News
Story of Maldivian elegance: Festive season to remember at Milaidhoo Maldives
Discover an elegant season of magic at Milaidhoo Maldives, inspired by the rituals, traditions and festive feasts of Christmas and New Year. The end of year season provides a cherished pocket of time where stories are shared, friendships are made and families are united.
Guests will enjoy a festive season full of Milaidhoo Moments that live forever. From 22 December and through the New Year, the resort has put together a festive programme that will delight every visitor.
The Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on 22 December marks the start of the resort’s festive celebrations. Guests are invited to join in this memorable occasion filled with twinkling lights, festive cheer and Christmas Carols.
Christmas Eve festivities on 24 December, begin with a celebratory cocktail reception at Compass Beach, followed by an elegant dinner with all the trimmings at Ocean Restaurant complete with live music. On Christmas Day, the morning begins with an indulgent champagne breakfast at Ocean Restaurant, while Santa’s arrival heralds the magic of the festive season.
Guests will experience the magic of New Year’s Eve under the stars with a beachside cocktail reception and lavish gala dinner featuring a live band and midnight fireworks at Ocean Restaurant. On New Year’s Day, a late brunch loaded with exquisite dishes will be available for a new beginning.
All the festive season feasts, created by the resort’s talented team of chefs led by Executive Chef Ken Gundu, are a regale of family, community and connection and are infused with modern twists on festive traditions. The culinary team has planned daily celebratory meals including wine pairing dinners, beach and sandbank barbeques, themed fiestas, and seafood and champagne dinners.
Couples and families can engage in a MasterChef Challenge, enjoy wine tastings from old and new worlds, join cocktail making classes and explore the unique flavours of Maldivian cuisine with a hands-on traditional cooking class, inspired by the spice route. Guests can also catch fish the traditional Maldivian way and enjoy their fresh catch at dinnertime served with the recommendation of the chef.
Milaidhoo is deeply rooted in its rich heritage and the festive season is opportune to immerse our guests in a variety of activities that highlight the local culture. From indulging in traditional afternoon tea to learning the rhythms of local music and listening to enchanting myths and legends, each experience is designed to connect guests with the soul of the Maldives. The island curates meaningful, culturally rich experiences, ensuring that guests leave not only rejuvenated but enriched by authentic connections to the local traditions.
Free from the hustle and bustle of their lives, guests are encouraged to spend time with loved ones over the holiday season. Milaidhoo’s Festive Programme embraces slow living which translates into a serene getaway, where time appears to stand still, allowing guests to truly savour the tranquillity of the present moment.
Mindful experiences include Detox Yoga; purifies the mind and body through mindful movements, breathwork, and relaxation techniques. Walking Meditation: a mindful practice that blends movement and awareness to cultivate inner peace. Candle Mediation; trataka practice boosts concentration and memory. Chakra Awakening: focused Root Chakra sessions enhance mental clarity. Pranayama Session: guided breathwork enhances vitality and well-being.
The rising sun symbolises new beginnings and, in this spirit of renewal, the resort has planned several experiences that begin at dawn. Guests can join the Milaidhoo Family for an invigorating sunrise jog, enjoy the tranquil waters with a guided kayak tour and set sail on a sunrise champagne cruise. Experienced yogis and beginners can enjoy Hatha yoga sessions combined with meditation which take place at first light to awaken energy and mental clarity. Early morning snorkelling excursions reveal the magical house reef, and for a special treat, guests can indulge in a sunrise breakfast on a sandbank.
Guests are encouraged to write their own stories forged through moments of discovery. There are numerous opportunities this festive season for guests to create personal memories that connect deeply with the marine environment. Ranging from first-time scuba dives, deep sea fishing adventures, bioluminescence night snorkelling excursions and swimming with turtles. Families can also plant a Christmas tree in our underwater coral garden and contribute to the thriving growth of marine life.
This festive season, guests are assured of a Maldivian elegant story at Milaidhoo.
News
Hulhule Island Hotel marks World Coconut Day with culture and cuisine
Hulhule Island Hotel celebrated World Coconut Day with a lively programmes highlighting the coconut’s deep cultural significance, versatility and enduring place in Maldivian life.
Guests were welcomed with beautifully woven coconut-leaf creations, including traditional birds and other handcrafted pieces. Throughout the day, an assortment of coconut-based specialities and delicacies was served, offering guests an authentic taste of this treasured island ingredient.
The celebrations also featured a dedicated cultural display showcasing traditional practices associated with the coconut palm. Guests had the opportunity to discover how different parts of the coconut and its tree have long been transformed into food, household items, decorative crafts and other useful products within Maldivian communities.
Adding a spirited and interactive element to the occasion, team members participated in a coconut mocktail-making competition, presenting creative and refreshing beverages inspired by tropical flavors. A traditional coconut-scraping competition brought further excitement, celebrating a familiar skill that remains an important part of Maldivian culinary heritage.
The day concluded with a special dinner buffet featuring an extensive selection of coconut-inspired specialties and delicacies, thoughtfully prepared for guests to enjoy.
Through the celebration, Hulhule Island Hotel offered guests an engaging glimpse into Maldivian culture while recognizing the coconut palm as one of the country’s most cherished and versatile natural treasures.
News
Kuda Villingili marks Golden Week with Dragon Buffet, hot pot and family activities
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives will celebrate Chinese Golden Week from 1–8 October 2026 with an eight-day programme of festive dining, cultural activities and family experiences. Coinciding with China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, the programme brings touches of Chinese tradition to the island while giving families time and space to reconnect in the Maldives.
At the heart of the celebrations is a series of specially curated dining experiences. On 3 October, The Restaurant will host a Dragon Buffet, bringing together Chinese dishes, live entertainment and a festive evening designed for families to enjoy together. Throughout the week, guests can also experience the resort’s signature Chinese Roast Duck and interactive Hot Pot Experience at East, alongside oceanfront Teppanyaki at Mar-Umi. Special Golden Week cocktails and mocktails will complement the celebrations across selected dining venues.

For younger guests, Kuda Fiyo Kids Club will host a dedicated eight-day programme inspired by the season. Through creative workshops, cultural activities, games and culinary experiences, children can discover elements of Chinese tradition while enjoying the outdoor adventures and island experiences that are part of life at Kuda Villingili.
“Golden Week is a special time for families to come together, and we wanted to create a celebration that feels both familiar and distinctly Maldivian. From shared dining experiences and cultural activities to simply having time together by the ocean, our programme is designed to allow families to celebrate traditions while creating new memories at Kuda Villingili,” said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives.

Beyond the scheduled celebrations, families can make the most of the resort’s wide range of experiences. Days can be spent around the 150-metre pool, exploring the lagoon through watersports, surfing at the nearby Chickens Break, or enjoying tennis, padel, pickleball and other recreational activities. For those seeking a slower pace, the resort’s private-island spa offers a peaceful retreat, while the beach and ocean provide plenty of space to simply spend time together.
Kuda Villingili’s collection of 75 private pool villas and residences offers a choice of spacious accommodation for couples, families and larger multi-generational groups seeking a luxury holiday in the Maldives. The resort’s diverse dining collection gives guests the flexibility to enjoy familiar favourites alongside new culinary experiences throughout their stay.
Guests can discover Chinese and Asian favourites at East, gather around the interactive Wan Suk Hot Pot, experience Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and Teppanyaki at Mar-Umi, or opt for a private destination dining experience on the beach. Together with the resort’s wider international dining selection, the variety allows families and groups to experience something different throughout their Golden Week holiday.

Located in the North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili is a five-star luxury resort in the Maldives offering private villas, family experiences, diverse dining and island activities.
This Golden Week, Kuda Villingili invites families to celebrate familiar traditions in a different setting — sharing meals, discovering new experiences and, above all, making time for one another.
View Kuda Villingili’s Golden Week Programme 2026 here. For more information and reservations, visit www.kudavillingili.com or contact reservations@kudavillingili.com
Awards
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa named Best Beach Villa, Culinary Resort at TTM Awards 2026
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa has been recognised with two TTM Awards 2026, receiving Best Beach Villa Resort 2026 and Best Culinary Resort 2026. The recognition highlights two important parts of the Kuredhivaru experience, from its beachfront villas and natural surroundings to its diverse culinary offering.
The TTM Awards 2026, organised by Travel Trade Maldives, recognise outstanding resorts and tourism businesses across the Maldives. The awards celebrate excellence across categories including villas, dining, wellness and guest experiences, bringing together recognition from the Maldives travel and hospitality industry.

The Best Culinary Resort 2026 award recognises the variety and care behind Kuredhivaru’s dining experiences. Across the resort, guests can explore different cuisines, flavours and settings, from fresh seafood and Japanese-inspired dishes to international favourites, wine pairings and personalised destination dining.

Each dining experience has its own character, with a focus on quality ingredients and considered menus. Together, they make food an important part of the Kuredhivaru stay and offer guests different ways to experience the flavours of the Maldives and beyond.

The Best Beach Villa Resort 2026 recognition reflects Kuredhivaru’s approach to creating private and comfortable beachfront stays. Set along the white-sand shores of Noonu Atoll, the resort’s beach villas offer private pools, direct access to the beach and views across the IndianOcean. The experience brings together space, privacy and the natural beauty of the island, supported by attentive service. Set along the white-sand shores of Noonu Atoll, the villas offer direct beach access and private pools, bringing the natural beauty of the island into everyday resort living.
The latest recognition builds on Kuredhivaru’s previous TTM achievements, including Best Culinary Resort 2024 and Best Beach Resort 2023, reflecting the continued work of the teams across the resort.

Together, Best Culinary Resort 2026 and Best Beach Villa Resort 2026 capture two defining sides of Kuredhivaru: dining that turns every meal into part of the island experience, and beachfront villas that put the Indian Ocean at the heart of the stay. It is a proud recognition of the team behind both, and of the guests and travel partners who continue to choose Kuredhivaru.
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