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
Sirru Fen Fushi unveils safari-inspired luxury glamping escape
Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort invites travellers to rediscover the Maldives through an extraordinary new luxury glamping experience, where safari- inspired living, immersive nature encounters and five-star indulgence come together on one of the Indian Ocean’s most secluded islands.
The Maldives has long been synonymous with overwater villas and endless turquoise horizons. Now, Sirru Fen Fushi is inviting guests to experience the destination from an entirely new perspective with The Ultimate Glamping Experience in the Maldives–an exclusive stay that combines the spirit of adventure with the comforts of refined luxury.

Set within the resort’s distinctive Safari Tented Beach Villas with Pool and Safari Tented Jungle Villas with Pool, this immersive escape redefines glamping for discerning travellers. Spanning an impressive 525 square metres, each villa blends handcrafted safari-inspired design with elegant interiors, a private pool, dedicated Personal Villa Host service and seamless indoor-outdoor living, creating a rare sense of adventure without compromising comfort.
Designed for those seeking deeper connections with nature, the experience celebrates the simple pleasures of island life through a thoughtfully curated collection of signature moments that inspire exploration, relaxation and meaningful connection.

Guests enjoy daily breakfast either in the privacy of their villa or overlooking the lagoon at Raha Market. During their stay, they will also embark on a guided turtle research snorkelling experience alongside the resort’s marine team, offering a unique opportunity to discover the Maldives’ vibrant underwater world while supporting marine conservation efforts.
Among the in-villa signature experiences included during the stay are a private outdoor cinema experience and a private barefoot barbecue beneath the stars, offering two unforgettable ways to enjoy the magic of Maldivian evenings. Guests can also indulge in a signature 60-minute in-villa spa treatment, completing an experience that balances adventure with effortless relaxation.

Throughout their stay, a dedicated Personal Villa Host ensures every detail is seamlessly arranged, allowing guests to embrace the island’s slower rhythm while reconnecting with nature and with each other.
More than a holiday, The Ultimate Glamping Experience in the Maldives reflects the growing demand for experiential luxury, where authentic moments, wellness, sustainability and personal connection take centre stage. As travellers increasingly seek journeys that inspire rather than simply impress, Sirru Fen Fushi offers an experience unlike any other in the Maldives.
Hidden within one of the country’s largest natural lagoons in Shaviyani Atoll, Sirru Fen Fushi is renowned for its untouched natural beauty, iconic 200-metre infinity pool, vibrant nine-kilometre house reef and the Coralarium–the world’s first semi-submerged gallery installation that also serves as a coral regeneration project.

With the launch of this new experience, Sirru Fen Fushi continues to redefine luxury hospitality by inviting guests to swap the expected for the extraordinary, where jungle meets ocean, adventure meets serenity, and every moment is designed to awaken the spirit of exploration.
The Ultimate Glamping Experience includes:
- Accommodation in a Safari Tented Beach Villa with Pool or Safari Tented Jungle Villa with Pool
- Daily breakfast served in the villa or at Raha Market
- One private outdoor cinema experience in the villa
- One private barefoot barbecue beneath the stars in the villa
- One guided turtle research snorkelling experience
- One signature 60-minute in-villa spa treatment
- Dedicated Personal Villa Host throughout the stay
For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
News
Coco Collection showcases Maldivian culture through authentic guest experiences
While the Maldives is best known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, it is also home to a rich cultural heritage shaped by generations of island life. As a truly Maldivian-owned company, Coco Collection honours the traditions that continue to shape the islands, inviting guests to experience authentic customs, local craftsmanship and the genuine warmth of Maldivian hospitality.
From the moment guests arrive at Coco Bodu Hithi, located in North Malé Atoll and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, located in Baa Atoll, they are welcomed with a heartfelt “Maruhabaa”, the traditional greeting of the Maldives. At Coco Bodu Hithi, the sounding of the “Sangu” (conch shell), a customary welcome, the rhythmic beats of “Boduberu” (translates to ‘big drums’ in Dhivehi), and handcrafted palm-leaf necklaces create a memorable introduction to the essence of island life. At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, a departure necklace crafted from the seeds of the native Funa tree grows with every return visit, symbolising each guest’s lasting connection with the island.

Across both resorts, every detail tells a story of the Maldives. Villa interiors draw inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty, dhoni-inspired housekeeping trolleys honour local craftsmanship, and Raazuvaa, a board game passed down through generations, offers guests a glimpse into the country’s culture.
At the heart of these experiences are Coco Collection’s homegrown Maldivian associates, whose stories, traditions and genuine warmth bring the culture of the islands to life. They create meaningful connections, allowing guests to experience the Maldives through the people who call these islands home.

On Fridays, Liyelaa Jehun (lacquerwork) is also displayed, celebrating and supporting the artistry of local craftsmen. In the evening, the captivating sound of Boduberu brings guests together in celebration. Performed by local associates, this centuries-old tradition offers an authentic glimpse into one of the Maldives’ most treasured cultural expressions. By preserving and sharing these customs with authenticity and care, Coco Collection offers guests a genuine connection to the living heritage of the Maldives. The evening is complemented by a display of Maldivian cuisine, where time-honoured recipes and local flavours celebrate the culinary heritage. From traditional delicacies to locally inspired dishes, each meal offers another way to discover the destination.

“We believe the true beauty of the Maldives extends beyond its natural surroundings to its people, traditions and way of life. It is a privilege to share our heritage with guests through authentic experiences that celebrate the stories, customs and genuine warmth of our islands,” said Siraj Ali Waseem, General Manager of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, who has led the resort since 2017.

In celebration of Maldives’ 61st Independence Day on 26 July 2026, Coco Collection honours the nation’s enduring heritage and the traditions.
Since 2005, Coco Collection has remained committed to preserving Maldivian culture by sharing the islands’ heritage, traditions and way of life through authentic experiences that celebrate the heart of the Maldives.
Guests are invited to explore the Maldives beyond the blue with Coco Collection through the Early Bird Offer, featuring exclusive benefits when planning their island escape in advance at Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Discover the programme here. Visit cococollection.com or contact reservations@cococollection.com for further enquiries.
Cooking
The Standard, Maldives celebrates Wellness Month with spa and culinary experiences
The Standard, Maldives, by Hyatt invites guests to embrace the art of mindful living with a month- long celebration dedicated to wellness, vitality, and self-care. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the resort’s signature laid-back island energy, Wellness Month blends nourishing cuisine, mindful movement, and restorative spa experiences into a thoughtfully curated programme designed to help guests reconnect, recharge, and rediscover balance. Throughout August, a month globally recognised for promoting healthy living and holistic wellbeing, the vibrant island retreat presents a collection of wellness-focused experiences centred around two of the resort’s most beloved venues: Joos Café and The Standard Spa, the resort’s overwater wellness sanctuary, dedicated to relaxation and renewal.
At the heart of the celebration is a four-week culinary journey available exclusively at Joos Café for USD 49 net per person. Designed to nourish the body, refresh the mind, and elevate overall wellbeing, each week introduces a new wellness theme through carefully crafted dishes, functional beverages, and guilt-free desserts.
Commenting on the initiative, Nandakumar Dharuman, Director of Culinary at The Standard, Maldives, shared: “Our goal was to create a wellness journey that feels inspiring rather than restrictive. By combining nutrient-rich ingredients, functional beverages, and thoughtfully crafted dishes, we invite guests to discover that healthy eating can be both nourishing and deeply enjoyable. Wellness, after all, should be a celebration of flavour and balance.”
The culinary journey begins with a refreshing focus on renewal and hydration, inviting guests to rebalance and recharge through a selection of light, nourishing creations designed to support natural vitality. Highlights include the Hydration Garden Bowl, paired with the revitalising Green Zen Elixir, while the naturally sweet Tropical Fruit Symphony provides a refreshing finish. Crafted with nutrient-rich ingredients and vibrant tropical produce, these dishes offer the perfect reset amid the idyllic surroundings of the Maldives.
As the wellness celebration progresses, the spotlight turns to the abundance and versatility of plant-based cuisine. Colourful seasonal vegetables, wholesome grains, and naturally nourishing ingredients come together in dishes that celebrate the power of plants while demonstrating that wellness can be both satisfying and exceptionally flavourful. Within the second week, guests can discover the Kale & Quinoa Bowl, complemented by the nutrient-packed Iron Boost Green Juice, before indulging in the wholesome yet decadent Guilt-Free Avocado Chocolate Cake.
The experience then evolves into a celebration of mindful indulgence, embracing the philosophy that self-care and culinary pleasure can exist in perfect harmony. Inspired by the simple joy of enjoying life’s luxuries without compromise, guests are invited in the third week to savour the fresh flavours of Mediterranean Caprese Bliss, paired with the vibrant Morning Glow Smoothie, before concluding with the velvety Coconut Wellness Brûlée. Thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, each creation proves that indulgence can be every bit as nourishing as it is satisfying.
Bringing the journey to a close is a menu inspired by restoration, radiance, and inner vitality. Featuring ingredients selected for their rejuvenating benefits, guests can enjoy the fresh and flavourful Glow Tuna Niçoise, accompanied by the nutrient-rich Island Beet Beauty Smoothie. The experience concludes with the colourful and refreshing Radiance Fruit Platter, leaving guests feeling revitalised, energised, and glowing as Wellness Month draws to a close.
Complementing the resort’s wellness-focused gastronomy, The Standard Spa invites guests on a holistic journey of movement, mindfulness, and rejuvenation. Suspended above crystal-clear waters and surrounded by panoramic ocean views, the overwater wellness sanctuary has curated a schedule of experiences designed to nurture both body and mind throughout the month.
Guests can greet the morning with a series of complimentary wellness practices, including Heart Opening Yoga every Tuesday and Friday, Pranayama breathing sessions every Wednesday and Saturday, and Therapeutic Yoga every Thursday and Sunday. Practiced against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean, these sessions encourage mindfulness, flexibility, and inner balance while embracing the healing power of nature. As the day transitions into evening, guests are invited to continue their wellness journey with restorative experiences including Sound Healing Meditation on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays, as well as Chakra Balancing sessions every Tuesday. These immersive practices are designed to promote deep relaxation, emotional wellbeing, and energetic alignment.
Exclusively highlighted during Wellness Month, guests can further elevate their self-care journey with the spa’s signature Deep Relaxation Massage. Designed to release tension, improve circulation, and restore inner harmony, the treatment combines therapeutic massage techniques with carefully selected essential oils applied both topically and through inhalation to create a profound sense of tranquillity. Available at USD 150 for 60 minutes and USD 185 for 90 minutes, the experience offers a restorative escape inspired by the tranquil rhythms of island life. To extend the benefits beyond the treatment room, guests booking a minimum 60-minute session will receive a complimentary home-care product, allowing them to continue their wellbeing journey long after leaving the Maldives. Combining expert touch with the calming energy of the Indian Ocean, the treatment embodies The Standard Spa’s holistic approach to wellness and self-care.
From vibrant wellness cuisine and nourishing tropical flavours to deeply restorative spa experiences, this August, The Standard, Maldives offers a celebration of wellbeing that is as indulgent as it is inspiring. Guests are invited to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and discover a more mindful way of living while surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of the Maldives.
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