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
Awards
The Nautilus Maldives recognised among Indian Ocean’s leading resorts by Condé Nast Traveller
The most memorable stays leave a feeling that endures beyond the journey home. At The Nautilus Maldives, it is the ease of being understood, the warmth of a familiar welcome and the freedom to spend each day entirely as you please. This personal connection has earned the island renewed recognition in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, with the magazine’s readers placing The Nautilus sixth among the best resorts in the Indian Ocean.
Set within Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Nautilus is an intimate collection of 26 beach and ocean houses and residences. Its bohemian spirit finds expression in inviting spaces, thoughtful details and a philosophy that gives guests room to be themselves. A dedicated House Master comes to understand each guest’s preferences, allowing the experience to evolve naturally throughout their stay.
“This recognition is particularly meaningful because it comes from the people who have experienced The Nautilus for themselves,” says Philippe Cavory, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives. “We want every guest to feel at home here, with the freedom to express their wishes and the confidence that we will listen. Being chosen by Condé Nast Traveller’s readers is a wonderful tribute to the relationships our team builds and the care they bring to island life each day.”
The accolade joins a significant year of recognition for The Nautilus, which was also awarded Two MICHELIN Keys and included in Condé Nast Traveler’s The Gold List 2026. Together, these honours celebrate the character of the island and the dedication of the people who make each stay personal.
The annual Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards recognise the destinations and travel experiences most cherished by the magazine’s readers. For The Nautilus, this latest honour carries a special significance: a place in the memories of those who have made the island their own.
To book your stay, visit the resort’s website.
Awards
JOALI Maldives named Indian Ocean’s best resort as Maldives claims 20 of top 25
The Maldives has secured 20 of the 25 places in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards ranking of the best resorts in the Indian Ocean, with JOALI Maldives taking the top position in the region.
Published on 6 October, the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards are based on votes from Condé Nast Traveller readers, with the scores representing the overall average level of satisfaction reported by respondents. JOALI Maldives was ranked the best resort in the Indian Ocean with a score of 99.83.
The Maldives accounted for 80 per cent of the 25 resorts included in the Indian Ocean category. Maldivian properties also occupied seven of the top eight positions and eight of the top 10, underlining the destination’s strong showing in this year’s awards.
Following JOALI Maldives in first place, COMO Cocoa Island was ranked third with a score of 99.35, while Soneva Secret placed fourth with 99.21. One&Only Reethi Rah took fifth place with 99.18, The Nautilus was sixth with 99.06, Soneva Fushi seventh with 99.01, and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru eighth with 98.89.
Constance Halaveli completed the Maldives representation in the top 10, ranking 10th with a score of 98.59. Madagascar’s Miavana by Time + Tide was the only property to separate the Maldives resorts at the top of the ranking, taking second place with 99.59, while Mauritius’ The St Regis Le Morne Resort placed ninth.
The Maldivian resorts featured in the 2026 Indian Ocean ranking are:
- JOALI Maldives — 99.83
- COMO Cocoa Island — 99.35
- Soneva Secret — 99.21
- One&Only Reethi Rah — 99.18
- The Nautilus Maldives — 99.06
- Soneva Fushi — 99.01
- Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru — 98.89
- Constance Halaveli Maldives — 98.59
- Dhigali Maldives — 98.48
- Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island — 98.24
- SO/ Maldives — 98.18
- The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands — 98.08
- LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives — 97.84
- Six Senses Kanuhura, Maldives — 97.33
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi — 96.50
- Niyama Private Islands Maldives — 96.38
- Gili Lankanfushi Maldives — 95.84
- Patina Maldives, Fari Islands — 95.52
- Amilla Maldives — 93.64
- Kudadoo Maldives Private Island — 93.24
The other five places in the Indian Ocean category went to resorts in Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar. The ranking included Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa and The Oberoi Beach Resort in Mauritius, Six Senses Zil Pasyon in Seychelles, The St Regis Le Morne Resort in Mauritius, and Miavana by Time + Tide in Madagascar.
The Readers’ Choice Awards recognise destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines and other travel experiences selected by Condé Nast Traveller readers. In its overall list of 2026 winners, the publication separately confirmed JOALI Maldives as the Indian Ocean resort category winner.
The results mark another strong international showing for the Maldives, with properties ranging from established private-island resorts to newer luxury developments represented across almost every level of the Indian Ocean top 25.
News
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives plans Christmas and New Year celebrations under ‘Season of Light’
This festive season, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites guests to come together beneath the Maldivian sun and stars with Season of Light, a festive journey unfolding from 23 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
Inspired by the warmth of the season and the natural beauty of light in the Maldives, the programme is centred around the moments that make this time of year meaningful: shared celebrations, unhurried time with loved ones, new experiences and memories made together. From Christmas traditions and festive dining to days spent on the ocean, family adventures and a sparkling welcome to the New Year, guests are invited to experience the season at their own pace.

Season of Light arrives at the close of a milestone year for Kuda Villingili, with the resort recognised in the MICHELIN Guide 2026 Hotel Selection. The recognition reflects the resort’s distinctive sense of place, thoughtful design, quality of service and connection to its Maldivian surroundings — qualities that continue through the festive season, where each experience is designed to bring guests closer to the island and to one another.
Gastronomy takes centre stage throughout Season of Light, following a year of international recognition for Kuda Villingili’s culinary offering. Named Best Gastronomic Retreat in the Maldives at the Global Destination Awards 2026, the resort also celebrates its third consecutive year of Wine Spectator recognition, with Mar-Umi receiving the 2026 Award of Excellence. Across the festive season, guests can experience this passion for food and wine through Nikkei Nights at Mar-Umi, barbecue evenings, Steak & Wine Night, the intimate WINE-DOWN Wednesday seafood dinner, and A Journey Through India & Arabia at Spice. From thoughtfully curated wine pairings to evenings shaped around live music and shared tables, the programme brings together the resort’s diverse culinary experiences and celebrated wine collection.

The celebrations begin on 23 December as the island comes aglow with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festive Carols, setting the tone for the days ahead. Christmas Eve brings sunset cocktails at Raalhu Bar before an elegant Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at The Restaurant, with festive flavours and live entertainment carrying the celebrations into the evening. On Christmas morning, younger guests can look forward to a little island magic as Santa makes his much-awaited arrival on the beach.
Beyond the season’s main celebrations, island days are filled with opportunities to experience the Maldives from a different perspective. Guests can start the morning with Ocean Breeze Yoga over the water, head out in search of marine life on Echoes of the Reef and dolphin voyages, or discover the underwater world through snorkelling, scuba diving and wreck dives. Sunset brings its own rhythm, from Golden Hour Glide and secluded sandbank escapes to fishing beneath the stars, while Fun Ride Fest and the Water Scooter experience add a playful dose of adventure throughout the festive season.

Families have their own festive world to discover at Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, with a programme designed around creativity, play and shared discovery. Across the season, children can take part in festive arts and crafts, culinary workshops, treasure hunts, beach games, science activities, themed challenges and special Christmas and New Year moments. A team of children’s animators will also be on the island, bringing an additional programme of interactive games, creative sessions and entertainment for young guests and families throughout the festivities.
On 27 December, the celebrations spill poolside for the Season of Light Pool Party, bringing together music, tropical sunshine and a relaxed afternoon atmosphere around Kuda Villingili’s 150-metre pool.

The season reaches its crescendo on New Year’s Eve, beginning with cocktails and live music at Hawkers before the Season of Light: New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at The Restaurant. Guests are invited to dress in white for a radiant final evening of 2026, accompanied by live entertainment before gathering on The Restaurant Beach for the Countdown to 2027 beneath the Maldivian night sky.
As the first light of 2027 reaches the island, celebrations continue with First Light Breakfast at The Restaurant, where guests can welcome the year over a leisurely breakfast and sparkling wine. The festive journey then continues into January with more time for ocean adventures, wellness, dining and relaxed island days before Season of Light draws to a close on 7 January.

“Season of Light is ultimately about giving our guests time to be together and the freedom to celebrate in a way that feels meaningful to them,” says Deepa Manuel, General Manager of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives. “Whether that is gathering around the table, discovering the ocean, watching children experience the magic of Christmas or simply slowing down with the people they love, we hope the season becomes part of the memories they take home from Kuda Villingili.”

Located in North Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives is home to 75 spacious villas and residences, all with private pools, eight distinctive restaurants, an overwater spa, a 150-metre pool, Kuda Fiyo Kids Club and extensive sports, recreation, watersports and diving experiences. With space for couples, families, friends and multi-generational travellers to shape each day around what matters most to them, the five star luxury resort in Maldives continues to bring its philosophy of Time and Space Redefined to life.
Discover the Season of Light Festive Programme here. For more information about Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, please visit the official website.
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