News
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.
Awards
Villa Park secures second straight HolidayCheck Award
Villa Park has been recognised with the HolidayCheck Award 2026 for the second consecutive year, reflecting continued guest trust and consistently strong feedback.
Set on one of the Maldives’ largest natural islands in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) region, Villa Park is a standout choice for families seeking a lush, activity-filled escape. With tropical greenery woven throughout the island, long stretches of beach, and a wide range of experiences to suit every age, the resort offers the space and variety that make family travel feel effortless. From active lagoon days to slower, restorative moments, families can shape each day around what matters most to them.
Villa Park is also home to an extensive range of Beach Pool Villas, offering picture-perfect settings designed for easy indoor-outdoor living. Surrounded by palms and gardens, these private stays deliver the bright, tropical backdrop guests return for and love to capture.
For families, the island experience is elevated further by Park Players, positioned as the Maldives’ largest kids’ club, with a dedicated world of play, creativity, and discovery. The combination of nature, space, and things to do across the island continues to shape Villa Park’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ most trusted family resorts.
Love
Azur rooftop at JEN Maldives sets stage for Valentine’s Day dining
JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is set to mark Valentine’s Day with a curated rooftop dining experience at Azur Rooftop, combining ocean views, live music and a specially designed menu for couples.
Taking place against the backdrop of the Malé skyline and the Indian Ocean, the Valentine’s Day dinner is designed for couples seeking an intimate yet lively evening. The experience begins with a Tropical Sweetheart welcome drink, blending strawberry, lime and honey, followed by an amuse-bouche served as a shared moment between partners, featuring romesco mousse in a rye tart.
The dinner continues with a selection of starters including Indonesian chicken satay with peanut sauce and a chilled watermelon coconut gazpacho. A passion fruit and mango sorbet is served as a palate cleanser ahead of the main courses.
For the main course, guests may choose between roasted chicken with thyme and beet jus, seared seabass with smoked paprika mashed potatoes, or beetroot risotto finished with burrata. The dining experience concludes with a dessert sequence titled Kiss Me Goodnight, accompanied by petit fours such as dark chocolate passion bites and strawberry rose macarons. Illy coffee, teas, chilled juices and soft drinks are also included.
Live music performances by Akku will accompany the evening, adding to the rooftop ambience created by soft lighting, décor and panoramic views.
The Valentine’s Day dinner at Azur Rooftop is priced at USD 110 per couple, inclusive of all taxes and service charges. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +960 330 0888.
Action
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort launches ‘Swim with Nurse Sharks’ experience
Nestled in the pristine waters of the Raa Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort introduces Swim with Nurse Sharks, a new guided marine experience offering guests a rare opportunity to encounter these gentle creatures in their natural lagoon habitat.
Located just minutes from the island, the calm, shallow waters provide ideal conditions for observing nurse sharks at rest and in motion. The one-hour experience operates three times a week by speedboat and is designed for small groups, making it suitable for families and confident swimmers seeking a meaningful connection with the ocean.
Guided with care and respect for the environment, the experience reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to marine awareness and responsible interaction with wildlife. Guests gain insight into the behaviour of nurse sharks while exploring one of the region’s few accessible snorkelling sites dedicated to this species.
Available at USD 95++ per person, with special rates for children under 12, Swim with Nurse Sharks adds a distinctive new chapter to the resort’s immersive ocean experiences.
For more information on “Swim with Nurse Sharks” at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, please visit the resort’s website.
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