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Tropical twist to year-end holidays with COLOURS OF OBLU’s 4 resorts in Maldives

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This festive season, why not trade in those wintry snow-covered vistas for a tropical paradise of sun, sea, and sand? At COLOURS OF OBLU resorts in the Maldives, Christmas and New Year celebrations take on a vibrant island twist, with fun-filled activities, glamorous parties by beach under clear blue skies, and soothing relaxation as you swim in balmy turquoise colours.

As your new year begins, a new chapter is just waiting to be written. Fly into the Maldives for a gala year-end celebration or gift yourself a holiday to look forward to in 2025. Starting before 25 December 2024 leading up to early January 2025, the four resorts – OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, and OBLU Xperience Ailafushi – will host a dazzling array of festivities complimentary with the Holiday Plan.

On land, Christmas décor glitters from swaying palm trees while you will find all the thousand colours of festivities and more as you snorkel amongst sparkling reef fishes and corals beneath the lagoons. While there might be the appearance by Santa to usher in the cheer, it is the once-in-a-lifetime encounters with turtles and sharks and dolphins that will leave you starstruck.

Surrounded by crystalline waters, the island of OBLU SELECT Sangeli embraces that active, nature-loving spirit through a palette of contemporary, crafted, relaxed and indulgent experiences. From the lighting of the Christmas tree to gingerbread house decorating, the holiday spirit is alive and well here. Kids can enjoy merry mocktails and festive fun, while families partake in beachside coconut oil workshops and fresh tuna barbecues. The New Year’s Pool Party for kids and a glamorous Maldivian night on the 31st of December ensure there’s never a dull moment.

Romantic, serene, and exclusively for adults, OBLU SELECT Lobigili curates the ultimate festive escape for couples and groups of friends. At this luxurious five-star resort, it is all about charming island relaxation woven in with subtle festive touches to keep it intimate and indulgent. Choose from massage lessons to making wellness drinks at the beachside spa and sip flavourful sundowners as you listen to live saxophone music. Immerse in wellness experiences. Indulge in a sparkling Christmas feast, catch a movie under the stars, and toast to the New Year at a grand gala with champagne in hand.

The renowned dive resort, OBLU NATURE Helengeli will transform into a glowing wonderland. Enjoy energising aqua yoga sessions and sunset cocktail competitions. Kid’s special activities include nature walks and using dry leaves to make collages, Christmas tree decoration and lighting, master chef for little ones, and a host of other games and activities that bring them close to local flora and fauna. The vibrant New Year’s Eve gala dinner and party will mesmerise you with its tropical vibes and neon-lit décor.

Get into the festive spirit at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi with a range of activities for all ages! Start your mornings with beach yoga, enjoy aqua Zumba, build sandmen, and cosy up with Christmas movies under the stars. The fun continues with pool volleyball, crafts, cooking classes, and a festive Minecraft-themed Christmas Tree Lighting. Evenings are filled with DJ tunes, buffet dinners, and live performances. Ring in 2025 with a gala dinner, cultural dances, and a fire show, all in a tropical paradise with beach vibes and swaying palms.

Ashwin Handa, Senior Vice President of Operations at Atmosphere Core, shares, “At COLOURS OF OBLU, we believe in the ‘Joy of Giving,’ which is at the heart of our festive celebrations. From Christmas to New Year’s, and indeed year-round, we’re committed to keeping the experience fresh and exciting for all guests. It’s about creating unforgettable memories in paradise, through exhilarating adventures, heartfelt moments, and indulgent relaxation”.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, moments of leisure, or just a splash of festive joy, COLOURS OF OBLU has it all – sunshine, celebration, and endless fun await.

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Bavarian traditions meet island living at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Oktoberfest

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli has announced that it will host its own take on Oktoberfest from 1 to 5 October 2025, bringing one of the world’s most recognised celebrations to a tropical island setting. The resort will combine Bavarian traditions with Maldivian hospitality, offering guests a week-long programme of music, food, and festivities.

A highlight of the event will be a performance by international DJ twins Kristina and Anna Grushina. With a strong global following of more than two million on social media and chart-topping success on Spotify, the sisters are renowned for their high-energy sets that transform any stage into a vibrant dance floor. Their performance on the resort’s beachfront is expected to be a key feature of this year’s festival.

Alongside live music, the festival will present German brews and themed culinary experiences inspired by Oktoberfest. Guests will be able to enjoy Bavarian-style dishes alongside a selection of hops and lagers served beachside. To add to the atmosphere, family-friendly activities and games will be organised throughout the resort, creating a spirit of connection and celebration in an island environment.

“We are excited to bring together international music talent, authentic gastronomy, and our island’s natural beauty in this celebration,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Every year, Oktoberfest and many other celebrations at Sun Siyam Olhuveli continue to highlight culture, community, and entertainment in a way that is unique to our resort and to the Maldives.”

The five-day festival will not only celebrate Oktoberfest but also demonstrate Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s ability to host immersive experiences that blend international entertainment with the relaxed lifestyle of the Maldives. Guests staying at the resort during this period will experience a beachfront festival of music, cuisine, and festivities designed to leave a lasting impression.

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MU Maniku, key architect of Maldives tourism industry, dies

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Mohamed Umar Maniku (MU Maniku), a key figure in the establishment and growth of the Maldives tourism industry, has died in Singapore. He passed away on Saturday while in intensive care at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment for about a month.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Universal Enterprises announced:

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mohamed Umar ‘M.U.’ Maniku on 30th August 2025 at 0630 hrs Singapore time in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore. As Chairman of Universal Enterprises, he will forever be remembered as a pioneer whose vision, loyalty and integrity were felt by generations of industry professionals, who will remember him with deep affection and respect. He had been an integral part of the inception and growth of the tourism industry in the Maldives. We remember a man whose legacy cannot be confined to a date or a place.”

“To those close to him, M.U. Maniku was a guiding light. He was the steady hand that led Universal Enterprises through decades of change, and a mentor for many. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all who have offered support and condolences during this difficult time.”

Maniku was part of the group that opened Kurumba Maldives in 1972, the country’s first resort, widely regarded as the starting point of the modern tourism industry in the Maldives.

As Chairman and a principal shareholder of Universal Enterprises/Universal Resorts, Maniku oversaw the development of a portfolio that has included properties such as Kurumba, Kuramathi, Baros, Velassaru, Kandolhu, Milaidhoo and Huvafen Fushi.

Beyond the Maldives, he also served as Chairman of Mahaweli Reach Hotels PLC in Sri Lanka from 2012, reflecting the group’s cross-border hospitality interests.

Maniku chaired the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), which was formed in 1982 to represent resort owners and operators and to engage with government on policy and sector development. Under his leadership, MATI became a key platform for industry coordination and dialogue.

Contributions and legacy:

  • Pioneering market entry (1972): Helped establish Kurumba and proved the commercial viability of resort tourism in the country.
  • Resort development: Guided Universal’s expansion into multiple resort segments, supporting destination diversification and supply growth.
  • Institution-building: Long-time chairmanship of MATI, fostering private-sector collaboration on standards, training and policy.
  • Regional footprint: Leadership roles in hospitality ventures beyond the Maldives, including Mahaweli Reach Hotels.

Maniku had been hospitalised in Singapore for several weeks prior to his passing; local media had reported his transfer to intensive care at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

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W Maldives to host ‘The Joy Rituals’ wellness programme in September 2025

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W Maldives will introduce The Joy Rituals, a two-week wellbeing programme in collaboration with Happy Hormones Yoga founders Rajendra Kumar and Katrin Berger. Scheduled from 15 to 27 September 2025, the initiative will feature yoga, meditation, laughter, and sound healing sessions designed to encourage guests to reconnect with their inner energy while experiencing the natural surroundings of the Maldives.

The programme includes sunrise and sunset yoga, breathwork and meditation, laughter yoga, immersive sound healing, and lectures on health and happiness. Aqua Yoga in the lagoon and evening meditations under the stars will provide distinctive experiences. The schedule coincides with World Wellness Weekend, held from 19 to 21 September 2025, aligning the resort’s programme with global wellbeing initiatives.

Rajendra Kumar, a two-time world record holder and gold medallist in yoga, is recognised for his focus on laughter and presence in practice. His record for continuous laughter lasting three hours and 47 minutes reflects his approach to joy as a form of self-discovery. Katrin Berger, a certified yoga teacher, sound healer, and molecular biologist, integrates science and spiritual practice in her sessions, combining sound healing with yoga to encourage balance and connection.

Commenting on the collaboration, Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives, said, “At W Maldives, we are constantly looking for bold and inspiring ways to elevate the guest experience. The Joy Rituals with Happy Hormones Yoga brings a fresh dimension to wellness, blending the playful spirit of W with transformative practices. It is a chance for our guests to find balance, energy, and joy in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings.”

Rajendra Kumar added, “Yoga is not only about physical postures, it is about living fully, freely, and with a smile. Through The Joy Rituals, we want to remind people that laughter and joy are powerful tools for healing and awakening. Bringing this philosophy to W Maldives feels like the perfect match of spirit and setting.”

Katrin Berger also shared, “Our work is about creating harmony in both body and mind. With sound healing and yoga, guests can release tension, restore balance, and feel more present in their lives. At W Maldives, surrounded by nature and beauty, this experience becomes even more profound. We are thrilled to share The Joy Rituals with guests from around the world.”

Guests may book the Stay, Dine, and Fly package, which includes daily breakfast, a three-course dinner, and roundtrip seaplane transfers. The programme offers visitors an opportunity to engage in two weeks of movement, laughter, and wellness in a Maldivian island setting.yog

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