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Banyan Tree’s 30th anniversary: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites travellers to rediscover original Maldives in barefoot eco-luxury

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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru joins the global celebration of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Banyan Tree, the flagship brand of Banyan Group. Honouring its legacy as the true barefoot eco-luxury Sanctuary for the Senses, the resort unveils newly refreshed villas, an expanded Our Marine Lab, two new restaurants – Saffron and Sangu Garden – and a collection of curated guest experiences. These highlights invite travellers to rediscover the romance of travel and experience the original Maldives as they connect deeply with the heartbeat of island life.

“We are proud to celebrate Banyan Tree’s 30th anniversary at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru,” says Hery Kuswoyo, General Manager. “This milestone reflects a deep commitment to sustainable tourism and preserving the essence of the Maldives as it was meant to be experienced. Through refreshed villas, immersive wellbeing experiences, and meaningful connections with the local community, we honour Banyan Tree’s legacy as a sanctuary for the senses while inviting guests to rediscover the original Maldives in all its natural beauty and authenticity.”

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s Refreshed Villas: Timeless Elegance Meets Maldivian Heritage Nestled in the North Malé Atoll, just a 25-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is an intimate sanctuary of 48 all-pool villas in a tropical paradise surrounded by white sand beaches, lush vegetation, and pristine coral reefs. This barefoot luxury retreat seamlessly combines privacy with direct access to the ocean’s wonders.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a heartfelt Maldivian welcome, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional Bodu Beru drums. The signature “barefoot ritual” invites them to ground themselves in the soft sands, embracing the island’s serene spirit. Check-in unfolds as a seamless, intimate experience as guests are guided directly to their villa, with a Toddy Master serving a traditional coconut drink in a ceremony that honours the essence of the island.

At the heart of the newly refreshed villas lies the Thundu Kunaa Art Wall, a handwoven masterpiece crafted by Maldivian artisans over 12 months, showcasing intricate patterns of cultural significance. Complementing this is an exclusive collection of watercolours by Male’s renowned artist, Ahmed Nazim, celebrating the Maldives’ rich maritime traditions. Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted with sustainability in mind, from handwoven textiles inspired by traditional Maldivian sarongs to richly grained wood chosen for its environmental sensitivity from Responsible Sourcing Supplier. Signature touches, such as handmade cotton mosquito nets and solar-lit outdoor spaces, create a seamless harmony between modern luxury and the natural charm of the Maldives.

Our Marine Lab: Pioneering Ocean Conservation

The expanded Marine Lab reinforces Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s leadership in marine conservation. Established in 2004 as the first resort-based facility of its kind in the Maldives, Our Marine Lab has been at the forefront for nearly two decades of dedication to marine conservation, led by the passion and efforts of the Banyan Group’s team of scientists, resident marine biologists, conservationists, and hospitality professionals.

The new facility includes a discovery centre with diverse marine biodiversity programmes, including hands-on conservation activities such as educational workshops, coral planting, reef cleaning, and guided snorkelling tours. The programmes offer a unique blend of education and action, allowing participants to contribute meaningfully to conservation while immersing themselves in the unparalleled beauty of the Maldives’ pristine marine ecosystems.

A key initiative is the Marine Environment Officer (MEO) Seedlings Programme, a groundbreaking collaboration with the Maldives National University (MNU). This first-of-its-kind partnership between the private sector and an educational institution offers a foundational course for a Bachelor’s in Marine Science, accredited by the Maldives Qualification Authority. Students receive certification from MNU and gain hands-on experience at the resort in coral restoration techniques such as micro-fragmentation and transplantation, maintaining coral nurseries, marine lab operations, and fish and coral biology. The program also includes essential skills like survey and data collection techniques, ecological studies, and a PADI Open Water diving course. Fully funded by Banyan Group’s Seedlings Programme, the course is offered free of charge, empowering local communities with the skills and knowledge to contribute to marine restoration.

These milestones mark the beginning of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s journey toward its own 30th anniversary in 2025. Over the years, the resort has become a benchmark for sustainable luxury and exceptional guest experiences. Its dedication to environmental stewardship was recognised at the TTM Awards 2024 by Travel Trade Maldives, where it was honoured as the ‘Most Sustainable Resort,’ reinforcing its position as a pioneer of eco-friendly hospitality in the Maldives with its holistic approach to environmental stewardship.

Serenity in Nature’s Embrace

New wellbeing experiences invite guests to connect deeply with nature while fostering a sense of relaxation and harmony. Guests can experience Lagoon Floating Therapy, where they drift effortlessly on gentle waves as guided reflection brings a profound sense of inner peace. For a more immersive journey, Underwater Meditation invites guests to descend into the tranquil depths of the ocean, synchronising each breath with the soothing rhythm of the sea.

Saffron Restaurant: A Celebration of Thai Culinary Artistry

Recently recognised in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024, Saffron is the Banyan Tree brand’s signature Thai dining experience, blending heritage recipes with a contemporary twist to create a feast for the senses and a deep connection to its destination.

As part of the weeklong celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru from 27 November to 7 December, the Grand Opening of Saffron Restaurant is headlined by Chef Tipaporn Phianthong (Chef Tipa), the Saffron Lead Chef for Banyan Group. Renowned for her innovative approach to Thai cuisine, Chef Tipa brings over a decade of experience at prestigious international resorts and gained widespread acclaim as a participant in Top Chef Thailand 2023.

Throughout the event, Chef Tipa presents a curated menu that reimagines authentic Thai flavours with modern sophistication. This culinary journey honours traditional Thai techniques while incorporating subtle local influences, promising an unforgettable experience of artistry and flavour.

Sangu Garden: A Gastronomy Journey Through the Maldives

Step into the serene elegance of the new Sangu Garden Restaurant, where nature-inspired design meets contemporary sophistication. Crafted with sustainable materials such as special bamboo and alang-alang leaves sourced from Bali, the space seamlessly harmonises with its surroundings, reflecting the resort’s eco-conscious ethos. The menu highlights responsibly sourced seafood, meats, and local produce, complemented by live cooking stations, interactive dining experiences and self-caught fish grills, culminating in a celebration of Maldivian flavours, timeless artistry, and sustainable living.

Michelin-starred Guest Chef Elevating Sustainable Dining at Award-Winning Madi Hiyaa The celebrations feature an exclusive dining experience at Madi Hiyaa, the Prix Versailles award-winning Japanese restaurant where stunning design meets sustainable luxury. For four nights only, Michelin-starred Chef Hideaki Nagaya takes centre stage, showcasing his masterful fusion of Japanese and French techniques and presenting a menu inspired by his philosophy of “pure, simple, and seasonal” cuisine. Set in the serene overwater pavilion with panoramic views, Madi Hiyaa’s distinctive bamboo structure creates an immersive dining experience that perfectly complements his refined creations.

Exclusive Dine-around concept

With the resort’s exclusive dine-around concept, guests can immerse in a culinary journey that celebrates the flavours of the Maldives and beyond and revel in the ultimate experience with the All-Inclusive package, offering unlimited drinks, afternoon tea, and exclusive offers on spa treatments, diving, and more.

Family

Kuramathi Maldives brings families together with fortnightly children’s programme

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Kuramathi Maldives has introduced the new Bageecha Kids Club fortnightly programme, designed to inspire creativity, nurture curiosity, and create memorable holidays for children. The two-week programme, which began on 25 August, offers a wide range of engaging activities for children of different ages and interests. Bageecha Kids Club aims to create lasting memories, build friendships, and enhance family holidays. With this initiative, Kuramathi Maldives continues its commitment to delivering enriching experiences for guests of all ages.

The pirate-themed club is specially designed for children aged 3 to 12 years and operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Families travelling with children under the age of three may request babysitting services at an additional charge, ensuring that younger guests are also well cared for during their stay at Kuramathi.

Week 1:

  • Monday – Art & Nature Day: Activities include a scavenger hunt, nature crafts, and fitness games. Children can build sandcastles on the beach, take part in pool activities, enjoy splash pad games, and explore watercolour painting.
  • Tuesday – Ocean Adventures: Young participants can enjoy reef crafts, pool activities, and an underwater wildlife masterclass, concluding with fish tattoos and aquatic-themed fun.
  • Wednesday – Sports Day: The day features mini-Olympics, children’s yoga, and beach volleyball, followed by pool time and a BBQ lunch.
  • Thursday – Pirate & Mermaid Day: Children create treasure maps, embark on a treasure hunt, and learn to make pirate hats and mermaid crowns. The day concludes with splash games and a film.
  • Friday – Superhero Adventure: Children design their own costumes, take part in beach games, and enjoy kite flying, before ending the day with a superhero disco.
  • Saturday – Tropical Explorers: The programme includes animal crafts, jungle walks, coconut bowling, and pool activities, followed by a cinema session with popcorn.
  • Sunday – Maldivian Culture & Heritage: Children are invited to learn Dhivehi phrases, craft miniature Dhonis, and practise traditional drumming. Palm leaf weaving and poolside activities round off the day.

Week 2:

  • Monday – Eco & Green Day: Children make bookmarks and recycled art, alongside beach games, pool activities, and a nature walk.
  • Tuesday – Underwater Wonders: Activities include underwater crafts, painting seascapes, a reef quiz, and laboratory time at the Eco Centre.
  • Wednesday – Beach Olympics: The day features yoga, beach activities, pool time, a BBQ lunch, dance and movement sessions, hydroponic gardening, and a mini triathlon.
  • Thursday – Creative Mind: Budding artists work on a group mural and nature journals, alongside pool adventures, water games, and a dance party.
  • Friday – Animal Kingdom: The schedule includes animal-themed crafts, a relay race, pool activities, board games, and a paper plane contest.
  • Saturday – Pirate Adventure: Children take part in crafts, pool games, and a treasure hunt, designing their own ship as part of the day’s activities.
  • Sunday – Adventure & Fun: The final day brings a dance competition, superhero quiz, memory games, an obstacle course, and relay races.

The Bageecha Kids Club fortnightly programme provides children with the opportunity to experience creativity, fun, and cultural discovery, ensuring a memorable holiday for families at Kuramathi Maldives

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Celebration

‘A Season by the Sea’: Jumeirah Olhahali Island reveals holiday calendar

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Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced its festive programme, ‘A Season by the Sea’, which will take place from Thursday 18 December 2025 to Wednesday 7 January 2026. The programme combines seasonal traditions with experiences designed for guests of all ages.

The celebrations begin on 18 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, where guests can enjoy festive treats and live music. The following day, children will have the chance to take part in a gingerbread house decorating workshop.

A range of wellness and leisure activities will be available throughout the festive season, including sunrise power yoga, Pilates by the water’s edge, and tennis sessions in the evenings. Holiday tournaments will add a competitive edge for sports enthusiasts. Marine activities will also feature prominently, with options such as the Ocean Wonders Christmas morning snorkelling excursion, Dolphin Quest cruises, and private nurse shark encounters.

Dining experiences form a central part of the programme. Guests can take part in themed events including an Oyster and Caviar Dinner, a Maldivian Sharing Beach Dinner, and a private Festive High Tea. Christmas Eve will be marked with a Gala Gathering followed by the Olhahali Oceanside Gala Dinner, with live music, performances, and a festive menu. On Christmas Day, the resort will host a Poolside Brunch featuring seasonal dishes.

New Year’s Eve will be celebrated with a soirée at the heart of the island, followed by the resort’s signature Gala Dinner at Glow, which will feature a specially curated menu and entertainment. The celebrations continue on New Year’s Day with a Beachside Brunch, and the week that follows will include events such as the Chef’s Table at Kayto, highlighting Nikkei cuisine, and Taste of India at Glow, showcasing Indian culinary traditions.

To complement the programme, Jumeirah Olhahali Island offers a range of villas suitable for couples, families, and larger groups. Options include one-bedroom overwater and beach villas with private pools, rooftop terraces, and direct ocean access, as well as two- and three-bedroom residences such as the signature MIRI Villa. These larger accommodations feature spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms, and infinity pools set over the lagoon or beach, designed to create a setting for shared celebrations during the festive season.

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Featured

Chinese National Day with festivities at Centara Resorts in Maldives

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Centara Hotels & Resorts is marking the Chinese National Day Holiday Week with a programme of celebrations across four of its Maldivian properties: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. Taking place from late September to early October, each resort is presenting a series of cultural activities, wellness experiences, and dining events designed for the occasion.

At Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, located within The Atollia and accessible by speedboat from Malé, guests are being offered a festive line-up that includes Chinese-themed dinners, poolside dim sum, and seafood feasts. The resort has also introduced a range of activities such as aqua aerobics, water polo, beach volleyball, craft sessions for children, and family games. Evenings feature cultural showcases, live music, karaoke, and outdoor cinema, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, a resort with a strong focus on families, has designed its holiday programme under the theme ‘A Holiday Full of Smiles’. With attractions such as a waterpark, lazy river, and dedicated kids’ zones, the resort has arranged Chinese breakfast corners, creative workshops, scavenger hunts, and beach games during the day. In the evenings, families are invited to enjoy beachside feasts, karaoke, themed dinners, and open-air cinema. Longan cocktail hours, ice cream specials, and seafood platters have also been introduced as part of the week’s activities.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection, is combining cultural programmes with its focus on sustainability and natural surroundings. Between 28 September and 10 October, the resort is hosting sunrise yoga, coral planting, kite-making, lantern workshops, scavenger hunts, and storytelling sessions. Dining highlights include Asian street food nights, seafood barbecues, mooncake afternoon teas, and a floating lantern release under the full moon. Families are catered for with beach games, treasure hunts, and movie nights, while wellness enthusiasts can participate in spa workshops and treatments.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, an adults-only retreat located 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé, is offering a more intimate holiday celebration. Guests can experience themed dining with Chinese-inspired décor and a beach party under the stars, complemented by live entertainment. With its focus on couples and friends, the resort’s approach blends cultural flavours with a festive yet relaxed atmosphere.

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