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Unwrap enchantment of Maldives this festive season with unbeatable stay at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives

Published

2 years ago

December 10, 2024

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 22^nd

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 23^rd

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 24^th

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 25^th

On December 25^th, 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 26^th

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 27^th

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 28^th

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 29^th

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 30^th

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 31^st

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 1^st

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 2^nd

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 3^rd

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 4^th

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 5^th

Let the spirit of adventure continue well into the new year at the Kid’s Club. On January 5^th, 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 6^th

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

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Football legends Andy Cole and Stuart Pearce head back to Niva Kuramathi Maldives

Published

13 hours ago

August 17, 2026

m@ldives

Back by popular demand, Niva Kuramathi Maldives has announced the return of Campioni Soccer Academy for 2027. Taking place over Easter 2027 and Summer 2027, the football academy for aspiring young players aged 4-16, is a celebration of sport, sunshine and island spirit.

Week One, Easter 2027: 29th March to 3rd April 2027 | Led by Andy Cole and UEFA ‘A’ Licensed coach Adrian Whitbread

Week Two, Summer 2027: 26th – 31st July 2027 | Led by Stuart Pearce MBE and UEFA ‘A’ Licensed coach Adrian Whitbread

Experience the ultimate family getaway with Campioni and Niva Kuramathi; set against the turquoise backdrop of the Indian Ocean, Campioni transforms Niva Kuramathi’s pristine football pitch into a training ground led by former Premier League players and UEFA coaches. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to be coached for two-hours, daily, whilst on holiday, by legendary players who have played and managed teams at the highest level.

Welcoming one of England’s best known and most loved football icons Stuart Pearce MBE, and one of the Premier League’s all-time great strikers Andy Cole, each joined by UEFA ‘A’ licensed coach Adrian Whitbread, this year Campioni promises two unforgettable weeks of daily training sessions in paradise.

Andy Cole is best known for his hugely successful spell at Manchester United, where he won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League as part of the historic 1999 Treble-winning side. Cole brings world-class experience and inspiration to Campioni Soccer Academy; renowned for his sharp finishing, professionalism, and winning mentality. His involvement gives young players a unique chance to learn from a true legend and understand what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

One of England’s most respected football legends, Stuart Pearce plays an inspiring role at Campioni Soccer Academy, where he helps train and mentor young players. Known for his passion, leadership, and determination both on and off the pitch, Pearce brings a wealth of experience from his illustrious career, which includes captaining England and managing at the highest levels of the game. His involvement at Campioni provides aspiring footballers with a unique opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s greats, gaining valuable insights into teamwork, discipline, and what it truly takes to succeed in football.

The week-long Academy begins with an oceanfront welcome reception where families meet the legends, collect their bespoke training kits, and toast to the week ahead.

From Monday to Saturday, children take part in daily interactive training sessions under the expert guidance of the pros, focusing on technical skills, game awareness and overall development using the FA’s 4 Corner Model. Learning the importance of teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship, this is a chance for boys and girls of all abilities to learn from the best in the game while creating unforgettable memories.

Parents can unwind across the resort knowing their children are safe, active, and inspired – or lace up their own boots for the Parents’ Game midweek – a crowd favourite that turns the pitch into a playground for all ages.

“I can’t wait to return to Niva Kuramathi for the Campioni Soccer Academy in Summer 2027. Last year’s academy was such a memorable experience, and I’m excited to meet another group of families and young players. What makes Campioni so special is seeing the confidence and potential that comes through in every session. It’s about more than football, it’s about encouraging young people to believe in themselves, aim high and enjoy the journey along the way,” said Stuart Pearce MBE.

“Campioni Soccer Academy is always an incredible experience, and I’m really looking forward to joining the team at Niva Kuramathi next Easter. It’s always rewarding to see families come together and watch kids learn, grow and have fun through football, while also enjoying everything a destination like the Maldives has to offer. I’m sure this will be a truly memorable academy, and I can’t wait to see the young players embrace the experience, make new friends and create memories that will stay with them long after they leave the island,” said Andy Cole.

The soccer academy reaches beyond the resort. Local Maldivian football clubs will once again join, with young players receiving special coaching sessions led by Cole and Pearce – inspiration and skills passed to the next generation of island footballers.

The Campioni Football Academy places children on the pitch each morning – skills sharpening, friendships forming, the ocean a constant presence at the edge of play. When the final whistle sounds at the end of each daily session, an entire island opens up.

Bageecha Kids Club – complimentary for children aged three to twelve – offers botanic walks, marine encounters, creative workshops, open-air movies, and beach barbecues unfold across a two-week rotating programme designed so that curiosity never runs dry. Open daily from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm, with babysitting available until midnight with 24 hours’ notice.

The Eco Centre invites families to learn about the reef, meet resident marine experts, and take part in coral planting. At the Hydroponics Garden, young explorers discover how the island grows its own produce. Beneath the surface, the house reef reveals grey reef sharks, turtles, and manta rays – reached by guided snorkelling safaris or semi-submarine. On the water, windsurfing and catamaran sailing await, with private lessons available for children aged twelve and above.

While children play, LIME Wellbeing draws on ancient Maldivian ritual and natural oils. Offering a quiet return to balance, the lagoon close and still. As the day eases into evening, the island’s rhythm shifts. Live music and DJ sets create a soundscape across the island, from mellow sunset sessions to late night, upbeat tempos. Parents slip away for cocktails at Laguna Bar or Champagne at the Loft. Dinner unfolds across nine à la carte restaurants: The Reef, La Belle Vie, the theatre of Kobe, Tandoor Mahal, and Siam Garden.

Eleven villa categories open onto sand or sea – from palm-fringed Beach Bungalows to the expansive Two-Bedroom Beach House, a duplex for up to six adults or four adults and two children, with separate living spaces and lagoon views that stretch to the horizon. All Campioni academy participants are required to stay at Niva Kuramathi Maldives for the duration of the programme.

For further information and reservations, please call +960 666 01 50 or email: reservations@nivakuramathi.com. For more inspiration visit, www.nivakuramathi.com.

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Thundi Beach Bar debuts at OBLU NATURE Helengeli

Published

13 hours ago

August 17, 2026

m@ldives

Renowned as one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house-reef destinations, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO continues to attract divers and snorkelers from around the world. With direct access to thriving marine life, strong currents that draw pelagic species, and proximity to some of the atoll’s most sought-after dive sites, the island offers an immersive underwater experience for both seasoned divers and casual explorers alike.

Building on this exceptional positioning, the resort has unveiled Thundi Beach Bar, a tranquil new beachside addition designed for effortless relaxation and refreshment just steps from the shoreline.

Set between two stunning oceanfronts, Thundi Beach Bar offers a serene, barefoot retreat where guests can unwind while soaking in uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Open daily from 10:00hrs to 13:00hrs and 15:00hrs to 19:00hrs, the bar presents a curated selection of beverages under the OBLU Island Plan™, including unlimited beers, wines, soft drinks, canned juices, tea, and coffee.

Perfectly positioned for convenience, Thundi Beach Bar is an ideal stop for guests enjoying Helengeli’s vibrant house reef. Whether returning from a snorkeling session or spending the day in and around the water, guests can easily drop by for a quick drink or refreshing pause without straying far from the beach.

Commenting on the launch, Alain Trefois, General Manager, shared: “At Helengeli, so much of the guest experience revolves around the ocean. Whether diving, snorkelling, or simply enjoying the reef. With Thundi Beach Bar, we wanted to create a space that feels naturally connected to these moments, offering guests a convenient and relaxed spot to pause, refresh, and continue their island journey without interruption.”

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, an award-winning island resort, is located just a 50-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. It offers 153 appealing villas, family-friendly amenities and private pool options. Guests stay on the OBLU Island Plan™, which curates a carefree, wholesome getaway with delectable world cuisine, wines and beverages, a nature-inspired kids club, unforgettable snorkelling, ELE|NA Ayur Spa, non-motorised watersports, ocean excursions and exciting daily and seasonal activities.

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Pixie Lott to headline InterContinental Maldives’ New Year celebrations

Published

16 hours ago

August 17, 2026

m@ldives

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has unveiled its 2026 festive programme, themed ‘12 Pearls of the Ocean’.

Inspired by the beauty and rarity of the ocean’s treasures, the concept invites guests on a festive journey, with each pearl revealing a new chapter of surprise, celebration, and discovery. Taking place from 20 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the programme will feature an exceptional line-up of events, residencies, and special guest appearances.

Among the highlights of the season is an exclusive New Year’s Eve performance by internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Pixie Lott. Set against the resort’s stunning backdrop, the chart-topping artist will welcome 2027 with her biggest hits and dynamic stage presence.

Other guest experiences include visiting holistic wellness practitioner Braj Raj Singh, whose expertise blends therapeutic healing traditions with modern practices to nurture physical balance, emotional clarity and overall wellbeing. For those looking to express their creativity, artist and scientific illustrator, Janavi Kramer, will bring the beauty of the underwater world to life through her intricate watercolour works, inspired by years of diving around the globe. Through art, conversation, and shared experiences, she will invite guests to connect more deeply with the extraordinary marine environment surrounding the resort.

Between 20 December to 7 January, 12 days will be dedicated to one of the 12 Pearls, unveiling a bespoke programme of entertainment and special events that invite guests to discover the magic of the Maldives through a collection of unforgettable festive moments. Experiences will be complemented by memorable Christmas events for all the family, a New Year’s Eve cocktail party and gala dinner, curated culinary journeys and immersive opportunities to explore the natural wonders of the Maamunagau Lagoon.