News
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.
News
Amilla Maldives hosts ‘Around the World in Wonder’ New Year experience
Amilla Maldives welcomed the New Year with Around the World in Wonder, a globally inspired celebration beneath the Maldivian night sky.
The evening began with Around the World in a Glass, a beachfront cocktail journey with flavours from across the globe. A gourmet dinner buffet followed under the stars, each dish reflecting Amilla’s signature artistry. During the evening, Morgan Martinello, General Manager of Amilla Maldives, addressed the island with a warm welcome, sharing a few words of gratitude and reflection to set the tone for the night ahead.
The main stage, set over the pool, became the heart of the night bringing together an international line-up of performers. World rhythms flowed through the evening with DJ Elaiva, layered with vibrant saxophone interludes by Sharif and live sets from Australia’s Hamilton Band. Visual theatre unfolded around the stage as acrobats, aerialists and fire-led performances by Fiesta Creations brought movement and light, while cultural dance moments gently invited guests to join in. Throughout the night, Sid, the emcee, guided the celebration with warmth and an easy charm.
As midnight approached, the Hamilton Band led the countdown. Fireworks lit the sky above the lagoon, adding a dazzling finale to fire-lit performances and marking the arrival of 2026.
The celebration flowed into the early hours at Tessera, where DJ Kushan kept the rhythm alive, letting guests move seamlessly between music, conversation, and quiet moments by the sea.
Amilla Maldives’ Around the World in Wonder offered immersive, elegant, and personalised luxury, setting the tone for a year of connection, discovery, and island magic.
Drink
Huvafen Maldives hosts exclusive Riedel Wine experience led by Maximilian J. Riedel
Huvafen Maldives is hosting an extraordinary wine experience in collaboration with Riedel, the world-renowned Austrian glassware company, led by 11th-generation CEO Maximilian J. Riedel. The exclusive event will take place in Vinum, Huvafen’s underground wine cellar – the first of its kind in the Maldives – offering guests a uniquely immersive setting to explore the art of wine enjoyment.
Over two evenings, Maximilian J. Riedel, the eleventh generation of family owned company RIEDEL, will personally guide an intimate group of guests through a sensory tasting of iconic wines using four distinct glasses from the RIEDEL Veloce collection, highlighting how the shape and size of each glass considerably influences aroma, texture and flavour – a hallmark of Riedel’s renowned approach to wine enjoyment.
Carrying forward a remarkable family legacy, Maximilian leads the Austrian glassware company with great success and a keen spirit for the Zeitgeist. He continues to redefine the so called Riedel Wine Glass Experience. Each year, these comparative tastings inspire, educate, and entertain more than 50,000 participants all over the world.
“Maximilian Riedel’s expertise brings an extraordinary dimension to wine enjoyment,” said General Manager, Noel Cameron. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our philosophy of curating unforgettable, refined experiences for our guests, where every detail, from the wine to the glass, is considered.”
“A glass can make the wine shine or destroy its magic. This is why we at Riedel offer exclusively functional tools. Their only purpose is to support and present the wine in its best possible way,” said Maximilian Riedel. “I am looking very much forward to demonstrate which enormous difference glasses make, in this extraordinary underground setting of Huvafen Fushi. Guests will experience and enjoy how the functional glasses enhance their wine enjoyment.”
For reservations or to explore exclusive packages, please contact the resort’s reservations team at stay@huvafenfushi.com.
News
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau rings in 2026 with ocean-inspired festive programme
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort welcomed 2026 with an extraordinary festive season inspired by the mysteries of the ocean, culminating in a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration themed “Atlantis: The Lost Kingdom.” Set against the turquoise backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the resort transformed into a world of myth, artistry, and immersive island experiences.
Throughout the festive period, guests were invited to journey through a thoughtfully curated programme that blended refined celebration with meaningful connection. From the ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting and joyful family moments to hands-on creative workshops, wellness experiences, and ocean-led adventures, the season unfolded as a celebration of togetherness, discovery, and mindful luxury.

The highlight of the festivities arrived on New Year’s Eve, where guests gathered for an elegant cocktail reception followed by a grand gala dinner beneath the stars. Inspired by the mythical splendour of Atlantis, the evening featured captivating live performances, artistic choreography, and immersive entertainment that brought the underwater legend to life. As midnight approached, the shoreline became the stage for a breath-taking starlit drone show, illuminating the night sky and marking the arrival of the New Year in radiant style.

Wellness and creativity were also woven seamlessly into the programme, with visiting specialists offering personalised movement sessions, celestial journeys under the night sky, and ocean-inspired art experiences that invited guests to slow down, reconnect, and create lasting memories.

Reflecting InterContinental Maldives’ commitment to True Hospitality for Good, the festive celebrations honoured both indulgence and intention, bringing guests together in a setting where celebration, nature, and storytelling coexist in perfect harmony.

As the final moments of the festive season faded into golden island mornings, Maamunagau stood as a place where meaningful experiences, shared joy, and timeless memories defined the start of a new year.
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