News
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
Fashion
Finolhu Maldives to welcome artist Araceli Adams for ceramics masterclasses
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is set to welcome contemporary artist Araceli Adams for an exclusive festive residency from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Bringing together art, nature and the joy of creative expression, the residency invites guests to discover the world of ceramics through immersive workshops inspired by the extraordinary marine life and natural beauty of the Maldives.
Known for her distinctive artistic interpretations of marine life on ceramics, Adams draws inspiration from the natural world, transforming everyday objects into expressive works of art. Through Araceli Adams, her creative practice celebrates the beauty and diversity of ocean life, making her residency a natural fit for Finolhu’s spectacular setting within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.
Throughout the festive season, guests will have the opportunity to explore their artistic side under Adams’ guidance, discovering the pleasures of working with ceramics in a relaxed and inspiring island environment. Designed for both beginners and those with a passion for art, the experiences encourage creativity, personal expression and a deeper appreciation of the marine world.
The residency begins with a meet-and-greet at Finolhu’s cocktail party on 21 December, offering guests an opportunity to meet the artist and discover the inspiration behind her work. An introductory pottery experience on 24 December will set the tone for a series of intimate creative sessions, followed by group masterclasses taking place between Christmas Day and 3 January.
Limited to just six participants per session, the masterclasses offer a more personal and engaging opportunity to learn from Adams while creating individual pieces inspired by the colours, textures and marine surroundings of the island. For guests seeking a more tailored experience, private pottery sessions will also be available, providing an intimate setting for individuals, couples and families to explore their creativity together.
The residency forms part of Finolhu’s festive celebrations, Magic by the Sea, bringing an artistic dimension to the resort’s seasonal programme. Beyond the traditional festivities, the collaboration offers guests an opportunity to slow down, discover a new creative pursuit and create meaningful memories through hands-on experiences.
The collaboration with Araceli Adams continues Finolhu’s commitment to bringing international creative talent to the island. Earlier in 2026, the resort welcomed celebrated British designer Matthew Williamson for an exclusive October residency, introducing guests to his distinctive world of colour, pattern and design through creative masterclasses and personalised experiences. In November, contemporary artist and photographer Yakov Khomich brought his artistic perspective to Finolhu’s Art Lab, further enriching the resort’s programme of immersive creative encounters. Together, these residencies reflect Finolhu’s growing reputation as a destination where art, design and island living come together.
Art and creativity have long been part of Finolhu’s distinctive island identity. With its contemporary design, vibrant atmosphere and dedicated Art Lab, the resort embraces creative expression as an integral part of the guest experience. The collaboration with Araceli Adams further reflects this philosophy, connecting guests with the island’s remarkable natural surroundings through art.
Set against the backdrop of Finolhu’s turquoise lagoon, pristine beaches and iconic two-kilometre sandbank, the residency offers a refreshing way to experience the festive season. Whether discovering ceramics for the first time or simply enjoying a shared creative moment with loved ones, guests are invited to embrace the freedom of artistic expression in one of the world’s most beautiful island settings.
Araceli Adams’ residency at Finolhu will take place from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, with group masterclasses scheduled between 25 December and 3 January and private pottery sessions available from 24 December to 2 January. Advance reservations are recommended due to limited availability.
For further information and reservations, visit www.finolhu.com or contact stay@finolhu.com.
News
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives marks second anniversary with family experiences
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives celebrates its second anniversary on 13 November, marking two years of bringing families together through distinctive and immersive island experiences, underwater discovery and memorable moments shared across generations. Under the theme ‘Two Years of Family Wonder’, the resort will mark the occasion with a series of specially curated activities inspired by its connection to the ocean, its natural surroundings and its continued commitment to creating meaningful moments for families.
In just two years since opening in November 2024, the resort has earned notable recognition across the regional travel and hospitality industry, securing several prestigious accolades for its approach to family hospitality. These include Best Resorts for Families at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, Best Family Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2026 and Best Family Friendly Hotel in the Maldives by Little Steps Asia 2025. This growing collection of industry recognition reflects the resort’s distinctive underwater-inspired setting, thoughtfully designed family accommodation and extensive range of experiences for guests of all ages.
“From the outset, our vision for Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives has been to create an immersive destination where families can come together, discover new experiences and make lasting memories. Every aspect of the resort, from its distinctive underwater-inspired setting and thoughtfully designed accommodation to its diverse recreational and dining experiences, has been shaped around the needs and interests of families travelling together. To have this vision recognised through leading regional travel and hospitality awards within just two years of opening is a significant achievement for our team. As we celebrate our second anniversary, we remain committed to evolving our family offering and creating even more opportunities for parents and children to connect, explore and experience the Maldives together,” said Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
A significant highlight of the anniversary programme is a distinctive underwater wine ageing experience, bringing together the art of winemaking and the unique marine environment of the Maldives. In collaboration with the resort’s Best Dives team, guests will be invited to witness the preparation, sealing and placement of selected wine bottles beneath the ocean. The bottles will remain submerged for a minimum of two months, with guests having the opportunity to reserve their bottles for collection on a future visit. The initiative adds an unexpected dimension to the anniversary celebrations, connecting the occasion with the island’s remarkable underwater surroundings.
The celebrations will also feature a selection of activities that reflect the resort’s connection to nature and its family-focused spirit. Guests can take part in a sandcastle carving activity along the shoreline, while a tree planting ceremony will further mark the occasion, with each tree symbolising growth, togetherness and a shared commitment to the island’s natural environment.
As Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives enters its third year, the anniversary celebrates not only the experiences and achievements that have shaped its journey so far, but also the continued ambition to create distinctive island experiences where families can discover, connect and make memories together.
Love
Eri Maldives announces ‘Eat, Play, Love’ Valentine’s celebrations
A certain memoir once sent a generation in search of itself through pasta, prayer and a love story, the hunger for good food, inner calm and a little romance still runs as deep as ever Eri Maldives is reframing the formula for today’s couples, with two places set at the table.
This February, the North Malé Atoll hideaway unveils Eat, Play, Love from 12–16 February 2027,, made for couples and kindred spirits ready to trade the prix-fixe-and-roses routine for lingering meals, saltwater adventures and spontaneous moments worth keeping. The programme is built less around a place than a state of mind, in step with Booking.com’s 2027 Travel Predictions, which found that 81% of global travellers would now choose a holiday primarily by how they want to feel, rather than where they want to go.

Eat: The Way to the Heart
Valentine’s night proper belongs to A Valentine’s Feast, a five-course aphrodisiac menu served on 14 February with a glass of sparkling wine, at the kind of leisurely pace that makes phones feel optional. For something more tucked away, Dinner Beneath the Stars lays a table under a wide-open sky, opening with a signature cocktail and ending with a villa turndown.
Between courses, Sips for Two takes over the bar at Sip & Dip, pouring jumbo Valentine cocktails and swoon-worthy infusions made for sharing, best ordered with two straws and no rush.
Play: Making Waves
For pairs whose love language is quality time spent slightly out of breath, the reef does the matchmaking. Dive in Together is a guided scuba session for two, equipment included, an easy first step beneath the surface for newcomers and seasoned swimmers alike, with underwater camera for hire to capture that first shared descent.
Thrill-seekers can take the fast lane with Chase the Blue, a jet ski dash to a secluded reef followed by a guided snorkel, with photo kit and extra reef time for those not quite done with the water.

Love: Slow Hours and Soft Landings
As afternoon tips into evening, Love at Golden Hour carries lovebirds across the lagoon with sparkling wine in hand and a mellow soundtrack, while the sky pulls off what no filter ever could.
Physical touch takes centre stage at EsKape Spa with In the Ocean’s Rhythm, a 90-minute side-by-side ritual inspired by the tide’s ebb and flow, using sweeping palm strokes and bespoke aromatherapy oils to quieten busy minds. For those wanting the best for both, An Island Ritual for Two fills the hours from late afternoon to nightfall, carrying the calm of a shared massage into a dusk cruise and an intimate dinner, before a villa turndown closes the night.
Partners booking two massages also leave with a parting gift: A Lasting Touch, a complimentary massage oil or essential oil that keeps the spa-day glow alive long after the tan fades.
The Main Character Edit
For those after the full rom-com arc without lifting a finger, The Perfect Day for Love strings every chapter together: a private breakfast, a spa interlude, a twilight sail and a Champagne supper with live music, with a personal photographer capturing enough content for a relationship hard launch, or a camera roll to revisit on the next anniversary. In the end, the itinerary is just the frame; the real story is everything in between. That, above all, is what the island makes room for at Eri.

Rooms start from £321 per night on a Full Board basis when booking directly. All experiences run daily from 12–16 February 2027 unless stated otherwise, some requiring reservations at least six hours ahead.
-
News1 week agoBandos Maldives lines up festive dining, family activities and entertainment for Christmas, New Year
-
Business7 days agoManhattan Grand Hotel inaugurated in Hulhumalé with 162 rooms and major event facilities
-
Awards1 week agoCoco Bodu Hithi recognised for sustainability at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027
-
News1 week agoNiva Kuramathi Maldives celebrates International Men’s Day with spa and fitness experiences
-
News1 week agoSO/ Maldives celebrates three years with new island experiences and villa offerings
-
Drink6 days agoBaros Maldives welcomes Italian winemaker Maria Stella for exclusive wine dinner
-
Drink1 week agoFrench winemaker Pascal Jolivet to lead wine-pairing dinner at Milaidhoo Maldives
-
Action1 week agoananea Madivaru Maldives to host international padel player Cornelia Lister


