Connect with us

News

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

Published

on

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

Cooking

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa announces six-chef Masters of Food & Wine series

Published

on

Building on the success of its inaugural Masters of Food & Wine event held in July 2026, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa unveils the Masters of Food & Wine Series, a season-long celebration of world-class gastronomy that will welcome six internationally acclaimed MICHELIN-starred chefs to Our Living Island from October 2026 through April 2027.

More than a collection of guest chef dinners, the series is conceived as a culinary journey through the celebrations and rhythms of the season, where each chapter is inspired by a meaningful moment of the year, from Chinese Golden Week and the festive season to New Year celebrations and Easter by the sea.

For one exceptional season, guests will embark on six exclusive culinary chapters, each led by a distinguished chef making a rare appearance in the Maldives. From Cantonese mastery and Tuscan traditions to contemporary European innovation and French artistry, every experience offers a unique expression of culture, craftsmanship and culinary excellence.

Set against the pristine natural surroundings of Hadahaa, each chef will present a bespoke dining experience inspired by their culinary heritage while drawing from the rich bounty of the Maldives, creating a dialogue between world-class gastronomy and the extraordinary ecosystem that defines Our Living Island.

“The Masters of Food & Wine Series reflects our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with culture, craftsmanship and nature. Following the remarkable success of our inaugural event, we are delighted to evolve the concept into a season-long journey that brings some of the world’s most celebrated culinary talents to Hadahaa,” said Anshul Sharma, General Manager of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa.

A Culinary Journey Through the Seasons

For the first time in the Maldives, six celebrated chefs from across Europe and Asia will make their first appearance in the Maldives at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, each bringing a distinctive culinary perspective shaped by their heritage, expertise and passion. Together, they will create an extraordinary season celebrating culture, craftsmanship and the world’s most treasured ingredient: nature.

ONE SHARED PHILOSOPHY
Inspired by Nature. Driven by Passion.

Though their journeys span different continents, cultures and culinary traditions, all six chefs share a common philosophy.
A belief that exceptional cuisine begins with exceptional ingredients. Throughout the season, each chef will draw inspiration from the natural bounty surrounding Hadahaa, incorporating local seafood, seasonal ingredients and the flavors of the Indian Ocean into their own unique culinary expressions.

Chapter I
Golden Week | A Celebration of Prosperity, Family and Culinary Heritage

Executive Chef Ku Chi Fai
2 & 5 October 2026

The journey begins during Chinese Golden Week with Executive Chef Ku Chi Fai, founder of MICHELIN-starred Beijing Kitchen and one of the region’s most respected masters of Cantonese cuisine. With more than four decades of culinary experience, he has led Beijing Kitchen to earn seven consecutive MICHELIN Stars and eight consecutive Black Pearl One-Diamond Awards, establishing the restaurant among China’s most distinguished culinary destinations.

Chapter II
The Festive Spirit of Tuscany, Inspired by Nature

Executive Chef Andrea Mattei
14 & 18 December 2026

As the festive season arrives on Our Living Island, Executive Chef Andrea Mattei brings the warmth and traditions of Tuscany to the Maldives. Recognised with a MICHELIN Green Star for Sustainable Gastronomy, his cuisine celebrates seasonality, responsible sourcing and a deep respect for nature, creating a festive experience that reflects the values shared by both Tuscany and Hadahaa.

Chapter III
New Year, New Perspectives

Executive Chef Ruben Christiaens
6 & 10 January 2027

The New Year begins with Executive Chef Ruben Christiaens of La Villa Lorraine, whose contemporary European cuisine is shaped by experience in some of the world’s most renowned kitchens, including Eleven Madison Park in New York. Recipient of the MICHELIN Young Chef Award 2022, Executive Chef Christiaens brings a fresh and creative perspective that celebrates discovery, innovation and new beginnings.

Chapter IV
A Celebration of Innovation and Creativity

Executive Chef Michael Dyllong
23 & 26 January 2027

Representing a new generation of culinary excellence, Executive Chef Michael Dyllong of MICHELIN-starred The Stage is renowned for his technical mastery, creativity and contemporary approach to European gastronomy. Recognized as one of Germany’s youngest MICHELIN-starred chefs, he brings a dynamic culinary vision to Hadahaa.

Chapter V
Easter by the Sea: A Celebration of Togetherness and Renewal

Executive Chef Richard Gabriel Toix
26 & 29 March 2027

As Easter arrives, the journey continues with Executive Chef Richard Gabriel Toix of MICHELIN-starred Le Charlie in Corsica. Combining the precision of French technique with influences gathered throughout a career spanning France and Asia, Executive Chef Toix presents a refined culinary experience inspired by the Mediterranean spirit of sharing, discovery and connection.

Chapter VI
The Art of French Gastronomy, Inspired by Our Living Island

Group Chef David Hemmerlé
5 & 8 April 2027

The season concludes with Group Chef David Hemmerlé, whose distinguished international career spans France, Brazil, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Guided by classical French techniques and decades of culinary excellence, Group Chef Hemmerlé will present a grand finale celebrating craftsmanship, gastronomy and the natural beauty of Our Living Island.

At Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, nature is more than a setting. It is the inspiration behind every experience, every flavor and every memorable moment shared around the table. While each visiting chef arrives with extraordinary achievements and international acclaim, what truly unites them is a shared passion for craftsmanship, nature and exceptional ingredients. The Masters of Food & Wine Series celebrates not only culinary excellence, but also the meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences that food and hospitality create.

For reservations and further information, please call +960 682 1234, email maldives.parkhadahaa@hyatt.com or visit www.parkhyattmaldives.com.

Continue Reading

Awards

RAAYA by Atmosphere wins Best Family Resort in Maldives at Travel Time Awards 2025

Published

on

RAAYA by Atmosphere has received its latest recognition at the Travel Time Awards, held in Moscow in August 2026, where the island resort was named “The Best Family Resort in the Maldives 2025”.

The award marks RAAYA’s second consecutive recognition from Travel Time, following its win as “Opening of the Year 2024”.

The recognition reflects the resort’s growing presence in the Russian travel market and its approach to family holidays in the Maldives, with a focus on shared experiences, exploration and activities designed for guests across generations.

Located on a private island in Raa Atoll, RAAYA is centred around the fictional story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist and adventurer whose narrative is incorporated throughout the resort experience. Guests can take part in island exploration, creative activities and ocean-based experiences, alongside family-oriented facilities and a range of dining options under The RAAYA Plan™.

The award was also presented during a visit to the resort by Russian film actress Katerina Shpitsa, known for productions including “Metro”, “The Crew” and “Poddubny”. During her stay, Shpitsa presented the Travel Time Awards 2025 accolade to RAAYA by Atmosphere General Manager Mario Stanic.

“Receiving this recognition for a second consecutive year is a proud moment for everyone at RAAYA,” Stanic said. “Winning the Travel Time Award 2025 for Best Family Resort is a wonderful recognition of what we stand for — bringing families together through shared experiences and lasting memories within a backdrop of a tropical island paradise.

“We are proud to create experiences that resonate with Russian families and families from around the world, offering a place to connect, discover and create memories together. We thank the awards team, our partners and our guests for their continued trust and support.”

The award adds to the international recognition received by RAAYA by Atmosphere since the resort opened in July 2024. The property has positioned its offering around experiential hospitality, design, family-focused programming and its castaway-inspired narrative.

RAAYA features 167 beach and overwater villas, a collection of dining venues and a range of land and ocean activities within its Raa Atoll setting.

With two Travel Time Awards in consecutive years, the resort continues to develop its position within the family travel segment in the Maldives.

Continue Reading

News

Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to make memories with ‘Island Glow’ festive season

Published

on

This festive season, Coco Bodu Hithi, part of Coco Collection, invites guests to embrace Island Glow: Moments Made to Remember, a joyful programme inspired by togetherness, shared experiences and the simple pleasure of spending meaningful time in the Maldives.

From 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the island sets the scene for festive dining, live entertainment, ocean adventures, wellness experiences and time spent together.  The season opens with the Annual Festive Tree Lighting, where twinkling lights, live music and a celebratory toast mark the start of the holidays.

The days that follow bring Maldivian experiences alongside festive traditions, from local handicrafts and underwater coral planting to cocktails, carols and live performances.  On 24 December, guests gather for a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner accompanied by live music.

The following morning begins with a leisurely brunch before Santa makes his much-awaited arrival at the Main Jetty.  By evening, Maldivian flavours, traditional music and island culture add a distinctly local touch to the celebrations.

The programme brings plenty of ways to spend meaningful time with the people who matter.  Families can discover the house reef or have fun with a playful cook-off, while couples can escape to a Maldivian sandbank or capture a special moment with an underwater photoshoot.  Friends can come together over sushi making, local cooking and cocktail workshops, with sunset cruises and laid-back evenings by the shore adding to the holiday spirit.

Dining brings its own pleasures, from freshly grilled favourites by the beach to intimate Wine & Dine evenings.  For those seeking time to unwind, Coco Spa offers coconut-infused treatments, Ayurvedic therapies and restorative rituals designed for two.

Younger travellers can look forward to plenty of fun and discovery, with nature walks, marine-inspired crafts, colourful keepsakes, movies, karaoke and hands-on activities adding a little extra magic to their stay.

New Year’s Eve begins with a cruise across Maldivian waters to toast the final sunset of 2026, followed by an elegant Gala Dinner.  Live performances, DJ beats and the Festive Raffle Draw build towards the midnight countdown and a sparkling welcome to 2027.

The programme carries on into January with leisurely dining, underwater adventures and evenings by the sea, including the Orthodox Christmas Eve Gala Dinner.  On Orthodox Christmas Day, 7 January, the season draws to a close with a relaxed Breeze Beach BBQ, featuring freshly grilled favourites and live entertainment by the sea.

Framed by turquoise waters, private pool villas and warm Maldivian hospitality, Island Glow welcomes loved ones to reconnect, share meaningful moments and take home lasting memories of their time at Coco Bodu Hithi.  Recognised for two consecutive years at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, Best Service in 2025 and Best Waterside Hotel in 2026, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to create heartfelt stays shaped by thoughtful experiences and the beauty of the Maldives.

To celebrate the season at Coco Bodu Hithi, guests can visit www.cococollection.com or contact reservations@cococollection.com to plan their stay and discover the exclusive Coco Festive Celebration.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.