Celebration
A Different Kind of White Christmas in the Maldives

Plan on escaping the cold this Christmas and basking in the sun on a dreamlike beach? You’re not the only one. Tropical destinations like the Maldives are popular in December up until April, according to Make My Trip. While the Maldives may not be as popular for Asian travellers, results for the 24th World Travel Monitor Forum indicated that there was 8 percent growth for travel in South Asia in the first 8 months of 2016.
A Maldivian holiday in December is definitely something worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime. Though for some, seeing snow on December 25th has become somewhat of a tradition, similar to hanging stockings and decorating a tree that started probably around 1940 when Irving Berlin released his song “White Christmas.” Since then, it has become an ultimate goal for those that never experience snow around this time of year.
Media and mainstream culture continue to promote the image of this typical Christmas, as carolers sing tunes like “Walking in the Winter Wonderland” and watch snowy Christmas movies like Home Alone. Even the games we play interpret the Christmas theme with snowflakes and white powder, as evidenced by Angry Birds Seasons: Winter Wonderham on our devices and Secrets of Christmas that is hosted on specialist slot platform Spin Genie.
It’s clear that we’ve been made to believe that this holiday season isn’t complete without a bit of snow. You can’t really blame those that do. A huge chunk of the world never sees the signs of winter in December, but that doesn’t mean tropical destinations don’t know how to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Take this South Asian nation as an example.
It’s a destination frequented by celebrities all over the globe around this time of year, you just have to reference the article we shared from Hello! Magazine that named our islands as a favourite for celebrities like the Beckham family and Danni Minogue. With a number of luxury resorts ready to serve you a gourmet Christmas dinner and help you ring in 2017 with a host of New Year’s Eve parties, the Maldives is an excellent choice for luxury travellers to truly spoil themselves and their families.
During the day, you can soak up the sun on idyllic beaches or opt for a relaxing spa treatment, relaxing right before the evening festivities roll in. As Travel Bag has indicated, almost every restaurant and bar you come across will have their own set of events and parties to help visitors feel the holiday spirit, and see what exactly the country has to offer. Expect loads of pool parties, cocktail parties, sunset cruises, and lavish spreads for dinner buffets.
Some hotels are introducing new themes to celebrate the holidays this year, which is perfect for anyone looking for a unique experience to conclude 2016. For one, W Maldives is debuting a street art theme to modify their traditions, featuring a renowned graffiti artist to customise their tree. Festivities for this hotel began on the 11th and will continue into the New Year. This year, Jumeirah Vittaveli will have a “Fire and Ice” themed season with the events starting on the 22nd.
Are you heading to the Maldives this December? How will you celebrate Christmas and New Year?
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Photo courtesy Kanuhura
Celebration
Siyam World unveils ten days of sports, music, dining, and Halloween spectacle

Siyam World Maldives, part of the Sun Siyam Resorts Lifestyle Collection, is preparing to host ten days of activities and entertainment from 20 to 31 October 2025. The programme will combine sports, culinary showcases, music events, and a large-scale Halloween experience.
The line-up begins with a three-day Rugby Camp from 20 to 22 October, led by England rugby player Danny Care. This will be followed by a Football Camp from 23 to 27 October, with former professionals Marco Negri, Marco Materazzi, and Ciru Caruso guiding young participants through drills, games, and training sessions.
Culinary highlights will feature Chef Junichi Tanaka and sake sommelier Yasuyuki Suzuki at the resort’s Japanese fine-dining venue, Arigato. Chef Tanaka, co-founder of Bincho Tanaka in Ito, Japan, is recognised for his approach combining charcoal cooking, fermentation, and cultural storytelling. Together with Suzuki, they will present a set menu paired with Japanese sake.
On 28 October, the resort will mark its fourth anniversary with a beachside celebration featuring DJ performances by LOVRA and Tom Zanetti. The event will create a festival-style atmosphere with live music and dancing.
For Halloween on 31 October, Siyam World will introduce a themed haunted walkthrough inspired by The Conjuring Universe. Characters including Annabelle, The Nun, La Llorona, and the Crooked Man will be featured. Guests who complete the walkthrough will be able to attend a dance performance inspired by one of the franchise’s stories, followed by a Halloween party with DJs and live acts.
Sara Siyam, Director of Marketing at Siyam World, commented: “At Siyam World, we don’t just host events, we create legendary experiences. Our fourth birthday and Halloween takeover are more than celebrations – they are experiences that continue to redefine events in the Maldives.”
Alongside the scheduled events, guests will have access to Siyam World’s wider facilities and activities, including spa treatments, watersports, horse riding, the island’s go-kart track, and the resort’s 24-hour WOW! All-Inclusive package.
The October programme reinforces Siyam World’s positioning as a resort designed for large-scale experiences, combining sports, entertainment, and dining with its ‘no-rules, just vibes’ philosophy.
Celebration
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef to host ‘Ocean Odyssey’ festive calendar

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has announced its festive programme, Ocean Odyssey – Festive 2025, which will run from 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026. The celebrations will feature a series of performances and activities, including FIRE and LED dance shows, belly dance performances, festive events, and special offers designed to create a memorable island escape.
Couples will be able to enjoy exclusive spa discounts, offering an intimate retreat during the holiday period. Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in a Special Spa Raffle Giveaway and a Grand New Year’s Eve Raffle, with prizes intended to mark the arrival of 2026 in style.
For those seeking adventure, the festive programme will include discounts on a selection of signature experiences. These will range from the Double Action Safari — a chance to encounter both whale sharks and manta rays — to Jet Car rides across the lagoon. Guests wishing to explore beneath the surface will also have access to discounted ‘Try Scuba’ sessions, offering beginners an introduction to diving.
Children will be able to join dedicated activities such as face painting, coconut leaf art, and cooking classes, ensuring that younger guests also enjoy a memorable holiday.
With a natural setting and a programme that combines entertainment, unique experiences, and seasonal celebrations, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is preparing to welcome guests to a distinctive holiday season in the Maldives.
Celebration
Parisian glamour meets island serenity at Le Méridien Maldives this festive season

This festive season, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa will welcome guests to a holiday experience shaped by the brand’s signature celebration, La Fête by Le Méridien. Framed by the turquoise waters and white sands of Lhaviyani Atoll, the resort’s curated programme blends Parisian glamour with island serenity.
For 2025, the resort has chosen ‘Parisian Glamour’ as its festive theme, reflecting its European heritage where design, gastronomy, and entertainment converge. Guests will be offered a tapestry of immersive experiences, culinary highlights, and lively beachfront gatherings, designed for both relaxation and meaningful family moments.
Seasonal Highlights:
- Tree Lighting Ceremony – The celebrations begin on 21 December with the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Guests will be welcomed with festive cocktails and a Christmas choir, while a life-sized gingerbread house sets the stage for the island’s transformation into a holiday wonderland.
- Christmas Eve Dinner – Christmas Eve will be marked with a beachfront buffet reimagining traditional dishes with tropical flair. The evening, enhanced by live music and an island ambience, will be included across all dining plans.
- Santa’s Arrival with a Maldivian Touch – Santa will make a unique entrance by boat, bringing gifts and surprises for children. Festivities will continue at The Family Kids Hub with workshops, games, and creative activities.
Throughout the season, dining will take centre stage. Highlights include:
- Sushi Matsuri at Tabemasu, presenting an extensive sushi and sashimi spread.
- La Fête Teppanyaki, paired with Japanese whisky and sake.
- A Spanish-inspired daytime feast at Riviera with sangria.
- Au Soleil Beach BBQ with smoky flavours and live music.
- Shelly Belly & Bubbly, featuring Maldivian lobster and champagne.
- Turquoise with nightly themes, from Asian street food to Maldivian cultural nights.
Children will be able to take part in activities such as gingerbread cookie decorating, festive crafts, and Kids Night Camping beneath the stars. Adults can join culinary masterclasses, mixology sessions, chocolate-making workshops, and wine tastings. Celebrations will include tequila journeys and an adults-only beach party at La Vie. Beyond the festivities, the resort will offer dolphin cruises, snorkelling, paddleboarding, padel tennis, and spa treatments.
On 31 December, guests will ring in 2026 with a Parisian-inspired gala. The evening will feature a decadent feast of foie gras, French oysters, Canard à l’Orange, seafood, and premium barbecue selections. Live music, DJ sets, and performances will accompany the evening, culminating in fireworks and the Vision Tree countdown to the New Year.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is offering an early bird package for bookings made by 15 October. Valid for stays between 15 December 2025 and 15 January 2026, the offer includes a minimum five-night stay with daily breakfast for two, USD 100 daily resort credit, complimentary water sports, and access to the full festive programme.
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