News
Tropical twist to year-end holidays with COLOURS OF OBLU’s 4 resorts in Maldives
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.
Featured
Firedoor at Grand Park Kodhipparu introduces overwater glass-floor dining
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has announced a distinctive enhancement to its acclaimed restaurant Firedoor, an award-winning luxury boutique dining venue recognised by the World Luxury Restaurant Awards. Renowned for its refined overwater setting and exceptional culinary craftsmanship, Firedoor now features a custom-designed glass floor, offering guests a remarkable view into the island’s vibrant marine world.
Suspended gracefully above the turquoise lagoon, the new glass-floor installation transforms Firedoor into an immersive sanctuary where fine dining and underwater discovery coexist. As guests enjoy carefully curated tasting menus, they can watch a dynamic natural tableau unfold beneath them—shoals of colourful fish, soft corals swaying with the current, and rays gliding silently through the sunlit waters below.
Firedoor has long been celebrated for its intimacy, craftsmanship, and elegant overwater design. The introduction of the glass floor elevates the restaurant’s identity even further, providing a perspective that is both unique and unforgettable—a seamless fusion of luxury, artistry, and the natural beauty surrounding Kodhipparu.
As a distinguished winner of the World Luxury Restaurant Awards, Firedoor has established itself as one of the Maldives’ most exclusive dining destinations. The new design feature reinforces this standing, enriching the venue’s sophisticated atmosphere while highlighting its deep connection to the island’s marine environment.
Crafted with careful attention to architectural integrity and environmental sensitivity, the glass-floor feature preserves the tranquillity of the lagoon while adding a new sensory dimension to the dining experience. The upgrade reflects the resort’s commitment to innovation, curated luxury, and experiences that embody the signature identity of Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives.
The enhanced Firedoor experience is now available exclusively to guests of Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, inviting them to enjoy fine dining above the water, where culinary excellence meets the mesmerising beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives toasts two years and multiple World Luxury Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives is celebrating its second anniversary on 1 December 2025, marking two vibrant years of breathtaking sunsets, memorable celebrations, and elevated guest experiences, while continuing to redefine premium all-inclusive travel in the Maldives. The milestone reflects the resort’s rapid growth and rising global recognition, further strengthened by major wins at the 2025 World Luxury Awards and the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards.
Located in the tranquil Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island offers a peaceful island escape featuring one kilometre of pristine white sand and some of the Maldives’ most striking sunsets. The resort balances lively communal spaces with serene private areas, creating an environment that seamlessly blends connection with calm. With 147 spacious accommodations—each featuring a private pool and direct beach access—Ifuru Island remains a favoured destination for families, couples, friends, and solo travellers seeking meaningful, memorable experiences.
Culinary excellence is central to the Ifuru Island experience. Guests can enjoy a premium all-inclusive offering across six restaurants and four bars, supported by 24-hour dining options. From authentic Maldivian dishes to inventive international cuisine, each venue reflects the resort’s flair for flavour and dedication to crafting exceptional dining moments.
The past year has brought a diverse range of experiences, from dolphin cruises and diving adventures to cultural encounters and restorative therapies at Xanadu Spa. Younger guests have enjoyed creative activities at the Coconut Kids Club, while families have found opportunities to relax and connect in an atmosphere that balances energy with ease.
In 2025, Ifuru Island Maldives added several prestigious accolades to its growing list of achievements, including:
- Best Luxury All-Inclusive Property in the Maldives
- Best Luxury Family Beach Property in the Indian Ocean Islands
- Best Luxury Wedding Property in the Indian Ocean
— all awarded at the 2025 World Luxury Awards.
The resort was also named Best Luxury Beach Property at the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 2025. These honours underscore Ifuru Island’s dedication to delivering exceptional and personalised experiences for every guest.
Reflecting on the resort’s second anniversary, Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives, said: “Reaching this milestone is truly special. At Ifuru Island, we focus on creating experiences that inspire, connect, and linger in memory. Our team’s passion has earned these honours, and we look forward to sharing the magic of Ifuru Island Maldives with our guests for years to come.”
Celebrating two remarkable years, Ifuru Island Maldives remains committed to offering exceptional experiences, meaningful moments, and the sense of magic that makes every stay truly unforgettable.
Cooking
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort reveals two-night culinary collaboration with Chef Stefan Fäth
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort has announced a special two-night guest chef event featuring Chef-Owner Stefan Fäth of the one-Michelin-starred Restaurant Jellyfish in Hamburg. Renowned for his French-inspired global cuisine and a signature style defined by precision, creativity, and respect for ingredients, Chef Stefan will present two distinct dining experiences on 4 and 5 December 2026.
On 4 December, guests will gather on Wahoo Beach for The Ocean Symphony, an exclusive seven-course dinner set against lantern-lit shores and the natural rhythm of the Indian Ocean. The menu will reflect Chef Stefan’s refined culinary sensibilities, with highlights including salmon paired with beetroot and leek, swordfish accented with chilli and coriander, and a luxurious cod preparation enhanced with caviar and sweet potato. The menu continues with an Iberico dish complemented by soy and cabbage before transitioning to playful desserts such as pineapple with coconut and exotic fruits, followed by a milk chocolate creation layered with yoghurt and blueberry.
The culinary experience continues on 5 December at Veyo with The Island Reverie, a five-course tasting menu inspired by freshness, contrast, and balance. Guests can expect dishes such as tuna sashimi brightened with mango and ponzu, mackerel paired with melon, feta, and mint, and a delicate salmon preparation with potato, dashi, and chives. The menu then moves to a comforting yet refined corn-fed chicken dish with celery, truffle, and apple, concluding with a warm dessert of banana, caramel, chocolate, and almond.
Chef Stefan’s cooking is characterised by elegance without formality, attention to detail without unnecessary complexity, and a relaxed sophistication that has made Restaurant Jellyfish a highly regarded dining destination in Hamburg’s Schanzenviertel. His culinary philosophy—anchored in craftsmanship, global curiosity, and deep respect for ingredients—was shaped by his upbringing on a family farm and refined through training in acclaimed German kitchens, including the Michelin-starred Restaurant 1622, the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Dieter Müller aboard MS Europa, and the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Seven Seas. Since assuming ownership of Restaurant Jellyfish in 2019, he has earned a Michelin star, 16 Gault Millau points, and recognition as a Krug Ambassade.
“We are delighted to welcome Michelin-starred Chef Stefan Fäth to JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort for this special two-night culinary event,” said Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. “His thoughtful, ingredient-led approach aligns perfectly with our commitment to offering experiences that are refined, soulful, and unforgettable. These evenings will celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and connection, set against one of the Maldives’ most striking backdrops.”
Reflecting on the upcoming collaboration, Chef Stefan remarked, “Cooking at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is a meaningful opportunity to express my cuisine in a setting that celebrates nature, seasonality, and a true appreciation for craftsmanship. My approach has always been about precision, respect for ingredients, and creating flavours that inspire, and I look forward to sharing this philosophy through a journey that feels relaxed, open-minded, and rooted in the joy of good food.”
Reservations are strongly recommended due to limited seating for both evenings.
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