News
Magical festive season awaits at Vakkaru Maldives

With the holiday season approaching, Vakkaru Maldives has announced an exciting array of events, exquisite dining experiences and holiday-themed activities for guests to enjoy when visiting the resort this festive season. Located in the heart of Baa Atoll on a secluded reef island with idyllic ocean views, powder-soft white sand and unique marine biodiversity, the resort is an ideal destination for a holiday in the sun.
From 23 December 2023, through 7 January 2024, Vakkaru Maldives will host a series of programming available to guests of all ages, with activities carefully designed to make the most of the festive season including fun-filled games, galas and live entertainment.
ISLAND NOEL: A Seaside Christmas Eve Celebration
This Christmas Eve, guests of Vakkaru Maldives can relish in a magical evening on the shoreline before Santa’s big arrival. The celebration starts with an island-style cocktail party on Isoletta beach followed by a lavish gala dinner surrounded by the waves on Vakku Beach, with heartwarming carols and live entertainment by a saxophonist duo, a four-piece band, fire dancer, DJ and more.
SANTA’S ARRIVAL: Christmas at Vakkaru
On 25 December, Santa will make a stylish arrival in paradise, bearing gifts for all the little islanders. Guests will meet Santa and the elves in the morning on Isoletta Beach, followed by exciting games, prizes and giveaways under the tropical sun. Later in the day, all tennis enthusiasts are invited to compete to become Vakkaru’s tennis star of the year in the Christmas Tennis Tournament hosted by the resort’s Resident Tennis Coach.
THE GOLDENEYE GALA: A Bond-style New Year’s Eve Soiree
The resort will welcome 2024 with a James Bond-inspired celebration, The Goldeneye Gala, that promises to bring the timeless allure of 007 and its undeniable glamour. The celebration starts with a cocktail party at Isoletta Beach, followed by a Gala Dinner at Vakku Beach, and a midnight
“Skyfall” of fireworks. The glamorous soiree will feature gourmet delicacies from around the world, an electrifying live band, and mesmerizing moves from fire and LED dancer, DJ and more.
ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS EVE: Gala Dinner
On the evening of 6 January 2024, guests can experience an enchanting Orthodox Christmas Eve at Vakkaru Maldives with a sumptuous buffet spread and live stations, set against the backdrop of a magical beachfront. Throughout the night, guests can enjoy live entertainment by resident performers.
Other holiday-themed offerings available to hotel guests include wreath making, coconut painting, wooden snowman crafting, Christmas card painting, and Santa sand art. Throughout the festive period, travelers will also have the opportunity to engage in various activities including wellness workshops, evening yoga, eco-friendly arts and crafts, treasure hunts, family-style beach Olympics, padel tennis tournament and more.
Beyond the holiday festivities, the resort also provides engaging experiences suitable for all age groups, including daily programs at Parrotfish Club and Coconut Club for young guests, tailored spa journeys at Merana Spa, invigorating sports at two flood-lit tennis courts and a padel tennis court, as well as exhilarating immersive excursions and watersports by Splash. For those seeking world-class wine experiences, the resort is home to one of the few hand-picked wine cellars in the Maldives, Vakkaru Reserve. The cellar features a collection worth US$700,000 extending to 680 labels from the Old and New World.
For further information on the line-up of holiday activities and events or Vakkaru Maldives, check the e-brochure or visit www.vakkarumaldives.com.
News
Canareef Resort Maldives broadens global reach with new sales representatives in Russia and the UK/Ireland Markets

Canareef Resort Maldives has appointed Sales Representatives for Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland. This expansion is part of the resort’s broader vision for global development and increased tourist engagement.
SEA Company Takes the Helm in Russia and CIS
Canareef Resort Maldives has welcomed SEA Company as its Sales Representative for Russia and the CIS countries. SEA Company, headquartered in Moscow, has been a prominent player in the Russian hotel business since 2013, earning accolades such as the “Best PR and Consulting Agency in the Field of Tourism in Russia” at the Global Hospitality Awards in 2019.
Andrey Shemyakin, Managing Partner of SEA Company, expressed confidence in Canareef Resort Maldives, emphasizing the resort’s appeal to Russian and CIS tourists. With the Maldives consistently ranking among the top destinations for winter vacations, the partnership aims to cater to the diverse preferences of travelers, especially families with children seeking comprehensive amenities.
Russia remains a leading source of tourists to the Maldives, making the collaboration between Canareef Resort Maldives and SEA Company a strategic move to tap into this lucrative market.
Red Tree Representation Takes Charge in the UK and Ireland
Simultaneously, Canareef Resort Maldives announced its partnership with Red Tree Representation, a move designed to solidify its standing in the UK and Irish markets. Red Tree, boasting over 15 years of experience, specializes in product, marketing, and contracting roles with leading UK tour operators.
The partnership aims to capitalize on Red Tree’s extensive industry knowledge and contacts to promote Canareef Resort Maldives and the scenic Addu Atoll. The UK market, being one of the largest sources of tourist arrivals to the Maldives, presents a significant opportunity for the resort to expand its reach and increase tourist inflows.
Mohamed Jaish Ibrahim, Resort Director of Canareef Maldives, highlighted the resort’s commitment to making the Maldives an accessible luxury for a broader audience. The collaboration with Red Tree Representation is seen as a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
Nestled in the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, Addu—a UNESCO biosphere reserve—Canareef Resort Maldives spans 42 hectares of secluded island paradise. With 271 villas, offering breathtaking views of the pristine Indian Ocean, Canareef is your ideal destination for a romantic escape, adventurous family vacation, or a memorable group trip. Immerse yourself in the beauty and wonders of Addu Atoll at Canareef Resort Maldives.
Business
Atmosphere Core expands in South Asia with Atmosphere Living ultra-luxury residences

Atmosphere Core, a globally renowned name in hospitality, has announced the launch of Atmosphere Living as part of its continued expansion in South Asia. Headquartered in India, this new company will offer branded ultra-luxury residences with customised end-to-end amenities and indulgences, including coffee lounges, wine cellars, private transport, and bespoke concierge services.
The global branded residences market has experienced a remarkable 150 percent growth over the past decade, and projections indicate a surge in demand. With the real estate veteran Sandeep Ahuja at the helm as Managing Director, Atmosphere Living is strategically positioned to capitaliSe on this demand.
Atmosphere Living will focus on a conscious design philosophy. All properties will be built in harmony with the environment and will incorporate features such as smart recycling, efficient waste and water management, and green energy solutions.
Sharing his insights on the launch, Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director, Atmosphere Core, said, “Atmosphere Living will bring a distinctive offering to India, and is a brand to watch out for. It will combine Ahuja’s decades of experience, knowledge, and industry network in real estate with Atmosphere’s hospitality expertise, introducing unparalleled serviced residences in India.”
Positioned in major metropolitan areas, established second-home destinations, and undiscovered scenic locales nationwide, these projects will also present lucrative investment opportunities. Elite homeowners will have the option to lease their residences back to Atmosphere Living, allowing them to be rented out for income generation.
Sandeep Ahuja, Managing Director, Atmosphere Living, said, “There is currently a gap in the Indian realty landscape for ultra-indulgent serviced homes catering to affluent consumers. We aim to bridge this gap by curating serviced homes that offer indulgences such as entering homes using smart key cards, 24/7 butler services, fine dining, and co-working spaces, among others. Our ultimate desire is to enable our customers to experience a life of true luxury and exclusivity.”
Awards
Maldives crowned World’s Leading Destination for fourth consecutive year

Maldives on Friday won the World’s Leading Destination accolade at the World Travel Awards 2023, making it the fourth consecutive top title win for Maldives.
In addition to the World’s Leading Leading Destination Award, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) also won the World’s Leading Tourist Board award for the second year in a row.
The awards were presented at a gala held in Dubai Friday evening.
The Maldives successfully secured the title of the World’s Leading Destination in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The World’s Leading Destination title is the most distinguished in the annual programme, which itself is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive award in the global travel industry.
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