Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced its festive programme, ‘A Season by the Sea’, which will take place from Thursday 18 December 2025 to Wednesday 7 January 2026. The programme combines seasonal traditions with experiences designed for guests of all ages.

The celebrations begin on 18 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, where guests can enjoy festive treats and live music. The following day, children will have the chance to take part in a gingerbread house decorating workshop.

A range of wellness and leisure activities will be available throughout the festive season, including sunrise power yoga, Pilates by the water’s edge, and tennis sessions in the evenings. Holiday tournaments will add a competitive edge for sports enthusiasts. Marine activities will also feature prominently, with options such as the Ocean Wonders Christmas morning snorkelling excursion, Dolphin Quest cruises, and private nurse shark encounters.

Dining experiences form a central part of the programme. Guests can take part in themed events including an Oyster and Caviar Dinner, a Maldivian Sharing Beach Dinner, and a private Festive High Tea. Christmas Eve will be marked with a Gala Gathering followed by the Olhahali Oceanside Gala Dinner, with live music, performances, and a festive menu. On Christmas Day, the resort will host a Poolside Brunch featuring seasonal dishes.

New Year’s Eve will be celebrated with a soirée at the heart of the island, followed by the resort’s signature Gala Dinner at Glow, which will feature a specially curated menu and entertainment. The celebrations continue on New Year’s Day with a Beachside Brunch, and the week that follows will include events such as the Chef’s Table at Kayto, highlighting Nikkei cuisine, and Taste of India at Glow, showcasing Indian culinary traditions.

To complement the programme, Jumeirah Olhahali Island offers a range of villas suitable for couples, families, and larger groups. Options include one-bedroom overwater and beach villas with private pools, rooftop terraces, and direct ocean access, as well as two- and three-bedroom residences such as the signature MIRI Villa. These larger accommodations feature spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms, and infinity pools set over the lagoon or beach, designed to create a setting for shared celebrations during the festive season.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is marking the Chinese National Day Holiday Week with a programme of celebrations across four of its Maldivian properties: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. Taking place from late September to early October, each resort is presenting a series of cultural activities, wellness experiences, and dining events designed for the occasion.

At Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, located within The Atollia and accessible by speedboat from Malé, guests are being offered a festive line-up that includes Chinese-themed dinners, poolside dim sum, and seafood feasts. The resort has also introduced a range of activities such as aqua aerobics, water polo, beach volleyball, craft sessions for children, and family games. Evenings feature cultural showcases, live music, karaoke, and outdoor cinema, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, a resort with a strong focus on families, has designed its holiday programme under the theme ‘A Holiday Full of Smiles’. With attractions such as a waterpark, lazy river, and dedicated kids’ zones, the resort has arranged Chinese breakfast corners, creative workshops, scavenger hunts, and beach games during the day. In the evenings, families are invited to enjoy beachside feasts, karaoke, themed dinners, and open-air cinema. Longan cocktail hours, ice cream specials, and seafood platters have also been introduced as part of the week’s activities.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection, is combining cultural programmes with its focus on sustainability and natural surroundings. Between 28 September and 10 October, the resort is hosting sunrise yoga, coral planting, kite-making, lantern workshops, scavenger hunts, and storytelling sessions. Dining highlights include Asian street food nights, seafood barbecues, mooncake afternoon teas, and a floating lantern release under the full moon. Families are catered for with beach games, treasure hunts, and movie nights, while wellness enthusiasts can participate in spa workshops and treatments.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, an adults-only retreat located 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé, is offering a more intimate holiday celebration. Guests can experience themed dining with Chinese-inspired décor and a beach party under the stars, complemented by live entertainment. With its focus on couples and friends, the resort’s approach blends cultural flavours with a festive yet relaxed atmosphere.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is set to transform the festive season into a wellness-inspired escape, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to combine celebration with rejuvenation. Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort has introduced its Festive Early Bird offer, available for booking until 31 October 2025 for stays between 20 December 2025 and 15 January 2026.

The package includes a complimentary dining upgrade from breakfast to half board, with children under 12 staying and dining free of charge. Guests are also offered 20% savings on spa treatments, alongside experiences such as kayaking, a 30-minute professional photo session, and a programme of recharging activities. The Westin Family Kids Club provides younger guests with engaging activities, ensuring families can enjoy the holiday in full.

The highlight of the festive programme will be a Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. The evening will capture the spirit of the 1920s with vintage cocktails, champagne, live entertainment, and a midnight fireworks display set against the Maldivian night sky.

The resort’s well-being philosophy, built on the pillars of Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, and Play Well, underpins the holiday experience. From restorative rest on the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed to fresh, seasonal cuisine at three dining venues and bars, every detail is designed to support balance and renewal.

In addition, Marriott Bonvoy members will earn an extra 20,000 bonus points when booking the ‘Celebrate Festive – Early Bird Offer’.