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Make unforgettable memories this festive season at Jumeirah Olhahali Island
This festive season, Jumeirah Olhahali Island invites guests to create lasting memories with loved ones through a three-week series of experiences that embody the spirit of the island and warmth of the season. From tree lighting ceremonies to exclusive gala dinners, the all-villa resort’s curated programme promises to elevate and enrich every guest’s holiday moments.
The celebrations start on 18 December with a beachside Christmas tree lighting ceremony, featuring handcrafted canapés, refreshing beverages, and carol singing to set a joyful tone. Following the tree lighting ceremony, those looking to continue the glamorous evening can opt to join an exclusive ‘Taste of Al-Andalus’ dinner, where they will be treated to delicious Spanish cuisine under the Maldivian sky.
Families can share meaningful moments with gingerbread house decoration sessions or chocolate masterclasses, where they will learn to create decadent treats as they lean into the indulgence of the season. For little ones who prefer to spend their time exploring the great outdoors, turtle and dolphin quests await, while those who prefer to stay on land can join a local island exploration, immersing in the Maldivian way of life through an insightful tour.
As Christmas Eve rolls around, guests are invited to dress up for an intimate Christmas cocktail party at Shimmers Beach, followed by a festive gala dinner showcasing Christmas classics alongside a delightful buffet offering cuisines from around the globe. Live entertainment will complete the magical atmosphere as the guests celebrate the joy of the season.
Christmas Day kicks off with a festive brunch and pool party, before families gather on the resort’s beach to extend a warm welcome to Santa himself as he cruises along the turquoise waters, delighting the little ones with wonderous surprises all the way from the North Pole. Those wishing to indulge further can opt for a Sabered & Stirred masterclass at Kayto to discover the art of sabrage while enjoying expertly crafted cocktails, while those who aren’t quite ready to let the festive spirit go will delight in the Boxing Day wine dinner taking place the following day.
As the year draws to a close, Jumeirah Olhahali Island hosts a New Year’s Eve beachside soirée at Fini Maizan, featuring cocktails and canapés as the sun sets. The revelry will then make its way to Glow for an extraordinary gala dinner, with a spectacular feast and captivating live performances against the backdrop of the starry night sky. The mesmerising evening culminates in a countdown as guests ring in the New Year under a dazzling firework display with their nearest and dearest.
For those seeking for a moment of revitalisation after the festivities, the resort’s visiting wellness guide, Dr. Shagnika Pradhan, will be on hand to ensure that guests can unwind amidst the serene surroundings of this island paradise. Available to guests from 24 December to 07 January, Dr. Pradhan brings her expertise in pain and stress management to the island, offering treatments such as acupuncture and sleep enhancement therapies to help guests truly relax this festive season. Alongside Dr. Pradhan’s treatments, the resort also offers a range of wellness and sporting activities, from Tibetan singing bowl sound healing sessions to a tennis tournament that will instil a little competitive spirit in the tropical retreat.
With exceptional dining experiences, wellness offerings and island activities to look forward to, Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s festive programme ensures that every guest can experience the magic of the season while creating lifelong bonds with their loved ones.
Learn more about the resort’s exclusive festive perks here, discover the full programme here.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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