News
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives unveils week-long Orthodox Christmas celebrations
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives gears up to welcome guests celebrating the magic of Orthodox Christmas on 7 January 2026 in true island style – surrounded by turquoise lagoons, swaying palms, and warm Maldivian hospitality. The week-long celebrations kick off on New Year’s Eve and form part of Kandooma’s enchanting Festive Programme, making it the perfect winter-sun escape for couples, families, and friends.
Festivities commence on New Year’s Eve, 31 December, with pre-dinner cocktails at the resort’s iconic Sunset Bar, followed by a festive Global Countdown Dinner at Kandooma Café, set poolside beneath the stars. Guests welcome the first morning of 2026 with an extensive breakfast buffet, before easing into the day – whether relaxing in a hammock beneath gently swaying palms or joining Kandooma’s much-loved afternoon football match on the island’s west beach. As the sun sets, the Surf Beach comes alive with a bonfire lighting at 5.30pm, drinks from the Surf Shack, and DJ beats to kick off the evening, followed by a Scandinavian-inspired dinner buffet at Kandooma Café.
Throughout the festive week, Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala invites families to reconnect with a specially curated Family Wellness Package (US$240++). Parents can indulge in a 60-minute COMO Shambhala or Deep Tissue massage while two younger guests (under 13) enjoy pampering mini mani-pedis – an experience designed to soothe, relax, and bring families together.
Beyond the spa, guests can immerse themselves in everything that makes Kandooma a favourite for those seeking adventure, including guided snorkelling safaris, sunset dolphin cruises, world-class diving with the resort’s award-winning PADI 5-Star Dive Centre, paddleboarding and kayaking, sunrise yoga and beach fitness classes, island-style cooking and cocktail-making sessions, and private sandbank picnics or romantic beachside dining experiences.
The celebratory atmosphere continues across the island with a series of drink promotions, from pitchers of cocktails on the main beach at BAR-Aveli Beach Bar, to sparkling gin creations at the Sunset Bar, and Vodka parties on the white sands – each venue offering its own festive rhythm and vibe.
Orthodox Christmas Eve on 6 January begins with a golden-hour celebration and a 2-for-1 Aperol Sundowners offer at the Sunset Bar, the perfect way to toast the evening as pastel skies melt into the horizon. The night continues with an indulgent six-course wine dinner at The Asian Kitchen.
On Orthodox Christmas Day, 7 January, guests can start the morning with a lavish buffet breakfast at Kandooma Café or elevate the experience with a dreamy Floating Breakfast served in the resort pool. Younger guests are treated to festive cupcake decorating at Kandoo Kids’ Club, while families and thrill-seekers can enjoy an afternoon Banana Boat or Fun Tube ride, always a highlight for kids and adults alike.
As evening falls, The Asian Kitchen transforms into a beachfront celebration with a “Seafood & Grill” dinner, showcasing premium cuts, fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, an array of salads, starters, and decadent desserts. The celebrations continue at BAR-Aveli Beach Bar, where a DJ-led beach party keeps the festive spirit alive beside the resort’s main pool, complemented by a special Buy 2, Get 1 Free bubbly offer.
Whether travellers are seeking rest, adventure, or the simple joy of barefoot freedom, Kandooma offers the perfect blend of relaxation, celebration, and island discovery to welcome 2026 and celebrate Orthodox Christmas in style.
Guests can book their winter-sun escape directly with the resort by emailing reservations.hikandooma@ihg.com or visiting the resort’s website. The full Festive Brochure is available to view here.
Featured
The Standard, Maldives unveils romantic Valentine’s Day experiences
This Valentine’s Day, The Standard, Maldives is inviting couples to celebrate love through a curated collection of romantic dining experiences set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Designed to encourage connection and indulgence, each experience combines refined cuisine, intimate settings and signature details that transform shared moments into lasting memories.
For couples seeking privacy and exclusivity, the Romantic Dinner at Baby Island offers a secluded escape on a private island setting. Guests are treated to a bespoke dining experience for two, accompanied by champagne and specially curated Valentine’s touches, all within an atmosphere that is personal, tranquil and understatedly romantic, creating an intimate celebration of love surrounded by nature.
The Private Dinner at Kula Beach provides an equally refined beachfront experience beneath the night sky. Set along the shoreline with the sound of the ocean in the background, the evening is designed to balance elegance and intimacy, creating a warm ambience that allows couples to immerse themselves fully in the moment. Advance reservations ensure exclusivity and a peaceful setting for this special occasion.
Valentine’s Day at The Standard, Maldives may also begin in relaxed island style with a Floating Breakfast served in the privacy of each villa. Carefully prepared and attractively presented, guests may choose from a range of breakfast options, from classic favourites and lighter wellness-inspired selections to a champagne-enhanced start to the day, offering a leisurely and indulgent morning together.
From private island dinners and starlit beachfront evenings to indulgent floating breakfasts, The Standard, Maldives has crafted Valentine’s Day experiences designed to be shared and savoured. Each moment reflects the resort’s signature blend of playful luxury and meaningful connection, inviting couples to celebrate love in a way that feels personal, immersive and memorable.
To further enhance the romantic escape, guests may complement their stay with The Standard, Maldives’ Premium All-Inclusive experience, offering seamless indulgence throughout the visit. With daily dining at selected restaurants, premium beverages, in-villa refreshments and curated resort experiences included, couples are free to focus on one another, enjoying a relaxed and immersive Valentine’s celebration in a tropical setting.
Featured
Pulse Hotels & Resorts unveils eco-chic Eri Maldives in North Malé Atoll
Eri Maldives, an eco-chic lifestyle island resort nestled in the pristine North Malé Atoll, welcomes guests after a comprehensive rebranding and renovation. With a beautiful house reef, turquoise waters, swaying palms, and a philosophy rooted in barefoot simplicity, Eri invites guests to experience a vibrant, unhurried island escape where connection, cultural richness, wellness-focused experiences and eco-conscious island living meet.
Eri is easily reached by a 45-minute scenic speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, or, for a more elevated arrival, a 15-minute seaplane journey with breathtaking views of the Malé Atoll. A naturally formed island, Eri offers an experience of true Maldivian authenticity. Guests can step from their villas, nestled within lush tropical vegetation, onto pristine, untouched beaches or into the vibrant house reef encircling the island, alive with colourful marine life.

Beyond Travel, Into Meaning – Authentic Cultural Immersion
At Eri, travel becomes nourishment for the soul. Every moment invites immersion in Maldivian rhythms, local art, dance, and cuisine, all seamlessly woven into island life. These experiences reveal a deeper story of place, culture, and care. Eri celebrates hyper-local wisdom through global values of sustainability, wellness, and connection, inviting guests to slow down, feel deeply, and live presently.
Signature Stays
Eri offers a collection of distinctive accommodation options designed for comfort, connection, and island ease. Beach Pool Villas feature private pools embraced by tropical greenery, offering a secluded slice of paradise. Beach Villas provide direct access to the shore and beautiful sunset views over the lagoon. For a more compact escape, Beach Studios are located on the ground floor, just moments from the sand, while Sky Studios on the upper level feature private balconies with sweeping lagoon views.

Flavours of the Island
Dining at Eri celebrates connection and good company. From all-day global and regional dining at Soul Kitchen, to tropical drinks and snacks at the Beach Shack, and handcrafted cocktails at Sip & Dip, the island resort offers both a Full Board Plus and All-Inclusive packages designed for every style of traveller.

Immersive Experiences
Discover the vibrant underwater world with Euro-Divers’ 5-star PADI dive centre, offering guided access to its worldclass house reef and over 30 renowned dive sites teeming with marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or trying it for the first time, explore coral gardens and swim alongside reef sharks, turtles, and rays. Snorkelling adventures and adrenaline-filled watersports also await, making every day a new adventure in the turquoise embrace of the Indian Ocean.
For those seeking stillness, Eskape Spa invites you to slow down and reconnect. Nestled within lush foliage, this serene sanctuary offers holistic island rituals, ocean-inspired treatments, and deeply meditative experiences rooted in Maldivian tradition. Let every breath deepen in rhythm with the sea, as skilled therapists guide you on a sensory journey to rest, renew, and realign.

Celebrating Life’s Moments
Eri is designed for memory-making. From renewing vows with Maldivian Bodu Beru drummers to starlit destination dining on the beach, guests are invited to create moments stitched with the colours, flavours, and heart of the Maldives.
“Eri is a philosophy of authentically and simply experiencing the Maldives and living well,” said Haroon Mohamed, General Manager of Eri Maldives. “Our goal is to create moments that make guests feel cared for, understood, and transformed. We look forward to welcoming travellers from around the world to experience our unique blend of simplicity, connection, and authentic Maldivian spirit.”
Frederic Brohez, Chief Operating Officer of Pulse Hotels & Resorts, adds: “We are thrilled to expand our portfolio with Eri, an eco-chic lifestyle brand designed for the aware and eco-conscious traveller seeking an authentic Maldivian escape. Eri embodies our vision of sustainable island living – where design, community, and well-being come together in harmony.”

Eri invites guests to be among the first to experience its serene island sanctuary with an exclusive opening offer, with exceptional savings along with thoughtful inclusions. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat or a tranquil getaway, this limited-time offer is the perfect opportunity to discover the art of island living — reimagined at Eri Maldives.
For more details, please visit www.erimaldives.com.
Featured
Endless Summer awaits at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is inviting guests to extend their time in paradise with the introduction of its Endless Summer offer, a thoughtfully curated stay designed to encourage a slower pace, elevated comfort and a deeper appreciation of island living.
Created for travellers seeking flexibility and ease, the Endless Summer offer combines dining experiences, leisure activities and added privileges that allow each stay to feel personalised. From arrival, guests receive USD 150 in resort credit per room, per stay, providing the freedom to enjoy moments of relaxation, culinary discovery or island exploration.
Mornings begin with a buffet breakfast at Feast, offering a selection of international favourites alongside fresh pastries and live cooking stations. Lunch is served as a relaxed three-course à la carte experience at four selected restaurants, including a beachfront venue, presenting a range of global flavours inspired by island freshness.
In the evening, guests may choose between a buffet dinner at Feast or a three-course à la carte menu at Indian, Mediterranean or Asian dining venues. Adults also receive a nightly USD 45 dining credit, which can be used at Baan Thai for authentic Thai cuisine or at Sea Salt, known for its seafood-focused menu and oceanfront setting.
Families are welcomed with added convenience, as children aged 11 and under dine complimentary from the breakfast and dinner buffets or from the Kids’ Menu when accompanied by parents. Daily experiences throughout the resort include poolside events and live entertainment at Anchorage, creating relaxed and social evenings.
Wellbeing and recreation are integrated into the daily programme, with complimentary wellness sessions and recreational activities available according to the resort schedule. Guests also have access to the tennis court with equipment included and may enjoy a 15 per cent saving on selected treatments at Shine Spa for Sheraton.
The Endless Summer offer is available for booking until 28 February 2026, for stays valid through to 20 December 2026, allowing guests to plan a year-round island escape.
Reflecting the essence of a Maldivian holiday, the Endless Summer experience is defined by unhurried days, diverse dining options and moments designed to linger beyond the stay. At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, summer is presented not as a season, but as a way of life.
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