Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is inviting guests to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake with a unique combination of festive dining, wellness treatments, and recreational experiences. From 28 January to 4 February 2025, the resort will transform into a vibrant centre of cultural festivities, offering an extraordinary Chinese New Year celebration.

Guests can enjoy a mix of traditional and contemporary flavours through specially curated dining experiences. These include the Prosperity Yu Sheng Set, available at Kandooma Café and The Kitchen, where diners can toss for good fortune and happiness with ingredients such as fresh Norwegian salmon, wild leek pickle, and fragrant sesame seeds. Other culinary offerings include the Hot Pot Set Menu featuring premium Angus beef slices, tiger prawns, and flavourful broths, as well as the lavish Seafood Fiesta, which boasts chilled seafood, roasted Beijing duck, and pan-seared foie gras. Guests can also toast to the New Year with the Prosperity Bellini, a sparkling tropical cocktail.

The Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala Wellness is offering exclusive treatments to promote relaxation and well-being. These include an Express Facial, which uses SUNDÃRI products to enhance hydration and radiance, and a Full Body Exfoliation, a soothing ritual designed to improve circulation and relaxation.

For adventure enthusiasts, the resort has arranged various thrilling activities. Guests can experience a high-speed Jet Ski Adventure over the turquoise waters of the Maldives or participate in the Discovery Scuba Diving Program, which offers an opportunity to explore vibrant marine life with complimentary underwater photos. Additional experiences include Turtle and Shark Snorkelling, allowing visitors to observe the Maldives’ diverse marine ecosystem, and Night Fishing, a traditional Maldivian fishing experience under the stars.

Children can also partake in festive activities at the Kandoo Kids Club, such as Snake Craft Making, Scavenger Hunts, and Food Art Fun, ensuring a magical experience for the youngest visitors.

Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating: “Chinese New Year is a time of happiness, prosperity, and togetherness. We are thrilled to offer our guests a joyful celebration filled with unforgettable experiences, exquisite dining, and moments of serenity.”

Located in the South Male Atoll, just 40 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives provides a picturesque tropical escape. With stunning beaches, swaying palms, and azure waters, along with a variety of villa options, exceptional dining venues, and award-winning spa facilities, the resort promises an unparalleled Chinese New Year getaway.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa proudly hosted the highly anticipated Art Week 2024, a celebration of creativity and community facilitated through a dynamic partnership with Clay Studio Maldives. The month-long studio residency culminated during Art Week, offering a series of inspiring workshops and interactive sessions that brought art to life for both guests and Heartists (Pullman’s talented team members).

The Clay Studio, located in the serene and lush Migili Room, became a tranquil haven for artistic exploration. Surrounded by the island’s tropical greenery, it was the heart of creativity on the island, offering diverse hands-on experiences such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, and ornament painting classes.

Guests and Heartists were immersed in the tactile world of clay, crafting unique pieces and creating memories to cherish for a lifetime. The Clay Studio’s warm and inclusive atmosphere allowed participants of all skill levels to discover the joy of working with clay under the guidance of expert artists from Clay Studio Maldives.

Riaan Drever, the General Manager, reflected on the success of the collaboration, expressing that Art Week 2024 had been an extraordinary experience. He emphasised that the partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives brought a unique blend of creativity, relaxation, and personal expression to Pullman Maldives Maamutaa. He found it heartwarming to see guests and Heartists connect through art, taking home not just souvenirs but meaningful experiences.

Ahmed Muaz, Co-Founder of The Clay Studio Maldives, also shared his delight in the collaboration, stating that it was a pleasure to offer the pottery program during Art Week 2024. He praised the opportunity to work with the Pullman team to enhance the guest experience and expressed joy in sharing the craft of pottery in such a dynamic and inspiring environment.

The event showcased Pullman’s commitment to offering creative and immersive guest experiences, seamlessly blending the artistic journey with the island’s natural beauty. This initiative reflects Pullman’s dedication to art and cultural enrichment, a core element of its global identity and commitment to fostering local creativity and talent.

Nestled on the picturesque, heart-shaped Fesdu Island in North Ari Atoll, W Maldives is just a 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé. The resort offers an idyllic escape from the everyday, inviting guests to immerse themselves in lush greenery, the vibrant hues of the Indian Ocean, and pristine white-sand beaches.

With its turquoise lagoons, powdery beaches, and a renowned house reef, W Maldives epitomises luxury and natural wonder. Now, following an extensive renovation, the resort has elevated its offerings to provide an even more memorable experience for guests.

As the first W Hotel to embrace the brand’s global rebranding initiative, W Maldives has redefined its 77 overwater and beach villas with a “bio-boho” design philosophy. This approach seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a harmonious connection with the island’s natural surroundings.

Guests can choose from one-bedroom overwater villas with private pools or opt for two-bedroom overwater villas, ideal for larger groups. On the beach, the redesigned villas include one-bedroom options and the newly introduced Oasis Beach two-bedroom villas, catering to families who prefer direct beach access.

The transformation extends to the resort’s culinary and social spaces. Guests can savour a variety of cuisines:

• Fish: An overwater restaurant specialising in fresh, ocean-to-table dining.
• Sip: Offering Nikkei cuisine and Latin American-inspired cocktails.
• Fire: A beachside barbecue haven.
• Kitchen: An all-day dining bistro with live cooking stations for a casual yet immersive experience.

Public areas have also been reimagined, blending playfulness and sophistication to reflect the resort’s vibrant personality.

W Maldives is committed to sustainability, introducing initiatives such as eliminating single-use plastics, utilising a biogas plant to recycle food waste, and planning an in-house herb and fruit plantation by 2025. These efforts align with the resort’s vision of reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing self-sufficiency.

While W Maldives doesn’t feature traditional children’s facilities, the resort offers a wealth of family-friendly activities. Families can enjoy water sports, private yacht excursions, or exploring the house reef together. For adults, facilities like the Away Spa, fitness centre, and private escapes to the nearby Gaathafushi Island offer unparalleled relaxation and indulgence.

The house reef at W Maldives is a diver’s dream, located just a short swim from the villas. From encounters with reef sharks and rays to glimpses of the resident turtle, Bob, the underwater world here is truly captivating. Guests can snorkel, dive with the guidance of the Down Under Dive Centre, or embark on night snorkelling adventures for a unique perspective of marine life.

Whether seeking adventure, tranquility, or a mix of both, W Maldives is ready to welcome guests to its reimagined paradise. With its vibrant transformation, this luxurious escape promises to create cherished memories in the stunning Maldivian setting.