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Joali Maldives: Paradise retreat this festive season

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As the festive month of December begins with Christmas and new year celebrations on the horizon, the thought of where and how to spend your festive holiday season this December will probably have crossed your mind.

With the unpredictability 2020 has seen, most of us would be thinking about an escape to a relaxing New Year’s Eve destination with our loved ones, away from the weight of the world.

While most countries remain closed or heavily restricted, the magical island nation of Maldives is ready to safely welcome you to its tropical sanctuary of wonder.

Apart from the allure of embracing an unforgettable adventure nestled amidst the Indian Ocean, December and January are the best months to visit Maldives with weather conditions that most travellers consider perfect.

Temperatures hover around 29°C with minimal rainfall and low humidity, allowing you to experience the island’s phenomenal beauty in full glory.

Whether you prefer doing everything and nothing at all by the beach –gently caressed by the island sun and ocean breeze — or chasing excitement in the great outdoors, you will find no better time and place to fulfil your heart’s desires.

While traveling during these times might present some concerns, you can be rest assured that the tourism ministry has placed health and safety protocols for resorts to follow.

Tourists and short-term visitors are required to present a negative Covid-19 test conducted 96 hours prior to their arrival in the country.

With Joali Maldives, it is of utmost priority that all activities adhere to the World Health Organisation and local authorities’ health and safety standards. Therefore, you can soak in the Maldives holiday season with ease knowing that your well-being is being taken care of.

Activities with loved ones

If you are afraid that the destination is far from being a kid friendly new years’ eve vacation, fret not as they will be occupied with the extensive lineup of experiences that they can be involved in.

The kids clubs of resorts in Maldives allow your children to participate in special activities such as treasure hunts, theatre as well as art and crafts made from local items to enhance their creativity. Resorts also tend to keep their kids clubs open till 10pm and this gives the opportunity for couples to enjoy their alone time.

The younger guests can also look forward to Santa’s Arrival with many gifts and special treats for all of Joali’s resort guests. This much-awaited event will definitely spark joy to both the little ones as well as their parents, creating a jolly Christmas memory.

With 1190 tiny islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, your family will be spoilt for choices on which local island to visit and explore. You can also meet the mysterious manta rays and magnificent whales during your stay.

If you are unsure on where to begin, you can take a dhoni excursion with Joali to discover everything that it has to offer.

When it comes to finding a suitable resort to stay in, food is an important decision factor. Joali Maldives provides a wide range of cuisines for you and your family to dine in.

During this holiday season, your family’s sweet cravings can be satisfied with LAJOIE as it offers the perfect dessert spot for your island experience.

If you are in for an unique hands-on experience with your family, Joali’s Taste of Maldives is a cooking class which includes special tips and tricks in making your Maldivian dish a lot tastier.

Activities for wellness

This festive season treat yourself and your loved ones to the best wellness experiences.

An extensive range of programmes include massages, treatments, leisure activities and fitness classes.

The activities are tailor-made with the intention to help you rejuvenate during this well-deserved break as well as prepare for the new year and better days ahead.

If you are someone who is up for an adventure, you can take part in water sports such as water skiing, scuba diving while looking out for vibrant corals of the island with a marine biologist.

You might be the lucky one on Joali’s Turtle Quest, having the once in a lifetime opportunity to encounter sea turtles and swim with them!

Feel the ocean breeze brushing against your skin and admire the endless colours of the emerald and turquoise waters beneath you while parasailing or wakeboarding.

You can take this chance to unleash your dance moves by exploring the various classes and learn to dance live with professional dance artists.

Start the new year on a right note at Joali’s Special New Year Jazz Brunch with the glorious sunshine, ocean breeze while enjoying lovely jazz music in the background.

You can also choose to take this as an opportunity for a wellness retreat during your stay by relaxing and pampering yourself with the spa treatments as well as fitness experiences.

Joali Spa by ESPA offers tailor-made treatments for your ultimate spa experience to make you feel re-energised afterwards. There is also a relaxation lounge surrounded by lounge beds and a tranquil view of the spa private beach to encourage quiet contemplation.

If you prefer to sweat it out, Joali provides an indoor workout experience overseen by professional trainers with a breathtaking view overlooking the ocean.

What better way to celebrate this season than to indulge the holiday spirit in Maldives with the warm and friendly locals, its rich culture and the beauty of its natural surroundings.

Joali Maldives is a luxury, immersive art resort located on the island of Muravandhoo in Raa atoll. The 73-villa property offers unconventional luxury in a private setting and a distinct focus on design by internationally-renowned design studio Autoban, architecture and design firm Atolye4n and Tokyo-based Studio Glitt.

Innovative dining concepts include Japanese restaurant Saoke, authentic Asian and Levant restaurant Vandhoo, Tuscan-inspired Bellinis, personalised dining and cooking school Her Kitchen, as well as numerous destination dining experiences.

The Spa by ESPA invites guests on a holistic wellness journey along with a world-class fitness centre and expert trainers.

Joali celebrates its “Joie de Vivre” philosophy through unique programming such as Maldivian excursions and one-of-a-kind on-property offerings, including an Art Studio and Gallery, Flower Garden, Manta Ray Treehouse and more.

Joali reopened on August 1, after implementing enhanced health and safety standards in line with guidance from the World Health Organisation and local authorities.

To plan your trip and learn more, please visit Joali’s website.

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Huvafen Fushi partners with Forbes Travel Guide in pursuit of five-star status

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Huvafen Fushi, the resort internationally recognised for pioneering signature Maldivian luxury, has announced its official association with Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the only independent global rating system dedicated to luxury hospitality.

The decision marks a deliberate step for the resort, underscoring its commitment to meeting the gold standard of intuitive service on an international scale. After two decades of setting architectural and experiential milestones—such as unveiling the world’s first underwater spa and introducing the Maldives’ first underground wine cellar, Vinum—Huvafen Fushi is now focused on demonstrating its exceptional service culture against the industry’s most rigorous and objective criteria.

The resort’s ultimate aim is to attain the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating in 2026.

General Manager Noel Cameron stated, “For Huvafen, luxury is effortless and authenticity shines through. Our brand has always been about trailblazing and crafting moments that transcend the ordinary. Now, we’re putting our confidence to the test by inviting the global authority on luxury to evaluate the very core of our offering: the quality and consistency of how we make our guests feel.”

Unlike rating systems that rely on volume or guest reviews, the FTG evaluation process is entirely independent, with anonymous professional inspectors assessing properties based on up to 900 stringent standards. The criteria place significant weight on emotional connection and anticipatory service—the subtle, intuitive gestures that have long defined Huvafen’s approach.

This partnership marks a new chapter for Huvafen Fushi, reflecting its evolution towards uncompromising, verified excellence. It positions the resort to resonate even more strongly with discerning, forward-thinking travellers seeking authentic connection and meaningful transformation.

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli kicks off festive season with Charith N. Silva Cake Mixing

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli has ushered in the holiday season with a new twist on its much-loved annual Festive Cake Mixing event, held on 23 November. This year, the celebration was led by acclaimed Sri Lankan chef and viral social media personality Charith N. Silva, the creative force behind @wildcookbook and one of South Asia’s most influential culinary storytellers.

Charith, a sensation across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram with an audience of several million, is widely recognised for his bold fire-cooking techniques, visually striking outdoor food rituals, and distinctive, high-energy narrative style. He recently secured a coveted place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list in the Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink) category, underscoring his growing influence on contemporary food culture in the region. He is one of a new wave of young chefs blending local flavours with global inspiration and is the owner of the restaurant “Wildish” in Colombo.

Bringing his creative flair to Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Charith said, “Bringing my energy to Sun Siyam Olhuveli was surreal; the people, the Maldivian spirit, the flavour play, everything clicked into one unforgettable festive moment.”

This year’s cake mixing unfolded like an island celebration, complete with lively music, bursts of aromatic spices, and an energetic atmosphere. Resort teams and guests layered fruits, nuts, and spirits in a spirited display, with Charith driving the momentum through his trademark spontaneity. The result was a vibrant, social, and playful reimagining of a classic festive tradition.

Festivities continued on 24 November with an exclusive live cooking demonstration by Charith, giving guests the chance to experience his signature “wild” cooking style firsthand against the lagoon backdrop of the resort.

“This celebration reflects the new creative pulse of Sun Siyam Olhuveli. Charith brought an energy that aligns perfectly with our evolving lifestyle identity, making this year’s cake mixing one of our most memorable yet,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

With the festive season now in full swing, Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to join MYSTIVAL 2025–2026, the resort’s year-end celebration taking place from 21 December 2025 to 8 January 2026, featuring hypnotic beats, immersive dining, playful rituals, and a series of kaleidoscopic island experiences designed to inspire connection and celebration.

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Cooking

Cooking with culture: Maldivian Kandu Kukulhu at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

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At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Maldivian cuisine is celebrated not simply as nourishment but as an expression of island heritage and identity. Among its most significant traditions is the preparation of Kandu Kukulhu, the Maldives’ signature rolled tuna curry. Rooted in local custom and passed down through generations, the dish forms the centrepiece of the resort’s weekly Maldivian cooking classes, offering guests an intimate introduction to the flavours, techniques, and narratives that shape the islands. As part of the resort’s signature culinary journey, it brings Maldivian culture to life through authentic tastes and thoughtful storytelling.

Deeply embedded in local tradition, Kandu Kukulhu reflects centuries of craftsmanship and care. At Vilu Reef, the cooking class is led by the resort’s Maldivian chefs, who demonstrate each stage with the precision and intuition inherited through long-standing practice. Guests learn how to slice the tuna, layer it with aromatic spices, and bind the rolls with coconut or pandan leaf. As the curry gently simmers in coconut milk, its aroma fills the air, offering a vivid portrayal of everyday island cooking—an experience that resonates long after the final tasting.

Kandu Kukulhu, which translates to “chicken of the sea,” is a quintessential Maldivian tuna curry and a powerful tribute to the nation’s enduring connection to the ocean.

“Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s culinary story celebrates Maldivian heritage, moving beyond simply serving fresh seafood,” said Chef de Cuisine Mohamed Hameed, known as Chef Printey. “It is a connection to our islands, our people, and the traditions that shaped Maldivian cuisine. By sharing these methods, we bring our cultural narrative to life in the most sincere way.”

The cooking class forms a key part of the Maldivian Roots Signature Experience, which highlights the flavours, crafts, and cultural expressions that define the Maldives. It reflects Sun Siyam’s philosophy of celebrating island life through meaningful encounters and genuine Maldivian spirit. The experience is available to all guests at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and can be booked in advance during their stay.

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