News
Experience joy of holidays, sense festive moments at Angsana Velavaru

As the joyous time of the year approaches once again, Angsana Velavaru, an all-inclusive premium resort in South Nilandhe Atoll, has announced, ‘The Wonders of Velavaru’, a line-up of festive activities from 21 December 2024 to 7 January 2025, designed to captivate and inspire guests of all ages. From traditional crafts to underwater adventures, culinary delights, and vibrant celebrations, inspired by the natural island in full bloom, the resort will set the stage for a sensational year-end tropical escape.
On 21 December, guests can join the annual cake mixing to usher in the joy of the season and witness the festive tree lighting to officially kick off the celebrations. On 27 December, they can delve into Maldivian culture with palm weaving lessons, explore traditional crafts, and gain insights into the local heritage. The day culminates with a mesmerising Boduberu performance, where the rhythmic drumbeats invite guests to experience a dance tradition preserved since the 18th century.
Guests are invited to indulge in the Sangria Fiesta and Innovative Cocktail Counters, offering perfectly crafted smooth concoctions and a tantalising selection of international flavours to suit every palate. On 24 December, experience the magic of Santa’s Arrival Parade, complete with a festive cocktail party and joyful holiday carols by the resort’s Chorale Group. The evening continues with a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner, featuring a global culinary journey and live performances by the Beatus Band from the Philippines with extensive experience performing in lounges and hotels worldwide. The night concludes with a lively Red & White Party, where guests can dance the night away with the resident DJ, Sumith, in their favourite festive outfits. On 25 December, guests can strike a pose and capture this magical moment with the ‘man of the hour’, Mr. Santa.
Guests are invited to embrace the beauty of natural skincare with the DIY Body Scrub workshop, where they will learn to blend natural ingredients for a glowing, radiant complexion just in time for the holiday. As the sun sets, the Sunset Stretch and Relaxation session helps ease the day’s tension, preparing the body for a restful night. Couples can master the art of a sensational massage technique from an expert spa therapist.
For children, activities such as Christmas Windsock Craft, Henna Tattoo Creations, and a Mystery Treasure Hunt offer engaging and creative fun. Families can enjoy the Festive 2-Spot Snorkelling Trip to discover colourful marine life, a Sunset Dolphin Cruise with bubbly and canapés, and a Croquet Tournament for some light-hearted competition.
On 31 December, guests can join the invigorating Water Aerobics session with DJ Sumith, combining fitness with fun in the pool. They can indulge in the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, featuring a sumptuous feast and live musical entertainment by Beatus Band. The evening culminates in the Year-End Extravaganza and Countdown Party, where guests can enjoy a pirate-themed celebration with dancing, DJ Sumith’s music, and the chance to win amazing prizes. As midnight approaches, guests can raise their glasses to new beginnings and fresh aspirations. On New Year’s Day, guests can savour a diverse buffet brunch that blends breakfast favourites with lunch delights, and participate in coral planting to support environmental conservation. The festive spirit continues with Orthodox Christmas Revelry on 6 January, including an International and Barbecue Buffet Dinner, and Orthodox Christmas Eve Dinner at Azzurro Restaurant and Bar. The festivities continue 7 January featuring a Taste of Asia Buffet Dinner and a Tropical Party with DJ Sumith.
Inspired to visit Angsana Velavaru soon? Discover Maldives Resort Packages & Specials | Angsana Velavaru, and enjoy earning Accor Live Limitless points. Experience the beauty and vibrance of ‘The Wonders of Velavaru’ on your festive getaway.
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Barceló Nasandhura celebrates World Chocolate Day with sweet surprises in Malé

This July, Barceló Nasandhura is offering guests a taste of the sweeter side of life through a series of limited-time dessert experiences in the heart of Malé.
In celebration of World Chocolate Day, the hotel hosted a Chocolate Indulgence Station in the Nasandhura Lobby on 7th July. Held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the event featured handcrafted chocolate desserts and tastings led by Head Pastry Chef Mohammed, a certified Continental Judge in Pastry Arts. The occasion attracted a delightful mix of in-house guests and walk-in visitors, who also enjoyed a specially curated photo setup and the opportunity to purchase exclusive, limited-edition treats.
Additionally, from 4th to 7th July, a dedicated Chocolate Dessert Station was presented at the Oivaru dinner buffet, located on the hotel’s third floor, offering a decadent addition to the evening dining experience.
To conclude the month’s celebrations, guests will be able to enjoy a 10% discount on all ice creams at Alimas Coffee Lounge from 20th to 26th July. Featuring house-made flavours, this offering provides the ideal way to cool off and indulge during the warm island afternoons.
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Dive into sustainable luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Baa Atoll

Surrounded by flourishing reefs and pristine islands with the whitest of soft sands and crystal-clear waters, Coco Collection – a leading resort brand in the Maldives – invites guests to delve into the extraordinary underwater world of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Nestled within the crown jewel of the Maldives, the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is renowned for its commitment to everyday sustainability. Setting the standard for sustainable luxury, the resort has once again been recognised as the Maldives’ Leading Green Resort 2025, marking its third consecutive win at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
While the resort continues its efforts to protect and preserve a thriving marine ecosystem, it also encourages guests to immerse themselves in a range of signature marine experiences, all guided by resident Marine Educator Rosalie Bailie and supported by its long-standing partnership with the Olive Ridley Project.
The signature marine experiences include:
- Guided Snorkelling – Guests may explore the house reef or venture to nearby coral gardens with expert guides. These excursions cater to all skill levels and often include sightings of green sea turtles, parrotfish, and, depending on the season, manta rays and eagle rays. Guests may also encounter hawksbill turtles grazing on coral at nearby turtle points.
- Coral Planting & Restoration Workshop – Conscious travellers are invited to participate in meaningful conservation work through coral planting. With the guidance of the Marine Educator, guests can affix coral fragments onto reef frames which are then placed on the seabed, helping to regenerate damaged reefs and enhance marine biodiversity.
- Discover Scuba Diving – From beginners to advanced divers, the island provides access to over 30 dive sites across the region, led by certified PADI instructors. Guests may dive among coral pinnacles, explore historic wrecks, and visit iconic spots such as Hanifaru Bay, famous for sightings of manta rays and whale sharks.
- ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre Tour – Home to the Maldives’ first fully equipped, veterinary-run sea turtle rescue centre, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu offers guests the chance to engage with rescued turtles recovering from injuries or entanglements. Through this partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, guests can feed turtles, learn about conservation challenges, adopt a turtle, and contribute to protecting this endangered species.
- Night Snorkelling – For a truly unique underwater adventure, the resort offers night snorkelling excursions led by the Marine Educator. As the reef transforms after sunset, guests will discover a different side of marine life, spotting lionfish, resting parrotfish, and other nocturnal sea creatures illuminated by torchlight.
Located in one of the world’s most spectacular hubs of marine biodiversity, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu promises an unforgettable escape. With the Discover Coco offers, travellers can enjoy 35% savings on their villa stay, making it the perfect time to plan an extraordinary Maldivian getaway.
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Timeless romance awaits at award-winning Coco Bodu Hithi

Nestled in the heart of the Malé Atoll, the Maldivian-owned resort Coco Bodu Hithi warmly welcomes couples to embrace romance and tranquillity this summer in one of the world’s most idyllic island getaways.
Far removed from the bustle of city life, Coco Bodu Hithi serves as a sanctuary where intimacy, nature, and luxury coexist in perfect harmony. Designed for couples in search of meaningful moments, the island offers a captivating escape – from peaceful barefoot strolls and shared experiences to thrilling adventures.
Recently named the Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort at the 2025 World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year, Coco Bodu Hithi artfully blends modern comforts with traditional Maldivian charm. The resort boasts 98 expansive villas, each offering direct access to either the beach or lagoon. Thoughtfully designed to ensure privacy and relaxation, every villa promises a sense of seclusion and serenity.
Amongst the resort’s most celebrated accommodations are the Beach Villa with Pool and the iconic Coco Residence, both of which offer sweeping, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. These settings provide a picture-perfect backdrop for couples to reconnect, with each moment shaped by a spirit of warm island hospitality that is both personal and unmistakably Maldivian.
Honoured as the Best Service Resort at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025, Coco Bodu Hithi presents a carefully curated selection of personalised romantic experiences. Guests may begin the day with a floating breakfast in their private pool, enjoy a five-course candlelit dinner beneath the stars at Pergola, or embark on a serene sunset cruise – each moment tailored to celebrate connection in the most memorable ways.
Celebrated by Weddings & Honeymoons magazine as one of the Top 50 Honeymoon Resorts in the World, Coco Bodu Hithi offers an exquisite backdrop for couples to honour their love. The thoughtfully designed Forever Yours Package delivers a romantic destination wedding experience in the Maldives, with a dedicated team attending to every detail. The package seamlessly blends the island’s natural beauty with traditional elements, all personalised to reflect the couple’s unique story, style, and preferences.
With its heartfelt hospitality, refined elegance, and awe-inspiring surroundings, Coco Bodu Hithi offers the ideal setting to begin a new chapter of togetherness – a private Maldivian paradise where timeless romance truly comes to life.
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