Celebration
Experience a tropical Christmas extravaganza at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives
Christmas falls during peak season in the tropics of the Maldives, making it the perfect destination to run away to for warm breezes and sunset dinners by the sea. This festive season, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives located on Huruvalhi Island in the Raa Atoll, has put a festive twist on the best camp standard activities, with three weeks of exciting events and activities. From December 20th to January 7th, guests can immerse in all things Maldivian culture – from wellness moments to watersports, live entertainment and delicious feasts, the programming offers a December to remember.
Camp Standard began at The Standard, Miami, an adults only property, in 2016. The concept offers an opportunity for guests to connect to their inner child on a weekend ‘camp’, disconnecting from the outside world. Camp Standard is now taking on a new form at The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives, with a festive twist available for all ages.
The festivities will kick off with the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the beach reception, expect free flowing coconut eggnog, frozen and hot chocolate and live music. The parties will continue with various bonfire nights and beach celebrations for all ages, including the inaugural Camp Standard NYE Countdown.
Young adventurers will have the opportunity to engage in an array of educational and fun experiences. From treasure hunts, to pizza making, art and craft classes and story-telling sessions that dive into Maldivian folklore, the little ones will be tugging at your side with one request only: Lil’ Shark Kids Cub. In line with the property’s environmental values, the “Save the Turtle” program, led by the in-house marine biologist, will educate and inspire the younger generation and a swim with Santa event on Christmas Day will see dreams come true.
For those seeking adventure, look no further than the Snorkeling Safari & Turtle Expedition, a guided educational snorkel led by Mr. Salty and the talented marine team. Or watch the sky turn gold and witness the beauty of Dolphins in their natural habitat on the sunset Dolphin Cruise. Discover the thrill of motorized and non-motorized water sports, or explore the depths with diving options at 40 different dive points around the resort.
Embark on a culinary adventure with a variety of themed dining experiences throughout the week. From Food Street’s tantalizing array of Asian Cuisine to Arabian Delicacies, Seafood Market, and Mediterranean Tastes, each experience will be a delightful voyage of flavours. Dive into the heart of Maldivian culture with authentic Maldivian Food at the opulent Christmas and New Year’s Eve Grand Gala Dinners whilst celebrating the year that has passed in style. See the full program and costs here.
Settle in for all the fun and make the Maldives your home away from home this festive season with the Stowaway package. Starting at $3,404.00 for a minimum 5 night stay, the package includes a range of special perks and prices including free seaplane transfers, 20% off all restaurants and bars, a 20% discount at The Standard Spa, weekly house reef snorkel tours and more.
Celebration
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives unveils Maldives Summer Escape for Eid al Adha
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has introduced its Maldives Summer Escape offer as part of its positioning for Eid al Adha travel, combining accommodation benefits with seasonal dining and guest experiences for families, couples and small groups.
Available for stays through to 31 October 2026, the offer is designed to support longer stays and multigenerational travel, with a focus on dining flexibility and island-based experiences within a private resort setting.
To mark the Eid period, the resort will present a series of guest experiences linked to the occasion. On 27 May, guests will be offered an Eid breakfast at Seasalt Restaurant, featuring live Arabic cooking stations prepared by Egyptian chefs, alongside dishes such as foul medames, manakish and shakshuka.
An Eid-themed dinner buffet will also be held the same evening, with regional dishes and live cooking stations forming part of the dining programme. On other days, guests will also have the option of visiting a nearby local island to observe traditional Eid celebrations in a Maldivian community setting.
From 27 to 29 May, Mirus Bar will host a series of evening activations including a shisha lounge and DJ sets. The resort said the programme is intended to create a social setting suited to both couples and groups.
The Maldives Summer Escape offer includes daily breakfast and three-course à la carte dinners at selected venues, along with a USD 75 dining credit that can be used for alternative experiences such as Teppanyaki, The Shack or private dining.
Additional benefits include 15 per cent off treatments at Spa Alila, 20 per cent off food and beverage purchases, and 20 per cent off return seaplane transfers.
The resort said the offer is particularly suited to families and groups, with villa accommodation designed to provide both shared living space and privacy, while also appealing to couples through its more understated approach to island stays.
Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, said the resort had designed the offer around the significance of Eid and the expectations of guests travelling during the period.
“Eid is a deeply meaningful time, centred on togetherness, reflection, and shared moments,” he said. “For those choosing to celebrate away from home, we’ve curated an experience that feels both intimate and considered — where thoughtful dining, unhurried surroundings, and the natural beauty of the island come together to create something truly memorable.”
Through the combination of seasonal programming, dining inclusions and additional guest benefits, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is presenting the Maldives Summer Escape as an option for Eid travel in the Maldives.
Celebration
Centara Maldives resorts to mark Songkran with Thai-inspired celebrations
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives has invited guests to celebrate Songkran this April across its resorts in the Maldives, marking the Thai New Year through a series of experiences inspired by the brand’s Thai heritage.
The hotel group said the celebrations would reflect Thai culture and hospitality while adapting traditional Songkran elements to island settings in the Maldives. Across its resorts, the festival is being presented through activities centred on renewal, togetherness and shared experiences.
At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the celebration is set to take place in a family-focused setting. The resort said guests could take part in water activities, beach games and poolside gatherings, followed by a Songkran carnival by the sea. Evening dining experiences will feature Thai flavours in a setting designed for families and groups.
At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection, the programme will include a beachfront parade and traditional Thai games. The resort said evening events would continue with a Thai-inspired dining experience, cultural performances and entertainment. Activities for younger guests will also be included as part of the celebrations.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, which caters to adults, is also marking Songkran with its own programme. The resort said guests could expect beachside activities, evening dining experiences and entertainment shaped around the festival’s themes of joy and togetherness.
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives said the Songkran celebrations across its properties are intended to give guests an opportunity to experience Thai-inspired traditions in the Maldives while creating shared holiday experiences during the festival period.
Celebration
Sun Siyam Olhuveli kicks off festive season with Charith N. Silva Cake Mixing
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has ushered in the holiday season with a new twist on its much-loved annual Festive Cake Mixing event, held on 23 November. This year, the celebration was led by acclaimed Sri Lankan chef and viral social media personality Charith N. Silva, the creative force behind @wildcookbook and one of South Asia’s most influential culinary storytellers.
Charith, a sensation across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram with an audience of several million, is widely recognised for his bold fire-cooking techniques, visually striking outdoor food rituals, and distinctive, high-energy narrative style. He recently secured a coveted place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list in the Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink) category, underscoring his growing influence on contemporary food culture in the region. He is one of a new wave of young chefs blending local flavours with global inspiration and is the owner of the restaurant “Wildish” in Colombo.
Bringing his creative flair to Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Charith said, “Bringing my energy to Sun Siyam Olhuveli was surreal; the people, the Maldivian spirit, the flavour play, everything clicked into one unforgettable festive moment.”
This year’s cake mixing unfolded like an island celebration, complete with lively music, bursts of aromatic spices, and an energetic atmosphere. Resort teams and guests layered fruits, nuts, and spirits in a spirited display, with Charith driving the momentum through his trademark spontaneity. The result was a vibrant, social, and playful reimagining of a classic festive tradition.
Festivities continued on 24 November with an exclusive live cooking demonstration by Charith, giving guests the chance to experience his signature “wild” cooking style firsthand against the lagoon backdrop of the resort.
“This celebration reflects the new creative pulse of Sun Siyam Olhuveli. Charith brought an energy that aligns perfectly with our evolving lifestyle identity, making this year’s cake mixing one of our most memorable yet,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
With the festive season now in full swing, Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to join MYSTIVAL 2025–2026, the resort’s year-end celebration taking place from 21 December 2025 to 8 January 2026, featuring hypnotic beats, immersive dining, playful rituals, and a series of kaleidoscopic island experiences designed to inspire connection and celebration.
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