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Unwrap enchantment of Maldives this festive season with unbeatable stay at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives
The festive season is just around the corner, and there has never been a better time to dive into the adventure at the newly opened Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. To ensure your festive getaway is nothing short of legendary, this breathtaking underwater-themed paradise will present an action-packed lineup of activities to keep the whole family feeling jolly. Promising a series of unmissable adventures like engaging crafts and scavenger hunts for young guests and elegant sunset cocktails for adults, all set against the glistening sea views, now is the perfect opportunity to book your dream holiday getaway.
December 22nd
Kick off the festivities in style at the Kids’ Club from 11am where young guests will have the chance to make their very own holiday ornaments, the perfect souvenir to remind you of your family getaway. Alternatively, venture to the Sailhouse for an afternoon of crafting delicious gingerbread houses, followed by a magnificent tree decorating and lighting ceremony at Mirage Bridge to finish the day on an extra merry note.
- Holiday Ornament Making: 11am to 12pm at Kids’ Club
- Festive Gingerbread House Making: 3pm to 4pm at Sailhouse’
- Festive Tree Decorating & Tree Lighting Ceremony: 30pm to 7.30pm at Mirage Bridge
December 23rd
Promising a splash of adventure from dawn till dusk, kick off the day with the Beach & Sand ‘Snowman’ Challenge and sculpt your own sandy masterpiece. Stick around as the whole family dives into the fun with the Pirates of the Sea treasure hunt, where mysteries of the Mirage await to be uncovered. Finally, join the fun with Uncle Octopus’ Lazy River Race, bringing the island community together for waves of laughter and celebration.
- Beach & Sand ‘Snowman’ Challenge: 10am to 11pm at the Beach
- Family Fun Day/Pirates of the Sea: 3pm to 4pm at the Beach
- Uncle Octopus’ Lazy River Race: 4pm to 5pm at the Lazy River
December 24th
This festive eve, there will be an extra sprinkling of magic in the air at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives as Santa makes his way to the island to deliver toys to all the children. As the excitement builds, gather the gang for a special holiday scavenger hunt to find things left by Madame Stingray on her first visit to the Mirage or let your little ones show off their skills at the Seaside Strikers Beach Football Match. To finish the day off, kids can unleash their creativity with a festive eve art activity at the Kids’ Corner, where they can count down to the big day with paint, glitter, and plenty of holiday cheer.
- Magical Island Scavenger Hunt – Festive Edition: 10am to 11am at the Kids’ Club
- Seaside Strikers – a Beach Football Match: 4pm to 5pm at the Kids’ Club
- Christmas Eve Kids’ Art Corner: 6pm to 9.30pm at the Kids’ Corner at the Main Pool
- Festive Eve Cocktail & Gala Dinner: 6pm to 9.30pm at the Sailhouse and Main Pool
December 25th
On December 25th, the elves at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives will be pulling out all the stops to ensure your holiday is anything but ordinary. Begin the big day at the Kids’ Club where young guests will have one more chance to get a good word in with the big man with a Letter to Santa & Santa’s Arts & Crafts session. Next up, head to the Sailhouse to tuck into a festive day brunch packed with all your favourite holiday goodies before enjoying a special appearance from Santa on the beach. Once the sun has set, treat the kids to a fun-filled evening at Madame Stingray’s Pyjama Party.
- Letter to Santa & Santa’s Arts & Craft: 11am to 12pm at the Kids’ Club
- Festive Day Brunch: 30pm to 3pm at the Sailhouse
- Santa’s Arrival: 3pm to 4pm at the Beach
- Madame Stingray’s Pyjama Party: 7pm to 9pm at the Beach/ Main Pool
December 26th
Still got some holiday spirit left in you? Dive into a day packed with fun, starting with Jellyfish Limbo and Shark Attack Tag at the Kids’ Club. Then, embark on an Underwater Treasure Hunt with Papa Turtle before he returns, and wrap up the day with a beach volleyball match for the whole family at the E-Zone – because nothing screams the holidays quite like some friendly competition!
- Jellyfish Limbo & Shark Attack Tag: 11am to 12pm at the Kids’ Club
- Underwater Treasure Hunt: 2pm to 3pm at the Kids’ Club
- Block Busters – A Friendly Volleyball Match: 4pm to 5pm at the E-Zone
December 27th
Prepare to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Maldives as you explore the pristine beaches as a family with a seashell hunting and crafts activity or take the plunge with guided lagoon snorkelling and an underwater scavenger hunt. For something a little more chill, make yourself cosy at the Kids’ Club for a festive movie night under the stars.
- Down by the Sea – Seashell Hunting & Crafts: 10am to 11pm at the Beach
- Under the Sea Scavenger Hunt – A Guided Lagoon Snorkeling: 3pm to 4pm at the E-Zone
- Kids’ Movie Night: 7pm to 9pm at the Kids’ Club
December 28th
Soar into the holiday spirit with an exhilarating kite challenge on the beach, testing how long your kites can dance in the breeze. After conquering the skies, gather your crew for a game of frisbee in the ‘Game of Throws,’ soaking up the sun and island vibes. When it’s time to cool down, head to the Dolphin Pool Bar for BLU! SPLASH, where the beats are fresh, the cocktails are chilled, and the laughter flows as freely as the island breeze.
- Up Up and Away – A Kite Flying Challenge: 10am to 11am at the Beach
- Game of Throws – A Frisbee Friendly Match: 1pm to 2pm at Teens
- BLU! SPLASH by the Pool: 3pm to 5pm at the Dolphin Pool Bar
December 29th
Keep the festive buzz alive and freshen up your mocktail-making skills as you mix, stir, muddle, and shake up sparkling holiday concoctions at the E-Zone. Meanwhile, young adventurers are invited to step up to the challenge at Papa Turtle’s epic Sea Creature Obstacle race. Finally, reunite the whole family with a blissful ‘It’s a Sunset Affair’, serving plenty of refreshing beverages and mesmerising island views, followed by a spectacular kids’ talent show to mark the end of another day in paradise.
- Bubbly Blast – Holiday Mocktail Making: 11am to 12pm at the E-Zone
- Sea Creature Obstacle Race: 4pm to 5pm at the Kids’ Club
- It’s a Sunset Affair: 30 to 7pm at Mirage Beach
- Get your Sparkle On – Kids’ Spectacular Talent Show: 7pm to 9pm at Mirage Beach
December 30th
Let the countdown to the new year begin with a morning of sea creature-themed arts and crafts at the Kids’ Club or dive into an afternoon of discovery with the Island Sea Creatures Hunt, where little adventurers can uncover the secrets of the Mirage. As the day turns to night, gather at the Amphitheatre for a magical movie experience under a starlit sky, the perfect way to wind down after a day of sandy escapades.
- Create Your Own Sea Creature Crafts: 11am to 12pm at the Kids’ Club
- Discover the Mirage Underwater World Themed Island Playground – Island Sea Creatures Hunt: 4pm to 5pm at the Kids’ Club
- A Theatre Under the Stars: 9pm to 11pm at the Amphitheater
December 31st
Allow your little explorers to bid farewell to 2024 at the Kids’ Club with a DIY Memoir session, capturing all their favourite moments of the year with drawings, photos, and stories. For something more high-energy, head to the E-zone to battle it out in a beach badminton match.
As the countdown approaches, make your first toast with a refreshing pre-dinner cocktail on the beach before heading to the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner for an unforgettable bash. While the kids let their imaginations run wild at the Kid’s Art Corner, adults are invited to ring in the new year in style with a dazzling poolside party packed with live music and a DJ spinning the freshest beats – make sure to reserve your bottle of sparkling in advance!
- DIY Year 2024 Memoir: 11am to 12pm at the Kids’ Club
- Island Smashers – A Beach Badminton Match: 4pm to 5pm at the E-Zone
- The last day of 2024: 6pm to 7pm at the beach
- New Year’s Eve – Kids’ Art Corner: 7pm to 11pm at the Kids’ Club
- New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner: 7pm to 9.30pm at the Sailhouse
- The New Year’s Eve Party: 10pm until late at the Poolside
January 1st
Kick off 2025 with a touch of magic as young adventurers at the Kids’ Club create their own time capsules, filled with dreams and memories, and bury them in the enchanted sands of Mirage Beach. After the little ones have sealed their wishes for the year ahead, the whole family is invited to a flavourful New Year’s Day brunch at the oceanfront Sailhouse. To wash down all the delicious food, continue the festivities with a lavish sunset cocktail on Mirage Beach.
- Make a Special Time Capsule Project: 11am to 12pm at the Kids’ Club
- New Year’s Day Brunch: 7am to 2.30pm at the Sailhouse
- First Toast of the Year – Sunset Cocktail: 6pm to 7pm at Mirage Beach
January 2nd
Continue the underwater-themed adventure at the Kids’ Club where young guests can unleash their inner artist with a unique Stained Glass crafting session. Next, get the whole family involved with an afternoon of unmissable games, crafts, delicious food, and special surprises by the beach or let the little ones loose with a fun-packed Kids’ Night Out at the Kids’ Club.
- Stained Glass Under the Sea: 10am to 11am at the Kids’ Club
- Family Fun Day: 4pm to 5pm at the Beach
- Kids’ Night Out: 7pm to 9pm at the Kids’ Club
January 3rd
Your festive trip to the Maldives would not be complete without exploring its vibrant marine life and the Guided Lagoon Snorkelling and Under the Sea Scavenger Hunt is the perfect option. Follow Papa Turtle’s trail to uncover hidden treasures beneath the waves, then head to the beach for a lively Crab Hunt & Crab Race. To end the day, get comfy with loved ones for a magical family movie night under the open Maldivian sky.
- Under the Sea Scavenger Hunt – A Guided Lagoon Snorkeling: 10am to 11am at the E-Zone
- We are going on a Crab Hunt & Crab Race: 4pm to 5pm at the E-Zone
- Under the Stars Family Movie Night: 8pm to 10pm at the Kids’ Club
January 4th
Step up to the challenge as Papa Turtle invites young guests to the Waves of Fun Obstacle Race, promising to be an absolute whale of a time. Additionally, stick around the Kids’ Club for a friendly water balloon fight.
- Waves of Fun Obstacle Race: 10am to 11am at the Kids’ Club
- Jellyfish Races – A Water Balloon Friendly Fight: 4pm to 5pm at the Kids’ Club
January 5th
Let the spirit of adventure continue well into the new year at the Kid’s Club. On January 5th, kids can test their wits with a series of mind-bending puzzles at the Might Mind Ocean Adventure or take the fun to new heights with an exciting kite flying challenge.
- Mighty Mind Ocean Adventure: 11am to 12pm at the Kids’ Club
- Up Up and Away – A Kite Flying Challenge: 4pm to 5pm at the Kids’ Club
January 6th
Wrap up your festive island escape with activities to enchant the whole family. Beginning at the Kids’ Club, youngsters are welcomed to a sandcastle-building competition followed by a beach football match. Finally, promising the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip, gather your nearest and dearest for an evening of dazzling festive colours, scrumptious food, and live music at Suan Bua Beach.
- Build Your Own Sand Castle Challenge: 10am to 11am at the Kids’ Club
- Seaside Strikers – A Beach Football Match: 4pm to 5pm at the E-Zone
- An Orthodox Christmas Evening with Traditions & Toasts: 7pm to 11pm at Suan Bua Beach
For bookings and more information, please call +960 401 5555 or email cmlm@chr.co.th
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Sun Siyam Privé Collection, has introduced an expanded portfolio of water-based experiences designed to showcase the natural environment and marine life of the surrounding atolls. The enhanced programme combines exploration, activity and moments of calm, offering guests new ways to experience the Maldives through curated ocean journeys and personalised excursions.
Building on established activities such as Jet Car rides, SeaBob adventures and windsurfing, the resort has expanded its watersports offering to include private speedboat journeys and bespoke marine experiences. These additions are tailored for small groups seeking intimate and meaningful encounters with the ocean.
Available daily from the resort’s Watersports Centre, the new private speedboat excursions provide a personalised way to explore the hidden marine sites of Dhaalu Atoll. Designed for one to four guests, each journey offers flexibility and individual attention. Guests may choose from four-hour, five-hour or full-day itineraries, all of which include a freshly prepared barbecue lunch. From coral gardens to secluded sandbanks, the excursions highlight the region’s diverse marine landscapes.
The programme’s centrepiece is the Full Day Adventure Trip, which offers an extended exploration of key marine locations. Highlights include the Coral Garden, known for its biodiversity and reef formations; Turtle Point, where sea turtles are frequently sighted; and Nurse Shark Point, which provides opportunities to observe nurse sharks in their natural environment. The experience concludes with a beachside lunch on a private sandbank, set against uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.
For guests seeking a balance between activity and relaxation, the Waves of Adventure and Calmness experience combines a private two-hour snorkelling safari or Jet Ski safari with a full-body massage at the resort. The programme is designed to transition smoothly from ocean exploration to restorative island time, reflecting the relaxed pace that characterises Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
As part of the Sun Siyam Privé Collection, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef continues to focus on personalised service and experiences rooted in the natural setting of the Maldives. Through its expanded watersports offering, the resort invites guests to engage with the marine environment while enjoying a sense of privacy, discovery and connection to the Maldivian seascape.
This March, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites global tastemakers and discerning travellers to celebrate Nowruz with an elevated Spring Festival activities set along the pristine shores of Vagaru Island. Marking a season of renewal and new beginnings, the resort unveils a meticulously composed journey of gastronomy, culture, and inspired island living in honour of this timeless tradition.
At the heart of the Nowruz celebration is a trilogy of curated destination dining experiences on March 20, 22 and 24, each designed to highlight the artistry and versatility of the resort’s culinary landscape while embracing the spirit of spring.
On March 20, an intimate wine dinner in the exclusive Wine Room sets the tone for the festivities. Tucked within Aaila, the beachfront restaurant, this elegant enclave is dedicated to private tastings and bespoke culinary encounters. Home to a curated collection of over 1,200 labels from renowned and boutique vineyards alike, the Wine Room offers a serene setting.
Against this backdrop, a distinguished selection of fine wines is paired with a seasonal menu beginning with A Perfect Egg with Sea Urchin Caviar, followed by Sterlet with Chestnut Velouté. The evening unfolds as a welcoming prelude to the Spring Festival, presented as a five-course wine pairing dinner where each selection is harmoniously matched, creating a seamless journey of flavour, balance, and warm celebration.
The celebration continues on March 22 at RIHA, the resort’s distinctive destination dining venue, a hidden beachfront oasis designed for immersive culinary experiences. Set directly on the sand and framed by the Indian Ocean, RIHA features a dramatic sunken Tandoor and Tawa, creating an intimate, theatrical setting. Here, meals are prepared by a personal chef, allowing each course from Cured Duck Tartare with Eel Cream and Fiddlehead Greens to Deer Pie with Civet Sauce to unfold as a bespoke expression of craftsmanship and seasonality.
On March 24, Hashi concludes the Spring Festival series amid a serene overwater setting, transformed for the evening into an intimate fine dining experience. Guests will savor a specially curated menu, with highlights such as Éclair with Cod Rillette and Reindeer Pelmeni with Porcini Broth, celebrating both the purity of ingredients and the precision of technique, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary expression. This culminating evening not only honors the artistry of the chefs but also embodies the spirit of the Spring Festival series.
Together, these three evenings unfold as a harmonious celebration of spring as each venue sharing its own expression of renewal and the joy of gathering.
With 60 spacious villas, each featuring a private pool and panoramic views of the turquoise waters. Guests can choose between beachfront serenity or the tranquillity of overwater living. Attentive service by a personal Thakuru (butler), ensuring every detail is tailored to their needs. Additionally, guests are also invited to explore the natural beauty of the island by bicycle, encouraging unhurried discovery across the island’s lush pathways.
Located at the ultra-luxury Velaa Private Island, Maldives, the Ocean Pool House has been thoughtfully reimagined and elevated, unveiling a sophisticated new chapter in contemporary coastal design. The upgraded space seamlessly blends architecture, bespoke furnishings and artisanal details, creating an atmosphere that is both relaxed and refined, a destination designed for effortless luxury by the ocean.
At the heart of the project is Joy Alexandre Harb, principal architect and founder of JYH International Architects. Renowned for his contextual and human-centred approach, Harb’s architectural vision brings clarity, balance and flow to the Ocean Pool House, enhancing its relationship with light, water and the surrounding environment.
The interior concept is further enriched by the creative direction of Eva Szumilas, whose furniture designs introduce sculptural elegance and tactile comfort. Her work complements the architecture with a refined sense of proportion and materiality, ensuring each piece feels both intentional and inviting.
Adding a distinctive layer of character is a selection of atypical furniture curated and supplied by L´ATELIER, led by Aziz Moussawer. Known for sourcing unique, conversation-driven pieces, L´ATELIER brings an artisanal and expressive quality to the space.
A standout feature within the Ocean Pool House is the inclusion of the iconic Litho chair by Pierre Frey. Celebrated for its bold design language and craftsmanship, the chair serves as both a functional element and a sculptural statement, reinforcing the project’s commitment to timeless yet contemporary design.
Completing the interior palette are bespoke carpets by BM HOME, created under the direction of Elif Paşalıoğlu Demirtaş. These custom pieces ground the space with warmth and texture, subtly enhancing comfort while harmonising with the overall aesthetic.
Together, these collaborations result in an Ocean Pool House at Velaa Private Island, Maldives that is not merely upgraded, but transformed, a space where architecture, design and craftsmanship converge to create an immersive and elevated guest experience within one of the Indian Ocean’s most exclusive private island destinations.
Nestled within the constellation of islands that form the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, Velaa Private Island takes exclusivity to the next level with facilities and service that go beyond traditional resorts. Designed by award-winning Czech architect Petr Kolar as “an elegant fusion of Maldivian culture with contemporary luxury, intimate with Maldivian nuances”.
Velaa Private Island is the realisation of a dream to create a ‘beyond luxury’ exclusive boutique hideaway in the Maldives. Velaa means “Turtle” in the local language, named after generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch. From a broader “bird’s eye view” which greets arrivals by seaplane, the island’s exclusive over-water villas are also constructed to resemble the head of a turtle, with the island forming the body.
The resort comprises 47 private villas, houses and exclusive residences. While 18 of the 47 are built over water, the Romantic Pool Residence can only be reached by boat, allowing even more privacy and exclusivity.
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