News
Sun Siyam Resorts presents five-star line-up of Christmas classics with tropical twist
Sun Siyam Resorts has unwrapped this year’s festive season programme, creating an ideal haven for those seeking to revel in the warmth and joy of the holidays. Across their five exquisite private island properties in the Maldives, guests are invited to exchange snowflakes for sandy shores this December and embrace a carefree Christmas castaway experience like never before.
Around the world at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Sun Siyam Olhuveli will be making merry with an eclectic extravaganza of decadent musical delights and cultural activities from around the globe. Guests will be in for a treat when singer and songwriter Emma Ochia, talented musician, producer, Synthetic sax player Mikhail Morozov, and the mesmerising duo of belly dance sensations, Julia Anastasia Armellini and Kovijanic Nedeljkovic Tara perform during Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties promising unforgettable celebrations for everyone. Party goers can drop by the Wonderland Stage to experience a mesmerising performance by the world’s leading LED artists Dennis Kiss & Szulita Szekrényes for a performance like nothing you have ever seen before!
From ballads to floor-fillers, colour runs to Bollywood beach parties, and a Tour de Olhuveli cycling race to mini-Olympic Games, the world tour ends with a fireworks-filled crescendo on 31 December at the Around the World Gala Dinner, where a host of acclaimed DJs – including British House legend DJ Karno, a Pacha and Ministry of Sound regular and local Maldivian music band 2 Sense, who will encourage guests to dance the year away as they ring in the new year.
Royal blend of Christmas lights at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
With dazzling fire and circus performances from the international talents of La Circocracia and fire queen PYRO to enjoy at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, guests will be invited to replace their traditional fireside Christmas for remarkable fire and lights shows guaranteed to make any stay merry and bright. Local DJ Watte will make sure every guest is in tune with what’s coming in 2024.
For the ultimate yuletide gift, there’s also a host of unforgettable experiences and flavoursome flavours – including rum pot-infused treats – on the menu at the luxury resort.
From private castaway breaks with your own secluded beach to romantic champagne cruises, and flyboarding to bespoke spa rituals – including a Majestic Prince and Princess option for guests aged 3-12 – the five-star boutique resort is sure to leave a trail of wonder in its wake.
Paradise on Bloom at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
Hoping to make every member of the family’s festive dreams come true this year, Sun Siyam Iru Veli has a host of activities certain to make the all-inclusive paradise the place where winter sun meets festive island fun. Felicity, popular Jazz- Saxophonist, and DJ Jeremiah graces Iru Veli with their exceptional talent at the Christmas and New Year’s Eve cocktail parties and celebrations. Guests will be captivated by Chandana and the Dancers Guild, a fusion dance group from Sri Lanka, and can enjoy a festive programme merging culture and tropical festivities with extraordinary performances set against the backdrop of magnificent sunsets.
From a playful programme of creative crafts and fun-packed beach activities to classic Christmas movies and carol karaoke, the Turtle Kids Club will keep younger guests entertained while adults find other ways to celebrate in seasonal style. From stargazing cruises to whale shark snorkelling trips, and sushi-making classes to traditional Maldivian BoduBeru dancing shows, guests are spoilt for choice with ways to take full advantage of the blue skies, clear waters and pristine beaches.
Time Traveller’s Ball at Siyam World
From aerial displays to sand art, fire shows to pool parties, and floating feasts to Great Gatsby themed gambling nights, Siyam World continues to strengthen its reputation as a carefree playground with this year’s enviable holiday line-up.
Promising the best seat in the house this New Year, the resort will be ringing in 2024 as it hosts the Time Traveller’s Ball on Arigato Beach. The instrumental countdown begins with ONEVIOLIN – the boundary-breaking Finnish violinist who performs well-known songs across musical genres, and uses his one violin to create everything from drums to melody – before DJ Jetro takes centre stage. Known for incorporating saxophone solos into his Ibiza-style sets, together they’ll get the party started with sets destined to see guests substitute dashing through the snow for dancing barefoot on the sand.
Midsummer Nights at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Holidaymakers in search of the ultimate beach bliss can swap tinsel for twinkling stars, mince pies for massages and stockings for snorkelling at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this Christmas, with those booking the 23 and 28 December Vilu Festival receiving 25% on all activities.
As part of the festive entertainment, guests will be dazzled by the Double Power Show, an international LED and Laser Show duo from Russia acrobatics, who mesmerise their audience with their geometry display and harmonious fusion of power, elegance, and grace in their LED and laser show.
Being the season to be jolly, guests are also invited to join the Mixology Academy under the 27 December Full Moon for cocktails, mocktails and more, before embracing the new year bartending show where Snowballs will be replaced by a refreshing Sea Breeze.
Entertainment
QUEENZ OF PIANO to perform at Reethi Faru Resort this festive season
Reethi Faru Resort has announced that internationally recognised piano duo QUEENZ OF PIANO will perform at the resort as part of its Christmas and New Year celebrations for the 2026/27 festive season.
The duo will present three live performances on 29 December 2026, 31 December 2026 (New Year’s Eve) and 2 January 2027, offering guests a series of musical experiences during the holiday period.
QUEENZ OF PIANO are known for combining classical music with contemporary pop, performing arrangements that bring together compositions from different musical periods and genres.
Their performances reinterpret well-known classical pieces and modern hits, incorporating elements of both musical styles to appeal to audiences of different ages and musical preferences.
The duo’s approach focuses on showcasing the versatility of the piano through arrangements that blend traditional classical techniques with contemporary musical influences.
The performances will form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s festive entertainment programme, providing live musical experiences for guests celebrating Christmas and New Year in the Maldives.
The three scheduled performances will take place during the resort’s year-end celebrations, including a special appearance on New Year’s Eve.
Featured
Kandooma Maldives unveils ‘Pirates’ Festive Adventure’ for Christmas and New Year
Kandooma Maldives has announced its Christmas and New Year programme, titled Pirates’ Festive Adventure, featuring festive dining, family activities, marine excursions, live entertainment and wellness experiences.
The programme will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, offering a range of activities and celebrations for guests staying at the resort in South Malé Atoll.
The festive programme forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ experience-led all-inclusive offering, which combines dining, recreational activities and marine experiences.
The resort provides round-the-clock dining at Kandooma Café, with meals and snacks available to accommodate international arrival and departure schedules. Eligible certified divers staying for four nights or longer can also participate in daily diving activities as part of the all-inclusive offering.
For families, Kandoo Kids’ Club will organise a series of themed activities throughout the festive period. These will include pirate-themed crafts, treasure-inspired games, creative challenges, festive card-making, gingerbread making and Christmas celebrations.
Younger guests will also have opportunities to participate in Christmas cookie decorating and other seasonal activities, while Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance as part of the festivities.
Marine excursions and watersports will feature throughout the programme, with activities including shark snorkelling, shipwreck safaris, turtle-point snorkelling, sunset cruises and night fishing.
Guests will also have opportunities to participate in surfing lessons, guided Jet Ski tours and other watersports activities around the island.
Festive dining will form a central part of the celebrations, with the resort organising a Maldivian-themed buffet dinner accompanied by traditional Bodu Beru drumming and a fire dance performance.
Other dining experiences will include a multi-course Christmas Eve gala dinner, Christmas dining events and special New Year celebrations. The menus will feature a combination of Maldivian cuisine, international dishes and traditional festive offerings.
For guests seeking wellness experiences, Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala will offer a range of treatments, including couples’ spa experiences, a three-day wellness programme and recovery treatments designed for surfers.
The festive programme will continue into January with additional activities at Kandoo Kids’ Club, marine excursions and recreational experiences.
The celebrations will conclude on 7 January 2027 with Orthodox Christmas activities for guests observing the occasion.
Andrew Drummond, General Manager of Kandooma Maldives, said the programme was designed to bring together different aspects of the resort’s guest experience during the festive season.
“Festive holidays are about spending meaningful time together, discovering something new and creating memories that last long after the journey home,” he said.
“Our programme brings together the experiences that make an island holiday special, whether that means an ocean adventure, a celebration around the table, time to relax or a little festive magic for the family.”
Located on a private island in South Malé Atoll, Kandooma Maldives offers accommodation, dining, marine activities and recreational facilities for families, couples and groups of friends.
Guests are advised to review the festive programme for activity schedules, package inclusions and advance-booking requirements. Additional charges apply to selected excursions, watersports and spa treatments.
Awards
Secret Paradise Maldives Co-Founder recognised for regenerative tourism efforts
Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives, has received the Regenerative Travel Pioneer Award at the 2026 Inspiring Women in Travel Asia (IWTA) Awards, held at the Conrad Bangkok on 14 October 2026.
The IWTA Awards recognise women contributing to environmental, social and regenerative initiatives across Asia’s travel and tourism industry. The Regenerative Travel Pioneer Award honours individuals whose work places local communities, cultural preservation and environmental conservation at the centre of tourism development.
Franklin co-founded Secret Paradise Maldives in 2012, establishing a tourism business focused on providing visitors with experiences beyond traditional resort holidays. The company promotes interactions between travellers, local communities and the natural environment through locally led tourism activities.
Secret Paradise Maldives works with local businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community groups to support responsible tourism practices and ensure that a greater share of tourism revenue benefits local communities.
Its activities focus on marine conservation, cultural awareness and creating opportunities for Maldivians to share their knowledge, traditions and way of life with international visitors.
Commenting on the recognition, Franklin acknowledged the contributions of the company’s employees, local partners and community organisations.
“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. While the award may have my name on it, it represents the collective efforts of the entire Secret Paradise team, our local partners and the many NGOs and community members we work alongside.
“Since establishing Secret Paradise, our aim has always been to demonstrate that travel can be a force for good, creating meaningful experiences for visitors while supporting local livelihoods, celebrating Maldivian culture and helping protect the incredible natural environment we are so fortunate to call home. This award is recognition of everyone’s contribution to that journey,” she said.
The award recognises Franklin’s work in promoting community-based tourism in the Maldives and Secret Paradise Maldives’ efforts to integrate environmental conservation, cultural preservation and local economic participation into its tourism operations.
-
News5 days agoananea Madivaru Maldives unveils personalised island concierge experience
-
Drink1 week agoRare vintages meet island luxury: Glenelly Estate takes over RAAYA and VARU by Atmosphere
-
Awards1 week agoRitz-Carlton Maldives earns Two MICHELIN Keys, St. Regis Vommuli named among Asia Pacific’s best hotels
-
Cooking1 week agoGili Lankanfushi Executive Chef Hari releases plant-based cookbook celebrating sustainable cuisine
-
News1 week agoCentara unveils Festival of Lights celebrations across Maldives resorts
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Vilu Reef celebrates 28 years with new beach club and Italian restaurant
-
Action1 week agoDaniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa and Donna Vekić head to St. Regis Maldives for tennis series
-
Cooking1 week agoOZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI to host Diwali celebrations in November


