News
Forever festive castaway in Maldives with Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts
“We could leave the Christmas lights up ’til January” sang Taylor Swift, and at the castaway isles of Kanifushi, Raaya and Varu travellers can immerse in this forever kind of Christmas and New Year celebration amidst the magical allure of the Maldives.
International hospitality brand, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts curates an exclusive lineup of festive activities and culinary feasts at its three private islands resorts starting before 25 December 2024 and leading up to early January 2025. All festive highlights are seamlessly blended into the island’s Holiday Plan – from your stay in private villas to diverse dining experiences, transfers from the airport, premium wine and beverages, minibar amenities, snorkelling, ocean excursions, kids club access and even spa therapies depending on the nights of the stay.
Christmas lights glisten and reflect in the clear turquoise lagoons, while the fragrance of frangipani wafts through island pathways and restaurants, all decorated with tinsel and holiday décor by the island teams. Heartfelt smiles and pristine sandy shores – both warm and dazzling white – greet guests for a festive celebration like no other.
At Atmosphere Kanifushi, sun-kissed days of adventure seamlessly transition into festive evenings, infused with holiday cheer and the warmth of family togetherness. Recognised as the Maldives’ Leading Family Resort by the World Travel Awards for four consecutive years, this five-star luxury haven excels in crafting unforgettable family and multigenerational getaways. For the adventurous spirit, the newly enhanced Watersports and Dive Centre offers thrilling activities, from jet skis to Seabob rides, transforming the ocean into your playground. Whether exploring vibrant coral reefs, embracing exciting water sports, or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings, Kanifushi promises an exquisite blend of relaxation and adventure. Festive highlights include themed gourmet dinners, captivating entertainment, Christmas tree lighting, a magical gingerbread house, and a spectacular New Year’s Eve Gala dinner at ‘Kanifushi Wonderland’.
Arrive to an inspiring fantasy island experience where life flows. Located in Raa Atoll, the sprawling newly launched island resort of RAAYA by Atmosphere is a natural sanctuary with pristine white beaches and a tropical forest canopy abundant with wildlife. Wellness enthusiasts can embrace tranquillity with sunset yoga, singing bowl meditation, and floating sessions, while the more adventurous can dive into paddle tennis or mini golf. For the kids, treasure hunts and henna art await. As the sun sets, enjoy wine and cheese pairings by the beach and evenings lit up with belly dances and live performances. Christmas dinner and the New Year’s Gala bring all the midnight magic, complete with live music, acrobats, and a fire show – creating a holiday celebration that’s truly “out of the woods.”
This festive season at VARU by Atmosphere is a Maldivian island experience infused with a touch of glowing seasonal enchantment, perfect for both couples and families. Unwind with morning floating yoga or craft your own coconut body scrub before immersing yourself in the island’s traditions. Celebrate the magic of Christmas with a tree lighting ceremony and kite flying, while kids enjoy beach games and creating festive crafts. Highlights include high teas overlooking turquoise ocean vistas and chocolate-making demonstrations. Unwind with morning floating yoga or craft your own coconut body scrub before immersing yourself in the island’s traditions. Toast the New Year with cocktails on the sandy beach, leading to a dazzling gala dinner with all the sparks flying.
For those seeking a festive escape where the magic of the holidays meets tropical tranquillity, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts delivers a celebration to remember.
News
Fushifaru Maldives blends cultural experiences with new in-house activities
Fushifaru Maldives has introduced a refreshed programme of guest activities and experiences as it enters 2026, combining cultural elements with new forms of entertainment across the resort.
The boutique resort has expanded its in-house activities to cater to a wide range of age groups. New offerings include circus-style sessions for children, hula hoop classes, aerial performances, fire shows and CYR wheel displays, aimed at providing structured entertainment for both families and adult guests.
The resort marked the end of 2025 with a Gatsby-themed farewell event, featuring a cocktail evening where guests were invited to dress in period-inspired attire. New Year’s Eve celebrations centred on a dinner service prepared by the resort’s culinary team, with a menu that included beef ribs, roasted turkey, grilled lobster, salmon and oysters, alongside seafood selections, Japanese dishes, Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, and live cooking stations. The evening concluded with desserts and tropical fruit offerings.
For 2026, Fushifaru Maldives has also updated its daily activity schedule. Themed dinner nights continue to form a core part of the guest experience, with a Maldivian-themed dinner held every Friday. This includes a live cooking demonstration based on traditional Maldivian preparation methods, highlighting the step-by-step process of making local curries.
According to the resort, the updated programmes are designed to strengthen guest engagement while maintaining links to Maldivian heritage. The focus remains on offering structured experiences that reflect both cultural practices and contemporary resort entertainment.
Fushifaru Maldives stated that it plans to continue developing its activity and dining concepts throughout the year, with further updates to be shared with guests and industry partners.
Action
Niyama Private Islands enhances surf lifestyle with stylish new surf venue
Niyama Private Islands Maldives now offers what is considered the most luxurious surf experience in the Maldives, enhanced by the introduction of its new Surf Shack — a stylish beachfront hangout serving gourmet bites, drinks, sunset views and lively parties.
Known as Nature’s Playground, the resort has long attracted surf professionals from around the globe. Located in the southern Maldives, where swells are at their strongest, it is a preferred base during peak surf season. Waves break directly on shore, with additional surf spots accessible within minutes by speedboat.
Niyama’s signature waves roll in at Vodi Point, situated on the westernmost tip of its twin islands. It is here that the resort has unveiled the new Surf Shack, designed to make time off the waves equally appealing. The thatched-roof venue encourages a barefoot, relaxed atmosphere, offering an upper deck for sunset viewing and picnic-style seating below. Reflecting Niyama’s sustainability ethos, Area Chief of Engineering Michael Patrick Slevin notes that 75 per cent of construction materials were repurposed, blending beach casual with environmentally conscious design.
Guests can enjoy gourmet dishes served from service windows, with a menu inspired by iconic surf destinations worldwide: Australian fish and chips, Indonesian satay, Mexican nachos and Japanese takoyaki. The drinks list pays tribute to rum, featuring an extensive collection and signature cocktails inspired by renowned surf breaks.
While the Surf Shack maintains a laidback feel during the day, the beachfront transforms at dusk as the tides shift and the DJ elevates the atmosphere. The resort’s rum and reggae Sundays have already become a celebrated weekly event.
Surfers at Niyama can design their days as they wish — chasing waves or relaxing ashore. The Surf Centre offers equipment and guidance, while Drift by Niyama provides recovery treatments to soothe muscles, repair sun-exposed skin and restore energy. Resident professional surfers remain available to advise on technique and wave conditions.
“The new Surf Shack forms part of the renewed Niyama experience, which includes significant refurbishments across the resort, inventive culinary additions and a greater emphasis on active living and wellness,” said Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives. “With more developments on the way, we look forward to sharing what comes next.”
Featured
Intimate island experiences shape Valentine’s Day at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
This Valentine’s Day, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites couples to celebrate love through a collection of carefully curated experiences designed to unfold in intimate moments across the island.
Framed by the natural beauty of Maamunagau Island, the resort’s Valentine’s programme centres on a series of limited-edition dining and wellness experiences created exclusively for the occasion. From private beachfront dining and moonlit dinners along Café Umi Beach to an elevated Valentine’s evening at the signature Lighthouse venue, romance is conveyed through setting, atmosphere and thoughtful detail rather than elaborate gestures.
Culinary experiences sit at the heart of the celebration, with bespoke Valentine’s menus intended to be savoured slowly, paired with curated wines and accompanied by uninterrupted ocean views. Each dining experience is crafted to feel personal, whether enjoyed beneath the night sky or in one of the island’s more private spaces.
Beyond dining, couples are encouraged to reconnect through shared wellness experiences at AVI Spa. Signature rituals and indulgent treatments offer a quieter expression of romance, giving guests the opportunity to unwind together in a calm, oceanfront environment. Those seeking complete privacy may opt for bespoke in-villa treatments, allowing the occasion to be marked within the comfort of their own surroundings.
Throughout Valentine’s Day, subtle touches across the resort—from crafted cocktails to curated wine moments—enhance the celebration without overwhelming it, reflecting InterContinental Maldives’ belief that genuine luxury is rooted in balance, intention and authenticity.
At InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, Valentine’s Day is shaped not by excess, but by considered, enduring moments that create shared memories long after the day has passed.
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