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.
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
Awards
Jalboot Group claims three honours at World Luxury Travel Awards 2026
Jalboot Group has won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, marking the second consecutive year the marine leisure and transport services provider has received recognition at the event.
The awards were presented during a gala ceremony held on 24 October at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Thailand.
Jalboot Group and its marine leisure brand, Koamas by Jalboot, received awards in three categories:
- Best Diving Experience in Maldives: Koamas by Jalboot
- Best Luxury Water Transfer in Indian Ocean: Jalboot Group
- Best Water Sport & Activities in Indian Ocean Islands: Koamas by Jalboot
The awards recognise the company’s operations across marine leisure and transport services in the Maldives, including watersports, resort-based recreational activities and inter-island water transfers.
RJ Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jalboot Group, said the recognition reflected the contributions of the company’s team across its operations.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised across three categories at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards. This milestone reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork of everyone at Jalboot. Our goal has always been to create experiences that reflect the essence of luxury and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, both on and beneath the water.”
Jalboot Group continues to expand its operations in the Maldives as a provider of integrated maritime solutions, including luxury yacht charters, marine transport and resort-based leisure services.
The three awards further recognise the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean’s marine tourism and transport sectors.
Action
Kandooma Maldives adds pickleball to recreational offerings
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
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