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
Atmosphere Kanifushi celebrates one year of Essens Spa
Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives has marked a significant milestone as Essens Spa celebrates its first anniversary. Since its launch in June 2025, Essens Spa has redefined the luxury wellness landscape in the Maldives, welcoming guests of all ages on a transformative journey of relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal set against the breathtaking natural beauty of Kanifushi Island.
Over the past year, Essens Spa has established itself as one of the most sought-after wellness destinations in the premium Maldives segment. Nestled amidst lush tropical foliage and a tranquil beachfront, the spa has delivered thousands of immersive wellness journeys, holistic rituals, and signature treatments to guests from around the world, earning recognition for its unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and care.
In its first year, Essens Spa has carved a distinctive identity within the Maldives wellness space. As the only spa in the premium segment to offer ELEMIS BIOTEC facials, Essens has set a new benchmark in advanced skincare, with therapies including ultrasonic peels, microcurrent sculpting, and LED light therapy attracting discerning global travellers.
The signature Essens Spa Journey—a 150-minute immersive ritual featuring a coconut scrub, full-body massage, traditional haircare ritual, and coconut milk bath using locally sourced Maldivian ingredients—has become one of the resort’s most celebrated experiences. Equally acclaimed is the Healing Touch Massage, which uses warm Maldivian sand compresses to deliver deep relaxation and restoration.
Beyond individual treatments, Essens Spa has evolved into a holistic wellness destination offering yoga sessions, Ayurvedic programmes, detox rituals, couples’ therapies, and a comprehensive salon experience. Each offering reflects the spa’s core philosophy: wellness is not a moment, but a journey.
A defining pillar of Essens Spa has been its commitment to inclusive wellness. From thoughtfully curated Kids Spa Experiences introducing younger guests to self-care, to Teen Wellness Rituals supporting balance and well-being, and intimate Couples’ Journeys designed for connection, Essens Spa has created a rare sanctuary where every member of the family feels welcome. This inclusive approach has resonated strongly, with families forming a meaningful segment of the spa’s growing loyal clientele.
The first anniversary also reflects a moment of heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the collective effort behind Essens Spa’s success. From the dedication of the spa team and the continued support of the resort’s operations, to the invaluable contributions of partners and collaborators, Essens Spa stands as a testament to shared commitment and passion. At its core lies a belief in creating meaningful, lasting experiences for guests, guided by inspiration, teamwork, and a deep-rooted vision that continues to evolve with every passing year.

Commenting on the occasion, Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives said “When we launched Essens Spa, our vision was to create a space where every guest regardless of age could genuinely reconnect with themselves and the natural world around them. One year on, that vision has become a reality, and it has surpassed even our own expectations. The warmth and dedication of our spa team, combined with the extraordinary natural setting of Kanifushi, has made Essens Spa a truly special place. We are deeply proud of what has been built here in just one year, and we are excited about the chapters still to come.”
Kamroon, from the ownership, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, added, “Essens Spa was born from a deeply personal belief that true luxury is not simply about beautiful spaces or exceptional service, but about how a place makes you feel when you leave it. From the very beginning, our intention was to create a wellness sanctuary that carried the soul of the Maldives within every treatment, every ritual, and every moment of stillness it offers its guests. One year on, seeing Essens Spa flourish touching the lives of so many guests from around the world fills me with immense pride and gratitude. This is only the beginning of a journey we have always believed in deeply.”
As Essens Spa enters its second year, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives remains committed to further elevating its wellness offering. Plans are underway to introduce new signature rituals, expanded Ayurvedic programmes, and curated wellness retreats designed to meet the evolving needs of its global guests.
This anniversary marks not only a celebration of what has been achieved, but also a renewed commitment to the journey ahead—one defined by healing, intention, and the timeless beauty of the Maldives.
Awards
Sirru Fen Fushi secures dual nomination in Condé Nast Traveler Awards
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has been nominated in both the Condé Nast Traveller (UK) and Condé Nast Traveler (US) Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, reflecting recognition across two of the travel industry’s established global platforms.
The annual awards highlight hospitality brands based on guest feedback, with nominations reflecting performance across areas such as service, design, wellness and overall guest experience.
Located within one of the Maldives’ larger resort lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi is known for features including the Coralarium, an underwater art installation, as well as its approach to sustainability and wellness. The resort said the dual nomination reflects its continued focus on delivering guest experiences aligned with international expectations.
According to the property, its offering combines accommodation, dining and wellness programmes within a natural island setting, supported by service and curated activities.
In a statement, resort management said the nomination acknowledged both the contribution of its team and the support of its guests.
“We are honoured to be nominated in both editions of the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards,” the resort said. “This recognition is a testament to our dedicated team and the heartfelt support of our guests. We remain committed to creating experiences that resonate long after our guests return home.”
Voting for the Condé Nast Traveler (US) Readers’ Choice Awards and Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Readers’ Choice Awards is open until 30 June 2026.
Action
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort adds padel court to wellness offering
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has introduced a new padel court as part of its ongoing development of wellness and recreational facilities, expanding its racquet sports offering alongside the existing tennis court at Vommuli House.
The addition reflects increasing global interest in padel and forms part of the resort’s approach to providing activity-based experiences for guests within its island setting. Located within landscaped surroundings, the court is available for both casual play and structured sessions, including coaching with a resident padel professional.
According to the resort, the facility is intended to cater to a range of skill levels and provides an option for guests seeking to incorporate physical activity into their stay.
The introduction of the padel court is part of a broader expansion of the resort’s wellness programme. Guests also have access to fitness and wellbeing activities including Tabata and boxing sessions, reformer Pilates, and guided yoga and meditation classes held at the Yoga Sala.
In addition, the resort has upgraded its fitness centre with equipment from Technogym, including the Artis Cardio, Skillrun and Strength series. The facility is designed to maximise natural light and views of the surrounding ocean environment.
The upgraded gym also includes the Technogym Checkup System, which provides assessments of body composition, posture and performance, allowing for the development of personalised fitness programmes for guests.
Through these additions, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to expand its wellness and recreation offering, with a focus on integrating fitness, sport and wellbeing into the guest experience.
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