Ifuru Island Maldives will celebrate the 2026 festive season with “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars”, an immersive Christmas and New Year programme running from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027.

Inspired by the natural beauty of the Maldivian ocean, the night sky and the festive season, the theme will bring together marine and celestial elements across the resort’s décor, entertainment, dining, activities and guest experiences.

At the centre of the concept is the idea that the ocean carries memories, while the stars represent dreams and new beginnings. Rather than presenting the festive season as a series of standalone events, Ifuru Island plans to create a connected journey spanning Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas.

The visual identity of “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” will combine an underwater-inspired world with celestial elements. Bioluminescent-inspired colours, reef motifs and glowing details will be paired with stars, constellations and moonlit features throughout the resort.

The colour palette will include deep ocean blue and midnight navy alongside pearl white, silver, soft turquoise, pink and purple, with accents of celestial gold. Coral forms, waves, shells and reef-inspired features will be combined with stars and festive details, giving traditional Christmas elements an interpretation inspired by Ifuru Island’s natural surroundings.

The concept will extend beyond decorations to dining, entertainment, activities, uniforms, signage and festive communications.

The resort said the theme is also intended to reflect the emotions associated with the festive period. The ocean represents peace, connection and possibility, while the stars symbolise hope, dreams, guidance and new beginnings.

The festive journey will begin on 21 December and continue through 10 January, encompassing Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.

Christmas Eve on 24 December will feature festive dining and entertainment, while Christmas Day on 25 December will centre on family celebrations and relaxed island experiences.

On 31 December, Ifuru Island will mark New Year’s Eve with the main celebration of the festive period, before welcoming 2027 on New Year’s Day with activities centred around the island setting and surrounding ocean.

Celebrations will continue from 1 to 10 January during the Orthodox festive period, including Orthodox Christmas.

According to the resort, the broader concept is intended to connect the entire guest experience, with the island’s natural environment forming part of the festive setting. The ocean will provide inspiration during the day, while the night sky will shape the atmosphere after sunset.

Dining experiences, entertainment and activities will each form part of the wider “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” narrative, giving guests different experiences throughout their stay while maintaining a consistent creative theme.

The programme is designed for guests travelling with family, friends or loved ones, with Ifuru Island aiming to combine its natural surroundings with festive celebrations and shared experiences.

The full festive programme, including entertainment, activities, culinary experiences and special events, will be announced separately.

“Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” will run at Ifuru Island Maldives from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. Christmas Eve will be marked on 24 December, Christmas Day on 25 December, New Year’s Eve on 31 December, New Year’s Day on 1 January and the Orthodox festive period from 1 to 10 January 2027.

Milaidhoo Maldives will welcome Chef Laurence Tan, Head Chef of Michelin-starred JAG in Singapore, for two culinary experiences on the island in October.

Tan’s interest in cooking began at home, inspired by his parents and by preparing and sharing food with his family. After experimenting in the family kitchen, he went on to attend culinary school before joining The White Rabbit in Singapore in 2016, where he began developing his professional career.

He later worked at Tower Club before joining JAG in 2020. Working alongside Chef Jeremy Gillon, Tan developed an approach centred on precision, seasonality and the integrity of individual ingredients.

He progressed from Chef de Partie to Junior Sous Chef and later Sous Chef. When Gillon took on an international consultancy in Taiwan, Tan assumed leadership of the JAG kitchen.

He is now Head Chef of the restaurant, which retained its Michelin star in 2026, reflecting the consistency and quality of its cuisine under his direction.

During his visit to Milaidhoo, Tan will introduce guests to elements of JAG’s culinary philosophy while sharing some of the techniques and ideas that shape his cooking.

On 16 October, he will conduct an intimate cooking class, giving guests an opportunity to learn directly from him and explore his approach to ingredients, technique and flavour.

The following evening, on 17 October, Tan will host a five-course dinner limited to 16 guests.

The menu will begin with Hiramasa crudo with tomatoes and sea grapes, followed by Gambero Rosso with Jerusalem artichoke and cashew. Lobster ravioli with lobster bisque will precede Tajima Wagyu MB8 tenderloin with celeriac and black autumn truffle.

Dessert will feature a dark chocolate parfait with buckwheat ice cream and tonka bean. A preserved lemon sorbet will be served between courses, while the evening will open with a leek and potato croustade.

The collaboration reflects Milaidhoo’s culinary philosophy, which places emphasis on craftsmanship, curiosity, shared experiences and the role of dining in creating memorable moments.

The cooking class will take place on 16 October, followed by the five-course chef’s dinner on 17 October, with the latter limited to 16 guests.

V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection will host Executive Chef Pisut ‘Nong’ Nahan and Lead Mixologist Mongkol ‘Lek’ Saengchud from V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection for a Thai culinary pop-up on 10 and 11 October 2026.

Titled ‘From the Andaman to the Indian Ocean’, the collaboration will bring together the culinary identities of the two destinations through contemporary Thai cuisine, cocktails and island dining experiences.

Over two evenings, guests will be able to take part in Cocktail & Dine at Muraka and a Sundowner & Beach Dinner at AKOYA Sea Lounge.

Chef Nong will showcase his ‘Thai with a modern twist’ approach, combining regional Thai flavours, seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques with contemporary presentation. The menu has been designed as a culinary journey between Thailand and the Maldives, drawing inspiration from the Andaman Sea and the waters surrounding Mirihi.

Khun Lek will complement the dining experience with cocktails inspired by place, storytelling and balance. His ‘triangle’ method combines sweetness for relaxation, sourness for freshness and bitterness for depth, with each drink centred around an umami element.

The collaboration will feature dishes and cocktails developed specifically for the event. Menu concepts include Royal Massaman Croquette, Siam Betel Crab and Ocean Tuna Crudo, while featured drinks will include the Mirihi Martini, Muraka Whisper and Tropical Terroir.

The pop-up forms part of the shared approach of V Villas Maldives at Mirihi and V Villas Phuket, as well as MGallery Collection’s focus on experience-led hospitality and storytelling.

Further details on timings, menus and reservations will be announced by the resort. Availability for the two-night event will be limited.