Celebration
Amari Raaya Maldives unveils an extensive Festive Season programme
The new luxury destination resort nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, is delighted to announces its festive programme, taking place between 23rd December 2023 – 1st January 2024. The jewel in the crown of this year’s festivities is an exclusive New Year’s Eve DJ set by none other than music superstar Marvin Humes.
Amari Raaya Maldives is thrilled to welcome guests looking to celebrate the festive season in an idyllic island castaway paradise. From lavish feasts and leisurely poolside afternoons to exhilarating adventures, lively party nights, mesmerising entertainment, and so much more, Amari Raaya Maldives has something to inspire everyone to create lasting memories.
Guests can indulge in an array of exhilarating experiences curated around an “When East Meets West” concept. Western traditions such as decorating a grand Christmas tree, spotting Santa and festive craft sessions, combine with Maldivian experiences such as a sunset cruise, learning traditional dance, and sumptuous cookery classes, all set against the island’s breathtaking beauty and warm tropical climate – creating an unforgettable festive experience.
Key highlights include of the festive programme include:
• Savour the delightful flavours of the holiday season with themed dinner, gastronomic journey and gala dinners.
• Daily dance class: Kick off your shoes and let the rhythm of the Maldives sweep you away. Join our Maldivian dance tutor as you groove to the tribal beats of traditional boduberu drums or other themed dance classes across the festive period. There will be a range of different themed dance classes taking place on different days.
• Cooking classes: Join Amari expert chefs in daily creative, themed and gourmet workshops and master classes
• Christmas tree decoration at Village Square (23 December): Embrace the festive spirit with joyful Christmas tree decorating event
• Christmas Eve (24 December): Events including a Christmas painting session, traditional Maldivian cookery class and a joyous Christmas tree lighting ceremony and cocktail party. The celebration continues with Christmas Eve Gala Dinner on the beach, featuring live music and dedicated kids’ corner. Later in the evening, join the Christmas Beach Party with DJ and fire dancers for a stylish Christmas welcome
• Christmas Day (25 December) : Enjoy family time together with Christmas craft session and a lavish Christmas Lunch Buffet at Amaya Food Gallery, our open-air dining hub. In the evening join the Christmas Day Cocktail party at Ampers&nd roof-top relishing cocktails and gourmet canapes.
• Amari Raaya Arts and Crafts Festival (27 December) : Prepare to be captivated by a world of local artistic expression as you explore a diverse range of creativity featuring live painting, craft bazaar, interactive workshops and many more. The Art and Craft festival will be a celebration of creativity, culture and an enriching experience
• Grand Maldivian Night(27 December): Experience vibrant spirit and rich cultural heritage of Maldives in Amaya Food Gallery. This celebration will showcase local traditions, flavours, music and dance.
• Amari Raaya Street Market and Food Festival (28 December): Embark in a culinary adventure and explore the vibrant street market, diverse selection of street food stalls, music, arts and culture
• Amari Raaya Super Heroes Battle (29 December) – Join us for an unforgettable and fun Superheroes Show that will leave you on the edge of your seat! Get ready for an evening of heroics, villainy and epic battles that will ignite your imagination.
• New Year Celebration: Get ready for a sensational New Year’s celebration that brings together the best of both worlds with the “East Meets West” Beach Gala Dinner Party. This event promises a fusion of culinary delights, vibrant entertainment with acrobatic and fire show, against a breathtaking beachfront setting. To welcome 2024 in incredible style, esteemed music super star Marvin Humes, DJ for Capital FM and the former ‘The Voice’ UK presenter will spin the tunes for the ultimate party in paradise and the perfect way to celebrate the start of the New Year.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a celebration with friends, Amari Raaya Maldives is the perfect destination to experience the magic of the festive season.
Celebration
Spooky glamour takes over Lazuli Beach Club at SO/ Maldives
SO/ Maldives presents a bold fusion of avant-garde style and barefoot luxury, creating a distinctive island experience where fashion, art, and contemporary design converge. The resort embodies creativity and sophistication across its vibrant villas, dining venues, and beach clubs, inviting guests to embrace the high-energy spirit of “Style, Bold, and Playful.”
This Halloween, the resort will transform into an island of eerie elegance and playful mischief, offering guests an unconventional celebration on the shores of Lazuli Beach Club. On Friday, 31 October 2025, the day’s festivities will include activities for all ages, from imaginative workshops to moonlit gatherings by the sea.
The celebrations will begin with interactive family experiences at The Nest, including Mask Making, Tie-Dye Halloween T-Shirt Painting, and Scary Cookie Making. Children can also enjoy DIY Costume Creation, Face Painting, and a Trick-or-Treat Parade along Lazuli Beach Club. The daytime programme is designed to inspire creativity and fun for both young guests and adults.
As evening approaches, the atmosphere will take on a more mysterious tone. The Witches & Waves Dinner will be served beachside from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a four-course set menu accompanied by a themed welcome cocktail and a captivating ambience under the stars.
From 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, guests can enjoy Spooky Special Cocktails at Lazuli Beach Club Bar with 50% off themed drinks, followed by the Spooky Halloween Party featuring DJ performances, glow body paint, and “witchy shoulder spells”—a five-minute charm that may win participants 50% off. The evening will culminate in the Glow Foam Party at 8:30 PM, combining music, lights, and foam against the backdrop of the moonlit sea.
“This isn’t your average haunted house; it’s a beachfront bash with a twist of glamour and a splash of mischief,” said Olivier Moies-Delval, General Manager of SO/ Maldives. “We’re reimagining Halloween in true SO/ style—bold, beautiful, and beyond expectations.”
Celebration
W Maldives introduces its ‘Make Waves, New Traditions’ festive series
W Maldives is inviting guests to Make Waves, New Traditions this festive season, presenting a celebration that redefines the holidays with creativity, connection, and indulgence. From 23 December to 1 January, the resort will transform into a tropical haven where every moment is designed for joy and every guest has officially “Made the List.”
The festivities commence with Twinkle & Toast, a lighting ceremony that marks the start of a vibrant, week-long calendar of events. Highlights include flame-grilled feasts on FIRE Beach for Christmas Eve, holiday movie nights under the stars, festive afternoon teas overlooking the reef, seafood markets brimming with fresh coastal flavours, and a Maldivian beach barbecue infused with rhythm and local flair. On New Year’s Eve, the island will evolve into a lively playground featuring creative cocktails, immersive culinary journeys, electrifying performances, and fireworks over the Indian Ocean to welcome 2025 in true W style.
This year’s celebration also introduces The Restore Series with internationally acclaimed wellness coach Arron Collins-Thomas, founder of TONIQ. Integrating Qigong, breathwork, and cold-water therapy with energising workouts and restorative rituals, the seven-day wellness experience aims to refresh both body and mind while harmonising with the festive atmosphere. Guests can take part in sunrise sessions, sunset meditations, and ice-bath resets, embracing wellness as an essential part of the celebration and preparing themselves for the year ahead.
Culinary experiences take centre stage in this season of togetherness and authenticity. From ocean-to-table creations at FISH to Chef Bakaa’s festive degustation menu and the dynamic seafood markets at KITCHEN, each dining encounter blends local ingredients with bold imagination. Guests are encouraged to come together, share stories, and experience the Maldivian spirit through flavours that are both comforting and refreshingly innovative.
“This is the season to connect, recharge, and celebrate without boundaries,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “At W Maldives, we embrace the unexpected. Make Waves, New Traditions is our invitation for guests to come together, savour the island’s soul, and create memories that sparkle long after the fireworks fade.”
With its star-lit skies, daring gastronomy, revitalising wellness rituals, and music that carries into the night, W Maldives offers a festive escape where traditions are reimagined and every guest truly Makes the List.
Celebration
Gourmet journeys and island traditions define festive season at Kandolhu Maldives
Kandolhu Maldives has unveiled its festive programme for the 2025 holiday season, running from 19 December through to the New Year, promising guests a celebration filled with style, warmth, and Maldivian charm. The island’s festive calendar blends gourmet dining, ocean adventures, and cultural experiences, creating an atmosphere that captures the essence of Kandolhu — Shaped by the Sea.
Throughout the festive period, the resort’s culinary team will host an exceptional series of themed dining events. Guests can enjoy “Taste of the Sea” seafood nights and “Lobster & Sparkling Wine” evenings at Sea Grill, an authentic Indian Thali experience and a pan-Asian night at The Market, and “Chapoutier Uncorked” at Olive — a curated wine journey through the Rhône Valley and other European vineyards of M. Chapoutier. Ata Roa will also host a hands-on Ceviche Masterclass, where participants can learn to prepare this classic dish and craft the perfect Pisco Sour.
On Christmas Eve, the celebrations will begin with a cocktail party followed by a Gala Dinner on the beach, featuring an array of international festive dishes and grilled favourites. The merriment continues on Christmas Day with a beachside buffet at Vilu Bar, allowing guests to dine under the stars in true island style.
As the year draws to a close, Kandolhu will host an elegant New Year’s Eve celebration, beginning with cocktails and a six-course degustation dinner, followed by live music and a DJ set to welcome 2026 in spectacular fashion. Guests can ease into the new year with a leisurely late breakfast on 1 January.
Those seeking wellness and adventure will find plenty of experiences through the Noovilu sports centre, offering guided snorkelling with manta rays, sunset kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. At Varu Spa, relaxation takes centre stage with treatments such as the “Rose Indulgent Scrub,” “Muscle Boost” deep tissue massage, and the “Varu Haven” couples’ experience.
Adding a cultural touch, the festive schedule includes a palm-leaf Christmas decoration workshop and a traditional Maldivian Boduberu drum and dance performance.
Combining fine dining, meaningful experiences, and island-inspired festivities, Kandolhu Maldives promises a magical holiday season filled with memorable moments and refined celebration.
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