News
Discover 3 enchanting ways to celebrate festive season in Maldives with Marriott Bonvoy resorts
Splendour at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. From December 20, 2024, to January 9, 2025, each resort presents unique festive programming against the stunning backdrop of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs, creating an idyllic tropical paradise.
Whether traveling with family, friends, or loved ones, discerning travellers can celebrate the festive season amidst the Maldives’ natural splendour by choosing from three luxury destination resorts. At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, guests can marvel in a world of ‘EAU’, where the ethereal dreamscapes of water takes centre stage through spectacular performances and candlelit concertos in the moonlight. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort reveals a captivating ‘Tale of the Tides,’ featuring a grand Christmas tree lighting, engaging activities for families, and exquisite culinary delights. Meanwhile, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa showcases a ‘Symphony of the Sea,’ blending traditional Maldivian festivities with elegant celebrations and interactive experiences for guests of all ages.
Guests can embrace luxury island living in the resorts’ two- or three-bedroom overwater and beach pool villas, complete with 24-hour personalised signature ‘Aris Meeha,’ St. Regis Butlers, and ‘Thakuru’ butler services catering to their every need. Those who book by September 30, 2024, can take advantage of the Early Bird Special offers, including exceptional savings, dining credits, and exclusive member benefits.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands: The Spirit of EAU
This festive season, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invites guests to celebrate the elemental magic of water with an enchanting ‘EAU’ theme. Beginning December 22, guests can experience the resort’s oceanic home through a stunning display of liquid theatre at the renowned EAU Bar and spherical pool. Guests will be greeted with signature Sangu cocktails and a captivating lineup of events that highlight the beauty and power of water, running through January 9, 2025.
Throughout this magical period, nightly performances inspired by water’s beauty will captivate guests with music, dance, and ethereal shows, exploring themes of renewal and transformation. The culinary journey includes exclusive dining experiences at IWAU and Summer Pavilion, festive cocktail receptions, and a grand New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. The resort offers a feast of gourmet treats and vibrant celebrations to elevate the holiday spirit.
In addition to these festivities, guests can savor daily breakfast at La Locanda, receive USD 300 in resort credits, and embark on a thrilling shark snorkeling experience with the ‘Festive Escape’ package. Luxurious spa treatments, engaging activities, and a special visit from Santa Claus will add to the allure. Located in the North Malé Atoll, the resort’s 100-villa sanctuary is accessible via a 50-minute yacht ride or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. For a truly magical festive season at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, guests can book this package with a minimum seven-night stay and receive an additional 25,000 bonus points per stay from December 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025.
Visit the website at ritzcarlton.com/maldives or book your stay here.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: Tale of the Tides
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort unveils its ‘Tale of the Tides’ holiday celebration from December 20 to January 6. Guests are invited to the Maldives’ finest address to celebrate the season with a series of exquisite events, beginning with a grand Christmas tree lighting on December 20. Families will enjoy a variety of activities designed for children, including Christmas-themed crafts, a festive tea party, and New Year Fireworks Painting. Adults can savour luxurious culinary experiences across seven distinct dining venues, featuring Asian haute cuisine, modern Japanese Kaiseki, international gourmet, and Middle Eastern dishes.
Nestled within a 22-acre natural island paradise in Dhaalu Atoll, the resort offers two to three-bedroom villas that blend elegance and tranquility for groups and families. Each villa features a private pool, panoramic beach views, and refined amenities. At The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, guests can immerse themselves in a celebration of heritage through cherished St. Regis rituals, reimagined with a touch of Maldivian culture. Guests can revel in the daily Champagne Sabering ritual at The Whale Bar while sipping the Island Mary—a local twist on the Bloody Mary—marking the evening and celebrating tradition and togetherness with dramatic flair.
Guests booking the ‘Festive Celebrations’ package will enjoy 25% savings on the best available rate, daily breakfasts for two at ALBA, and complimentary creative arts and eco-adventure activities for children. Valid for stays form December 21, 2024 to January 10, 2025, this package also includes a range of complimentary services and the exceptional St. Regis Butler Service, ensuring bespoke attention and tailored experiences. A scenic 40-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, the ultra-luxury resort offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and refined luxury.
For more information, visit the website at stregismaldives.com or book your stay here.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa: Symphony of the Sea
Located on Vagaru Island, Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriot Maldives Resort & Spa presents an enchanting ‘Symphony of the Sea’ celebration for families to embark on a magical journey blending oceanic wonders with festive cheer. From December 20 to January 6, guests will step into a secluded natural island where the joy of the holidays meets the serenity of the sea.
On December 20, the festive season kicks off with a traditional Maldivian night featuring local cuisine and lively Boduberu performances. The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner invites guests to an evening of elegance with the ocean’s rhythm as a stunning backdrop. Guests can indulge in a lavish dinner while enjoying entertainment from a lively band, dazzling fire dancers, and captivating illuminated LED performances. This unforgettable night offers a perfect blend of sophistication and excitement to ring in the New Year.
The luxury multigenerational resort features 60 spacious and luxurious beach and overwater villas, all with private pools, first-class amenities and a personal ‘Thakuru’ butler service. Eclectic dining experiences are offered throughout the resort’s five dining venues. Daily wellness activities from Spa by JW will harmonize body, mind, and spirit, enhancing the holiday experience with revitalizing treatments. Young guests can enjoy magical adventures at the FAMiLY by JW Little Griffins Kids’ Club, one of the largest kids clubs in the Maldives, featuring interactive, festive activities inspired by the underwater world and island life.
The ‘Festive Splendour’ package includes a daily buffet breakfast at Aailaa, complimentary non-motorised watersports, Thakuru service, and a one-time 30-minute photography session with a printed photo. This package promises a luxurious and memorable holiday at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, with the added benefit of earning up to 30,000 bonus points per stay from December 1, 2024 to January 10, 2025, with a minimum stay of four nights.
For more information, visit the website at jwmarriottmaldives.com or book your stay here.
News
Yasmeen Alsaeed to host Madifushi Private Island’s New Year’s Eve gala night
Madifushi Private Island has announced that Yasmeen Alsaeed, a distinguished television presenter and renowned media personality based in Riyadh, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for its highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Gala Night.
Widely recognized for her elegance, cultural insight, and commanding stage presence, Yasmeen Alsaeed brings over a decade of experience in broadcast media, live hosting, and high-profile event presentation. She is best known for her work with Al Arabiya News Channel, part of the MBC Group, where she has covered a broad spectrum of regional and international stories, establishing herself as a trusted and articulate media voice.
In addition to her media career, Yasmeen is the Founder and Director of YASA Production, a creative company focused on media, culture, and heritage projects—reflecting her passion for meaningful storytelling delivered with authenticity and purpose.
Madifushi Private Island’s New Year’s Eve celebrations promise an immersive, multi-day experience curated for couples, families, and discerning global travelers. Festivities will begin with sunrise yoga to welcome the final day of the year in tranquility, followed by a range of family-friendly activities, including creative workshops. As the evening unfolds, guests will gather for the island’s Grand New Year’s Eve Gala Night, transitioning into a vibrant beach party featuring live entertainment, curated music, and DJ performances.
A symbolic lantern flying ceremony will invite guests to reflect, release, and welcome new beginnings, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at the countdown to midnight. Celebrations will continue into the New Year with a special New Year’s Day brunch, allowing guests to begin the year in relaxed island luxury. Additional surprises and experiences have been thoughtfully curated to ensure an unforgettable festive journey.
Commenting on the occasion, the Ali Shakir, Group General Manager of Maldives Inflight Catering Group said, “New Year’s Eve is a moment of reflection, celebration, and togetherness. At Madifushi Private Island, we have carefully designed our festivities to offer meaningful experiences for all generations—blending wellness, family moments, refined entertainment, and celebration. We are honored to welcome Yasmeen Alsaeed as our Master of Ceremonies, whose grace and professionalism perfectly complement the spirit of our New Year’s Eve Gala.”
Madifushi Private Island is honored to welcome Yasmeen Alsaeed as the host of its New Year’s Eve Gala Night, where her refined presence, natural charisma, and global perspective will elevate the evening’s celebrations and create an unforgettable experience for guests from around the world.
As Madifushi ushers in the New Year with elegance, celebration, and world-class entertainment, the collaboration with Yasmeen Alsaeed underscores the island’s commitment to sophistication and memorable moments.
Awards
Angsana Velavaru recognised as Best Foreign Hotel by Russian Traveler Awards
This December Maldivian resort Angsana Velavaru was named Best Foreign Hotel by the Russian Traveler Awards. The national tourism award, initiated by the respected Russian Traveler magazine (formerly National Geographic Russia ), recognises excellence across the travel industry, from hotels and resorts to national cuisine and eco-tourism, while also spotlighting emerging destinations on the global travel map.
All submissions undergo a rigorous moderation process, with the final winners selected by the magazine’s readers, who are recognised as discerning and well-travelled explorers. The voting results were announced on 8 December during the official awards ceremony held in Moscow.
Located within a vast private lagoon in the largely untouched South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru is a premium tropical resort accessible by a scenic 40-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport.
Guests may choose from beachfront island villas with direct access to pristine white sands, or the resort’s signature InOcean Villas, a distinctive collection of overwater villas situated one kilometre from the main island, surrounded by open ocean. These villas feature two- and three-bedroom configurations, private pools, and expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces. The surrounding azure lagoon and vibrant coral reef offer exceptional opportunities to explore the Maldives’ rich marine life and underwater biodiversity.
Angsana Velavaru is also celebrated for its diverse all-inclusive offerings, presenting a wide range of cuisines from authentic Maldivian and Indian flavours to Pan-Asian specialties and international classics. Complementing its dining experiences, the resort offers 101 leisure activities, including sunset cruises, spa indulgences, diving adventures, DJ-led evenings, and a variety of curated island experiences.
News
IRONMAN champion Lucy Charles-Barclay brings community focus to The Westin Maldives
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort and IRONMAN World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay brought their exclusive wellness retreat to life with a memorable day at the Maldivian Mermaids Anhenunfushi Farm on December 17, 2025, celebrating community connection, sustainable agriculture, and the joy of shared wellness. The special visit, part of the three-day wellness and endurance experience, saw Lucy and resort guests venture beyond the resort to Anhenunfushi Island for an immersive cultural exchange that perfectly embodied the resort’s Move Well and Eat Well philosophy.
The day began with a guided farm tour, where guests discovered sustainable farming practices unique to the Maldives, followed by a farm-to-table tasting featuring fresh, healthy bites harvested directly from the island’s organic gardens. Lucy then led an energizing warm-up session on the beach, sharing practical fitness tips and inspiring the local Maldivian Mermaids team with insights from her championship training regimen.
The highlight of the visit was the spirited Mini Olympic Games, where Lucy teamed up with Maldivian Mermaids employees and competed side by side in exhilarating challenges, including a fast-paced relay and a thrilling tug-of-war that brought everyone together in laughter and friendly competition.

“Today was about more than fitness – it was about building bridges between cultures, celebrating the strength of community, and honoring the sustainable practices that protect this incredible environment,” said Lucy Charles-Barclay. “The energy and warmth from the Maldivian Mermaids team reminded me that sport and wellness have the power to unite us all.”
Vijay Kumar, General Manager of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, added, “This partnership with Maldivian Mermaids and this experience with Lucy exemplify our commitment to meaningful travel. We believe luxury hospitality should foster genuine connections with local communities while championing sustainability. Today’s celebration perfectly captured that vision.”
Maldivian Mermaids Anhenunfushi Farm represents a pioneering model of sustainable agriculture in the Maldives, providing fresh, organic produce while supporting environmental conservation. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort’s ongoing partnership with the farm reflects the resort’s dedication to sourcing local, sustainable ingredients and investing in the communities that call Baa Atoll home.
This exclusive wellness retreat, made possible through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, continues to demonstrate how luxury travel experiences can create lasting impact not just for guests, but for the destinations and communities they visit.
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