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LUX* Maldives celebrates festive season in island style

Maldives Promotion House – After the recent celebrations among the properties of LUX* Resorts for the first year anniversary of the group, LUX* Maldives showcases a thrilling Christmas and New Year program for its guests featuring pop up ice cream parlours, film screenings on the beach, special treats such as messages in bottles and honesty secret bars or unforgettable experiences tailor made for the most discerning guests.
One year and several awards later, LUX* Maldives invites one of the Asia best-selling DJs and music producers, Australian- born DJ Chozie to take residency at the resort during the festive season and perform on the island. After gaining his reputation on the Australian night scene and contributing to build the Asian dance scene in Beijing, DJ Chozie brings his unrivalled music selection to the island and to the Maldives for the very first time.
On Christmas’ Eve, the festive program kicks off with a breathtaking sunset cocktail lounging by one of the most celebrated infinity pool of the Maldives at Senses Restaurant while DJ Chozie showcases some of his best spinning skills with a special sunset gig designed for LUX* before heading to The Beach for the after dinner Christmas Party. A lavish buffet completes the evening with a fabulous array of flavors from East to West at both of the island buffet restaurants. Boasting one of the biggest and most complete children’ facilities in the Maldives, PLAY – the resort kids club – rolls out a program of its own for the young ones. With a Christmas Carol concert and flows of festive cookies aptly made for the occasion during the Cake Boss cooking class, children & parents will be waiting for Santa to magically appear…from the water on Christmas day! LUX* Maldives puts forward the uniqueness and authentic energy of island life throughout the festive season with family treasure hunt contests, whale sharks safaris with the resident marine biologist and an enticing wellness program at LUX* Me SPA.
Among the themed events planned at the resort, DJ Chozie will spin the night away on barefoot disco nights, true Masquerade Parties and is set to light up the island right on the 31st for the New Year’s White Party. Glowing under the stars, all the guests will be invited to dress-to-impress in white and celebrate the New Year after dining at one of the sumptuous resort buffets or at the signature restaurant Allegria with a gourmet set menu. Surprise dance shows, fire flying-dancers and bartenders flair gigs are just few of the highlights of the night which will welcome the New Year in island-style.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’
Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.
The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.
“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”
Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.
Featured
Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.
With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).
“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”
As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.
By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.
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