News
COMO Cocoa Island, Maalifushi invite guests to reconnect, rejoice, restore this festive season
This festive season, COMO Hotels and Resorts invites guests to embrace the spirit of celebration in the Maldives, where the rhythm of the ocean sets the tone for a time of reflection, connection and joy. Both COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island have curated festive programmes that combine wellness, gastronomy, adventure and art — offering moments of stillness and celebration in equal measure.
From December 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026, guests can experience an unforgettable festive journey across two distinct islands — COMO Maalifushi, the only resort in the remote Thaa Atoll, and COMO Cocoa Island, an intimate private island in the South Malé Atoll. Together, they offer two unique ways to celebrate the season — one vibrant and family-oriented, the other serene and soulful — both grounded in COMO’s signature approach to holistic wellbeing and mindful living.
Festive Highlights at COMO Maalifushi
At COMO Maalifushi, guests are invited to celebrate amid a Winter Wonderland-inspired atmosphere. The festivities begin with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by champagne breakfasts on the beach, gala dinners with live music, and wellness sessions led by visiting practitioners.
Highlights include:
- Christmas Eve Gala Dinner and Santa’s Visit on Tai Beach, featuring a feast under the stars, live entertainment, and joyful family moments.
- A series of immersive wellness sessions with visiting practitioners Anthony Mullaly and Anna Corisio, offering breath work, apnoea, and family-focused treatments at COMO Shambhala.
- Festive feasts across the resort’s oceanfront venues — from the Italian Fiesta Buffet and East Asian Culinary Journey to the Sea, Fire, Land and Salt Feast and New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner themed “All That Glitters.”
- Active celebrations including padel tournaments, sunset volleyball, and dolphin cruises through the Thaa Atoll.
- The New Year’s Eve countdown on Madi Beach, culminating with fireworks, a live band and barefoot dancing by the water’s edge.
Throughout the season, guests can savour COMO’s distinctive approach to hospitality — intuitive, unhurried, and deeply personal. Every experience is designed to celebrate the beauty of connection — to the ocean, to others, and to oneself.
Festive Highlights at Como Cocoa Island
At COMO Cocoa Island, the season unfolds as a tranquil celebration of art, nature and mindfulness. Resort Manager Arta Rozefelde and her team invite guests to slow down and embrace island simplicity through creative and restorative experiences that honour the island’s serene setting.
Highlights include:
- A residency by internationally acclaimed artist Gregory Burns, with Paint with the Artist sessions and an open studio where guests can engage with art inspired by the island’s natural beauty.
- Ocean adventures such as shark and turtle snorkelling, sunset cruises, house reef explorations, and UV night snorkelling under a canopy of stars.
- Daily wellness rituals at COMO Shambhala Retreat, including yoga, meditation, and sound baths on the sandbank.
- Intimate dining experiences such as the Christmas Eve Italian Feast, Maldivian Set Dinner, and the New Year’s Eve Party Under the Stars at Ufaa Restaurant.
- Elegant moments of indulgence, from High Tea with a Twist and signature Negroni flights at Faru Bar to Brandy and Cigar nights overlooking the lagoon.
At Cocoa Island, guests are invited to celebrate in harmony with nature — through quiet joy, creative expression, and meaningful connection.
A Como Christmas: Mindful Celebration In The Maldives
Across both islands, COMO’s festive season is more than a holiday — it is a return to simplicity, presence, and shared joy. Guests are encouraged to reconnect with what truly matters: loved ones, nature, and wellbeing.
“The festive season at COMO Maldives is about balance — celebration and stillness, indulgence and renewal. Whether guests choose the family warmth of COMO Maalifushi or the serene intimacy of COMO Cocoa Island, they will find the same essence of our brand: thoughtful experiences, heartfelt hospitality, and timeless connection,” said Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives.
Each COMO resort moves to its own festive rhythm — where barefoot freedom meets ocean-inspired dining and moments of mindful wellbeing. Whether painting with the tides at Cocoa Island or celebrating beneath the fireworks at Maalifushi, every experience is a celebration of connection, crafted to leave memories as timeless as the islands themselves.
Awards
Atmosphere Core secures British Airways Holidays awards across five Maldives resorts
Atmosphere Core has announced that five of their resorts in the Maldives; VARU by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, have been recognised with the prestigious British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award 2025.
This accolade reflects consistently high guest satisfaction, recognising hotels that excel in service delivery, quality of facilities, and the overall holiday experience. Extended only to the top 8% of hotels worldwide, it underscores the strength of the brand’s diverse portfolio, from signature Holiday Plans to adults-only escapes and immersive, nature-inspired island retreats.

Under Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, VARU by Atmosphere and Atmosphere Kanifushi continue to set benchmarks in elevated hospitality. VARU by Atmosphere offers a contemporary island experience with seamless inclusions and warm Maldivian service, while Atmosphere Kanifushi is known for its expansive setting, lush tropical surroundings, and wide range of experiences catering to both families and couples.

Within the COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO each present distinct island escapes. OBLU SELECT Sangeli blends contemporary design in a stylish and tranquil setting. OBLU SELECT Lobigili is a romantic, adults-only retreat thoughtfully designed for couples, centred around intimacy and curated experiences. OBLU NATURE Helengeli stands out for its rich marine life and exceptional house reef, offering an immersive experience for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.

“We are truly honoured to receive the British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award across multiple resorts within our portfolio. This recognition, driven by genuine guest feedback, is a testament to the passion and dedication of our teams who consistently go above and beyond to create exceptional experiences,” said Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Core. “It reinforces our commitment to delivering distinctive and memorable stays across every island, tailored to different guest journeys.”

This achievement further strengthens Atmosphere Core’s position as a leading hospitality brand in the Maldives, driven by guest-centric service, innovation, and authentic island experiences.
Drink
Lily Beach announces guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced an exclusive guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn, one of the most prominent figures in Moscow’s contemporary bar scene, from 2nd to 10th May 2026.
Vyacheslav is the Bar Manager of The Carlton Lounge & Bar at The Carlton, Moscow, one of the city’s most sophisticated social destinations. He began his career at the award-winning City Space Bar, recognised both in Russia and internationally, before contributing to a number of standout bar and restaurant projects at Lucky Group.
Renowned for crafting modern classics with precision and narrative depth, Vyacheslav’s cocktails reflect refined technique, contemporary elegance, and a strong sense of place. Each creation tells a story-balancing innovation with timeless style, elegance and style.
During his residency at Lily Beach, guests will experience a curated cocktail menu inspired by Moscow’s dynamic bar culture, reimagined within the island’s luxury setting. Exclusive evening showcases and limited-edition signatures will highlight his artistry.
This special collaboration underscores Lily Beach’s commitment to delivering elevated culinary and beverage experiences -where global expertise meets barefoot Maldivian luxury.
At Lily Beach the Platinum Plan seamlessly unites exceptional dining with premium inclusions, creating one of the Maldives’ most distinguished all-inclusive experiences. Guests indulge in diverse buffet and à la carte offerings across multiple restaurants, complemented by an extensive selection of premium wines, spirits, signature cocktails, and a replenished minibar. Elevating the culinary journey further, Les Turquoise d’Aqua proudly received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2024, underscoring the resort’s commitment to world-class wine curation. From elegant beachfront dinners to relaxed overwater settings, every moment is thoughtfully crafted to deliver refined flavour, variety, and effortless luxury.
For reservations and further information, please visit the resort’s website.
Featured
The Standard, Maldives unveils new Premium All-Inclusive package
The Standard, Maldives has announced the launch of a new Premium All-Inclusive experience from May 2026, introducing an enhanced offering aimed at travellers seeking a seamless island holiday in Raa Atoll.
The resort said the new package was designed to combine dining, experiences and entertainment with the natural setting of the Maldives. It added that the offering had been curated with Indian travellers in mind, as India continues to grow as a source market for Maldivian tourism.
The package begins with champagne on arrival and includes access to dining across the resort’s outlets. Guests will be able to choose from three restaurants for lunch and five restaurants for dinner with prior reservation. The resort said the dining programme would range from Mediterranean dishes at Onda to Maldivian cuisine at Guduguda, offering guests a varied culinary experience throughout their stay.
The package also includes a beverage programme featuring premium spirits, wines, cocktails and beers, as well as a fully stocked minibar in each villa.
The culinary programme is led by Director of Culinary Nandakumar Dharuman. The resort said his Indian background adds familiarity for Indian travellers, with Indian breakfast options available alongside international selections. Vegetarian and Jain meals can also be prepared on request.
The Standard, Maldives said the resort would continue to offer a lively atmosphere through activities held during the week, including DJ nights, fire dance performances, bingo evenings and other social events. Breakfast DJ sessions are also part of the programme. In addition, guests booking the Premium All-Inclusive package will receive one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment and one island excursion.
Sonika Adlakha, commercial director of The Standard, Maldives, said India remained an important and growing market for the resort. She said the new Premium All-Inclusive experience was intended to offer Indian travellers a stay that combined dining, entertainment and the natural appeal of the Maldives.
Alongside its social spaces, the resort said it also offers quieter areas for guests seeking a more relaxed experience. All villas at the property include private pools and spacious living areas, allowing guests to stay close to the resort’s dining and entertainment facilities while also enjoying privacy.
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