Anantara Hotels & Resorts is marking its 25th anniversary with a collection of signature experiences across its portfolio, including a stargazing programme at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas in Baa Atoll.

The anniversary initiative brings together experiences across Thailand, the Maldives and Italy, with a focus on stillness, wellbeing and slower forms of travel. The experiences are being offered across Anantara’s more than 50 properties throughout 2026, with each programme developed around its destination.

In the Maldives, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is highlighting the night sky through its Celestial Maldives experience at SKY, the resort’s overwater observatory.

As daylight fades over the Indian Ocean, guests are invited to the observatory for a guided stargazing session with the resort’s SKY Edhuru, or astronomy guide. Using the telescope at the observatory, guests can observe galaxies, constellations and planets above the Maldives.

According to Anantara, the experience reflects the broader theme behind its anniversary programme: encouraging travellers to spend more time observing their surroundings rather than focusing on covering more destinations or activities.

Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah has incorporated astronomy into its guest experience through SKY, which the resort says is home to the most powerful telescope in the Maldives. The observatory offers guests an opportunity to explore the night sky with guidance from its resident astronomy team while remaining within the resort’s overwater setting.

The Maldives programme forms part of a wider series of anniversary experiences developed by Anantara around different interpretations of rest, reflection and wellbeing.

At Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel in Italy, guests can take part in a morning programme inspired by the property’s history as a 13th-century Capuchin convent. The experience includes a walk through its gardens with Friar Marcus, sound healing in the convent sanctuary and a picnic featuring produce from the property’s gardens.

In Thailand, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort has introduced an experience built around a journey along the Mae Ping River aboard its teakwood boat, Nam Jai. The programme includes visits to Wat Ket Karam and Khua Kaek Bridge, an alms-giving ceremony and a Lanna khantoke lunch beneath Bodhi trees at the resort.

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is meanwhile offering a wellbeing programme beginning with a personal consultation at Layan Life by Anantara, followed by sound healing, heated herbal therapy, sunset viewing and stargazing.

Anantara said the collection is intended to mark its 25th year by drawing attention to experiences rooted in the character of each destination.

Founded in 2001, Anantara Hotels & Resorts is the experiential luxury brand of Minor Hotels. Its portfolio now spans more than 50 properties, including several resorts in the Maldives.

The signature 25th-anniversary experiences, including Celestial Maldives at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, are available during 2026.

There is a certain magic that settles over the Maldives during the festive season, a quiet sparkle that transforms the island sanctuaries into havens of celebration and togetherness. At THE OZEN COLLECTION, you are invited to experience this enchantment, where every sunset brings new wonder and every evening holds the promise of shared joy.

From 22nd December 2026 to 7th January 2027, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invite guests to immerse themselves in a curated calendar of festivities—from cherished Tree Lighting ceremonies that herald the start of the season to spectacular New Year’s Eve galas and the serene observance of Orthodox Christmas. Every detail has been thoughtfully composed to honour time-honoured traditions while celebrating the unique spirit of the Maldives.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: An Indian Ocean Celebration

Mornings begin with restorative wellness rituals at ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa, while younger guests delight in the creativity of Gingerbread house-making. A lively Sangria Fiesta and an underwater tree planting ceremony pay tribute to the resort’s profound connection with the ocean. Christmas games, a spectacular Gala Dinner, and a Bubbles Breakfast ensure each day is imbued with festive cheer. The season is further enriched by family-themed activities, curated wine, gin, and bubbles tastings, immersive culinary journeys, and interactive cooking classes—ensuring every generation discovers something to treasure.

Speaking on the festive offerings and what to expect, Mei P. Pun, General Manager mentioned “This festive season at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a celebration of connection—between families, between cultures, and between the ocean and our island home. Watching our guests create memories that will last a lifetime is the greatest gift we could ever receive.”

As the year draws to a close, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO will welcome 2027 with a ‘Glitz & Glam’ New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with fireworks, live entertainment, and an atmosphere of sparkling elegance. The festive season concludes with the serene observance of Orthodox Christmas, offering a moment of quiet reflection and tradition.

View and download the Festive Brochure for OZEN LIFE MAADHOO here.

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI: A Winter Wonderland

The resort transforms into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ for Christmas, offering an enchanting fusion of festive charm and tropical beauty. Guests can embark on a Wine Journey through rare vintages, master the art of mixology at an exclusive class, and savour gastronomic experiences across the resort’s celebrated dining venues. A Black & White Theme Night and a vibrant Pool Party add a playful, spirited touch to the festivities.

The season culminates with ‘A Night of Refined Elegance’ —a New Year’s Eve celebration that promises a sophisticated farewell to the year, complete with gourmet dining, champagne, and live entertainment. The festive period draws to a graceful close with Orthodox Christmas celebrations, offering a moment of calm and reverence before the new year begins.

“At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, the festive season is about more than celebrations—it is about the quiet joy of togetherness in a setting of unparalleled beauty. We are honoured to welcome guests to our island sanctuary, where every tradition is reimagined with elegance and every moment becomes a cherished memory,” says Abnash Kumar, General Manager, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI.

Festive-themed entertainment across both resorts will transform the islands into a theatre of music, laughter, and shared celebration.

These curated experiences are seamlessly integrated into the INDULGENCE™ Plan at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and the RESERVE™ Plan at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, offering guests the freedom to immerse themselves fully in the season’s magic—without a single worry.

View and download the Festive Brochure for OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI here.

Some partnerships are measured by milestones. Others are measured by the experiences they continue to create. For the past 20 years, Mandara Spa and British skincare brand ELEMIS have worked together with a shared commitment to combining professional skincare expertise with meaningful wellness experiences. Today, that partnership continues with an expanded ELEMIS treatment portfolio, giving guests across the Maldives even more ways to personalise their spa journey.

Since partnering with ELEMIS, Mandara Spa has remained committed to delivering treatments that balance visible skincare results with the restorative experience at the heart of every spa visit. As guest expectations continue to evolve, the expanded portfolio reflects a growing demand for personalised treatments that address individual skincare concerns without compromising moments of relaxation and self-care.

A New Dimension in Facial Care

Among the highlights of the expanded collection is the ELEMIS EXPERT™ LED ENERGY MASK, bringing advanced light therapy into the professional spa experience. The enhancement features ELEMIS light technology designed to work alongside professional facial treatments, offering guests a more targeted approach to their individual skincare needs.

The introduction reflects ELEMIS’ evolving high-touch, high-tech philosophy, where advanced skincare technology complements the expertise and hands-on care of the therapist. Using carefully engineered light wavelengths that work at different depths of the skin, LED technology is designed to support concerns including brightness, smoothness and the appearance of redness, while enhancing the results-driven approach at the heart of ELEMIS professional skincare.

For Mandara Spa, the ELEMIS EXPERT™ LED ENERGY MASK adds a new dimension to the facial experience without losing the restorative qualities guests seek from time spent in the spa. By bringing together technology, professional expertise and personalised care, the treatment represents how the longstanding partnership between Mandara Spa and ELEMIS continues to evolve. The ELEMIS EXPERT™ LED ENERGY MASK will be available at select Mandara Spa locations across the Maldives.

An Expanded ELEMIS Experience

The refreshed treatment portfolio introduces a broader selection of facial therapies and targeted enhancements, allowing therapists to tailor each experience to the guest’s individual skincare needs.

ELEMIS’ globally renowned, hands-on facial treatments use touch as a powerful diagnostic tool, softening and preparing the skin to receive active ingredients. This is where intuition meets expertise.

• ELEMIS Expert™ Touch Renew Facial
• ELEMIS Expert™ Touch Define Facial

ELEMIS Expert™ Add-Ons:

• ELEMIS Expert™ Collagen Eye Boost
• ELEMIS Expert™ LED Energy Mask
• ELEMIS Expert™ Restorative Head Massage

Powered by ELEMIS’ marine-inspired formulations and botanical ingredients, the collection supports hydration, radiance, firmness, and skin renewal while complementing Mandara Spa’s signature approach to holistic wellbeing. Together, the expanded offering provides guests with greater flexibility to personalise their experience, from hands-on facial therapies to targeted enhancements addressing individual skincare needs.

A Partnership Built Over Two Decades

For Mandara Spa Country Manager Tenille Keats, the milestone is also deeply personal. Her journey with ELEMIS began in 2003 while working aboard Silversea Cruises under Steiner Leisure, where she was first introduced to the brand. More than two decades later, ELEMIS remains Mandara Spa’s skincare partner of choice.

“From the very beginning of my career, I fell in love with ELEMIS. There was something incredibly powerful about the way the brand combines marine actives from beneath the sea with carefully selected botanicals and herbs from the land. It delivers real, visible results while still feeling luxurious and holistic,” said Keats. “Even as the business has evolved over the years, ELEMIS has remained our trusted partner — a reflection of its performance and its commitment to responsible beauty, underscored by its certification as a B Corp.”

Today, ELEMIS is recognised globally for combining science-led skincare with naturally derived ingredients and is certified as a B Corp, reflecting high standards of social and environmental responsibility. These values continue to complement Mandara Spa’s philosophy of delivering thoughtful wellness experiences grounded in quality, care, and lasting results.

As Mandara Spa celebrates this milestone, the partnership with ELEMIS remains focused on the future. By continuing to refine treatments, invest in professional expertise, and respond to the evolving needs of today’s wellness traveller, both brands reaffirm a shared commitment to creating spa experiences that guests will return to time and time again.

Guests can experience ELEMIS treatments and retail products at the following locations across the Maldives:

• Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Velifushi
• Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa
• Mandara Spa at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
• Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu
• Mandara Spa at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi
• Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura
• Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi
• Mandara Spa at Meliã Whale Lagoon Maldives
• Chavana Spa at Adaaran Club Rannalhi
• Chavana Spa at Cinnamon Dhonveli
• Chavana Spa at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon