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Reconnect with loved ones this festive season at Jumeirah Olhahali Island
This festive season, families can reconnect and cultivate lifelong bonds at Jumeirah Olhahali Island, with the resort’s thoughtfully curated three-week festive programme. With a full calendar of immersive experiences, guests can create lasting moments together in an unforgettable island setting.
Beginning on 18 December with a beachside Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s unique experiences embody the spirit of the island and warmth of the season. Throughout the holiday period, families can share meaningful moments with gingerbread house decoration sessions or chocolate masterclasses, where they will learn to create decadent treats as they lean into the indulgence of the season.
For little ones who prefer to spend their time exploring the great outdoors, turtle and dolphin quests await, while families can take to the water and create lifelong bonds moments with private yachting experiences across the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Older children and teenagers looking to add a dose of adventure to the festive season can enjoy a range of unique watersports, including lessons on flyboarding, eFoiling and scuba diving, and those who prefer to remain on land can join a local island exploration, experiencing the true essence of Maldivian culture with an insightful and intimate tour.
As the only resort in the Maldives with expansive private rooftop terraces, families can enjoy a range of rooftop activities this festive season in the comfort of their own villas, from cinematic experiences beneath the starry Maldivian sky, and homemade BBQ meals by personal chefs, to stargazing sessions which will be sure to delight guests of all ages. Adding a creative touch, Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s MURACA Art Studio is offering exclusive rooftop painting sessions for families, providing an opportunity to reconnect and craft precious memories.
The festivities continue on Christmas Day, where Jumeirah Olhahali Island invites families to enjoy a lively brunch and pool party, providing an opportunity to celebrate together. The highlight of the festive period, this exclusive event will see families gather on the resort’s beach to extend a warm welcome to Santa himself as he cruises along the turquoise waters, delighting the little ones and creating an awe-inspiring moment for all.
With exceptional family experiences to look forward to, Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s festive programme ensures that every guest can enjoy the magic of the season while creating lifelong bonds with their loved ones.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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