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The Standard, Maldives brings candy land to life for festive season 2026

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This festive season, The Standard, Maldives invites guests to leave ordinary behind and step into The Festive Isle, a playful candy-inspired wonderland filled with indulgent dining experiences, island adventures, family- friendly activities, vibrant entertainment and unforgettable celebrations. Running from 20 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the festive programme transforms the island resort into a sweet escape where every day offers something delightfully unexpected.

Inspired by the joy, imagination and nostalgia of a colourful candy land, this year’s festive theme blends the carefree spirit of childhood wonder with The Standard’s signature playful approach to hospitality. From beachfront feasts and festive cocktails to wellness experiences, interactive workshops, cultural activities and captivating performances, guests can look forward to more than two weeks of immersive celebrations in the heart of the Maldives.

The festivities commence on 20 December with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring live entertainment, festive treats and family-friendly activities, setting the stage for a season filled with memorable moments. Throughout the programme, guests can enjoy signature experiences including the lively Not Your Standard Pool Party, authentic Maldivian BBQ Experience, premium seafood showcases, wine and whisky events, festive brunches and beachfront celebrations under the stars.

A particular highlight of the festive programme takes place on 24 December, when guests are invited to celebrate Christmas Eve through a series of immersive dining and entertainment experiences. The evening begins with a festive sunset gathering on the beach featuring seasonal cocktails, live DJ entertainment, bubble shows, stilt walkers, face painting and family-friendly activities. Guests can then choose from a variety of distinctive dining experiences, including Tastes of Island Heritage at Guduguda, showcasing traditional Maldivian flavours; Fire & Festive Indulgence at BBQ Shak, an open-flame culinary showcase; a Mediterranean sharing feast at Onda; and Surf & Turf, highlighting premium meats and fresh seafood. The festivities culminate with the energetic X’mas Eve Toast, where DJs, LED performances and fire shows transform the shoreline into a vibrant beachfront celebration beneath the stars.

On 25 December, Christmas Day begins with the much-anticipated Santa’s Island Arrival, as Santa swaps snow for sunshine and arrives on the shores of Huruvalhi. Families can enjoy festive photo opportunities, children’s games, giveaways, live performances and face painting before gathering for the Sunny Huruvalhi Brunch, featuring holiday favourites and seasonal specialties. As evening falls, guests can indulge in the refined Land & Sea Feast, an elegant beachfront dining experience showcasing premium cuts and the freshest seafood. The celebrations continue into the night with the powerful rhythms of traditional Boduberu drumming, followed by spectacular fire performances and cultural entertainment that capture the spirit and heritage of the Maldives.

At the heart of the festive programme is an extraordinary culinary journey curated across the resort’s restaurants and dining venues. Throughout the season, guests can savour authentic Maldivian delicacies, Mediterranean-inspired feasts, premium seafood experiences, wine-pairing dinners, live-fire cooking showcases and immersive ocean-to-table concepts. Highlights include Coastal Feast, Waves & Wine, Sea & Sparkles, Fresh Catch Experience and a variety of specialty dinners celebrating lobster, crab, oysters, foie gras and the finest local ingredients.

“Festive dining is about more than exceptional food, it’s about creating memorable moments that bring people together,” said Nandakumar Dharuman, Director of Culinary at The Standard, Maldives. “For this year’s programme, our team has designed experiences that celebrate both the flavours of the Maldives and beloved festive traditions from around the world. From authentic island-inspired feasts and elevated beachfront dining to interactive culinary experiences and festive workshops, every menu has been crafted to inspire discovery, connection and celebration.”

The celebrations reach their grand finale on 31 December with a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration inspired by this year’s theme, Candy Land. Throughout the evening, guests can choose from a collection of specially curated dining experiences, including Feast of Island Harvest at Guduguda, showcasing local flavours and seafood; A Mediterranean Affair at Onda; and Embers & Coastal Indulgence at BBQ Shak, featuring a five-course open-fire culinary journey by the ocean. At the centre of the festivities is the imaginative Candy Land Culinary Journey, where colourful experiences, playful surprises and culinary creativity bring the festive theme to life. As midnight approaches, guests gather for The Countdown Party, featuring live DJ performances, dazzling LED entertainment, fire shows and a spectacular fireworks display over the Indian Ocean, creating an unforgettable welcome to 2027. This year, Thailand-based artist DJ Kessaé Kimmi, known for her magnetic stage presence and electrifying sets, will take over the island with her signature sound, delivering vibrant beats, immersive visuals and dance-floor euphoria that will keep the energy high until sunrise.

Beyond the festive celebrations, guests can enjoy the resort’s signature experiences, including snorkelling and diving adventures, watersports, marine encounters, wellness journeys at The Standard Spa and opportunities to discover the natural beauty of the Maldives.

“At The Standard, Maldives, we believe the festive season should be joyful, unexpected and filled with meaningful moments,” said Justin Swart, General Manager of the resort. “The Festive Isle reflects our playful spirit while embracing the warmth of the holidays, bringing together exceptional dining, immersive entertainment and unforgettable island experiences. Whether guests join us for Christmas, New Year’s Eve or an extended festive escape, we look forward to welcoming them for a celebration that is truly anything but standard.”

The Festive Isle programme will take place from 20 December 2026 to 7 January 2027 at The Standard, Maldives. Reservations for festive dining experiences and special events are highly recommended. For reservations and enquiries, please contact the resort’s reservations team at mv.reservations@standardhotels.com or click here to visit the official website.

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Former Savoy Hotel pianist Richard Sully to perform at V Villas Maldives at Mirihi

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V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection has announced a residency by British pianist Richard Sully from 4 to 9 November 2026, featuring a series of live performances alongside dining experiences, sunset cruises and evening gatherings across the resort.

Sully, a former resident pianist at London’s Savoy Hotel, has performed at venues across Britain and internationally. His repertoire includes popular music, light jazz, classic standards and compositions from film and theatre, which he performs entirely from memory.

The residency will begin on 4 November with sundowner cocktails and a Lobster Extravaganza on the beach, accompanied by a live piano performance. The opening evening will combine music with beachfront dining.

On 5 November, Sully will perform at AKOYA Sea Lounge, offering guests an evening of live music in the resort’s oceanfront setting.

The programme will continue on 7 November with a sunset cruise aboard the Mirihi Thari Sailing Yacht, bringing the musical experience onto the Indian Ocean.

On 8 November, Sully will present a sundowner performance at Muraka, before concluding his residency with a final evening performance at AKOYA Sea Lounge on 9 November.

The five scheduled experiences form part of the resort’s efforts to incorporate live entertainment into its dining and leisure offerings, allowing guests to enjoy music in different settings across the island.

V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, part of the MGallery Collection, offers beach and overwater accommodation, oceanfront dining and marine experiences. The November residency will add a series of music-focused activities to the resort’s guest experience programme.

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Six Maldives spas operated by Mandara Spa recognised in global top 100 list

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Six spa destinations operated by Mandara Spa in the Maldives have been recognised in the TOP 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, marking a significant milestone for the international spa and wellness brand and its hospitality partners.

The recognition spans six properties across four hospitality groups: Mandara Spa at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, and Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi; Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives; Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi; and Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura.

From secluded island retreats to contemporary urban hospitality, the six destinations reflect the diversity of wellness experiences across the Maldives. Each is shaped by its unique setting and character, while sharing a commitment to attentive service, therapeutic expertise, and genuine guest care. Beyond the awards themselves, this collective achievement celebrates the dedication of the spa teams and the enduring hospitality partnerships that have helped shape Mandara Spa’s presence in the Maldives.

Wellness in the Maldives is shaped as much by the character of a destination as by the treatments it offers. Mandara Spa’s long-standing collaboration with Adaaran Resorts reflects this diversity across three distinctive properties. At Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, the spa complements an intimate luxury island experience, while Adaaran Select Meedhupparu offers a restorative balance to the resort’s activities and experiences. Meanwhile, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, known for its surfing and vibrant island atmosphere, provides guests with an opportunity to unwind after days spent exploring the surrounding waters.

At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Mandara Spa draws on traditional healing practices to offer moments of relaxation within the resort’s tropical surroundings. Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi brings a contemporary perspective to wellness, combining therapeutic traditions with tailored care that reflects the resort’s relaxed and modern character. In contrast, Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura brings the brand’s approach to the heart of Malé, offering hotel guests and visitors a place to recharge amid the energy of the capital.

Across all six properties, Mandara Spa’s approach extends beyond a single spa concept. Each experience is shaped by its surroundings, the identity of its hospitality partner, and the expectations of its guests. By combining its therapeutic heritage with an understanding of individual destinations, the brand creates wellness experiences that feel connected to their settings while maintaining a shared commitment to attentive service.

While the six spas differ in location and experience, their success is shaped by the people who bring each wellness journey to life and the guests who place their trust in Mandara Spa. Across the Maldives, therapists, spa managers, and operational teams work together to create experiences that feel welcoming, thoughtful, and attentive to individual needs. Equally important are the guests who continue to choose Mandara Spa as part of their travels, whose confidence and appreciation inspire the teams to uphold the standards of care that define the brand.

This commitment extends throughout the guest experience, from maintaining service standards to working closely with resort teams to ensure thoughtful and consistent care. The recognition offers an opportunity to acknowledge these collective efforts while expressing sincere gratitude to the guests and hospitality partners whose continued trust has supported Mandara Spa’s journey in the Maldives.

“Having six of our spas recognised in the same year is a proud moment for everyone at Mandara Spa. This achievement reflects the dedication of our therapists and spa teams, who bring genuine care and professionalism to every guest experience. We are especially grateful to our guests for the trust they place in us and for allowing us to be part of their wellness journeys. Our sincere appreciation also goes to our hospitality partners at Adaaran Resorts, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, NOOE Maldives, and Barceló Hotel Group for their continued support and collaboration. It is a privilege to share this recognition with everyone who has contributed to our journey in the Maldives,” said Trent Munday, Mandara Spa.

Through each of these partnerships, Mandara Spa has brought its spa management expertise to properties with distinct identities and guest expectations. While every collaboration has its own history and character, they share a common understanding of the importance of wellness within the wider hospitality experience. By working closely with hotel and resort teams, Mandara Spa develops offerings that reflect the individuality of each destination while drawing on its experience in spa operations and service delivery.

Beyond the treatments themselves, successful spa operations depend on thoughtful planning, skilled teams, and a close understanding of each property’s hospitality environment. This includes developing wellness concepts, supporting therapist development, and maintaining the standards that allow each spa to operate consistently within its resort or hotel environment. Across the six recognised destinations, these efforts demonstrate how thoughtfully integrated wellness can enrich the guest experience and contribute to the distinctive character of each property.

As Mandara Spa celebrates this milestone, the recognition also highlights the brand’s enduring commitment to wellness, rooted in the rich healing traditions of Asia. Across six distinct destinations, each spa brings together time-honoured therapies, skilled practitioners, and thoughtful service to create meaningful moments of relaxation and renewal. This shared achievement reflects Mandara Spa’s dedication to honouring its heritage while continuing to evolve its wellness experiences, supported by the people and hospitality partnerships that have shaped its journey in the Maldives.

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Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi brings together 40 women for surfing, wellness retreat

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One of the Maldives’ most celebrated surf destinations, Lohis, is making waves beyond the surfing world as Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi hosts a landmark all-female surf retreat, bringing together 40 women for eight days of surfing, adventure, wellness and meaningful connections.

Taking place from 11 to 18 October, the exclusive surfing experience, organised by renowned surf coach and SurferElle founder Elle Sampiere, marks an exciting new chapter for Lohis, showcasing not only the exceptional quality of its waves but also its growing appeal as a destination where world-class surfing meets extraordinary island living. For this special gathering, the iconic Lohis lineup has been dedicated to the female surfing community, creating an environment where participants can challenge themselves, share experiences and build friendships against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

Lohis: Where the World’s Surfers Come for More Than Just Waves

Situated along the edge of Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi in North Malé Atoll, Lohis has earned an international reputation for its celebrated left-hand reef break, attracting passionate surfers from around the world.

What makes Lohis truly distinctive, however, extends beyond the wave itself.

Few surf destinations offer the opportunity to wake up on a tropical island, walk directly from your accommodation to an internationally recognised surf break and enjoy the comforts of an all-inclusive resort between sessions. At Lohis, surfing is not simply an excursion. It is part of everyday island life. With access managed through a limited number of surf passes, capped at 45 registered surfers per day under the resort’s standard surf management programme, Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi offers a carefully managed surfing experience that distinguishes it from many of the world’s more crowded surf destinations.

The resort also provides access to several celebrated breaks across North Malé Atoll through organised surf excursions, offering visiting surfers the opportunity to explore the diversity of waves that has made the Maldives a sought-after destination on the international surfing map.Just a short speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, this unique combination of exceptional surfing, accessibility, natural beauty and relaxed island hospitality reinforces Lohis’ position among the world’s most distinctive surf resort experiences.

A New Wave of Women Redefining Surf Travel

The SurferElle gathering brings a powerful new dimension to Lohis’ established surfing heritage.Throughout the eight-day retreat, participants are embracing a programme that extends well beyond the surf lineup, with professional coaching, yoga, wellness experiences, snorkeling, diving, fishing and island excursions creating opportunities for adventure, relaxation and personal discovery.

More importantly, the gathering reflects a growing movement within international surf culture: women seeking experiences that combine the thrill of the ocean with genuine connection, confidence and a sense of belonging.

The exclusive female surfing environment encourages participants to support one another, develop their abilities and enjoy the freedom of surfing alongside women who share their passion.

Against the turquoise waters and tropical scenery of the Maldives, the event demonstrates how a surf holiday can evolve into something more meaningful, an experience that inspires long after the final wave.

Connecting International Surf Culture with the Maldives

Beyond the international attention surrounding the gathering, the retreat also places importance on fostering connections with the emerging community of Maldivian female surfers.

By celebrating women’s participation in surfing and encouraging engagement between visiting surfers and the local community, the initiative highlights the potential for surf tourism to create opportunities for cultural exchange, inspiration and greater visibility for women in ocean sports.

It is a reflection of how the Maldives can continue to evolve as a surf destination, not only through the quality of its waves, but through the people, experiences and communities that shape its identity.

More Than a Wave. A Destination That Stays With You.

For Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi, the SurferElle gathering represents more than a special event. It demonstrates the destination’s ability to bring together the very best elements of surf travel: celebrated waves, a carefully managed surf environment, exceptional island surroundings and experiences that create lasting emotional connections.From early-morning sessions at Lohis to relaxed afternoons overlooking the Indian Ocean, the resort offers a distinctive rhythm of life where adventure and relaxation exist naturally side by side.As the gathering continues, Lohis is demonstrating that its greatest appeal lies not only in the waves surfers travel across the world to experience, but also in the memories, friendships and sense of community created around them.

At Lohis, the wave brings people together. The island makes the experience unforgettable.

Located in North Malé Atoll, Maldives, Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi is an all-inclusive island resort renowned for its natural tropical beauty, relaxed hospitality and direct access to the internationally celebrated Lohis Surf Break.

With a dedicated surf management programme, access to nearby surfing destinations, a range of accommodation options, dining experiences, wellness facilities and island activities, the resort offers a distinctive combination of world-class surfing and immersive Maldivian island living.

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