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Charity experiments health benefits of holidaying in Maldives

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Maldives Promotion House – A British holidaymaker has returned to the UK after taking part in a holiday health experiment in Maldives.

The trip was part of a unique trial called The Holiday Health Experiment, which seeks to better understand the health impact of different types of holidays on the body and mind.

Sarah Denning was one of 2,845 people across the UK who entered the competition to win one of three holidays to be taken between April and June 2012. She took her friend Sarah Bastida on the trip with her, she said, to make the experiment a “girls’ holiday”.

The two other winning couples went on very different types of holiday – one to Amazonian Peru the other to cultural Thailand.

The competition was organised by UK healthcare charity Nuffield Health and travel company Kuoni, with participants having to undergo a variety of medical and psychological tests before, during and after their trips.

The two Sarahs enjoyed 12 days of rest and relaxation, away from the stresses of work and everyday life.

Ms Denning, 53, said: “My first impression was ‘oh my god, this is paradise’. Turquoise water blending to deep, deep blue on the horizon, tropical green ringed by white sand. It was perfect.

“After arriving we quickly unpacked and went off to the clear, warm sea, snorkelling masks at the ready. The wonders of seeing such amazing sea life within two feet of the shore never diminished.

“Days were spent swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, sleeping, and eating, in no particular order.

“Evenings were spent in the bar, usually making small talk among ourselves, as everyone else seemed to be on planet honeymoon.

“We tried out lots of the activities on offer as well as the obvious draw of the sea, checking out the gym, a first time go at golf and hired a couple of rusty old bicycles. These were in fact massive fun to bomb around the island on.

“The highlight of the trip was a 24-hour cruise on one of the resort boats; we had a three hour sail to Kagi Island, inhabited by just one couple, a fantastic snorkel on the reef and a barbecue on the beach.

“We had a superb time – the most breathtakingly beautiful place I have ever been to, friendly people, lots to do – what more could you ask for?”

The medical data gathered before, during and after their trip in August is now being analysed by Nuffield Health and will be published in the new year.

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SAii Lagoon Maldives brings Retro Tropicana vibes to festive season

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This festive season, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, welcomes guests to a nostalgic island escape with “Retro Tropicana” — a celebration of timeless style, sun-soaked moments, and heartfelt connection. From December 20, 2025, to January 9, 2026, the resort transforms into a nostalgic tropical retreat, where every moment captures the beauty of connection and the warmth of the season.

The festivities begin with the Festive Tree Lighting Ceremony, an enchanting evening that marks the official start of the season. Guests gather on the beach as the first lights illuminate the resort, casting a warm, golden glow across the sand and reflecting in the gentle waves, setting a serene and celebratory tone for the weeks ahead.

Throughout the season, guests can indulge in themed dinners that celebrate global and local flavours, from Mediterranean-inspired evenings to authentic Maldivian feasts under the stars. Families will find a sense of play woven into each day, with creative activities, poolside fun, and a special visit from Santa for the little ones. Young guests can join the Treasure Quest and Masquerade, take part in the Gingerbread House Decorating Competition, and make new holiday memories filled with laughter and imagination.

As Christmas approaches, the island takes on a glow of its own. Guests are invited to gather for a Retro Eve: A Tropicana Christmas and enjoy a vibrant evening of festive flavours, tropical ambience, and live music under the stars. The celebrations continue on Christmas Day with a lavish Christmas Dinner Buffet, featuring an array of seasonal favourites and island-inspired delights in a relaxed beachfront setting.

Together, these moments capture the true essence of a Tropical Christmas, joyful, effortless, and warmly shared.

As the year draws to a close, the Retro Tropicana New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Countdown invites guests to welcome 2026 in true SAii style, surrounded by ocean breeze, glowing lanterns, and beautifully curated cuisine. It is a celebration that blends understated elegance with the relaxed rhythm of island life.

The season continues with experiences that celebrate renewal, connection, and the joy of being outdoors. Guests can join Roots of Hope, a meaningful tree-planting initiative that honours nature and community, or take part in the island’s spirited Padel Tennis Tournament, where friendly competition meets the carefree rhythm of the tropics.

As the festive season unfolds, SAii Lagoon Maldives invites guests to celebrate the season with warmth, laughter, and a sense of effortless joy. From sparkling evenings by the ocean to shared meals and lively gatherings, the festivities capture the spirit of the island — bright, welcoming, and full of memorable moments for every guest.

To learn more about SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and book your next mindful escape, visit saiihotels.com/lagoon-maldives

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Hard Rock Hotel Maldives strikes right chord this festive season with ‘Beach, Baubles & Beats’

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Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is all set to celebrate the festive season in style with “Beach, Baubles & Beats”, a vibrant holiday experience running from 21st December 2025 to 10th January 2026. Nestled on the pristine shores of the Maldives, the resort will transform into a musical playground where sun, sand, flavors, and festive cheer come together in perfect harmony.

Guests can expect a symphony of experiences, from lively live band performances and soulful acoustic sets to high-energy DJ sessions under the stars. Every moment is designed to keep the rhythm alive, whether it’s an afternoon jam by the pool, a sunset beach party, or an electrifying New Year’s Eve countdown. Culinary delights set the stage with a range of themed feasts, from zesty Tostilocos and margaritas to indulgent seafood and lobster nights, turning every meal into a celebration of taste and creativity.

The little rockstars are not left out, with Roxity Kids Club offering festive crafts, cookie decorating, talent shows, scavenger hunts, and hands-on activities designed to spark imagination and holiday joy. From playful beach games to interactive performances, families can enjoy shared experiences that create lasting memories.

Signature events will light up the season, including magical tree lightings, Christmas Eve gala dinners, Santa’s grand arrival, and New Year’s Eve parties that combine mesmerizing performances, fire shows, and beachside beats. Each day and night blends music, movement, and festive spirit, creating a seamless celebration from dawn to dusk.

Whether guests are swaying to acoustic melodies, dancing poolside to DJ beats, or savoring a decadent festive feast, “Beach, Baubles & Beats” at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives promises a holiday season filled with rhythm, joy, and unforgettable moments.

For more information and reservations, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com/maldives.

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort unveils festive season programme with beachside Christmas, Gatsby-themed New Year

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort unveils its Festive Season programming with “Golden Nights, Timeless Lights,” a celebratory series inspired by the glamour and spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Running from December 22, 2025, through January 6, 2026, the calendar blends sparkling beachfront moments with wellness-forward experiences that capture the magic of the season in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Festivities begin on December 22 with a tree-lighting ceremony that sets the tone for a fortnight of golden evenings and joyful gatherings. On December 24, a Christmas Eve Cocktail Party invites guests to dress to dazzle while sipping signature concoctions crafted by the resort’s mixologists. Christmas Day brings a special appearance from Santa Claus and a warm meet-and-greet for families, complemented by a full program at the Westin Family Kids Club, including gingerbread house decorating, Christmas bingo, and more.

The season crescendos on December 31 with The Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, a barefoot beach celebration where vintage elegance meets island flair. Guests can expect an exquisite international buffet, a live swing band, a mesmerizing fire dance performance, and a dazzling fireworks finale to welcome 2026 in an unforgettable way.

Throughout the holidays, the resort’s Move Well and Play Well ethos takes center stage. Sunrise yoga, energizing beach workouts, the scenic runWestin program, and various complimentary recharging activities offer restorative balance to evenings of celebration. Guests can also venture out on unforgettable excursions to explore an underwater world teeming with marine life, or paddle leisurely on complimentary ocean kayaks. For rejuvenation, guests are invited to indulge in a relaxing treatment at Heavenly Spa by Westin™, an overwater sanctuary with a glass floor and sweeping ocean views.

The resort’s five distinctive restaurants and bars will host a series of themed dinners, each showcasing fresh flavors and thoughtful pairings. Whether gathered for a sparkling cocktail at sunset or a family meal under the stars, guests will discover a season of connection and well-being wrapped in the tropical warmth of Maldivian nights.

To secure your year-end getaway and for more information, visit westin-maldives.com. Click here to see the full festive calendar at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

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