News

Four Centara resorts unveil distinctive festive experiences across Maldives

Published

3 weeks ago

September 24, 2026

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.

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Action

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives honoured for 25 years of marine conservation efforts at HICAP 2026

Published

2 hours ago

October 14, 2026

m@ldives

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has won the 2026 Sustainable Hotel Award for Biodiversity Action & Education from Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP). The award recognises 25 years of conservation, research and training at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa (since May 1998) and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru (since November 2006).

Winners are selected by an expert judging panel for innovative sustainability practices that can be replicated across Asia Pacific. The Biodiversity Action & Education category emphasises measurable conservation and practical learning. Four Seasons Resorts Maldives was recognised for connecting sustained conservation and scientific advances with hands-on learning for guests, local schoolchildren and young Maldivians.

The resorts’ Reefscapers partnership, launched at Kuda Huraa in 2001, encompasses more than 9,000 coral frames across one of the Indian Ocean’s largest artificial reef restoration projects. Decades of monitoring have supported peer-reviewed, AI-assisted research into coral survival, informing restoration methods as environmental pressures increase. Corals on mature frames now reproduce naturally, while spawning and larval-settlement research advances methods to repopulate damaged reefs and increase diversity.

That research also supports practical conservation education. Since 2023, Landaa has hosted the Baa Atoll Marine Biology Internship Programme, a three-stage, three-year initiative introducing students across the atoll to marine science.

Furthermore, the resorts’ government-accredited Apprenticeship Programme has produced 1,058 Maldivian graduates since 2001 and currently offers 14 career pathways, including Marine Conservation. A new, fully funded four-year Marine and Environmental Science apprenticeship with Maldives National University combines academic study with fieldwork at both Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru. The pathway progresses towards a bachelor’s degree.

“This award belongs to the people who keep doing the work,” says Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager. “Our marine biologists, conservation partners, gardeners and trainers turn years of experience into knowledge others can use. Guests and young Maldivians contribute too, learning alongside our teams and helping carry that work forward.”

Science that informs action

Marine Savers, the resorts’ conservation programme, operates from Marine Discovery Centres at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, working with long-term partners including Reefscapers and The Manta Trust.

Reefscapers achieved a Maldives first by collecting coral reproductive cells in the wild, then fertilising them and settling larvae under controlled conditions. During severe bleaching in 2024, teams relocated 28,000 corals to deeper, cooler waters.

The Turtle Rehabilitation Centres at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru have cared for over 500 sea turtles. To date, of the many injured by ghost fishing nets carried into Maldivian waters by wider Indian Ocean currents, more than 280 have been released.

Both resorts also support manta research, with studies by Landaa’s onsite Manta Trust scientists identifying the world’s largest-known reef manta population. Their research contributed to Baa Atoll’s designation as the Maldives’ first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2011.

Learning through participation

Guest coral sponsorship funds restoration, with guests transplanting fragments alongside marine biologists and following their development on MarineSavers.com.

Marine Discovery Centres connect guests and local schoolchildren with this conservation work. At Kuda Huraa, the Junior Marine Savers introduces younger children to ocean conservation through hands-on marine discovery activities. Landaa’s one-to-one Trainee Marine Biologist Programme gives teenagers practical experience across six specialist modules, while garden tours connect cultivation with food, wellness and composting.

All of the resorts’ research, field reports and findings are shared with the Maldives wider resort community, students, researchers and a global audience via MarineSavers.com. The Reefscapers programme’s selection as a World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance case study further extends its relevance to the hospitality industry.

For more information and ways to participate in award-winning biodiversity conservation and education at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, visit MarineSavers.com or contact the Resorts at reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call +960 66 00 888.

News

Siyam World Maldives adds JetCar Cinema to collection of island experiences

Published

4 hours ago

October 14, 2026

m@ldives

At Siyam World, part of the Lifestyle Collection of Sun Siyam, even movie night comes with a twist. The resort has introduced its latest experience. JetCar Cinema, taking the classic drive-in concept off the road and straight into the lagoon. Because apparently watching a movie from a normal seat was never going to be enough.

The experience invites guests to hop into a JetCar, cruise across the lagoon and settle in for a film on a floating big screen, surrounded by the warm Maldivian waters and open night sky. Yes, you drive to the cinema. On the water. Part JetCar adventure, part drive-in cinema and completely Siyam World, it is a movie night with a rather different kind of front-row seat.

Then again, doing things differently is hardly new territory for Siyam World. Home to the Maldives’ largest floating waterpark, the country’s first in-resort horse ranch and its very own electric go-kart track the resort has built a reputation for turning the familiar holiday experiences into something entirely unexpected. JetCar Cinema is simply the latest addition to an island where ordinary has never been part of the plan.

Whether it is a date night with a difference or another holiday story worth bringing home, this is one cinema experience where the journey is just as much fun as the movie itself.

Lights, camera, splash. Movie night just found a new address.

JetCar Cinema welcomes up to four guests per session, with the film, drinks and popcorn all part of the experience. Ready to experience your own lagoon-side movie night? Discover the latest offers here. After all, at Siyam World, even a quiet night in comes with a little more going on.

Awards

Atmosphere Core wins Leading Resort/Hotel Brand and Hospitality Development Company titles at SATA 2026

Published

23 hours ago

October 13, 2026

m@ldives

Atmosphere Core has been recognised with two prestigious honours at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, receiving the titles of Leading Resort/Hotel Brand and Leading Hospitality Development Company.

The recognition reflects Atmosphere Core’s continued contribution to the hospitality landscape across the Maldives and beyond, and its commitment to creating distinctive guest experiences through thoughtful hospitality, strong brand identities and responsible development.

With a growing portfolio spanning the Maldives and international destinations, Atmosphere Core continues to build a diverse collection of hospitality brands, each shaped by its own identity and approach to guest experience. As its brands expand, the company continues to evolve its portfolio while staying grounded in its philosophy of delivering heartfelt hospitality.

The Leading Hospitality Development Company title further recognises Atmosphere Core’s development journey, which has expanded beyond its established Maldivian portfolio into new destinations and concepts. Most recently, the company marked its debut in Europe with the opening of BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE by Atmosphere in Italy, while continuing to develop its pipeline of new hospitality projects across key markets.

Commenting on the recognition, Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director at Atmosphere Core, said: “We are honoured to receive these two recognitions at the South Asian Travel Awards 2026. They reflect the dedication of our teams across our resorts, offices and development projects, and the trust of our guests, partners and industry colleagues. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on creating meaningful hospitality experiences while developing brands and destinations with a clear sense of identity and purpose.”

The South Asian Travel Awards are among the region’s recognised platforms celebrating achievements across the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors. The 2026 awards recognise organisations and individuals demonstrating excellence and contribution to the industry across South Asia.

The two SATA 2026 recognitions add to Atmosphere Core’s growing list of industry accolades and mark another milestone in the group’s continued development as an international hospitality company.