News
Dhigali Maldives’ Haali Beach illuminates with sustainable Christmas tree lighting extravaganza
																								
												
												
											This holiday season, Dhigali Maldives invited guests and locals alike to a magical Christmas Tree Lighting event at the picturesque Haali Beach. Embracing sustainability and the spirit of the festive season, the resort has handcrafted stunning Christmas trees from locally-sourced driftwood, adding a touch of eco-friendly elegance to the celebration.
In a commitment to environmental consciousness, one of our core values, Dhigali Maldives presents a unique display of Christmas trees made entirely in-house from driftwood, symbolising the resort’s dedication to sustainable practices and embracing the beauty of the Maldivian environment.
The Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was accompanied by the melodious voices of the Dhigali Carolers, bringing the spirit of the season to life with classic holiday tunes and festive cheer.
Adding an extra touch of magic, all of the Santa’s helpers turned the switch to illuminate the tree and the entire island transforming Dhigali into a winter wonderland & to ensure Santa can find the resort on the 25th of December.
Featuring some of the festive favourite, and of course sushi a new edition to the culinary journey at Dhigali. Guest got a little bit of festive joy in every bite while they watched the end of the sunset and the wonderous lights of the twinkling Christmas tree.
What’s a celebration without a little dance? As a delightful surprise, the Christmas Tree Lighting event culminated in an impromptu dance party featuring tunes by resident singer Cathy, setting the stage for a night of joy and merriment.
Featured
Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright
														Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.
At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.
The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.
Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.
Drink
SO/ Maldives unveils Creation Wines five-course pairing evening
														SO/ Maldives will host an exclusive Wine Dinner in collaboration with Creation Wines, led by Carolyn and Glenn Martin, founders of the South African winery. The event will take place at Lazuli Beach Club on 5 November 2025, from 18:30 to 22:00, with a beachfront setting designed for an evening of fine wine, culinary craft and storytelling.
Guests will be served a five-course menu, each course created by the SO/ Maldives culinary team to complement selected vintages from Creation. From the first pour to the final course, the pairings highlight a shared commitment between SO/ Maldives and Creation Wines to creativity, authenticity and the art of living well.
Guided by Carolyn and Glenn Martin, the evening will explore the relationship between food and wine, with insights into their winemaking approach, the vineyard, and their journey from South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to the Maldives.
Creation Wines combines an ancient landscape with a modern estate driven by innovation. Its team draws on the Hemel-en-Aarde terroir to produce wines that aim to be vibrant and expressive, with each bottle telling a story of balance and harmony.
At SO/ Maldives, contemporary design and artistic sensibility provide the backdrop for imaginative experiences. The Creation Wine Dinner reflects this approach, bringing together gastronomy, style and narrative in a single event.
“This dinner is a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and connection,” said Nyoman Suandari, Director of Culinary at SO/ Maldives. “Each pairing is designed not only to delight the palate but also to evoke emotion—to capture the essence of both land and sea, and of the artistry that unites us.”
Awards
Amilla Maldives recognised for accessible travel at Travel for Every Body Awards
														Amilla Maldives has received further recognition for its dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, being Highly Commended in the ‘Accessible Travel Initiative – Accommodation’ category at the inaugural Travel for Every Body Awards by Selling Travel.
Launched this year, the Travel for Every Body Awards celebrates individuals, initiatives, organisations, and campaigns that are making a positive impact on the accessible travel industry, highlighting progress and inspiring further change.
As the world’s first IncluCare-certified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to enhance its facilities and services to meet the diverse accessibility needs of its guests. The resort goes beyond full wheelchair accessibility, offering features designed for guests who are hearing or visually impaired. Team members have also undertaken MyHappyMind training to better support guests with hidden disabilities such as autism and ADHD. In partnership with Dive Butler, Amilla has established an accessible dive centre, and introduced pool hoists, ramp access, and personal guides to facilitate inclusive participation in activities such as snorkelling, Dolphin Discovery, and fishing excursions. Within its dining venues, adaptive cutlery, tailored menus, and staff trained in supporting guests with dysphagia ensure a thoughtful and inclusive culinary experience.
This recognition joins Amilla Maldives’ growing list of accolades, including being named among the Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025; and being one of only five Maldivian resorts featured in the FORBES Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality 2025 programme. Both the resort and its Javvu Spa were also honoured in the FORBES Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, underscoring Amilla’s commitment to excellence and meaningful guest experiences.
- 
																	
										
																			Cooking1 week agoAtmosphere Core, BBM to host Michelin-starred events with Chef Pasquale Palamaro
 - 
																	
										
																			Meditation6 days agoJW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, Soulful Feasts by Stephanie Zubiri announce Thanksgiving wellness retreat
 - 
																	
										
																			News4 days agoAutograph Collection Hotels debuts in Maldives with The Halcyon Private Isles: Signature retreat of individuality, immersion
 - 
																	
										
																			Awards7 days agoBanyan Tree Vabbinfaru celebrated as a top 4 resort in Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveler 2025
 - 
																	
										
																			Awards7 days agoSO/ Maldives shines bright with 3 wins at 2025 Global Awards Season
 - 
																	
										
																			News7 days agoVelaa Private Island introduces newly redesigned Kuredhi Residence by Winch Design
 - 
																	
										
																			Drink6 days agoConstance Moofushi Maldives celebrates fine wine excellence with Creation Wines
 - 
																	
										
																			Awards6 days agoThe St. Regis Maldives recognised in Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of the Best 2026
 


																	
																															
									
																	
									
																	
									
																	
									
																	
									
																	
									
																	