash of crafted glamour that culminates in a golden themed New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner as part of the resort’s Enchanted Elements and Golden Grandeur holiday programme. From couples and families to groups of friends, a festive world of wining, dining, fun and games awaits at the luxury island resort.
The festive flame is ignited on Wednesday, December 20 with the Grand Christmas Tree Lighting and Family Cocktail event at Manzaru Restaurant, where the resort’s younger guests are invited to help decorate the tree before the lights are turned on to mark the official beginning of the seasonal festivities. To get the seasonal spirit flowing, the evening includes live entertainment, pass-around canapes, and a choice of cocktails.
For those who enjoyed the cocktail party, there is an opportunity to unleash their inner mixologist at the Shake n’ Stir Cocktail Class set amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Nala Orchid Garden on December 21, while the younger guests get another chance to join in the seasonal fun on December 22 with the Festive Coconut Hunt and Painting activities at Thiththi Boli Kids Club.
The countdown to Christmas is ramped up on December 24 with the Christmas Eve Cocktail Party, featuring festive cocktails, canapes and live music on the beach before the action moves to Manzaru Restaurant for Enchanted Elements Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner.
Christmas Day gets underway with Santa at SEA, when the big man makes a surprise appearance at the windows of the resort’s underwater restaurant to bring some festive cheer with a tropical twist. After a Christmas Champagne Brunch by the poolside, it’s the moment that everyone has been waiting for when Santa makes his grand entrance as he steps onto the sun-kissed shores with a flourish of holiday magic.
As Santa’s footsteps in the sand gradually fade, it’s time to step up the countdown to New Year. A Full Moon Party at Sky Bar on December 27 is followed by a Manzaru Pool Party the next day and a Sunset Cocktail Soiree on Kihavah Beach on December 29.
Then, on New Year’s Eve, the party mood really starts to bubble, beginning with Beachside Cocktails and live music before guests are invited to experience the crafted glamour of a sumptuous Golden Grandeur Gala Dinner where exquisite cuisine is combined with captivating entertainment. As the clock approaches midnight, the New Year’s Eve party gets into full swing on Kihavah Beach, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display against the mesmerising backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Guests then have the chance to start the New Year in the right way with an indulgent New Year’s Day Brunch in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
Throughout the festive period, guests will also have the chance to participate in a variety of sporting games and activities, including the Kihavah Island Marathon on December 26, when the energetic embark on an extraordinary journey of endurance and breathtaking scenery along the island’s picturesque routes. Other sporty activities include a Tennis Tournament, Beach Volleyball and a Guests Vs. Staff Football Match.
Guests can also head out to the water with Ocean Whisperer Yacht charters or Luxury Spa Cruises and there is also a full menu of spa treatments and Festive Wellness Workshops for guests to enjoy on land.
In addition to a wide choice of fun and creative activities available every day for young guests at Thiththi Boli Kids Club, the Beach Family Fun activity creates unforgettable family moments on the beach. The numerous arts and crafts activities available during the festive period include the traditional Maldivian Lacquer Workshop.
To book a stay or for more information or to make a booking, please call +960 664 4111 or visit www.anantara.com/kihavah-maldives or email reservations.maldives@anantara.com.
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Maldives’ Dhigurah ranked among world’s 10 most valuable beaches
Dhigurah in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll has been ranked among the world’s 10 most valuable holiday beaches, with its stretch of sand assigned an estimated value of MVR 2.9 billion (€162.7 million) in a study by luxury villa holiday specialist CV Villas.
The island placed eighth in the global ranking, ahead of Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The study calculated the hypothetical cost of owning some of the world’s best-known beaches by valuing the sand as coastal land. The figures do not represent sale prices or suggest that the beaches are available for private purchase.
Dhigurah was the only Maldivian beach included in the global top 15. Known for its long sandbank and proximity to whale shark habitats in South Ari Atoll, the inhabited island has become a destination for guesthouse tourism, diving and marine excursions.
Florida’s Siesta Beach topped the global ranking with an estimated value of €1.08 billion, followed by Pampelonne Beach in France at €843 million and Praia da Falésia in Portugal at €573.2 million.
Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos Islands was ranked fourth at €376.4 million, while Bondi Beach in Sydney completed the top five with an estimated value of €365 million.
Hannah Marshall, luxury travel destination expert and marketing manager at CV Villas, said the research highlighted the role of location in determining coastal land values.
“Everyone has a beach that means something to them, so there’s something fun about seeing what those stretches of sand might be ‘worth’ if you valued them like the land behind them,” Marshall said.
“What comes through is how much location drives the figure: a beach in St-Tropez or on Siesta Key carries a value that a quieter shore — even just as beautiful — simply won’t.”
While Siesta Beach had the highest total estimated value, The Baths on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands recorded the highest value per square metre, at €8,846. Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda was the most affordable beach assessed, at approximately €199 per square metre.
News
Reiki Master Nikki begins August residency at Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa
Amilla Maldives is hosting holistic wellness practitioner Nongluck Chuaychuang, known as Nikki, for a month-long residency at the resort’s Javvu Spa.
Running from 2 to 30 August 2026, the residency offers guests a collection of treatments focused on physical relaxation, energy alignment and mental wellbeing.
A Reiki Master and sound healing specialist, Nikki has practised at luxury wellness destinations around the world. During her residency at Amilla, she is offering treatments tailored to guests’ individual needs, with sessions designed to release physical tension, support energy flow and encourage relaxation.
“True healing begins when we give ourselves the space to slow down, listen within, and return to our natural rhythm,” Nikki said.
The programme includes The Nikki Essence, her signature holistic massage, as well as Reiki Energy Healing, which focuses on subtle body alignment.
Guests can also take part in sound bath journeys using Tibetan and crystal bowls, or book intuitive bodywork sessions designed to provide restorative release.
The residency forms part of Javvu Spa’s wellness programme, which incorporates treatments and practices intended to support physical and emotional balance.
Sessions are available at Javvu Spa throughout the residency, with advance reservations recommended.
Meditation
Reconnect with nature at Milaidhoo Maldives this World Wellness Weekend
This September, Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to press pause and reconnect with what matters most. From 18th to 20th September, the boutique island retreat in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, will mark World Wellness Weekend with a thoughtfully curated programme of experiences celebrating movement, mindfulness and the simple joy of being immersed in nature.
At Milaidhoo, wellbeing isn’t centred on strict routines or quick fixes. It comes naturally through the island’s slower pace, the restorative power of the ocean, time spent outdoors and fresh, nourishing cuisine inspired by the Maldives. On the small island, guests are gently encouraged to switch off, breathe deeply and savour each moment.
This philosophy is reflected at Serenity Spa, where a dedicated team of therapists and wellness practitioners share a deeply personal approach to wellbeing. Every treatment is thoughtfully tailored, blending time-honoured healing traditions with genuine care to help guests relax and restore themselves.
To celebrate World Wellness Weekend, Milaidhoo has created a three-day programme of complimentary and signature experiences, from sunrise yoga and aqua meditation to aerial wellness sessions and a workshop on mental wellbeing led by visiting practitioner Dr Lim Xiang Jun, who combines traditional healing wisdom with modern medical knowledge. Guests and the Milaidhoo Family members will also come together for Moving Together, a relaxed community jog along the Water Villa Jetty, celebrating the wellbeing that comes from sharing experiences with others.
Programme of activities as follows for the World Wellness Weekend:
Friday, 18th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
Begin the day with a gentle yoga practice surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the ocean.
11.00 – Mental Wellbeing and Stress Management Workshop
Yoga Pavilion | Complimentary | 45 minutes
Led by Dr Lim Xiang Jun, visiting practitioner at Milaidhoo. A Modern Traditional Doctor, Dr. Lim combines traditional healing practices with modern medical knowledge, sharing practical approaches to managing stress and supporting mental wellbeing.
19.00 – Moonlit Sound Journey
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A calming evening experience using sound and vibration to encourage deep relaxation beneath the Maldivian night sky.
Saturday, 19th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Aqua Workout
Compass Pool
A refreshing water-based workout to energise the body and mind.
11.00 – Group Aerial Yoga Flow
$35++ per person (minimum 4 guests)
A guided aerial yoga session combining movement, balance and mindful breathing.
16:30 – Moving Together
Water Villa Jetty | Complimentary
A one-hour relaxed jog along the Water Villa jetty, open to all guests and Milaidhoo Family members, celebrating movement and connection.
Sunday, 20th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
11.00 – Aqua Sonic Meditation
Compass Pool | Complimentary
A unique meditation experience combining the calming environment of water with soothing sounds.
15.00 – Aerial Thai Wellness
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A gentle wellness session inspired by Thai therapeutic movement techniques.
At Milaidhoo, wellbeing is not something to be added to island life, it is naturally part of it.
This World Wellness Weekend, guests are invited to take time for themselves, discover new ways to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of being fully present.
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