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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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Atmosphere Foundation supports 1,440 households, 3,599 students in 2025

Published

3 hours ago

October 22, 2026

m@ldives

The Atmosphere Foundation has published its inaugural annual report, bringing together the stories and results of its work across the Maldives during 2025. The report documents a year shaped by close collaboration with island councils, schools, universities, community organisations and individuals working to create lasting opportunities within their communities.

Established as the community and sustainability arm of Atmosphere Core, Atmosphere Foundation works by listening to communities and supporting ideas grounded in local priorities. The Annual Report 2025 offers a detailed account of this approach in action, covering initiatives in education, livelihoods, health, community wellbeing and environmental protection.

During the year, the Foundation worked alongside 47 implementing partners and engaged 37 experts across its programmes. Its initiatives supported more than 1,440 households and 3,599 students across 38 schools and two universities. The Foundation also conducted 91 training sessions, engaged 913 parents through awareness programmes and provided skills development opportunities for 463 teachers.

Environmental action remained a major focus. Through the Foundation’s flagship Bamboo for Climate Mitigation project, 3,722 bamboo plants were planted across 48 islands in every atoll of the Maldives. The programme has involved more than 23 community groups and 18 island councils. At the Vaikaradhoo Bamboo Park, the local council extended the initiative by replanting 200 bamboo cuttings across the island, demonstrating how a supported project can grow under community ownership.

The Foundation also partnered with the Maldives National University on a scientific study examining how different bamboo species grow in island environments. The research will help establish a stronger body of local knowledge to guide future cultivation and understand bamboo’s potential ecological role in the Maldives.

Alongside its environmental programmes, the Foundation supported practical routes towards income generation. In HDh. Vaikaradhoo, a soft toy initiative involving 14 households began producing fabric turtles and crabs for young guests visiting Atmosphere Core resorts.

Education initiatives ranged from improving preschool learning environments to placing locally relevant books in schools and libraries. The Foundation supported the printing of 1,000 copies of the Dhivehi children’s book Ainee aai Velaa, created with the Olive Ridley Project Maldives, and contributed towards 1,000 copies of Atoll and Island Formation in the Maldives. The latter was distributed free of charge as an educational resource for students across the country.

Health and community care programmes included 779 vision screenings and screenings for 112 people through community-based hearing camps. Other initiatives addressed healthy ageing, nutrition, non-communicable diseases and domestic violence awareness, reflecting the range of needs identified through the Foundation’s community partnerships.

Commenting on the report, Ismail Faseeh, Senior Vice President of Atmosphere Foundation, said: “Real change does not happen alone. It grows when communities, councils, educators and partners come together, each bringing their own knowledge and strengths. This report is a reflection of the trust communities have placed in us and of what becomes possible when people work towards a shared purpose.”

Rather than presenting support as a one-way contribution, the report recognises the communities and partners who shaped each initiative. Eighteen focus groups were conducted during the year to better understand community needs and help ensure that programmes remained locally relevant.

Through the publication of its first annual report, Atmosphere Foundation aims to provide a transparent record of its progress while recognising the many people and organisations behind it. Together, the projects illustrate how practical support, shared knowledge and local ownership can help good ideas take root and grow.

News

Finolhu brings ‘Magic by the Sea’ to Maldives for festive season 2026

Published

6 hours ago

October 22, 2026

m@ldives

This festive season, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, invites guests to embrace the wonder of Magic by the Sea, an imaginative celebration of togetherness, discovery and island living. Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort will transform its celebrated Island Playground into a world of festive enchantment, where cherished traditions meet contemporary creativity, exceptional gastronomy and the carefree spirit of the Maldives.

Unfolding from 21 December 2026 through early January 2027, the festive programme brings together an inspiring collection of experiences designed for guests of all generations. From sun-drenched days exploring the island’s natural beauty to atmospheric evenings beneath the stars, the celebrations capture Finolhu’s distinctive approach to luxury: vibrant, expressive and effortlessly relaxed.

At the heart of the festivities is a celebration of connection. The season begins with the traditional Festive Tree Lighting, bringing guests together for an evening of music, entertainment and holiday cheer against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Christmas takes on a distinctly tropical character, with Santa Claus making a special island arrival, while elegant Christmas Eve celebrations and a spectacular New Year’s Eve gala bring a sense of occasion to the shores of Finolhu. As the year draws to a close, live performances by the international Goldsingers, captivating entertainment and a dazzling fireworks display set the stage for an unforgettable welcome to 2027.

Gastronomy remains central to the festive experience, reflecting Finolhu’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ leading culinary destinations and its recent recognition as Best Culinary Resort at the TTM Awards 2026. Throughout the season, guests can discover a diverse collection of dining experiences that celebrate international flavours, local ingredients and the pleasure of sharing memorable moments around the table. From refined festive gala dinners and exclusive Anguru dining experiences to relaxed beachfront gatherings, seafood specialities and vibrant culinary celebrations, each occasion is thoughtfully designed to complement the island’s extraordinary setting.

Creativity also finds its place within Magic by the Sea, with Finolhu’s Art Lab offering opportunities for guests to explore artistic expression inspired by the surrounding ocean. A highlight of the season is the collaboration with Casa Adams, founded by ceramic artist Araceli Adams, whose hands-on pottery experiences invite guests to discover traditional techniques and create personal keepsakes inspired by the colours, textures and beauty of the Maldives. Alongside these artistic encounters, an engaging programme of painting, craft workshops and creative experiences encourages guests of all ages to embrace their imagination.

For families, the festive season promises a world of discovery and adventure. Finolhu’s Oceaneers Club and Teens Hut will host an extensive programme of experiences tailored to younger guests, from festive baking and treasure hunts to creative workshops, sporting challenges and island explorations. Family-friendly competitions, interactive entertainment and shared adventures offer opportunities for parents and children to connect, while dedicated experiences for teenagers introduce a contemporary mix of music, photography, creativity and outdoor activities.

Beyond the festivities, the natural beauty of Baa Atoll provides the setting for moments of exploration and renewal. Guided snorkelling experiences with Finolhu’s Marine Biologist offer a closer connection to the remarkable marine environment, while ocean-inspired educational activities introduce younger guests to the importance of marine conservation. For those seeking a gentler rhythm, sunrise yoga, meditation, wellness experiences and peaceful moments by the sea provide a welcome balance to the season’s lively celebrations.

As daylight gives way to golden sunsets, Finolhu’s signature social spirit comes alive. Beachfront cocktail gatherings, sunset celebrations, live music, DJ performances and the resort’s celebrated White Parties create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and refreshingly playful. Whether enjoying a leisurely afternoon at Crab Shack, gathering with loved ones on the sandbank or dancing beneath the stars, guests are invited to experience the festive season at their own pace.

Framed by turquoise lagoons, powder-soft beaches and Finolhu’s iconic two-kilometre sandbank, Magic by the Sea offers more than a traditional festive escape. It is an invitation to rediscover the joy of being together, embrace new experiences and create lasting memories in one of the Indian Ocean’s most extraordinary island settings.

With its distinctive blend of creativity, gastronomy, wellness and spirited entertainment, Finolhu welcomes guests to celebrate the season in true Island Playground style, where every day brings a new discovery and every evening holds the promise of something magical.

For more information and reservations, visit www.finolhu.com.

News

Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa marks eight years in Maldives with special guest experiences

Published

24 hours ago

October 21, 2026

m@ldives

Eight years of island moments, memorable stays, and Maldivian hospitality come together this November as Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa celebrates its eighth anniversary with a month of special experiences, culminating in a gala evening on 7 November.

Set against the turquoise waters of Noonu Atoll, the celebrations reflect what makes time at Kuredhivaru distinctive: the freedom to slow down, reconnect, and discover the island in unexpected ways.

The anniversary gala will begin with cocktails on Bodumas Beach before guests gather for dinner at Onu Marche. Live music, DJ performances, a special address from the General Manager, and the traditional cutting of the anniversary cake will bring the evening together in a festive celebration of the resort’s journey.

Throughout November, guests can also discover Eight Experiences for Eight Years, a collection of curated dining, wellness, and ocean adventures. Highlights include private dining in the resort’s Secret Garden, a castaway picnic on a nearby private island, and Cinema Underthe Stars, where a movie unfolds beneath the Maldivian night sky.

For those seeking a slower pace, multi-day spa journeys offer moments of renewal and relaxation. Guests looking for adventure can take to the waves with special offers on jetskiing or even explore the breathtaking underwater world with their first Discover Scuba Diving experience.

The celebrations extend beyond dining and wellness, with recreational activities and friendly competitions bringing guests together through beach sports, stand-up paddleboarding, fitness challenges, and family games.

More than marking a milestone, the eighth anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the experiences and connections that have shaped Kuredhivaru over the years. From quiet moments by the lagoon to evenings shared beneath the stars, the resort’s November programme invites guests to make new memories while celebrating eight years of island living.