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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
Cocoon Maldives, Joy Island and You & Me Maldives, the three Maldives resorts of The Cocoon Collection, marked World Tourism Day 2026 with full-day programmes inspired by this year’s global theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
Across the three islands, guests and team members explored how technology, artificial intelligence and sustainability can shape the future of tourism while keeping the personal connections that define island hospitality.
Celebrations began at Cocoon Maldives with friendly competition of beach games for guests and team members. The day continued with a World Tourism Day Cocktail Party and Presentation at Loabi Loabi Bar. The presentation highlighted tourism as the backbone of the Maldivian economy and a source of livelihoods for thousands of families across the atolls, and it reaffirmed the resort’s commitment to protecting its reefs, beaches and marine life. Its centrepiece looked at how AI can personalise the guest journey.
Joy Island began the day at the main restaurant, The Market with Guests’ Ideas Wall, inviting guests to share their views on the future of travel. In the afternoon, team members joined an AI Brainstorming and Information Session at Joy Connect Conference Hall to explore practical uses of AI and digital technologies to enhance the guest experience. A Coral Planting Activity at Palm Beach underlined the resort’s commitment to marine conservation, and teams from across the resort took part in the AI Creative Challenge, developing AI-driven concepts for the future of tourism, with prizes for the first, second and third-place teams.
The day ended with a Management Cocktail and Presentation at Rainbow Bar Beach, where the leadership team shared insights into Joy Island’s digital roadmap and future direction.
At the adults-only You & Me Maldives, the day opened at Cheers Bar with the AI x Human Discovery Challenge, a scavenger hunt using a QR-code-powered Digital Passport. Guests visited six locations (the Beach, Restaurant, Reef, Spa, Water Sports Centre and Jetty), scanning QR codes and answering AI-related questions to unlock their passport.
A Cake Cutting Ceremony was held in the evening followed by a Management Cocktail Reception, where the resort unveiled The You & Me Tourism Manifesto 2026, built around the theme “Real Ideas, Brighter Tomorrows.” At the AI-Assisted Ideas Station on the beach, guests shared their views on where tourism is heading and shaped them into practical ideas. Management will review the ideas collected, and the resort will consider them for upcoming initiatives.
Through initiatives such as these, The Cocoon Collection continues to explore new ways to combine innovation, meaningful guest experiences and environmental responsibility in shaping the future of island hospitality.
World Tourism Day, observed annually on 27 September, highlights the social, cultural, political and economic significance of tourism globally. This year’s theme emphasises the responsible use of digital transformation and artificial intelligence to create more connected, innovative, efficient and sustainable tourism experiences.
At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, seven sea turtle hatchlings recently emerged from the sand and made their way towards the Indian Ocean, their tiny flippers carrying them across the beach before disappearing into the blue. It was a fleeting moment, but one that offered a beautiful reminder that the beaches of the Maldives are more than places to escape to. They are living environments where some of the ocean’s most extraordinary stories begin.
For a sea turtle hatchling, the distance between nest and ocean may be measured in metres, but it marks an important first chapter in a much longer journey.
Sea turtles nest throughout the year in the Maldives, with nesting activity recorded across almost all of the country’s atolls. Green turtles account for the majority of recorded nests, while hawksbill and olive ridley turtles have also been documented. Recent research into nesting activity in the Maldives found that nests typically take around two months to hatch.
Once they emerge, however, the hatchlings are immediately faced with a challenging journey. Their instinctive movement towards the ocean is one of the most vulnerable stages of their lives. Natural predators are only part of the challenge. Artificial lighting can disorient hatchlings and lead them away from the water, while pollution, fishing activity, habitat loss and the effects of climate change continue to present threats throughout their lives.
Surrounded by the waters of Vaavu Atoll, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives sits within a rich marine environment where encounters with the natural world extend far beyond the shoreline. The waters around the atoll are home to an abundance of marine life, from colourful reef fish and rays to sharks, dolphins and sea turtles, making the ocean an ever-present part of the island experience.
At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, these seven hatchlings were only visitors for a matter of minutes before the ocean carried them away. But for those fortunate enough to witness their first journey, they left behind something much bigger: a reminder that in Vaavu Atoll, some of the Maldives’ most memorable experiences are the ones nature chooses to create itself.
Long before waterslides became a familiar sight at luxury resorts in the Maldives, Soneva introduced them to its overwater villas with a simple belief: luxury should never become so serious that it forgets how to play.
Since then, this sweeping curve over the Indian Ocean has become unmistakably Soneva and an invitation to let go. Now, it takes on a new form.
For Soneva × Jacob Felländer: Joy Takes Form, the Swedish contemporary artist transformed the iconic Soneva slide into a sculptural exploration of movement, freedom and imagination. Unveiled on 23 September at Slakthusområdet, Stockholm’s historic Meatpacking District, the installation took centre stage in a raw industrial space reinvented for one night. Friends of Soneva and longstanding guests came together for an evening of art, food and conversation, bringing the spirit of the islands to the city: slowing down, connecting and seeing the familiar differently.
The slide unfolds in layers, with three materials flowing into one another in a continuous movement through time. Raw, weathered metal holds the past, carrying the beauty of memories and moments that endure. The mirrored surface captures the present, alive with reflection, light and movement. The final layer opens towards the future, lighter, freer and filled with possibility.
Together, they are a reminder that joy is not fixed in time. It carries the past, comes alive in the present and moves towards everything still to come.
Celebrated chefs Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman created a menu inspired by the elemental character of the three islands: Earth, evoking the lush jungle of Soneva Fushi; Water, the luminous world of Soneva Jani; and Air, the remoteness of Soneva Secret. The final course was simply Whimsy.
The partnership reflects Bare Luxury, the evolved philosophy that removes the unnecessary to leave more room for what matters: wonder, curiosity, discovery and connection.
“The slide was never just a slide. It is a reminder that luxury should make us feel something,” said Neil Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer of Soneva. “By reimagining the slide through his artistic lens, Jacob has captured the sense of curiosity, freedom and joy that has always been at the heart of Soneva.”
“In today’s world, it’s increasingly important that we remember and develop what makes us distinctly human: imagination, intuition, empathy and our capacity for play. Art has a vital role in this,” said Jacob Felländer. “I’m excited about my ongoing collaboration with Soneva, a hospitality brand that truly understands the need to create space for curiosity, connection and possibility.”
Placing something born in the Maldives in the hands of a creative force brings it into a wider cultural conversation, connecting hospitality naturally with art, design and food.
The installation remains at Slakthusområdet until 31 December 2026. The creative exchange continues in the Maldives from 12 to 24 November 2026, when Felländer will be in residence at Soneva Fushi as a Soneva Star, leading workshops that encourage guests to explore their own creativity and intuition through experimentation and play.
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