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Eight irresistible reasons to trade Winter for Maldives

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The Maldives, with its powder-soft sands and shimmering turquoise waters, becomes even more alluring during the festive season. Bathed in golden light, the islands feel like an endless summer’s day, where time moves at the unhurried pace of the tides. It is a moment made for resetting and recharging, for treasuring personal connections in a setting far removed from the everyday. Whether toasting to the New Year beneath a canopy of stars, indulging in oceanfront luxury, or surrendering to the serenity of island life, Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of private island resorts presents a meaningful gift for those who plan ahead.

From intimate villas on remote atolls to vibrant escapes just a short speedboat ride from Malé, travelers are invited to embrace the spirit of celebration with the limited-time Festive Early Bird offer. Available to book until October 15, 2025, the offer includes oceanfront villa stays in postcard-perfect settings, New Year’s Eve celebrations and seasonal festivities, daily breakfast, daily resort credits, complimentary non-motorized water sports, and thoughtful touches unique to each resort. Valid for stays from December 15, 2025, to January 10, 2026, it is an invitation to trade winter’s chill for barefoot luxury and sun-soaked serenity.

Island Journeys by Speedboat: North and South Malé Atoll

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes guests to a season where time slows and the stars shine more brightly with its Celestial Festive Escape package. Mornings begin with breakfast at La Locanda, setting the tone for days shaped by indulgence and discovery. With daily resort credits, time can be spent lingering over gourmet dining, raising a glass to the sunset, or retreating to The Ritz-Carlton Spa for a rejuvenating ritual. The discreet care of a dedicated ‘Aris Meeha’ island butler ensures every moment flows effortlessly, while the calm lagoon invites exploration with complimentary non-motorized water sports. Here, the festive season becomes an art form, every detail considered and every experience curated with care.

At JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, the Festive Early Bird package marks its inaugural season of celebration, blending serene seclusion with a joyful island spirit. After a leisurely breakfast at Veyo, guests may choose to use their daily resort credit for a private beach dinner under the stars, a rejuvenating spa treatment, or a tranquil sunset cruise across the lagoon. Complimentary non-motorized water sports open the door to the atoll’s opalescent playground, while the warm care of a dedicated ‘Safeeru’ ensures each detail is flawlessly arranged. Festivities extend beyond the shore with a group excursion—snorkeling among vibrant marine life or spotting dolphins at play—and a professional photography session provides a keepsake to carry the magic of the Maldives home.

Framed by lush tropical gardens with powdery sands just steps away, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa welcomes the season with its Festive Early Bird package, where convivial dining and family-friendly fun take center stage. Days unfold with breakfast, lunch, and dinner across a variety of venues, complemented by specialty dining at Baan Thai or Sea Salt using dining credits. Fresh juices and aromatic coffees accompany every meal, and children under twelve dine with compliments when joining their parents. Complimentary shared speedboat transfers set the tone for a stress-free arrival, while each day presents opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, or friendly matches on the tennis court. A 15% savings on spa treatments adds a restorative note to the celebration.

Secluded Horizons: Dhaalu and Shaviyani Atolls

Understated luxury defines the Exquisite Festive Retreat at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, set on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll where unspoiled beaches meet the azure Indian Ocean. Breakfast at ALBA begins each day, followed by the freedom to shape the hours ahead entirely to personal desire. Daily resort credits create opportunities for elevated dining, curated wine pairings, or transformative treatments at the Iridium Spa, while complimentary non-motorized water sports reveal the prismatic life beneath the waves. The signature St. Regis Butlers orchestrate each moment with quiet precision, ensuring the holiday unfolds as seamlessly as it is memorably. 

A multigenerational haven in the secluded beauty of Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa celebrates the season with its Festive Splendor package. Breakfast at Aailaa sets a relaxed pace, leading into days enriched by daily resort credits—perhaps for a romantic dinner on the beach or a spa ritual at Spa by JW. Complimentary non-motorized water sports encourage exploration, from paddleboarding across the lagoon to kayaking over crystal-clear waters. Family by JW Little Griffins Kids Club, one of the Maldives’ largest, keeps younger guests joyfully engaged with over a hundred activities, while couples savor quiet moments along the shore. A professional photography session preserves the spirit of the season, and the attentive service of a ‘Thakuru’ personal butler ensures every detail is perfectly considered. 

Underwater Spectacle: North Ari, Baa, and Lhaviyani Atolls

With its Festive Favors package, W Maldives stages a bold, playful take on the holiday season, where one of the Maldives’ most celebrated house reefs lies just beyond the villa deck. Mornings start with breakfast at KITCHEN, flowing into leisurely lunches and dinners across vibrant venues, while the in-room W Mix Bar answers midday cravings. Daily resort credits bring the freedom to craft each day’s pleasures, from a blissful escape at AWAY® Spa to an ocean adventure or a castaway evening with sunset cocktails on Gaathafushi private island. Between festivities, the reef beckons with kaleidoscopic marine life, offering a natural playground for those whose festive spirit thrives with a splash of seawater.

In the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to Celebrate Festive with its Early Bird package, a wellness-focused retreat where rejuvenation meets discovery. A complimentary upgrade from breakfast to half board sets the stage for nourishing evenings, while children under 12 enjoy a complimentary stay and dining. Spa treatments are enhanced with a 20% savings, and days may be spent kayaking across the atoll’s azure waters, capturing memories in a professional photo session, or joining the resort’s program of recharging activities. The Westin Family Kids Club keeps younger travelers happily occupied, ensuring the whole family departing renewed, reconnected, and enriched by a holiday to remember.

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa ushers guests to its Festive Season in Paradise amid the pristine beauty of the Lhaviyani Atoll, presenting a seasonal celebration at this chic, eco-conscious hideaway. Breakfast starts each day, followed by the flexibility to use daily resort credits on pleasures such as a signature spa treatment, a beachside lunch, or a sparkling rosé. The festive calendar offers a curated program for all ages, and from December 16 to 21, guests can join energizing padel clinics led by internationally acclaimed champion Juani Mieres. Between celebrations, the atoll’s crystal-clear waters await—perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling—before cooling down with a scoop of homemade Le Scoop sorbet, a sweet finish to days where family, fun, and festivity converge. 

Visit their website to discover more about Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives or click here to start planning your festive escape now.

Food

Michelin-starred Chef Charles Coulombeau to host exclusive residency at V Villas Maldives at Mirihi

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V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection will welcome Michelin-starred French chef Charles Coulombeau from 26 to 28 November 2026.

The three-day programme opens with sunset cocktails and canapés, followed by a fine dining evening at Muraka Restaurant and a special cooking class with the chef.

Coulombeau leads the kitchen at La Maison dans le Parc in Nancy, France, which holds one Michelin star. His cooking pairs modern French technique with influences from his time in Japan, bringing ingredients such as citrus and seaweed into dishes shaped by seasonal produce.

The culinary programme:

  • Thursday, 26 November | Sunset cocktails and canapés. The programme opens with sunset cocktails and Michelin-inspired canapés, offering guests a first taste of the chef’s approach ahead of Friday’s fine dining event.
  • Friday, 27 November | Fine dining at Muraka Restaurant. Coulombeau will present a special dinner at the resort’s overwater Muraka Restaurant, where guests can experience his modern French cooking overlooking the Indian Ocean.
  • Saturday, 28 November | Special Cooking Class. Guests will have the opportunity to learn directly from Coulombeau and explore some of the techniques behind his cooking.

V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection offers an intimate island retreat in the Maldives, with beach and overwater accommodation, dining overlooking the ocean, and experiences on and beneath the water.

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Dr Tridendra Shakya to lead wellness residency at Finolhu Maldives

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Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is set to welcome renowned wellness practitioner Dr Tridendra Shakya for an exclusive residency at Fehi Spa from 15 December 2026 to 31 January 2027. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Maldives’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, the residency invites guests to explore a more mindful approach to wellbeing through personalised treatments, traditional healing practices and restorative experiences.

Hailing from Kathmandu, Nepal, Dr Shakya brings 17 years of experience in naturopathy and holistic wellbeing, drawing upon ancient Eastern healing philosophies and contemporary wellness practices. His approach centres on understanding each individual’s needs, combining therapeutic techniques with lifestyle guidance to encourage relaxation, balance and a deeper connection between mind and body.

Throughout his seven-week residency, Dr Shakya will offer a carefully curated selection of therapies encompassing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, reflexology, cupping, manipulative massage and therapeutic yoga. Personalised wellness consultations, incorporating pulse diagnosis alongside lifestyle and nutritional guidance, will allow guests to explore treatments tailored to their individual wellbeing goals.

Among the signature experiences is Yin & Pin, a combination of gentle passive stretching and acupuncture designed to encourage deep relaxation and release muscular tension. Acu-Massage brings together acupuncture, Marma point massage and traditional cupping techniques, while the Head to Toe Reviver draws upon the principles of reflexology to provide a restorative experience particularly suited to travellers seeking relaxation after a long journey.

The programme also explores the relationship between movement, breath and mindfulness. Therapeutic yoga sessions incorporate supportive postures, breathing exercises and meditation techniques adapted to individual needs. Guests can also discover Motion Meditation, blending the graceful movements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong with mindful breathing, or experience Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation practice that encourages profound relaxation and mental stillness.

For those seeking a more personalised wellness journey, the residency includes specialised experiences focusing on sleep, stress management, spinal care and traditional yogic cleansing practices. Each experience begins with an assessment, allowing Dr Shakya to tailor his approach to the guest’s individual preferences and wellbeing objectives.

The residency complements Finolhu’s existing wellness offering at Fehi Spa, where the island’s natural beauty provides an inviting setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by turquoise waters, powder-soft beaches and lush tropical vegetation, the resort offers an opportunity to step away from everyday routines and embrace a slower, more considered pace of life.

With its distinctive blend of barefoot luxury, contemporary design and immersive island experiences, Finolhu continues to introduce thoughtfully curated programmes that enrich the guest journey. Dr. Shakya’s residency adds a new dimension to the resort’s wellness offering, inviting guests to incorporate moments of restoration and self-discovery into their Maldivian escape.

Dr Tridendra Shakya’s residency will take place at Fehi Spa from 15 December 2026 to 31 January 2027. Complimentary initial consultations are available, with advance reservations recommended. For further information or reservations, guests may visit www.finolhu.com or contact stay@finolhu.com.

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Drink

V Villas Maldives at Mirihi announces exclusive wine Dinner with Hunter’s Wines

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V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection will host an exclusive Hunter’s Wine Dinner on Monday, 16 November 2026, inviting guests to experience an evening of fine wine, thoughtful gastronomy and personal storytelling from one of Marlborough’s pioneering family-owned wineries.

The evening will be hosted by James Macdonald, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Winemaker at Hunter’s Wines, alongside Chelsea Macdonald and sommelier Khail van Niekerk of Grape Expectations Maldives.

Part of the founding family, James holds a degree in Oenology and Viticulture from Lincoln University and has completed several vintages overseas. Today, he helps lead Hunter’s Wines while preserving the winery’s signature Marlborough character and guiding its continued evolution.

Founded in 1979 by Ernie and Jane Hunter, Hunter’s is Marlborough’s oldest independent winery under continuous family ownership. Its internationally recognized wines reflect more than four decades of winemaking expertise, innovation and respect for the land.

For this special occasion, the culinary team at V Villas Maldives at Mirihi will present a curated menu designed to complement a selection of Hunter’s wines. The featured collection is expected to include MiruMiru sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer, guiding guests through the diversity and distinctive character of Marlborough.

Throughout the dinner, James will share the stories behind the wines, the Hunter family journey and the winemaking philosophy that has helped establish Marlborough as one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.

“V Villas Maldives at Mirihi is committed to creating memorable experiences that connect our guests with exceptional personalities, craftsmanship and stories from around the world. We are delighted to welcome James and Chelsea Macdonald and to offer our guests an intimate discovery of Hunter’s Wines in the distinctive setting of Mirihi” said Mohamed Shareef, General Manager of V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection.

The event reflects the resort’s approach to experiential dining, where refined cuisine, a carefully curated wine programme and Mirihi’s intimate island atmosphere come together to create meaningful moments for guests.

V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection is an intimate private-island resort in South Ari Atoll. Set amid a renowned house reef and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives, the resort brings together contemporary island living, personalized service, distinctive culinary experiences and meaningful encounters inspired by the spirit of Mirihi.

The resort features 42 villas, two restaurants, AKOYA Sea Lounge, Mirihi Spa, a wine cellar offering more than 300 labels, and a collection of ocean, wellness and cultural experiences.

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