News
Escape to paradise with Atmosphere Core this festive season
With the festive season fast upon us, Atmosphere Core offers an idyllic, holiday getaway for those looking to celebrate Christmas or ring in the New Year in style. Just four hours from Dubai – and with various flight options available, revelling in the holiday season couldn’t be easier.
And with Atmosphere Core’s five stunning resorts having created packages perfect for a winter break – VARU by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU Xperience Ailafushi – guests will not only be able to get away from it all, but also enjoy an unforgettable experience with superb hospitality in the breath-taking Maldives.
ARU by Atmosphere: Authentic Maldivian Bliss
Escape to an island paradise this festive season with VARU by Atmosphere, where the magic of the Maldives comes alive in a vibrant celebration of sun, sea and authentic Maldivian experiences.
The natural, Maldivian resort invites guests to immerse themselves into a blissful escape, surrounded by the brilliant turquoise lagoon and the rhythmic charm of the Indian Ocean.
As the sun dips below the horizon, VARU transforms into a haven of holiday enchantment, offering a festive calendar that promises a symphony of culinary delights, exhilarating activities and moments of pure relaxation. This curated calendar includes a myriad of activities for every age and interest – from morning Hatha Yoga to High-Intensity Tabata workouts, allowing guests to indulge in fitness activities designed to uplift and energise. For the younger guests, the Kids Club offers a world of creativity, featuring activities such as Christmas tree decorating and beach fun games.
And that’s not all – audiences can savour the taste of authentic Maldivian cuisine with live dining experiences, from breakfast at Lime & Chili to an Indian Ocean Gala Dinner under the stars. Further enhancing the festive experience, guests can relish a Christmas Eve Cocktail on Sandy Beach and welcome the New Year with a Gala Dinner. Additionally, they can immerse themselves into the island’s rich culture with Maldivian entertainers, including the Fruit Cake Band, Saxophonist, Magician and Fire Show Performer.
And for a truly rejuvenating experience, there are the resort’s special spa offers, such as the Christmas Spa Escape and the Season’s Renewal Spa Escape.
At VARU by Atmosphere, guests are invited to create cherished memories against the backdrop of a Naturally Maldivian haven.
- Where: VARU By Atmosphere
- When: 22nd December 2023 to 8th January 2023
- Offer: Enjoy 20% off on all bookings
- For Reservations: reservation@varu-atmosphere.com | Phone: (+960) 4000 800
- Website: https://varu-atmosphere.com/offers/experience-unforgettable-festivities/
Atmosphere Kanifushi: Moments crafted to perfection
Discover a world of luxury and festive joy at Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives. This season, indulge in grand buffets featuring international cuisine, premium spirits and world-class wines – all at one inclusive price. The pristine Kanifushi Island, just a 35-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport, offers white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and lush tropical gardens – a perfect setting for a tropical beach holiday.
From 22nd December to 2nd January, Atmosphere Kanifushi presents a curated array of activities and adventures across the resort. Dive into crystal-clear waters with snorkelling trips around the island. While fitness enthusiasts can enjoy Pilates workouts, Aqua Aerobics and Paddle Tennis matches at the Club House.
Relaxation awaits at Akiri Spa with “Winter Cheer” special offers, while thrill-seekers can enjoy sunset fishing, flyboarding and dolphin watching. The all-inclusive plan extends to unique experiences like visits to the local island of Naifaru and sandbank trips, allowing guests to explore beyond the resort.
The festive spirit peaks on the 24th December with the Lighting of the Grand Kanifushi Christmas Tree, a Spice Garden Flavours of Europe Theme Buffet and lively entertainment at Liquid.
Furthermore, bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring free-flowing champagne, live music, acrobats, a fire show and an unforgettable light display.
At Atmosphere Kanifushi, every moment is crafted to perfection.
- Where: Atmosphere Kanifushi
- When: 22nd December 2023 to 2nd January 2023
- Offer: Enjoy 20% off on all bookings
- For Reservations: sales@varu-atmosphere.com | Phone: (+960) 7793 165
- Website: https://atmosphere-kanifushi.com/offers/celebrate-the-season-of-splendor/
OBLU SELECT Sangeli: Tropical Meets Modern
Escape to a tropical paradise at OBLU SELECT Sangeli, a 50-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. With 137 villas, including chic water villas and the exclusive One Banyan for adults, the resort blends modern luxury with tropical allure.
This holiday season, OBLU SELECT Sangeli offers a crescendo of experiences, from vibrant parties to exclusive excursions, ensuring every moment is filled with joy. Join the resort as they transform the island sanctuary into a festive playground, where laughter and happiness echo overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Guests can expect a festive atmosphere with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Sangs Bar, Aqua Yoga at the Main Pool and an array of additional delights. From a Festive Cooking Class to Gingerbread House Decorations, the resort caters to every guest, ensuring a memorable stay.
Indulge in the grand Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at The Courtyard, boasting a festive feast and live music by the in-house band, Jingle Jam. As the year ends, ring in the New Year with kids’ card making, a pool party and the stylish White Party – White Horizon Maldivian NYÉ Extravaganza.
Moreover, the resort offers an ideal present with its six Honeymoon SELECT Ocean Villas. Nestled in a secluded corner of the Sangeli lagoon, these romantic over-water suites are crafted to provide couples with an exclusive and enchanting retreat.
At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, the holiday spirit thrives, where the blend of tropical paradise and modern luxury creates a celebration like no other. Experience the magic of the season in a haven where every moment is a cause for joy and festivity.
- Where: OBLU SELECT Sangeli
- When: 21st December 2023 to 1st January 2023
- Offer: Enjoy 20% off on all bookings
- For Reservations: sales.sangeli@coloursofoblu.com | Phone: (+960) 400 4501
- Website: https://www.coloursofoblu.com/oblu-select-sangeli/special-offers/a-symphony-of-festivities-in-the-maldives
OBLU SELECT Lobigili: A Dazzling Couples Haven
Indulge in a festive escape at OBLU SELECT Lobigili, where the sun-kissed beaches of the Maldives meet the enchanting allure of the holiday season. Nestled in the North Malé Atoll, this adults-exclusive haven beckons couples to a 5-star retreat designed for romance.
As the festive days unfold, OBLU SELECT Lobigili invites guests to partake in various activities and events throughout the resort including sunrise yoga, kayak racing and a unique Self-Healing Acupressure sessions. Celebrate Christmas Eve with a Gala Dinner and a cosy Christmas Movie Night at The Swing Bar Hut.
From Gingerbread House Decoration to a lively Pool Party and Rock & Roll DJ Night, the festivities continue through the week, concluding in a New Year’s Eve Gala Night at Ylang-Ylang with a captivating Nostalgic Night by the Lobi Duo Band at The Swing Bar.
Following that, guests are welcomed to usher in the New Year with a morning filled with sunrise activities, culinary adventures and the enchanting melodies of the Lobi Duo Band.
OBLU SELECT Lobigili invites guests to celebrate the holidays in style, surrounded by the beauty of the Maldives and the warmth of festive cheer.
- Where: OBLU SELECT Lobigili
- When: 22nd December 2023 to 2nd January 2023
- Offer: Enjoy 20% off on all bookings
- For Reservations: sales.lobigili@coloursofoblu.com | Phone: (+960) 400 0066
- Website: https://www.coloursofoblu.com/oblu-select-lobigili/special-offers/a-celestial-celebration-in-paradise
OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi: Perfect blend of serenity and excitement
OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi invites guests to an enchanting journey of island bliss and festive joy, seamlessly blending tranquillity and excitement against the stunning Maldivian scenery. A 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport transports guests to Ailafushi, a family-friendly haven nestled in the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are invited to escape the city bustle and kickstart their day with the Rise and Shine Vinsaya Yoga on the X360 Beach Deck, setting the tone for a day filled with mini Olympics, sustainability juice biking, beach volleyball and more. Around sunset, the atmosphere transforms with lively DJ melodies and a Maldivian-themed buffet at Element X, accompanied by the captivating beats of a Boduberu Cultural Show.
Furthermore, guests can infuse the Christmas spirit with a spirited run, indulge in a delightful Cinnamon Morning breakfast and share a festive rendezvous with Santa. For those seeking adventure, dive into Aqua Fit, engage in beach pool games or partake in an exciting marine discovery session.
To welcome the arrival of 2024 in style, guests can enjoy a vibrant cocktail party alongside a carnival-themed buffet at Element X, complemented by captivating live performances on Ailafushi Beach on New Year’s Eve.
Whether guests are seeking adventure or tranquillity, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi has a festive extravaganza like no other, allowing the magic of the season to unfold in the heart of paradise.
- Where: OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi
- When: 22nd December 2023 to 10th January 2023
- Offer: Enjoy 20% off on all bookings
- For Reservations: sales.ailafushi@coloursofoblu.com | Phone: (+960) 400 0066
- Website: https://www.coloursofoblu.com/oblu-xperience-ailafushi/special-offers/unwrap-the-splendor-of-the-season
News
Heritance Aarah invites guests to ‘Unwrap Incredible’ this festive season
This December, Heritance Aarah invites guests to experience Christmas in the Maldives through a season built around anticipation, discovery and wonder. Under the theme Unwrap Incredible, the island becomes the gift itself, wrapped in ocean light, white and gold, festive flavours, family moments, wellness rituals and celebrations that unfold one beautiful surprise at a time.
From the first glow of the season, the island begins to transform. The Great Glow-Up Tree-Lighting Ceremony sets the tone on Ranba Beach, where Heritance Aarah’s white and gold Christmas tree comes alive against the Maldivian evening sky. Across the island, the festive spirit continues through sparkling gatherings, elegant dinners, beachside celebrations and moments designed to make every day feel newly unwrapped.

Highlights to look forward to:
- The Great Glow-Up Tree-Lighting Ceremony – a magical white and gold beginning to the festive season.
- Christmas Eve at Aarah – pre-dinner cocktails, gala dinners at Ranba and Ralu, an exclusive eight-course set dinner at Baani, and a midnight celebration with DJ beats, live band entertainment and Santa’s arrival.
- Brunch & Bliss – a joyful Christmas Day champagne brunch flowing from morning to afternoon.
- Lobster Feast by the Sea and Seaside Sizzle – refined beachside seafood experiences beneath the evening sky.
- Midnight Mirage – a glittering New Year’s Eve celebration with music, dancing, entertainment and island energy until late.
- Koka Kids Club – festive crafts, cookie decorating, treasure hunts, colour runs, movie nights and Christmas parties for younger guests.

The season also brings a rich programme of dining and beverage experiences. Guests can explore interactive tasting stations at Sweet Flavours of Aarah, discover tea-inspired creations, join cocktail and tiki workshops, savour rum and wine tastings, or enjoy a global street food festival on Ranba Beach.
For those seeking adventure, the lagoon becomes part of the celebration with guided snorkelling at the house reef, sunset cruises, dolphin journeys, canoe races, banana rides and sunrise fishing. Culture also takes centre stage at the Maldivian Village, where guests can discover island traditions, crafts and stories that reveal the Maldives beyond the view.

Wellness seekers can pause between celebrations with oceanfront yoga, mindfulness sessions and personalised face scan experiences at IASO Medi Spa.
This festive season, Heritance Aarah is not simply a place to celebrate. It is a place to discover. To taste, explore, gather, pause and be surprised.

At Heritance Aarah, Christmas is waiting to be unwrapped.
Action
Maldives’ Dhigurah ranked among world’s 10 most valuable beaches
Dhigurah in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll has been ranked among the world’s 10 most valuable holiday beaches, with its stretch of sand assigned an estimated value of MVR 2.9 billion (€162.7 million) in a study by luxury villa holiday specialist CV Villas.
The island placed eighth in the global ranking, ahead of Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The study calculated the hypothetical cost of owning some of the world’s best-known beaches by valuing the sand as coastal land. The figures do not represent sale prices or suggest that the beaches are available for private purchase.
Dhigurah was the only Maldivian beach included in the global top 15. Known for its long sandbank and proximity to whale shark habitats in South Ari Atoll, the inhabited island has become a destination for guesthouse tourism, diving and marine excursions.
Florida’s Siesta Beach topped the global ranking with an estimated value of €1.08 billion, followed by Pampelonne Beach in France at €843 million and Praia da Falésia in Portugal at €573.2 million.
Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos Islands was ranked fourth at €376.4 million, while Bondi Beach in Sydney completed the top five with an estimated value of €365 million.
Hannah Marshall, luxury travel destination expert and marketing manager at CV Villas, said the research highlighted the role of location in determining coastal land values.
“Everyone has a beach that means something to them, so there’s something fun about seeing what those stretches of sand might be ‘worth’ if you valued them like the land behind them,” Marshall said.
“What comes through is how much location drives the figure: a beach in St-Tropez or on Siesta Key carries a value that a quieter shore — even just as beautiful — simply won’t.”
While Siesta Beach had the highest total estimated value, The Baths on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands recorded the highest value per square metre, at €8,846. Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda was the most affordable beach assessed, at approximately €199 per square metre.
News
Reiki Master Nikki begins August residency at Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa
Amilla Maldives is hosting holistic wellness practitioner Nongluck Chuaychuang, known as Nikki, for a month-long residency at the resort’s Javvu Spa.
Running from 2 to 30 August 2026, the residency offers guests a collection of treatments focused on physical relaxation, energy alignment and mental wellbeing.
A Reiki Master and sound healing specialist, Nikki has practised at luxury wellness destinations around the world. During her residency at Amilla, she is offering treatments tailored to guests’ individual needs, with sessions designed to release physical tension, support energy flow and encourage relaxation.
“True healing begins when we give ourselves the space to slow down, listen within, and return to our natural rhythm,” Nikki said.
The programme includes The Nikki Essence, her signature holistic massage, as well as Reiki Energy Healing, which focuses on subtle body alignment.
Guests can also take part in sound bath journeys using Tibetan and crystal bowls, or book intuitive bodywork sessions designed to provide restorative release.
The residency forms part of Javvu Spa’s wellness programme, which incorporates treatments and practices intended to support physical and emotional balance.
Sessions are available at Javvu Spa throughout the residency, with advance reservations recommended.
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