The Standard, Maldives has been named Best Family Resort in the Maldives at the Global Destination Awards by World Fashion Channel, recognising the resort’s distinctive approach to family travel, where island adventures, meaningful connections, and experiences for all ages come together in an unforgettable setting.

The award was presented during the Global Destination Awards ceremony held in Moscow, Russia, bringing together leading hospitality brands, travel professionals, lifestyle media, and industry figures from around the world. The annual awards celebrate destinations and travel experiences that continue to make an impact on the international hospitality landscape.

Located in the idyllic Raa Atoll, The Standard, Maldives offers a fresh take on family-friendly island escapes. While couples, groups of friends, and solo travellers all find their own rhythm on the island, families are equally at home with a wide range of experiences designed to bring generations together.

From spacious two-bedroom villas and family-friendly dining venues to thoughtfully curated activities for younger guests, the resort offers countless opportunities for both shared adventures and individual exploration. The Lil’ Shark Kids Club features a daily program designed to keep children engaged and entertained, while experiences such as snorkelling excursions, marine discovery sessions, sushi-making classes, soda-making workshops, water sports, beach games, and outdoor activities encourage families to connect and create lasting memories together. Adding to the family-friendly experience, the recently introduced Teen Arcade Lounge provides a dedicated space tailored for teenage guests. Equipped with popular gaming consoles and interactive entertainment, it offers a fun retreat where teens can unwind, socialise, and enjoy their own downtime, whether taking a break from the tropical sun or simply seeking a little independence during their island stay.

Beyond family-focused activities, guests can experience The Standard’s signature mix of relaxation, entertainment, and connection through six distinct dining venues, The Standard Spa, wellness programming, and a lively calendar of seasonal events and celebrations. As one of the Maldives’ most social island escapes, the resort is known for bringing guests together through signature experiences such as Not Your Standard Bingo Night and Music Quiz, both of which have become guest favourites at Todis Bar. These playful, interactive events often see families, couples, and friends gathering in the same space to connect, share laughs, and create memorable moments together. Combined with a diverse offering of dining, wellness, recreation, and cultural experiences, the resort provides something for every generation, making it an ideal destination for families travelling together.

The recognition also highlights the resort’s commitment to creating an environment where families can reconnect away from everyday routines. Whether enjoying time by the beach, exploring the surrounding ocean, sharing meals, or celebrating special occasions, guests are invited to experience the Maldives in a way that feels both engaging and effortlessly relaxed.

Covering contemporary trends in fashion, beauty, travel, technology, and lifestyle, World Fashion Channel is recognized for its coverage of major industry events and influential personalities. The international television network also serves as an official media partner of Moscow Fashion Week and other leading fashion and lifestyle events.

Receiving the title of Best Family Resort in the Maldives further strengthens The Standard, Maldives’ position as one of the destination’s most dynamic island resorts, offering experiences that bring together adventure, wellness, dining, and family connection in one extraordinary setting.

As the festive season approaches, trade the winter chill and city bustle for the gentle rhythm of island life at Centara Hotels & Resorts’ four distinctive Maldivian destinations. From sunlit days by the ocean to evenings shaped by seasonal traditions, each resort offers its own expression of the festive season, bringing together considered experiences, culinary moments and the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Discover an elegant island festive season at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, while Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives brings a considered programme of family-focused experiences shaped around discovery and togetherness. At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, the festivities unfold both above and beneath the waves, drawing guests into the island’s rich marine world. At Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, an adults-only setting offers a more intimate expression of the season, with each resort bringing its own distinct character, sense of place and rhythm to the celebrations.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

Nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a short luxury speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers a refined setting for the festive season, where privacy and considered comfort shape every stay.

With an array of elegant beachfront and overwater accommodation, including spacious two- and three-bedroom residences, each setting offers a private perspective on the lagoon and natural beauty of the island. The season unfolds through an array of culinary experiences, water sports and guided island excursions, complemented by the restorative rituals of SPA Cenvaree Retreat.

As the festive days take shape around the lagoon, settle into the gentle rhythm of the ocean and discover a considered celebration shaped by natural beauty, understated luxury and the distinctive character of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives.

Under this year’s theme, The Season: Beautifully Curated, the resort presents a collection of experiences designed to blend the natural beauty of the Maldives with refined luxury. From December 20th through January 7th, become immersed in a thoughtfully crafted calendar of celebrations, anchored by sophisticated culinary journeys, including elegant Gala Dinners on December 24th and New Year’s Eve, alongside exclusive immersive festive experiences and bespoke themed feasts.

For those seeking something more active, the experience perfectly balances relaxation with adventure, featuring restorative Sunrise Yoga, masterclasses in festive beverage creation, and vibrant cultural performances. The little ones also take top priority, with a dedicated lineup of creative workshops and engaging activities leading up to the grand island arrival of Santa himself. The festive crescendo arrives on December 31st with a sparkling countdown to 2027, followed by a tranquil New Year’s Day luncheon to welcome the year ahead.

The curated experience continues into the first week of January when guests can embrace the island’s revitalising energy with beachside challenges and jujutsu sessions. The younger guests are treated to a lively festive party at the season’s grand finale on January 7th, with the festive beachside arrival of Ded Moroz, the traditional Slavic equivalent of Santa Claus, providing an elegant finale to the festive season.

When: From December 20th to January 7th
Offer: Festive experiences for in-house guests, with additional charges applicable to select experiences and subject to terms and conditions
For bookings and more information, please click here.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives

Celebrate the season with unforgettable family moments at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, an immersive destination of family-friendly adventure. Situated within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, this sun-drenched retreat is designed to delight guests of all generations with its action-packed water park attractions and vibrant beachfront dining destinations. Every corner of the resort promises an unforgettable holiday experience that will last long in the memory. 

This festive season, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives welcomes families and sun-seekers alike to embrace an exciting holiday escape under the theme of A Family Celebration of Festive Wonder. Running from December 20th through January 8th, the resort transforms into a vibrant, tropical wonderland where family adventures blend with magical holiday celebrations.

The festive calendar is packed with experiences tailored for all ages, beginning with creative festive masterclasses and workshops. Families can also dive into high-energy activities such as OctoSplash treasure hunts or take on the Lazy River Family Challenge, ensuring endless entertainment for younger guests.

The celebrations reach their peak with festive carols and a Gala Dinner. On December 24th, guests can look forward to an appearance by Santa Claus alongside a family day lunch and relaxed beachside celebrations.

The year draws to a spectacular close with pre-dinner cocktail receptions, an elegant Gala Dinner, and vibrant beach celebrations under the stars to welcome 2027. The festive journey then continues into the new year with a series of unique dining experiences, including a Maldivian Family Beach BBQ, Orthodox celebrations featuring fresh seafood and festive flavours, and creative masterclasses that guarantee a holiday to remember.

When: From December 20th to January 8th
Offer: Festive experiences for in-house guests, with additional charges applicable to select experiences and subject to terms and conditions
For bookings and more information, please click here.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection

Set against the pristine backdrop of the South Ari Atoll, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection promises a chance to escape the ordinary and embrace an end-of-year celebration deeply rooted in nature. Redefining traditional holiday tropes, this year’s theme is “A Festive Season Guided by the Rhythms of the Island.” From the vibrant house reef to the lush shores, every aspect of the 112-villa property becomes a canvas for authentic Maldivian hospitality and unforgettable seasonal magic.

The holiday spirit awakens naturally across the island, beginning with a joyful Cake Mixing Ceremony in November that sets a warm, inviting tone for the weeks ahead. As mid-December approaches, the resort transforms into a tropical wonderland, with the festivities officially taking flight on December 14th as Santa and his elves arrive at the Water Sports Beach, before an enchanting tree lighting ceremony and live carols under the stars.

Wellness takes centre stage with daily Tropical Sunrise Yoga, Paradise Mat Pilates and bespoke SPA Cenvaree masterclasses, offering a mindful, rejuvenating escape. For those drawn to the ocean, the resort’s exceptional marine adventures offer an immersive window into the underwater world of South Ari Atoll, from exploring its award-winning house reef to whale shark and manta snorkelling, complemented by sunset fishing and other aquatic excursions. Meanwhile, younger guests are swept up in the wonder of Camp Safari, where island-inspired programming ranges from Maldivian Origami and festive ornament crafting to thrilling scavenger hunts and pizza masterclasses.

A highlight of the season is an exclusive Italian Grape Pairing Dinner, guided by a renowned sommelier who brings Cape Winelands expertise to the Atoll for a highly curated journey. As the holiday peak approaches, evenings transition between starlit beach cinema screenings and tropical BBQ feasts.

Finally, New Year’s Eve is a chance to toast the final sunset of 2026 before moving into an elegant Gala Dinner. The night culminates in a New Year’s countdown on the Reef Deck, alive with music and entertainment beneath the stars. The warmth of the season flows gracefully into January, concluding with a relaxed Orthodox gathering featuring coastal BBQ dinners and seasonal spa workshops, ensuring the holidays end exactly as they began, relaxed, connected, and beautifully serene.

When: From November 10th to January 6th
Offer: Festive experiences for in-house guests, with additional charges applicable to select experiences and subject to terms and conditions
For bookings and more information, please click here.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

This festive season, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives welcomes guests to celebrate the moments that matter most under the theme, Groovy Festive Moments: Made for You and Yours. Step into this adults-only island playground where breathtaking beauty meets a retro-inspired, high-energy escape. Trading the traditional for sun-drenched shores and island beats, the resort sets the stage for guests to celebrate together, create unforgettable memories, and get lost in the rhythm of the season.

The festivities start off on December 03rd with a Cake Mixing tradition to get everyone in the holiday spirit, before the enchanting Tree Lighting ceremony that will illuminate Waves Beach on December 15th. Enjoy a drink at Festive Cocktail O’clock, listen to live carols, and let the island energy take over. 

Guests can further enjoy their days with mornings of Hatha Yoga or Full Body Stretching, then heighten the tempo with Aqua Gym, Beach Volleyball, and Thai Boxing at the Fitness Centre. 

The ocean is calling with endless ways to explore the vibrant Maldivian waters. Dive into the deep blue with Turtle, Nurse Shark, and Manta Snorkelling trips, or take it easy above the waves with Parasailing, Sunset Dolphin Cruises, and Semi-Submarine adventures. 

When the sun goes down, the island’s soul really shines. Sip on crafted cocktails during lively Shisha Nights, belt out your favourite tunes at Ras Fushi Karaoke, or catch a flick under the stars with beachside screenings of holiday classics.

To celebrate December 24th in true Maldivian style, Santa makes a spirited arrival by Jet Ski at Waves Beach, before the sun sets and the evening unfolds into a sophisticated Festive Eve Dinner featuring interactive culinary stations. The celebration continues on the sand with a vibrant showcase of traditional Boduberu, a dynamic Thai boxing demonstration, and curated DJ sets under the stars. 

The relaxed island rhythm carries into the next day with a leisurely breakfast and an afternoon of Pétanque by the ocean. As the year draws to a close, guests can welcome 2027 at the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner on Waves Beach, counting down the final moments with delectable dining, live music, and captivating Indonesian dance performances. The festivities elevate further on New Year’s Day with a leisurely Brunch Buffet, and the magic will continue lingering until January 6th when an elegant beachfront Orthodox Celebration Dinner brings the radiant season to a graceful close.

When: From December 3rd to January 6th
Offer: Festive experiences for in-house guests, with additional charges applicable to select experiences and subject to terms and conditions
For bookings and more information, please click here.

Following the successful soft launch of its new hospitality concept, SunRay Social & Swim Club, at SAii Koh Samui Villas earlier this year, S Hotels & Resorts has announced its expansion to SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton ahead of a portfolio-wide rollout concluding at SAii Laguna Phuket later this year.

Designed to rethink the traditional beach club, SunRay shifts the focus from after-dark revelry to everything that happens under the sun: movement, good food, great music and time together. From sunrise to sunset, its programme follows the rhythm of the day, building towards golden hour and the Maldives’ spectacular sunsets.

The Indian Ocean edition brings that philosophy to the lagoon-front setting of SAii Lagoon Maldives, where the sun and ocean shape the day and experiences invite families, couples and groups of friends to move naturally between activity, connection and relaxation.

Four distinct periods shape the experience. First Light begins with sunrise yoga or a beach bootcamp, offering a gentle awakening or an active start. During Morning Drift, guests take to the water, from energising Aqua Flow workouts and games of newly introduced floating pickleball to discovering the lagoon’s marine life through snorkelling and diving. At Peak Sun, the tempo rises with mobile karaoke, water polo and pool volleyball, while water painting kits offer a creative pause by the beach.

 Golden Hour pairs friendly rivalry with time together. Beachside table tennis, beach volleyball, padel clinics and Kick Box Fit keep the energy going, while family sandcastle competitions give imagination centre stage, bringing generations together to shape something of their own in the sand.

As the sun dips below the horizon, a Boduberu sunset ritual brings the rhythms of Maldivian culture to the shore. After dark, a rotating weekly line-up gives each evening its own character, from live bands and acoustic guitar sessions to DJ-led nights, collaborative sets pairing DJs with live guitarists, and DJ & SunRay chromatic ritual.

Flavour adds another dimension to SunRay’s identity. Handcrafted gelato translates its signature colour palette into three exclusive creations: Orange Amaretto for Brick Orange, Toffee for SunRay Blue and Pink Guava for Cream. Alongside sun-inspired cocktails, these finishing touches invite guests to settle in and stay a little longer. 

Reflecting SunRay’s emphasis on sharing and discovery, the culinary programme centres on fresh, approachable dishes designed for the beach and poolside setting. Drawing on Thai, Maldivian and international influences, the menu features breadfruit crisps seasoned with aromatic Maldivian tuna mix; crispy tortilla with stir-fried beef kaprao; Phuket lobster arancini; oven-hot Maldivian-style pizza and other sharable poolside delights.

“What makes SunRay so compelling is its ability to adapt to the character of each destination,” said Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts. “The concept is built around the movement of the sun, but in the Maldives the ocean becomes an equally important guide. At SunRay Maldives, the programme has been shaped around the lagoon itself, from water-based activities and wellness experiences to music, dining and social moments, resulting in a version of SunRay that feels distinctly Maldivian while staying true to the concept’s core philosophy of nature-led daytime leisure.”

SunRay complements the wider lifestyle offering at CROSSROADS Maldives, the integrated destination comprising three connected resorts, a 30-berth marina and an extensive collection of dining and entertainment venues. Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, SunRay is open to both resort guests and visitors seeking a day experience beyond the traditional overnight stay.

Guests travelling from Malé can enjoy SunRay Day Passes from USD 30 net per adult, with access to SunRay’s facilities and 30% off food and beverages, including the Gelato Bar. For a more complete experience, Meal Packages start from USD 75, while All-Inclusive Packages start from USD 140, with dining and beverage inclusions. Children aged 7 and below enjoy complimentary access. All packages include complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers to and from SunRay. For more information, visit the official website.