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Escape to paradise with Atmosphere Core this festive season

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Marriott Bonvoy announces ‘Endless Summer’ promotion for Maldives stays in 2027

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Summer need not end with a change of season. In the Maldives, warm turquoise waters, palm-fringed shores, and life lived outdoors invite travellers to follow their own calendar. For those planning the year ahead, Marriott Bonvoy’s Endless Summer campaign brings that invitation to four natural private-island resorts: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa and The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection.

Endless Summer Offer at a Glance:

  • Booking window: November 15-December 31, 2026
  • Stay window: January 10-December 15, 2027
  • Dining plans: From daily breakfast to all-inclusive, depending on the resort
  • Children’s dining: Complimentary for children under 12
  • Additional benefits: Dining privileges and resort credits toward eligible meals, spa treatments, and island activities, depending on the resort
  • Minimum stay: Four nights

Here, an island holiday can take many forms, with each resort bringing a different perspective to the Maldives. Just 10 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Sheraton Maldives occupies Furanafushi Island in North Malé Atoll, where tropical gardens and a sheltered lagoon set an easygoing pace. The Westin Maldives, a wellness-focused retreat in Baa Atoll, and Le Méridien Maldives, a chic, eco-conscious hideaway on Thilamaafushi Island in Lhaviyani Atoll, are each a scenic 35-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport. The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives spans two islands in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, reachable by a 90-minute seaplane journey or a domestic flight followed by a speedboat transfer.

Discover Maldivian Culture Through Its People

At Sheraton Maldives, a coconut palm becomes the starting point for a lesson in island ingenuity. During Maldivian Journey, a weekly gathering on Kakuni Beach, guests discover how climbing, grating, and weaving turn an everyday part of the landscape into food, shelter, and craft. For a different view of the country, the resort can arrange a visit to Malé, taking in the capital’s fish market, Presidential Palace, museum, and shops. From The Westin Maldives, a boat trip to Eydhafushi introduces guests to the rhythms of a local island beyond the resort’s shores.

Food and music continue the conversation. Weekly Maldivian-themed evenings at Sheraton Maldives and The Westin Maldives pair local cooking with the drumbeats of bodu beru. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, culinary classes, and experiences inspired by explorer H.C.P. Bell connect guests with the heritage and rhythms of the far south. Traditional handline fishing connects guests to the sea through patience and knowledge passed down through generations of Maldivian fishermen.

Marine Discovery Beyond the Beach

A dhoni ride may reveal spinner dolphins leaping above the waves. Beneath the water, each island has its own story. From Sheraton Maldives, snorkelling excursions to Shark Point bring guests alongside nurse sharks. Le Méridien Maldives’ house reef invites exploration, with hawksbill turtles spotted year-round. Within Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives opens a window onto marine life, including seasonal manta ray encounters and occasional whale shark sightings at Hanifaru Bay. Marine biologist sessions, coral planting, and turtle identification deepen the connection. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, explore two house reefs with private Marine Butlers, spotting resident sea turtles and nurse sharks, or venture farther on the signature Journey to the Equator for an open-water swim near the equatorial line.

Shared Island Discoveries for Families

At Le Méridien Maldives, families join the resident horticulturist for foraging and a closer look at soil-free cultivation in one of the Maldives’ largest hydroponic greenhouses. Sheraton Maldives takes the classroom outdoors with a guided botanical and wildlife walk led by the resort botanist. At The Westin Maldives, mothers and daughters unwind together at the spa and learn to make a natural face scrub to recreate at home. Dedicated kids’ clubs give younger travelers their own space for play and learning, leaving adults free to linger over lunch, head to the spa, or enjoy a quiet hour beside the water.

From Morning Movement to Evenings by the Ocean

Togetherness need not mean following the same schedule. The pleasure lies in coming back together with something to share. For travellers who like to begin the day in motion, The Westin Maldives’ Move Well philosophy brings together workouts at the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, tennis, swimming, and island runs, alongside guided yoga and meditation. A friendly padel match at Le Méridien Maldives brings out a competitive streak before guided stargazing turns attention skyward, where the island’s near-equatorial setting reveals constellations from both hemispheres. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, guests can alternate between a lively match on the padel court and floating yoga in the lagoon. At Sheraton Maldives, guests gather on Kakuni Beach for bocce ball and beach table tennis, joining in a little lighthearted competition.

A private sandbank picnic or a destination dining experience in a secluded island setting creates room for honeymoons, anniversaries, or family celebrations. International all-day dining sits alongside specialty restaurants drawing on Japanese, pan-Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, and Maldivian flavours to suit every palate.

Villas and Rooms for Every Generation

Across these resorts, accommodations make room for romantic escapes, vacations with friends, and multigenerational gatherings. Sheraton Maldives’ 176 rooms and villas range from interconnecting guest rooms to beachfront and overwater retreats. Le Méridien Maldives’ 134 beach and overwater villas include the 280-square-meter Three-Bedroom Thilamaafushi Villa, ideal for family celebrations. The Westin Maldives’ 69 pool villas include one- and two-bedroom beach and overwater options, with the 194-square-meter Two-Bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence providing space for generations to gather. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, 38 beachfront and overwater pool villas span two private islands, each with personalised butler service, while the 1,250-square-metre Halcyon Grand Estate provides added space and privacy for families and friends.

Click here to book your Endless Summer vacation, or visit marriott.com/maldives to explore Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives.

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Secret Paradise Maldives secures Travelife Partner Award renewal

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Maldivian tour operator Secret Paradise Maldives has successfully renewed its Travelife Partner Award, recognising the company’s continued commitment to responsible tourism, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The renewal acknowledges Secret Paradise’s progress in implementing responsible tourism practices and integrating sustainability across its business operations.

The Travelife Partner standard requires tour operators to meet more than 100 sustainability criteria covering office management, business operations, product development, international business partners and customer information. Based on the ISO 26000 guidelines on corporate social responsibility, the criteria address areas including environmental protection, biodiversity, human rights and labour relations.

Since its establishment in 2012, Secret Paradise has focused on demonstrating how tourism can generate positive outcomes for local communities and the environment. The company’s approach includes supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for communities, promoting responsible marine encounters and encouraging visitors to develop a greater understanding of Maldivian culture and the natural environment.

Commenting on the renewal, Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives, said: “Sustainability is an ongoing journey, one that requires continuous commitment, reflection and a willingness to evolve. There is always more we can do.

“We have always believed that tourism should benefit the people and places that make the Maldives so special. This means looking beyond the experiences we deliver to consider how we operate, the partners we work with and the impact our activities have on local communities and the environment. We are proud of the progress we have made and remain committed to doing more.”

Naut Kusters, Manager of Travelife for Tour Operators, welcomed the renewal, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability within the tourism industry.

“I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operator sector is obtaining momentum. The Partner renewal award of Secret Paradise will continue to inspire other companies in Maldives to follow the same path,” he said.

Travelife is an international sustainability certification programme for tour operators and travel agents, supported by more than 35 national travel associations worldwide, including ABTA in the United Kingdom, ANVR in the Netherlands and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

The programme comprises three stages: Travelife Engaged, Travelife Partner and Travelife Certified.

Following the successful renewal of its Travelife Partner status, Secret Paradise Maldives intends to further strengthen its sustainability practices as it works towards achieving Travelife Certified status.

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Finolhu Maldives to welcome artist Araceli Adams for ceramics masterclasses

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Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is set to welcome contemporary artist Araceli Adams for an exclusive festive residency from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Bringing together art, nature and the joy of creative expression, the residency invites guests to discover the world of ceramics through immersive workshops inspired by the extraordinary marine life and natural beauty of the Maldives.

Known for her distinctive artistic interpretations of marine life on ceramics, Adams draws inspiration from the natural world, transforming everyday objects into expressive works of art. Through Araceli Adams, her creative practice celebrates the beauty and diversity of ocean life, making her residency a natural fit for Finolhu’s spectacular setting within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.

Throughout the festive season, guests will have the opportunity to explore their artistic side under Adams’ guidance, discovering the pleasures of working with ceramics in a relaxed and inspiring island environment. Designed for both beginners and those with a passion for art, the experiences encourage creativity, personal expression and a deeper appreciation of the marine world.

The residency begins with a meet-and-greet at Finolhu’s cocktail party on 21 December, offering guests an opportunity to meet the artist and discover the inspiration behind her work. An introductory pottery experience on 24 December will set the tone for a series of intimate creative sessions, followed by group masterclasses taking place between Christmas Day and 3 January.

Limited to just six participants per session, the masterclasses offer a more personal and engaging opportunity to learn from Adams while creating individual pieces inspired by the colours, textures and marine surroundings of the island. For guests seeking a more tailored experience, private pottery sessions will also be available, providing an intimate setting for individuals, couples and families to explore their creativity together.

The residency forms part of Finolhu’s festive celebrations, Magic by the Sea, bringing an artistic dimension to the resort’s seasonal programme. Beyond the traditional festivities, the collaboration offers guests an opportunity to slow down, discover a new creative pursuit and create meaningful memories through hands-on experiences.

The collaboration with Araceli Adams continues Finolhu’s commitment to bringing international creative talent to the island. Earlier in 2026, the resort welcomed celebrated British designer Matthew Williamson for an exclusive October residency, introducing guests to his distinctive world of colour, pattern and design through creative masterclasses and personalised experiences. In November, contemporary artist and photographer Yakov Khomich brought his artistic perspective to Finolhu’s Art Lab, further enriching the resort’s programme of immersive creative encounters. Together, these residencies reflect Finolhu’s growing reputation as a destination where art, design and island living come together.

Art and creativity have long been part of Finolhu’s distinctive island identity. With its contemporary design, vibrant atmosphere and dedicated Art Lab, the resort embraces creative expression as an integral part of the guest experience. The collaboration with Araceli Adams further reflects this philosophy, connecting guests with the island’s remarkable natural surroundings through art.

Set against the backdrop of Finolhu’s turquoise lagoon, pristine beaches and iconic two-kilometre sandbank, the residency offers a refreshing way to experience the festive season. Whether discovering ceramics for the first time or simply enjoying a shared creative moment with loved ones, guests are invited to embrace the freedom of artistic expression in one of the world’s most beautiful island settings.

Araceli Adams’ residency at Finolhu will take place from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, with group masterclasses scheduled between 25 December and 3 January and private pottery sessions available from 24 December to 2 January. Advance reservations are recommended due to limited availability.

For further information and reservations, visit www.finolhu.com or contact stay@finolhu.com.

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