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
News
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru unveils ‘The Secret Underwater Garden’ festive celebrations
This festive season, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru unveils The Secret Underwater Garden, a celebration inspired by the extraordinary marine world flourishing beneath its shores. From 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the resort invites travellers to celebrate above and beneath the surface through experiences that honour Maldivian cultural heritage, marine preservation, culinary delight and restorative wellbeing.
Celebrating Maldivian Heritage and Local Traditions
The festivities begin on 22 December with a Christmas tree decoration workshop led by resident artist Abdulla, celebrating local creativity, followed by a beachfront Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Throughout the season, cultural experiences offer a closer connection to traditions that have shaped island life for generations. From traditional sandbank shore fishing and Maldivian cooking classes to the powerful rhythms of Bodu Beru, each experience celebrates the country’s living heritage and the spirit of its people.
On 1 January, a Festive Maldivian Night with Bodu Beru brings together traditional island flavours and cultural performances, welcoming the New Year with the warmth of Maldivian hospitality.

Festive Culinary Celebrations Above the Surface
From the vibrant marine world beneath the surface to elegant celebrations overlooking the Indian Ocean, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru brings the festive spirit to life throughout the island.
Culinary experiences celebrate the art of gathering, from refined Japanese gastronomy at the award-winning Madi Hiyaa and signature Thai flavours at Saffron to Maldivian-inspired dining, interactive cooking classes and festive mixology.
The festivities culminate in an elegant Christmas Eve Dinner and a glamorous New Year Gala Dinner on Naiboli Beach, where exquisite gastronomy, a cosy beachfront ambience and sparkling moments set the stage for a spectacular countdown to 2027 beneath the Maldivian stars.

Giving Back to the Ocean, Inspiring Future Guardians
At the heart of The Secret Underwater Garden is the resort’s longstanding commitment to marine conservation. Home to the Maldives’ first resort-based Marine Lab, established in 2004, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites travellers to engage in meaningful preservation activities alongside its marine biologists.
A signature highlight, Christmas Tree Coral Planting on 25 December, transforms a festive symbol into a contribution towards restoring the island’s house reef. Other experiences include Save The Reef, Citizen Science snorkelling, educational marine talks and coral micro-fragmentation sessions, connecting travellers with the island’s marine ecosystem.
For little explorers, the new Junior Ocean Guardian programme introduces the wonders of marine life through educational workshops led by the Marine Lab team, inspiring curiosity, ocean awareness and a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age.

Ocean Adventures and Island Discoveries Under The Surface
Beyond the reef, the festive programme celebrates the natural beauty of the Maldives through ocean excursions and island adventures.
Festive Dolphin Cruises offer opportunities to see dolphins in their natural habitat, while Kahan’bhu sunset cruises reveal the beauty of the Maldivian horizon. Traditional fishing excursions, private big-game fishing and day cruises invite further exploration of the surrounding waters.
For adventure seekers, Christmas diving, windsurfing, sailing, jet skiing and Ride & Slide experiences bring excitement to the lagoon. An Island-to-Island Swim between Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and its sister resort Dhawa Ihuru celebrates movement and connection with the ocean, while beach volleyball, football and playful island activities create moments of togetherness.

A Season of Wellbeing and Gratitude
Amid the festive celebrations, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers moments to slow down, reconnect and restore inner balance. From sunrise and sunset yoga by the ocean to immersive outdoor wellbeing experiences, self-care massage workshops and personalised wellness rituals, each experience nurtures a deeper connection with oneself and nature.
On 31 December, the Year-End Gratitude Meditation offers a moment of reflection by the ocean, encouraging participants to appreciate the passing year and welcome new beginnings with mindfulness and intention.
The festive season draws to a close on 7 January 2027 with an Orthodox Christmas Party, marking the final chapter of The Secret Underwater Garden – a season of meaningful connections, cultural discovery, ocean preservation and gratitude, capturing the true essence of the Original Maldives.

For reservations and further information, visit the resort’s website or email reservations-vabbinfaru@banyantree.com.
News
JOALI BEING celebrates five years with culinary and sports residencies
This November, JOALI BEING celebrates its fifth anniversary with The Joy of Becoming: Celebrating Five Years of Transformation, honouring five years of well-living and the journeys shared by guests, hosts and community. Centred around Reflect, Become, Connect, Celebrate and Inspire, the milestone will come to life through a series of culinary, movement and island experiences, celebrating how far JOALI BEING has come while looking ahead to the next chapter of transformation.
The journey towards the milestone begins with two special residencies, bringing together culinary artistry and world-class sport.
From 20th to 23rd October, acclaimed Emirati Chef Sahar Al Awadhi joins JOALI BEING for A Taste of Becoming, an exclusive culinary residency celebrating the evolution of tradition. Chef and Owner of Dubai’s Abra Restaurant and named MENA’s Best Pastry Chef 2022 by MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, Sahar is recognised for championing New Emirati Cuisine, bringing the flavours, traditions and stories of her heritage into a contemporary culinary language – an approach that naturally connects with JOALI BEING’s philosophy of growth and transformation.
Through an intimate pastry masterclass and Signature Afternoon Tea and Dessert Pairing, guests can experience Sahar’s distinctive approach to heritage, flavour and contemporary pastry. During the residency, she will also create an exclusive signature dessert for JOALI BEING’s fifth anniversary, inspired by the natural flavours of the Maldives and her Emirati perspective, to be unveiled during the anniversary celebration on 15th November.
From 11th to 18th November, ATP Tour professional Roman Safiullin brings another expression of movement and transformation to the island. With a career-high singles ranking of World No. 36 and a Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance in 2023, Roman’s residency invites guests to experience the joy of world- class tennis through play and connection. A dedicated Kids and Teens Tennis Workshop on 13th November will give younger players the opportunity to learn directly from Roman, before he joins the island’s main anniversary celebration.

Five Years, One Island, One Journey
On 15th November, The Joy of Becoming comes to life through a day of experiences celebrating the island’s five-year journey. The day begins with MOVE – Anniversary Island Run, followed by GROW – Anniversary Coral Planting, where guests and hosts create a living legacy on dedicated coral frames. The afternoon brings JOY – Zumba Together, before PLAY – Tennis with Roman Safiullin and Sunset Gathering brings world-class tennis, connection and an anniversary toast to the court. The celebrations conclude at MOJO Beach with a relaxed Beachside Grill, bringing together fire, flavour and laughter by the ocean, followed by Chef Sahar’s signature anniversary dessert.
As JOALI BEING enters its next chapter, The Joy of Becoming celebrates a journey that continues to unfold – inspiring new pathways to well-living, transformation and joyful living for the years ahead.
A stay at JOALI BEING is a transformative journey where guests return home feeling lighter, happier and more energised.

Villas start from USD 2,442 per night for two guests sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a B&B basis. For further information and to discover offers, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations.being@joali.com.
Awards
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives wins Best Luxury Resort Award at Asia Hotel Awards 2026
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives has been recognised as Best Luxury Resort at the Asia Hotel Awards 2026, marking a significant accolade for the resort and recognising its distinctive interpretation of contemporary Maldivian luxury, where an exceptional lagoon setting, considered design and highly curated experiences come together to shape a refined island experience.

Set within The Atollia by Centara Hotels and Resorts in North Malé Atoll, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives brings together an expansive lagoon setting, refined architecture and a collection of beachfront and overwater residences designed to offer a more contemporary interpretation of island living. Since opening in April 2025, the resort has established a distinct position within the Maldives luxury landscape, with its design, culinary experiences, wellness offering and carefully curated island experiences forming an integrated guest journey.

With 142 villas and residences, including spacious two- and three-bedroom residences with private pools and Jacuzzis, the resort offers a choice of sophisticated beachfront and overwater living. Across the island, guests can discover a world class gastronomic journey spanning diverse flavours and culinary expressions, complemented by dedicated holistic wellness experiences and a considered collection of activities shaped by the natural character of the destination.

“This recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects the philosophy behind Centara Grand Lagoon from the very beginning. We did not set out to create luxury through scale alone, but through a sense of place, thoughtful design and the quality of every experience. The lagoon is at the heart of the resort, shaping how guests arrive, stay, dine and experience the destination. From the architecture and residences to our culinary and wellness offerings, every element has been considered to create a contemporary expression of Maldivian luxury. We are honoured that the Asia Hotel Awards has recognised this approach, and grateful to our team and partners whose commitment brings the vision to life every day,” stated Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
The 15th Asia Hotel Awards 2026 recognition adds to a growing portfolio of accolades for Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, reflecting its emerging position as one of the Maldives’ distinctive contemporary luxury resorts.
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