News
Sun Siyam Resorts presents five-star line-up of Christmas classics with tropical twist

Sun Siyam Resorts has unwrapped this year’s festive season programme, creating an ideal haven for those seeking to revel in the warmth and joy of the holidays. Across their five exquisite private island properties in the Maldives, guests are invited to exchange snowflakes for sandy shores this December and embrace a carefree Christmas castaway experience like never before.
Around the world at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Sun Siyam Olhuveli will be making merry with an eclectic extravaganza of decadent musical delights and cultural activities from around the globe. Guests will be in for a treat when singer and songwriter Emma Ochia, talented musician, producer, Synthetic sax player Mikhail Morozov, and the mesmerising duo of belly dance sensations, Julia Anastasia Armellini and Kovijanic Nedeljkovic Tara perform during Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties promising unforgettable celebrations for everyone. Party goers can drop by the Wonderland Stage to experience a mesmerising performance by the world’s leading LED artists Dennis Kiss & Szulita Szekrényes for a performance like nothing you have ever seen before!
From ballads to floor-fillers, colour runs to Bollywood beach parties, and a Tour de Olhuveli cycling race to mini-Olympic Games, the world tour ends with a fireworks-filled crescendo on 31 December at the Around the World Gala Dinner, where a host of acclaimed DJs – including British House legend DJ Karno, a Pacha and Ministry of Sound regular and local Maldivian music band 2 Sense, who will encourage guests to dance the year away as they ring in the new year.
Royal blend of Christmas lights at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
With dazzling fire and circus performances from the international talents of La Circocracia and fire queen PYRO to enjoy at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, guests will be invited to replace their traditional fireside Christmas for remarkable fire and lights shows guaranteed to make any stay merry and bright. Local DJ Watte will make sure every guest is in tune with what’s coming in 2024.
For the ultimate yuletide gift, there’s also a host of unforgettable experiences and flavoursome flavours – including rum pot-infused treats – on the menu at the luxury resort.
From private castaway breaks with your own secluded beach to romantic champagne cruises, and flyboarding to bespoke spa rituals – including a Majestic Prince and Princess option for guests aged 3-12 – the five-star boutique resort is sure to leave a trail of wonder in its wake.
Paradise on Bloom at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
Hoping to make every member of the family’s festive dreams come true this year, Sun Siyam Iru Veli has a host of activities certain to make the all-inclusive paradise the place where winter sun meets festive island fun. Felicity, popular Jazz- Saxophonist, and DJ Jeremiah graces Iru Veli with their exceptional talent at the Christmas and New Year’s Eve cocktail parties and celebrations. Guests will be captivated by Chandana and the Dancers Guild, a fusion dance group from Sri Lanka, and can enjoy a festive programme merging culture and tropical festivities with extraordinary performances set against the backdrop of magnificent sunsets.
From a playful programme of creative crafts and fun-packed beach activities to classic Christmas movies and carol karaoke, the Turtle Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained while adults find other ways to celebrate in seasonal style. From stargazing cruises to whale shark snorkelling trips, and sushi-making classes to traditional Maldivian BoduBeru dancing shows, guests are spoilt for choice with ways to take full advantage of the blue skies, clear waters and pristine beaches.
Time Traveller’s Ball at Siyam World
From aerial displays to sand art, fire shows to pool parties, and floating feasts to Great Gatsby themed gambling nights, Siyam World continues to strengthen its reputation as a carefree playground with this year’s enviable holiday line-up.
Promising the best seat in the house this New Year, the resort will be ringing in 2024 as it hosts the Time Traveller’s Ball on Arigato Beach. The instrumental countdown begins with ONEVIOLIN – the boundary-breaking Finnish violinist who performs well-known songs across musical genres, and uses his one violin to create everything from drums to melody – before DJ Jetro takes centre stage. Known for incorporating saxophone solos into his Ibiza-style sets, together they’ll get the party started with sets destined to see guests substitute dashing through the snow for dancing barefoot on the sand.
Midsummer Nights at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Holidaymakers in search of the ultimate beach bliss can swap tinsel for twinkling stars, mince pies for massages and stockings for snorkelling at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this Christmas, with those booking the 23 and 28 December Vilu Festival receiving 25% on all activities.
As part of the festive entertainment, guests will be dazzled by the Double Power Show, an international LED and Laser Show duo from Russia acrobatics, who mesmerise their audience with their geometry display and harmonious fusion of power, elegance, and grace in their LED and laser show.
Being the season to be jolly, guests are also invited to join the Mixology Academy under the 27 December Full Moon for cocktails, mocktails and more, before embracing the new year bartending show where Snowballs will be replaced by a refreshing Sea Breeze.
News
NH Collection Maldives Havodda named Best Dive Resort at TTM Awards 2025

NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort has been named Best Dive Resort in the Maldives at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2025. The annual program recognizes excellence across 26 categories, with leading properties from across the country competing for titles that highlight the best of Maldivian hospitality. This year, NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort was nominated for Best Beach Resort, Best Dive Resort, and Best Picturesque Resort, securing the top accolade in diving. The recognition follows last year’s win as Best Beach Resort, placing the resort among a select group of properties recognized for consecutive achievements.
The TTM Awards are voted on by both guests and travel partners, making them one of the most trusted industry benchmarks in the Maldives. This combination of professional endorsement and genuine guest and travel agant feedback ensures that the awards reflect experiences that are both memorable and meaningful. NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort’s victory confirms its reputation as a leading destination for divers and snorkellers, celebrated for having one of the finest house reefs in the country.
Guests have long described the house reef of NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort as the best in the Maldives. The reef sits just steps from the beach, providing easy shore entry for both snorkelling and diving. It is home to vibrant coral formations, healthy hard coral cover, and a wide range of marine life. Blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, and green turtles are frequently seen, while rays glide along the reef walls. Large schools of jackfish, fusiliers, and snappers gather in the currents, and macro enthusiasts find Maldives anemonefish, nudibranchs, and reef critters along the reef flats. The variety and accessibility make it a highlight for both beginners and experienced divers.
Beyond the reef, the resort offers quick access to the rich dive sites of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Within short boat rides, divers reach channels patrolled by grey reef sharks and eagle rays, thilas blanketed in soft and hard corals, and dramatic reef walls where batfish and turtles congregate. Seasonal rare encounters with manta rays add to the excitement, while the relative remoteness of Gaafu Dhaalu means dive sites remain less crowded than those in the central atolls.
The PADI-certified Dive Center at NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort ensures that every experience is professional, safe, and environmentally responsible. Multilingual instructors lead daily guided dives, refreshers, and introductory programs, while also offering specialty courses such as night diving and underwater photography. Group sizes remain small, ensuring personal attention, and every guest receives a briefing on reef-friendly practices before entering the water. This commitment to safety and sustainability has played a key role in building the trust and loyalty of guests.
“This recognition belongs to our guests and to our dive team,” said the management of NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort. “Winning Best Beach Resort in 2024 and now Best Dive Resort in 2025 reflects the complete experience our island offers. Above the water, guests enjoy wide beaches, lush greenery, and unmatched views. Beneath the surface, they find one of the richest marine environments in the Maldives. We are proud of this balance and remain committed to preserving our reef while creating extraordinary memories for every guest.”
Guests booking their next stay at NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort can look forward to multi-dive packages for certified divers, introductory and refresher programs for beginners, private guided dives with underwater photography services, and guided snorkel safaris and marine talks for families. With its consecutive award-winning status and unmatched natural setting, the resort continues to deliver experiences that reflect both the beauty of the Maldives and the spirit of the NH Collection brand.
News
Barceló Nasandhura Malé unveils exclusive residences

From sweeping sea views to exclusive lifestyle amenities, the newly launched serviced residences offer a refined living experience. Overlooking the pristine Maldivian waters, Barceló Nasandhura Malé introduces an unparalleled residential offering in the vibrant capital.
Perfectly situated opposite the Henveiru Ferry Terminal and just ten minutes from Velana International Airport, these residences blend modern comfort with effortless access to the city’s cultural and business hubs. The property comprises 116 elegant apartments across seven distinct categories, including spacious two- and three-bedroom residences, luxurious duplexes, and a stunning penthouse.

Categories include:
- City 2 Bedroom Apartment
- City 3 Bedroom Apartment
- Sea View 3 Bedroom Master Suite
- Luxury Sea View 3 Bedroom Master Suite
- Sea Front 3 Bedroom Master Suite
- Luxury Sea Front 3 Bedroom Master Suite
- Penthouse

Residents enjoy access to diverse culinary experiences across three exceptional dining outlets, a snack bar, a fully equipped gym, a serene spa, and an inviting pool, creating a complete luxury lifestyle within the property. In addition, residents will enjoy exclusive benefits similar to hotel guests, ensuring a seamless blend of home-style living with premium hospitality services. This new offering combines sweeping views, premium finishes, and lifestyle amenities, making it ideal for those seeking a refined urban living experience without sacrificing the tranquility of island life.
For more information on the residences, exclusive benefits, or to arrange a viewing, please contact nasandhuramale.info@barcelo.com or call +960 331 3000.
Awards
Milaidhoo Maldives wins Best Beach Villa Resort title at TTM Awards

In a moment of proud celebration and well-deserved recognition, Milaidhoo Maldives has been named “Best Beach Villa Resorts” at the prestigious Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards & Gala 2025, held this year at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi. This coveted accolade affirms Milaidhoo’s place among the finest luxury destinations in the Indian Ocean, honouring the island’s dedication to authenticity, privacy and curated island living. As a reminder, Milaidhoo is currently ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor, further reinforcing its standing as a premier escape in the region.
Tucked within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo is a boutique luxury island where barefoot elegance meets the genuine spirit of Maldivian heritage. Guided by a philosophy of ‘reinvented luxury’, the island offers a deeply personal escape, crafted around each guest’s individual story.
At the heart of this recognition lie the signature Beach Pool Villas, thoughtfully designed for comfort, seclusion and aesthetic harmony with nature. Each villa is a generous 290 square metres, opening directly onto a private stretch of powder-soft sand and turquoise lagoon. The architecture reflects modern tropical elegance while embracing traditional Maldivian craftsmanship. Every piece of furniture, from the curved wooden loungers to the spacious four-poster bed, is custom-designed and handcrafted for comfort and flow, including a traditional Maldivian swing on the verandah and an outdoor shower elegantly styled with a dhoni pole, paying homage to the island’s seafaring heritage.
These villas are not just accommodation; they are living, breathing extensions of the island. The open-plan layout invites gentle sea breezes inside, while the high thatched roofs and natural materials mirror the tones and textures of the landscape. Indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly, from a deep soaking tub with views of the horizon to the shaded veranda ideal for afternoon naps or stargazing.
Beyond physical design, Milaidhoo’s island philosophy defines the guest experience. With only 50 villas on the island, each stay feels deeply personal. Guests are cared for by a dedicated Island Host, not just a butler, but a curator of moments, from floating breakfasts to private cinema nights under the stars.
Peacefulness is not an amenity at Milaidhoo; it is the essence of the island. Free from motorised watersports, parties or distractions, the island honours the rhythm of nature, the lapping of waves, the rustle of palm trees and the glow of sunsets unspoiled by interruption. Luxury is silence, space and soulful connection.
Winning the Best Beach Villa Resort award is not just a milestone but a motivation to keep redefining what meaningful luxury means in today’s world: authentic, culturally rooted and timelessly tranquil.
“We are truly honoured to receive this recognition from the TTM Awards. It reflects the passion and thoughtful design that define every detail of Milaidhoo, particularly our beach villas, beautifully envisioned by local architect Mohamed Shafeeq to embody barefoot informality and a deep connection to nature and the Maldives. This award is a tribute to our entire Milaidhoo Family and visionary leaders, whose dedication brings the island’s timeless Maldivian spirit to life,” said Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives.
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