Celebration
Indulge in luxury and tradition: Diwali and year-end festivities at Marriott Bonvoy Maldives
As the enchanting Festival of Lights nears, the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives invites families, couples, and friends to celebrate Diwali and the year-end festivities in an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury and joy. This tropical paradise, made up of 1,200 coral islands surrounded by azure waters, offers an ideal setting for creating unforgettable memories—whether relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches, exploring vibrant marine life, or enjoying lavish accommodations perfect for family holidays or romantic getaways. Guests can choose from six exquisite resorts, each offering a unique festive experience filled with indulgence, tradition, and memorable moments throughout the season.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands: The Spirit of EAU
This festive season, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invites guests to celebrate the elemental magic of water with its ‘EAU’ theme. From December 22 to January 9, 2025, the resort will transform into a captivating oceanic wonderland, featuring signature Sangu cocktails, nightly performances, and ethereal shows inspired by themes of renewal and transformation. Guests can enjoy exclusive dining experiences at IWAU and Summer Pavilion, festive cocktail receptions, and a grand New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. The ‘Festive Escape’ package includes daily breakfasts at La Locanda, USD 300 in resort credits, and a thrilling shark snorkeling experience. Additionally, the package offers luxurious spa treatments and festive activities, including a special visit from Santa Claus. Located in the North Malé Atoll, the resort features 100 villas, each with a dedicated private butler. Guests can access the resort via a 50-minute yacht ride or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. The package requires a minimum seven-night stay and includes 25,000 bonus points per stay from December 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: Tale of the Tides
At The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Diwali celebrations blend with Maldivian elegance. From October 31 to November 2, guests can enjoy a Diwali breakfast at ALBA, followed by evening crafted beverages at ALBA and The Whale Bar. The festivities include a Thali Set Dinner celebrating India’s vibrant flavors. From December 20 to January 6, the ‘Tale of the Tides’ celebration offers a Christmas tree lighting, family-friendly activities, and exquisite culinary experiences across seven dining venues. Guests can enjoy the daily Champagne Sabering ritual at The Whale Bar and sip on the Island Mary, a local twist on the classic cocktail. The ‘Exquisite Indulgence – Full Board’ package includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner at select restaurants, a bottle of champagne on arrival, and St. Regis Butler Service for a bespoke experience. The resort, located a 40-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, offers two- and three-bedroom villas with private pools and panoramic views.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa: Symphony of the Sea
Families can celebrate Diwali at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa with a Diwali-themed Thali menu curated by celebrity chef Shipra Khanna, available until mid-November. From December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025, the ‘Symphony of the Sea’ celebration will showcase a traditional Maldivian night with local cuisine, Boduberu performances, and a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner featuring a live band, fire dancers, and LED performances. The resort, located on Vagaru Island in Shaviyani Atoll, offers 60 beach and overwater villas, each with a private pool and personal butler service. Families can enjoy the ‘Savor the Endless’ package, which includes daily meals, unlimited beverages, a beach dinner, a floating breakfast, and discounts on dining and spa treatments. Kids under 12 stay and dine for free, and complimentary non-motorised water sports are available.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa: Festive Escape Retro 70s
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa invites guests to join the Retro 70s-themed ‘La Fête’ year-end celebration on Thilamaafushi Island in Lhaviyani Atoll from December 21, 2024, to January 7, 2025. Guests can enjoy daily festivities, wellness activities, and masterclasses, including barista training and gin tasting. The celebration kicks off with a Tree Lighting Ceremony and culminates in a Retro 70s Beach Party and fireworks on New Year’s Eve. The ‘Full Board’ package offers daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with non-alcoholic beverages included. Guests can also participate in complimentary water sports and fitness activities. The 141-villa resort is accessible via a 35-minute seaplane flight from Malé.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort: Rhythms by the Sea, A Carnival of Festivities
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will host a vibrant Diwali celebration from October 31 to November 1, 2024, with a special Indian buffet dinner at Island Kitchen and traditional Boduberu drumming. The ‘Rhythms by the Sea: A Carnival of Festivities’ celebration runs from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025, featuring a Brazilian carnival-themed New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with international DJ Luca Schreiner and fireworks. The wellness-focused resort in Baa Atoll offers 69 luxurious villas and the ‘Full Board’ package, which includes daily meals, fitness sessions, and complimentary snorkeling and kayaking. The resort is accessible via a 25-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa: Celebrate a Magical Festive Season
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites families to celebrate Diwali and the year-end festivities with a sunrise yoga session, henna art, and a Diwali Dinner at Masala Hut on November 1, 2024. The year-end celebrations begin with a Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 7 and continue from December 20, 2024, to January 7, 2025, with activities such as Gingerbread House Decorating, Santa Water Aerobics, and a Family Snowman Christmas Party. The ‘All-Inclusive’ package includes daily buffet breakfasts and dinners, a three-course lunch, and complimentary use of snorkeling gear and water sports equipment. The resort, located in the North Malé Atoll, is just a 15-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, making it an ideal destination for a luxury family holiday.
Celebration
Celebrate prosperity and joy: Angsana Velavaru’s Lunar New Year extravaganza
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a curated two-day experience blending tradition, adventure, and festive spirit. On January 28-29, the resort will host a series of unique activities and exclusive culinary offerings to honour the season’s spirit while immersing visitors in its vibrant atmosphere.
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, attendees can participate in a hands-on Dumpling Workshop at Kaani Restaurant. This activity is followed by the ‘Flavours of Asia and Chinese Feast Buffet’, featuring a variety of regional delicacies thoughtfully prepared for the occasion. The evening culminates with the Chunwan New Year’s Eve Gala, an event filled with captivating entertainment that ushers in the new year with unforgettable flair.
For those seeking excitement, the resort provides a range of diving and snorkelling activities suitable for both experts and beginners. Visitors can explore the vibrant house reef through the Citizen Science Snorkelling experience, an initiative that allows participants to contribute to ocean conservation, making their holiday both memorable and meaningful. As night falls, the resort hosts a Caribbean-themed DJ party, where the lively rhythms of the islands set the tone for an energetic evening. A variety of cocktail stations with eclectic drink options further enhances the celebratory atmosphere.
Families are also well catered for, with activities such as friendly Beach Volleyball matches, invigorating Water Aerobics sessions, and a heartwarming Love Bird Feeding experience, ensuring fun-filled moments for guests of all ages.
The first day of the New Year features a Kite Flying Festival—a joyous celebration of the winds, skies, and the endless possibilities of the year ahead. Guests can also embark on a Dolphin Cruise, where serene Maldivian waters meet playful pods of dolphins. For those interested in mixology, the Mojito Mixology Bar at Kuredhi Pool Bar offers an interactive and refreshing take on the classic cocktail. The festivities conclude with a Lunar New Year Banquet at Funa, providing a grand setting for visitors to enjoy a delectable array of dishes, symbolizing prosperity and joy for the year to come.
Angsana Velavaru presents an idyllic setting for an unforgettable Lunar New Year celebration—a serene island retreat where adventure, culture, and tradition converge to create exceptional memories.
Celebration
From Atlantis to new beginnings: Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s spectacular festive program
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has announced an enchanting Christmas season program themed ‘Atlantis and the Underwater World.’ Running from December 22, 2024, to January 7, 2025, the resort will transform into the mythical city of Atlantis, offering guests a magical underwater adventure.
The island resort will feature a variety of festive delights, including bountiful breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets designed to bring holiday cheer to visitors’ Maldivian getaway. Guests will experience stunning underwater-themed decor and a mesmerising ambiance that perfectly complements the island’s natural beauty.
The resort’s culinary team has curated a series of special dining experiences throughout the season, highlighting both local Maldivian flavours and international delicacies.
The festivities begin on December 22nd with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Pool Bar Deck, accompanied by a special dinner buffet and live holiday music. On December 25th, an opulent Christmas Eve Gala Dinner will be held at the Alita Deck, featuring live Christmas carols, a visit from Santa Claus, and an opportunity to dance the night away to live music while indulging in a sumptuous feast.
The New Year will be welcomed with an electrifying glow-in-the-dark party featuring a live DJ, delectable appetisers, and signature cocktails. On New Year’s Day, celebrations continue with a Bubbly Brunch at Alita, a vibrant pool party at the Main Pool with live DJ music, and a Mediterranean dinner buffet in the Alita restaurant. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, from savoury mezze platters to succulent grilled seafood, crafted with the freshest ingredients.
As the new year begins, the resort has planned a range of recreational activities, including Aqua fitness sessions, sunset gatherings, and Pilates classes. Relaxation seekers can participate in sound healing and meditation sessions or take advantage of significant discounts on rejuvenating treatments at the Suvadiva Spa.
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort aims to create magical moments and cherished memories for all its guests. This festive season offers a unique blend of the enchantment of Atlantis and the natural beauty of the Maldives, where every day is a celebration of joy, wonder, and togetherness.
Celebration
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes Santa on scooters for festive island Christmas
The festive spirit came alive at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, where all four resorts—Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, and Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon—lit up with joyous Christmas celebrations. Guests were immersed in the magic of the season, with each resort adding its own unique flair to the timeless tradition of tree lighting ceremonies against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
A highlight of the celebrations was Santa Claus’s unconventional arrival—not by sleigh, but on a scooter! Led by a cheerful parade of team members riding decorated scooters, Santa’s island-style entrance was met with applause and laughter. The vibrant procession, complete with festive ribbons, twinkling lights, and plenty of holiday cheer, brought smiles to guests of all ages as Santa waved his way into the celebrations.
At each resort, the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree brought families, couples, and friends together in a moment of enchantment. The joyful sounds of carollers filled the evening air, adding a harmonious touch to the festivities. Guests were treated to a selection of seasonal goodies, including freshly baked cookies and other festive delights. Children revelled in Santa’s arrival, receiving special treats while families captured precious memories against the twinkling backdrop of the decorated trees.
With more celebrations planned over Christmas and the New Year, guests can look forward to a holiday filled with memorable moments at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives.
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