Celebration
Celebrate the holidays with a galactic twist at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s AstroFest
Sun Siyam Olhuveli is preparing to embark on an intergalactic journey this festive season as the island transforms into a celestial oasis with AstroFest 2024-2025, taking place from December 21st, 2024 to January 8th, 2025. This year’s theme is a cosmic celebration of space, featuring floating astronauts, glowing planets, and celestial decor that transport guests into a dazzling universe. With twinkling fairy lights adorning every corner and celestial-inspired activities, the island is set to become a galactic paradise where adventure and celebration await under the stars.
The festivities will begin on December 21 with the Christmas Tree Light-Up Ceremony, setting the stage for the magical season ahead. On Christmas Eve, December 24, a special evening will unfold with the Gala Cocktail Session at sunset, followed by live performances from DJ Jeremiah and belly dancer Vika Kolesnyk, creating a vibrant atmosphere for this special night.
On December 25, Christmas Day will feature Santa Claus’ Interstellar Arrival, a spectacular cosmic entrance that will delight guests of all ages. The evening will include a Christmas Beach BBQ under the stars, where guests can indulge in a delicious culinary feast.

AstroFest will also offer plenty of family-friendly activities. Guests can participate in the colourful and vibrant Olhuveli Galaxy Colour Run on December 26, a cosmic race filled with fun and laughter. On December 27, families can join the exciting Cosmic Quest Day, a day-long treasure hunt with hidden celestial surprises scattered across the island. These activities are designed to bring a sense of adventure and discovery to the festive celebration.
New Year’s Eve on December 31 will be the highlight of AstroFest. Guests will be invited to enjoy an exclusive Gala Cocktail Session, followed by a lavish Gala Dinner at the resort’s beachfront, offering an unforgettable dining experience under the Maldivian celestial sky. The Galactic New Year Bash will set the stage for a spectacular night, headlined by Amber Na, one of Asia’s top-ranked DJs, known for her explosive EDM sets. DJ Jeremiah will return with his energetic beats, and performances from Italian pop sensation Matilde G, and talented singer-songwriter TEJMUSIK from India, will keep the celebration alive as the island counts down to 2025.
The festivities will continue into the new year with special performances by renowned belly dancer Alla Kushnir on January 2 and 7, adding her signature grace and elegance to AstroFest. Russian singer Tanya German, known for her energetic pop and dance performances, will captivate audiences on January 4 and 7, while the Wild Fire Arts Collective will mesmerise guests with their cirque-style entertainment, blending acrobatics, creativity, and visual artistry on January 7.
For guests seeking a more relaxed experience, the II Sense band will perform soothing acoustic sets on December 22, 29, and January 5, creating the perfect ambiance for celestial stargazing.

Sports enthusiasts will have their turn on January 2 with the Olhuveli Open Tennis Masters, where participants can showcase their tennis skills in a thrilling tournament. On January 3, the Snowman at the Beach Competition will offer a playful twist on the traditional snowman, encouraging families to get creative with sand sculptures.
For the younger guests, the Little Astronauts’ Adventure on January 6 will provide a fun-filled day of space-themed games and crafts, ensuring young explorers are fully entertained. With something for everyone, AstroFest promises that each day will be packed with adventure, joy, and celebration.
AstroFest will conclude with a Cosmic Farewell Party on January 8, where guests will bid adieu to this unforgettable festival under the stars, enjoying live music from High Tide for one final night of celestial celebrations.
Celebration
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives unveils Maldives Summer Escape for Eid al Adha
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has introduced its Maldives Summer Escape offer as part of its positioning for Eid al Adha travel, combining accommodation benefits with seasonal dining and guest experiences for families, couples and small groups.
Available for stays through to 31 October 2026, the offer is designed to support longer stays and multigenerational travel, with a focus on dining flexibility and island-based experiences within a private resort setting.
To mark the Eid period, the resort will present a series of guest experiences linked to the occasion. On 27 May, guests will be offered an Eid breakfast at Seasalt Restaurant, featuring live Arabic cooking stations prepared by Egyptian chefs, alongside dishes such as foul medames, manakish and shakshuka.
An Eid-themed dinner buffet will also be held the same evening, with regional dishes and live cooking stations forming part of the dining programme. On other days, guests will also have the option of visiting a nearby local island to observe traditional Eid celebrations in a Maldivian community setting.
From 27 to 29 May, Mirus Bar will host a series of evening activations including a shisha lounge and DJ sets. The resort said the programme is intended to create a social setting suited to both couples and groups.
The Maldives Summer Escape offer includes daily breakfast and three-course à la carte dinners at selected venues, along with a USD 75 dining credit that can be used for alternative experiences such as Teppanyaki, The Shack or private dining.
Additional benefits include 15 per cent off treatments at Spa Alila, 20 per cent off food and beverage purchases, and 20 per cent off return seaplane transfers.
The resort said the offer is particularly suited to families and groups, with villa accommodation designed to provide both shared living space and privacy, while also appealing to couples through its more understated approach to island stays.
Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, said the resort had designed the offer around the significance of Eid and the expectations of guests travelling during the period.
“Eid is a deeply meaningful time, centred on togetherness, reflection, and shared moments,” he said. “For those choosing to celebrate away from home, we’ve curated an experience that feels both intimate and considered — where thoughtful dining, unhurried surroundings, and the natural beauty of the island come together to create something truly memorable.”
Through the combination of seasonal programming, dining inclusions and additional guest benefits, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is presenting the Maldives Summer Escape as an option for Eid travel in the Maldives.
Celebration
Centara Maldives resorts to mark Songkran with Thai-inspired celebrations
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives has invited guests to celebrate Songkran this April across its resorts in the Maldives, marking the Thai New Year through a series of experiences inspired by the brand’s Thai heritage.
The hotel group said the celebrations would reflect Thai culture and hospitality while adapting traditional Songkran elements to island settings in the Maldives. Across its resorts, the festival is being presented through activities centred on renewal, togetherness and shared experiences.
At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the celebration is set to take place in a family-focused setting. The resort said guests could take part in water activities, beach games and poolside gatherings, followed by a Songkran carnival by the sea. Evening dining experiences will feature Thai flavours in a setting designed for families and groups.
At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection, the programme will include a beachfront parade and traditional Thai games. The resort said evening events would continue with a Thai-inspired dining experience, cultural performances and entertainment. Activities for younger guests will also be included as part of the celebrations.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, which caters to adults, is also marking Songkran with its own programme. The resort said guests could expect beachside activities, evening dining experiences and entertainment shaped around the festival’s themes of joy and togetherness.
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives said the Songkran celebrations across its properties are intended to give guests an opportunity to experience Thai-inspired traditions in the Maldives while creating shared holiday experiences during the festival period.
Celebration
Sun Siyam Olhuveli kicks off festive season with Charith N. Silva Cake Mixing
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has ushered in the holiday season with a new twist on its much-loved annual Festive Cake Mixing event, held on 23 November. This year, the celebration was led by acclaimed Sri Lankan chef and viral social media personality Charith N. Silva, the creative force behind @wildcookbook and one of South Asia’s most influential culinary storytellers.
Charith, a sensation across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram with an audience of several million, is widely recognised for his bold fire-cooking techniques, visually striking outdoor food rituals, and distinctive, high-energy narrative style. He recently secured a coveted place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list in the Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink) category, underscoring his growing influence on contemporary food culture in the region. He is one of a new wave of young chefs blending local flavours with global inspiration and is the owner of the restaurant “Wildish” in Colombo.
Bringing his creative flair to Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Charith said, “Bringing my energy to Sun Siyam Olhuveli was surreal; the people, the Maldivian spirit, the flavour play, everything clicked into one unforgettable festive moment.”
This year’s cake mixing unfolded like an island celebration, complete with lively music, bursts of aromatic spices, and an energetic atmosphere. Resort teams and guests layered fruits, nuts, and spirits in a spirited display, with Charith driving the momentum through his trademark spontaneity. The result was a vibrant, social, and playful reimagining of a classic festive tradition.
Festivities continued on 24 November with an exclusive live cooking demonstration by Charith, giving guests the chance to experience his signature “wild” cooking style firsthand against the lagoon backdrop of the resort.
“This celebration reflects the new creative pulse of Sun Siyam Olhuveli. Charith brought an energy that aligns perfectly with our evolving lifestyle identity, making this year’s cake mixing one of our most memorable yet,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
With the festive season now in full swing, Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to join MYSTIVAL 2025–2026, the resort’s year-end celebration taking place from 21 December 2025 to 8 January 2026, featuring hypnotic beats, immersive dining, playful rituals, and a series of kaleidoscopic island experiences designed to inspire connection and celebration.
-
Featured1 week agoWestin Maldives Miriandhoo introduces Family Fun Summer package
-
Awards1 week agoReethi Faru Resort recognised in four categories at 2026 Haute Grandeur Awards
-
News1 week agoMachchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives unveils Eid al-Adha getaway packages
-
Cooking6 days agoYou & Me Maldives announces gourmet week with Chef Andrea Berton
-
Love1 week agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives unveils romantic getaway offers
-
Awards4 days agoAnantara Kihavah Maldives Villas named to 2026 T+L 500 list
-
Awards6 days agoInterContinental Maldives Maamunagau secures Readers’ Choice Awards nomination
-
News4 days agoGrand Park Kodhipparu introduces Maldives’ first resort membership concept


