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 St. Regis Maldives named second best resort in Indian Ocean at Condé Nast Traveler Awards
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been recognised among the Top 20 Resorts in the Indian Ocean, earning the coveted No. 2 ranking in the Condé Nast Traveler US Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
Widely regarded as one of the travel industry’s most trusted honours, the annual Readers’ Choice Awards celebrates the finest destinations, hotels, resorts, and experiences worldwide, based on authentic guest feedback and voting. The accolade reflects the enduring appeal of The St. Regis Maldives and its continued commitment to delivering exceptional experiences in one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations.
The recognition arrives during a particularly meaningful year for the resort as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of redefining luxury hospitality through bespoke service, distinctive design, world-class dining, and immersive island experiences in one of the Maldives’ most extraordinary destinations.
Nestled on its own private natural island in the pristine Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has captivated guests since its opening in 2016 with its striking architecture inspired by the surrounding environment, expansive overwater and beach villas, vibrant house reef, signature St. Regis Butler Service, and commitment to sustainability. Over the past decade, the resort has become a destination of choice for discerning travelers, couples, families, and multigenerational guests seeking transformative escapes in an unparalleled setting.
“To be recognised as the No. 2 Resort in the Indian Ocean by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler US is an incredible honor and a testament to the passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our hosts,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, this distinction makes the milestone even more meaningful. For the past decade, we have had the privilege of creating meaningful moments for our guests from around the world, and this recognition reflects the trust they place in us and the extraordinary experiences our team delivers every day. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued support and look forward to welcoming them to discover the timeless luxury, exceptional service, and natural beauty that define The St. Regis Maldives.”
From award-winning dining and wellness experiences to bespoke family adventures and immersive marine encounters, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to elevate the luxury travel experience while remaining deeply connected to the natural beauty of its island surroundings. As the resort enters its next decade, it remains dedicated to setting new benchmarks for exceptional hospitality in the Maldives and beyond.
Discover more about The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort at stregismaldives.com.
Cooking
The St. Regis Maldives to host Chef Alexander Herrmann for November culinary residency
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes the return of acclaimed German chef, restaurateur, television personality, and bestselling author Alexander Herrmann for an exclusive residency from November 19 to 23, 2026. As the visionary behind the two-Michelin-starred AURA by Alexander Herrmann & Tobias Bätz, Chef Herrmann will present a series of bespoke dining experiences that pay homage to culinary traditions through his innovative interpretation of contemporary gastronomy.
At the heart of the residency are two intimate six-course dinners personally curated by Chef Herrmann. The first will take place on November 19 at Decanter, the resort’s gold-toned underground wine cellar, followed by a second evening at The Whale Bar on November 23, set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. On November 20, guests are invited to join a masterclass at ALBA, where he will share the inspiration, techniques, and craftsmanship behind his acclaimed creations.
Chef Herrmann’s return is the latest chapter in the Tastemaker Series, which brings leading culinary talents to the island for intimate experiences shaped by individual craft, expertise, and passion. This residency takes on added significance as part of the resort’s 10th anniversary program, celebrating a decade of compelling gastronomy, meaningful moments, and personalized St. Regis service in the Maldives.
“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of The St. Regis Maldives, we are delighted to welcome Chef Alexander Herrmann back to our island as part of our Tastemaker Series,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “Over the past decade, we have remained dedicated to creating exceptional experiences that connect our guests with inspiring talents from around the world. Chef Herrmann’s return reflects this vision, bringing together extraordinary culinary expertise, the timeless beauty of the Maldives, and the bespoke service that defines the St. Regis experience.”
As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members have the opportunity to bid on An Exquisite Culinary Escape with Chef Alexander Herrmann through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. The package includes a four-night stay for two guests in an Overwater Villa with Pool from November 19 to 23, 2026 with daily breakfast at ALBA, a private six-course wine-paired dinner hosted by Chef Alexander, a signature massage and the Blue Hole Hydrotherapy Pool experience at Iridium Spa. Round-trip seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport are also included, creating a seamless luxury journey from arrival to departure.
Set on its own private island in the pristine Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a sanctuary defined by visionary design, timeless luxury, and the natural beauty of the Maldives. Its distinctive architecture that blends tropical modernism with inspirations drawn from the surrounding environment, while 77 elegantly appointed villas offer ocean vistas or serene tropical landscapes. Each stay is complimented by the signature St. Regis Butler Service, providing discreet and personalized attention to every detail.
Members can now bid on An Exquisite Culinary Escape with Chef Alexander Herrmann through October 22, 2026. For more information on Chef Alexander Herrmann’s Tastemaker Series residency and upcoming events, visit stregismaldives.com.
Cooking
Indian celebrity Chef Jolly Returns to The St. Regis Maldives for Diwali
This Diwali, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort invites guests to embark on an extraordinary culinary journey led by acclaimed Indian chef Surjan Singh, affectionately known as Chef Jolly. Returning to the resort from October 28 to 30, 2026, Chef Jolly will host a series of immersive dining experiences while collaborating with the resort’s culinary team to further elevate the guest experience at Cargo, the resort’s jungle-inspired dining venue celebrating the diverse flavors, cultures, and culinary traditions of the Indian Ocean.
Set amidst lush tropical gardens and illuminated by lantern light, Cargo draws inspiration from the historic spice routes and rich gastronomic heritage that connect the shores of India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Through contemporary techniques, refined presentation, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, the venue offers a modern interpretation of Indian Ocean cuisine, transforming each dining experience into a journey of discovery.
Working alongside Christian Pedersen, Executive Assistant Manager of Culinary and Food & Beverage, Chef Jolly has curated a menu that honours regional traditions while embracing a contemporary perspective. Together, they have crafted distinctive dishes that showcase the depth, vibrancy, and complexity of Indian flavours, inviting guests to rediscover familiar tastes through a sophisticated and modern lens.
“Diwali is a celebration of light, togetherness, and the joy of sharing a meal,” says Chef Jolly. “Through this collaboration, we wanted to create experiences that honour the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine while embracing the unique spirit and natural beauty of the Maldives.”
Recognised for his appearances on MasterChef India and a culinary career spanning more than three decades, Chef Jolly is celebrated for bringing regional Indian cuisine to life with warmth, creativity, and contemporary flair. His international experience across leading hospitality and restaurant concepts has established him as one of India’s most respected culinary ambassadors.
Curated to coincide with the Festival of Lights, this exclusive program of events invites guests to experience Chef Jolly’s culinary philosophy through a collection of intimate dining experiences, interactive masterclasses, and bespoke menus that celebrate the enduring richness of Indian cuisine in the unparalleled setting of the Maldives.
Diwali Culinary Highlights with Chef Jolly
As part of the Diwali activation, Chef Jolly brings a series of curated culinary experiences to The St. Regis Maldives, using Indian cuisine as a connecting narrative across distinct dining settings.
Festival of Lights Set Menu | Cargo
At the heart of the celebration is Cargo’s Indian menu, featuring refined three course and five course set menus inspired by Diwali traditions across India. Designed as a modern interpretation rather than a traditional offering, the menus emphasize aromatic spices, balance, and contemporary technique.
Available from October 30 to November 8, 2026
Chef Jolly Wine Dinner | Decanter
A one evening dining experience presenting a six course Indian menu paired with exceptional wines, highlighting the depth and versatility of Indian flavors in a refined, intimate setting.
October 29, 2026 | 19:30 – 22:30
Master Cooking Class with Chef Jolly | ALBA
A hands-on culinary masterclass where guests will discover the art of Indian cooking, from spice blending to flavor development, guided by Chef Jolly himself.
October 30, 2026 | 13:00 – 14:30
Complimentary | Limited to 8 guests
Together, these experiences celebrate the spirit of Diwali through exceptional cuisine, meaningful connections, and memorable moments, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to culinary excellence while establishing Cargo as a destination for modern Indian Ocean gastronomy.
For more information and details, please visit www.stregismaldives.com.
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