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
Cinnamon Maldives offers up to 80% off stays in 11.11 booking promotion
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has announced its 11.11 offer, available only to guests who book direct. Guests who book by 14th November 2026 receive up to 80% off the rate and choose three of four book direct benefits at their chosen resort, with stays valid until 30th November 2027. Stays of three nights or more also come with resort credits.
The offer spans all four of its Maldives resorts, each with its own character and its own set of book direct benefits. Whether guests are planning a holiday with children, a quiet escape for two, or a week spent mostly underwater, there is an island and a combination of experiences to match. From beach dinners to dolphin watching, guests pick the three benefits that suit their holiday best, so no two stays need look the same.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
Just 20 minutes from Malé in the North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is a lively tropical island where days move easily between the beach, the lagoon, and the reef. It is an easy choice for holidays with little ones, with short transfers and plenty to keep every age busy. Book direct guests can choose any three of a dinner set up on the sand under the stars, a spa treatment to unwind after a day in the sun, a visit to a nearby local island to see everyday Maldivian life up close, and a swim and snorkel session to meet the reef and its residents.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives
In the Vaavu Atoll, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is made for slowing down. Warm white sand, clear water, and the steady sound of the waves set the pace, making it a natural fit for couples and travellers looking for a quieter stay. Book direct guests can choose any three of a beach dinner for two by the water, a spa treatment designed to help them switch off completely, a day of island hopping across the atoll, and a dolphin watching trip on the open sea.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
An adults only island in the Meemu Atoll, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives is where romance moves to the rhythm of the waves. With water villas set over the lagoon and long, unhurried days, it is a favourite for honeymoons, anniversaries, and couples who simply want time together. Book direct guests can choose any three of a sunset fishing trip as the sky turns gold, a day of island hopping, a bottle of bubbly to toast the occasion, and a kayaking experience across the calm lagoon.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
In the North Ari Atoll, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon opens up a new world underwater. Its house reef sits just steps from the shore, so divers and snorkellers can slip into the water from the beach and be among the reef life within minutes, any time of day. Book direct guests can choose any three of a beach dinner after a day in the ocean, a Balinese massage to ease tired muscles, a sunset fishing trip, and a dolphin safari to spot pods in the wild.

For bookings and enquiries, visit cinnamonhotels.com and the offer is available only on direct bookings made by 14th November 2026.
News
Bandos Maldives strengthens food safety and sustainability standards with dual recognition
Bandos Maldives continues to strengthen its commitment to responsible hospitality, quality and excellence with Food Safety Management System complaint with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards, and the achievement of its Green Globe Certification.
These accomplishments reflect the resort’s ongoing dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences while upholding high standards of food safety, environmental responsibility and sustainable operations.

The HACCP recognition reflects the resort’s dedication to maintaining high food safety and quality standards across its food and beverage operations, ensuring guests enjoy safe and quality dining experiences. It also recognises the collective efforts of the culinary, food and beverage, and stewarding teams in upholding these standards.
Complementing this commitment to quality, the resort’s Green Globe recertification marks another important milestone in its sustainability journey. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives, Bandos Maldives recognises its responsibility to protect its island environment and the marine ecosystem that makes the destination so unique. With 1,330 solar panels generating 744.8 kWp of electricity and meeting approximately 30% of daily energy requirements, Bandos Maldives continues to invest in more sustainable operations. Through its desalination plants and refillable glass bottle initiative, the resort has also eliminated more than 250,000 single-use plastic water bottles annually. Marine conservation also remains another important focus.

Commenting on these achievements, General Manager Ismail Rasheed said: “We are delighted to achieve these important milestones, which reflect our team’s dedication to quality, guest wellbeing and environmental sustainability. While we are proud of our progress, we recognise that responsible hospitality is an ongoing journey. We remain committed to continuously improving our practices and protecting our island environment for future generations.”
Guided by its Island of Hospitality brand promise, Bandos Maldives believes that exceptional guest experiences go beyond warm service and comfortable accommodation. They also mean ensuring guest safety, maintaining quality and protecting the natural beauty of the island and its surrounding marine environment.
News
Nova Maldives embraces ‘Headspace Holidays’ trend with wellness experiences
Travel’s new benchmark for luxury isn’t showing off, but showing up rested, with KAYAK’s global travel forecast calling this shift the pursuit of “Headspace Holidays” and “Wellth trips,” where next-gen travellers measure a good trip by how recovered they feel, not how much they were able to cram into an itinerary.
Here’s our take on how you could build an escape around a Dopamine Menu at Nova Maldives, sampling little nuggets of joy daily rather than having one big thing to cross off and nothing left to anticipate afterwards, to suit your appetite for happiness.
Starters — Dipping into Softness
- Grounding Steps: Barefoot strolls around the island at mornings and sunsets, with group yoga sessions to drop into as they suit: Inner Strength for gentle asanas and breathwork, Hatha Yoga for an alignment-focused practice, and Surya Namaskar for building flexibility.
- House Reef Exploration: Snorkel alongside baby reef sharks in the shallows for a quiet, close-up glimpse of Nova’s underwater world just steps from shore.
- Breakfast, Two Ways: A Lagoon floating breakfast enjoyed within the villa, followed by an easy swim, or a buffet spread stocked with ‘Maldivian Flavours’ special small-bites, nourishing juices and smoothies at Soul Kitchen.

Mains — Gentle Landings for the Day
- The Deep Blue Plate: Embark on whale shark encounters within the waters of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), and dive with turtles and sharks at Broken Rock’s natural canyon, the sunken cargo ship turned artificial reef at Kudhi Maa wreck, and Madivaru Rangali’s Manta Point, one of the Maldives’ best-known manta cleaning stations
- Social Circles at Holhuashi: Held every Friday, gather beneath the banyan tree for Maldivian food pop-up stalls, bodu beru drumming, a Basmagu-Dhivehi language class, and a coconut harvesting demonstration.
- Soothing Island Remedies: Block time-off for Maldivian treatments that nourish the body and soul from within, choosing between the ‘Ruhgalu’ Herbal Bolus Therapy that makes use of heated herbal poultices to soothe the body, the Kaashi Naashi Ritual, using gliding warm coconut oil and shells across the body for deep relaxation, and the ‘Unbuli Veyo’ Island Healing Ritual, which melts tension away with a warm herbal leaf compress and full-body massage.

Sides & Specials — Curious Additions
- Coral & Reef Meanderings: Help plant your own coral frame on Nova’s house reef, with the option to name it, and join a guided reef clean-up alongside the resort’s marine team, leaving a small, lasting mark on the island long after checkout.
- Cooking on the Atolls: Learn to cook with the island’s own pantry, working hands-on with local ingredients like breadfruit, green mango, plantain, cassava, bitter gourd, coconut, wax gourd and banana blossom, guided by Nova’s culinary team.
- Sensual Frequencies: Sink into a guided sound bath using singing bowls, gongs, chimes, rain sticks and ocean drums, or crystal reiki healing session, channelling the cleansing energies of crystals for chakra alignment, both echoing the island’s own natural stillness.
- A Surprise Getaway: Reach a private sandbank by boat, left completely undisturbed, and watch the sunset melt into the horizon in total solitude, or share an intimate evening as a couple beneath an open, star-filled sky.

Specials — A Little Indulgence
- The Weightless Hour: For a softer introduction to diving, Nova’s signature Wellness Diving experience blends underwater yoga, floating meditation, buoyancy and breathwork sessions, a house reef exploration, and a PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty certification.
- Mizu Overwater Evenings: Dine above the water at Nova’s overwater pavilion, choosing from five multi-course sets (Umi Kara Shinsen, Nojo Shinsende Oishi, Kaiso and more) built around farm and ocean freshness, from sushi, temaki and teppanyaki grill to seaweed and vegetarian options.

Dessert — Sweet Endings
- Nightcap at Wink: Settle in at Wink Bar as live acoustic and jazz performances from the house bands set the mood, choosing from timeless classics to contemporary favourites, including a Peach & Rosemary Blossom (bourbon whisky, peach syrup, lemon wedges, rosemary syrup) and an Espresso Martini (vodka, Kahlúa, espresso shot, sugar).
Build a stay entirely to taste, with your own made-to-order holiday at Nova. With villas from £314/night on Full Board, and soulcation and advance-purchase offers available when booking direct at www.nova-maldives.com.
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