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Experience storybook Christmas, New Year with Gili Lankanfushi’s literary-themed celebrations

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Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, has unveiled its Christmas & New Year 2025/26 celebrations. Set within one of the world’s most serene island sanctuaries, this year’s festivities take guests on an enchanting journey through ‘The Chronicles of Gili’ — a magical tale where each chapter celebrates connection, imagination, and the spirit of shared adventure.

From 22nd December 2025 to 7th January 2026, the castaway paradise will transform into ‘Gili Land’, inspired by treasured children’s novels including The Chronicles of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter. From a ‘Through the Wardrobe’ beachside feast beneath the stars to an Orthodox Christmas Dinner in ‘The Great Hall’, the whimsical line up invites families to write their own Gili story this festive season.

The celebrations will begin with an ‘Enchanted Illumination’ tree-lighting ceremony, as lights, choir melodies, and Gili’s enchanted tree transform the beach into a wonderland of joy, setting the scene for a fortnight of festive fun.

Fairytale Feasting

An array of very special ‘bucket list on the beach’ gastronomic experiences will be on offer to guests throughout the festive season at Gili Lankanfushi. Those who have tasted it all (until now!) can partake in a new ‘Senses: Dine in the Dark’ blind-dining experience, or step ‘Through the Wardrobe’ for a magical Narnian-inspired beach feast beneath the stars – complete with live music and a visit from Santa.

Meanwhile, foodies can travel the world without leaving the island with Gili’s ‘Asian Street Market’ offering, a vibrant celebration of the region’s diverse cuisines, or enjoy the ‘Passage through the Indian Tandoor’ evening, where fragrant spices and sizzling breads fresh from the clay oven ignite the senses. The globetrotting continues with ‘Gili’s Churrascaria Barbecue’, serving smoky meats and ocean-fresh seafood with a Maldivian twist, and a ‘Mediterranean Spice Souk’, where bonfires glow and the air fills with the aromas of exotic spices and chargrilled delights.

Film lovers can get together for a magical movie feast under the stars at Gili’s beach cinema — opting for Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland enchantment or The Chronicles of Narnia nostalgia — while little dreamers enjoy a whimsical ‘Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea Party’ or ‘Mad Hatter’s Story Time with Dinner’, where tales come to life alongside delectable treats.

Those seeking an extra-indulgent feast can book the ‘Savour the Moment’ pop up, serving a tasting menu sure to impress the most discerning of palates, or rise early for a private sunrise breakfast. A traditional treat comes in the form of ‘Haveeru Sai’, a Maldivian afternoon tea celebrating local flavours, with a series of stalls showcasing Maldivian foods and traditions.

As the story reaches its grand finale, guests are invited to toast the season at ‘The Alchemist’s Hour’, a New Year’s Eve cocktail celebration shimmering with live entertainment and mystical mixology. From here, they can journey into the future with ‘Portal to 2026: A Magical Voyage’, a spectacular New Year’s gala dinner and party filled with gastronomy, music, and moonlit wonder. The festivities do not end there, however – on 7th January guests can celebrate Orthodox Christmas with a dinner in ‘The Great Hall’ rich in tradition, flavour, and festive cheer.

Tales of Adventure and Discovery

A spirit of adventure is set to unfold chapter by chapter during The Chronicles of Gili, with activities that invite guests into a world of exploration and wonder beneath the Maldivian sun.

Thrill seekers can embark on ‘The Enchanted Compass Quest,’ an island challenge where riddles, hidden plaques, and a touch of island magic guide explorers toward a grand prize. Those drawn to the waves can join an ‘Island Breaks Surf Master’ session or take their first lesson with ‘Journey to Surf’, led by Gili’s expert instructors in the turquoise lagoon. Meanwhile, water babies can swim with turtles through the house reef or discover the secrets of seagrass with a special snorkelling session where they will learn all about the vital role played by the so-called ‘lungs of the sea’.

Festive fun continues on land with beach games and laughter by the shore — from tug-of-war and volleyball to a friendly match of Quidditch. Sports enthusiasts can cheer on their favourites or partake in a ‘Wickets and Wonders’ cricket match, or enter the ‘Fishing Competition Extravaganza’, a true test of handline fishing skills!

Guests looking to connect with the local community can journey beyond Gili to Bodu Huraa, where the ‘Island Bonds’ experience introduces travellers to Maldivian culture, community projects, and a refreshing taste of island hospitality — complete with fresh coconuts. Conservation-minded explorers can take part in ‘Coral Keepers: The Reef Restoration Ritual’, guided by Gili’s marine biologists to help nurture the reef back to vibrant life.

As the sun dips below the horizon, adventurers can set sail on the Sunset Gliders Dolphin Cruise, where pods of playful spinner dolphins leap against a backdrop of glowing skies — the perfect closing scene to a day of stories written in the sand and stars.

Tiny Tales for Little Explorers
Imagination knows no bounds at Gili Lankanfushi this Christmas and New Year, as the island becomes a playground of creativity, magic and discovery for guests of all ages.

Little ones can step into a whimsical wonderland with ‘Gili’s Gingerbread Workshop’ while aspiring adventurers will love the ‘Shield and Sword Crafting’ experience, fashioning their own brave creations before joining the ‘Grand Wonderland Parade’, a vibrant celebration that winds through the island in a whirl of colour, music, and magic.

The festivities continue with ‘Christmas Cards to Santa’, a cheerful crafting session to send wishes to the North Pole, and a ‘Christmas Court Clash’, where Santa himself joins the fun for a playful family tennis match. Budding magicians can make their own island wand or test their skills in the ‘Spell Casting Challenge’, while the Gili Broomstick Trials promise high-flying excitement through a playful obstacle race.

Young wizards and potion-makers will delight in ‘Wizarding World Herbology and Botanical Mixology’, where fruity ingredients become magical mocktails, and ‘The Lion’s Flow and Freeze’ kids’ yoga, a movement adventure inspired by the creatures of the wild. For those who prefer culinary quests, a ‘Kids Pizza Table’ activity invites little chefs to roll, top, and bake their own creations, while Mad Hatter-style fun spills into costume-making and a Wonderland Dress-Up Parade, filled with giggles and glittering imagination.

For explorers at heart, ‘The Little Wildlings’ Island’ adventure encourages curious minds to uncover the island’s hidden corners – spotting hermit crabs, seabirds, and treasures along the shore – while ‘The Young Flyers’ Cup’ brings together friendly competition through beach games, Quidditch mini-matches, and sandcastle-building camaraderie.

A New Chapter of Wellness

At Gili Lankanfushi’s award-winning Meera Spa, self-care casts a spell and a gentle reminder that true magic begins within. This festive season, guests are invited to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect through experiences that blend island serenity with a touch of wonder.

Wellness-seekers can begin their journey with ‘Wand and Warrior Flow’, a yoga-inspired movement ritual that celebrates strength, balance, and inner enchantment or channel their energy into a ‘Create Your Crystal Spell’ session, where they will select their own stone, set a heartfelt intention, and infuse it with purpose — crafting a keepsake charm of personal power and positivity.

For those seeking radiance before the island’s grand celebrations, a ‘Nature’s Face Lifting Facial’ offers a rejuvenating escape. This glow-boosting ritual combines ancient Gua Sha techniques and a warming thermal mask to leave the skin hydrated, lifted, and luminous.

Meanwhile, the secrets of natural alchemy await at ‘The Alchemist’s Table’, where herbs and oils become healing elixirs, and guests blend their own therapeutic salves inspired by the island’s natural abundance.

Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with a laid-back-luxury, ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy.

Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives start from $1,440 based on two adults sharing a Villa Suite with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.

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Jamie Murray to host week-long tennis residency at Finolhu Maldives

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What happens when one of tennis’s most accomplished doubles players swaps the intensity of the Grand Slam circuit for barefoot island living? This October, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, welcomes British tennis champion Jamie Murray for an exclusive week-long residency, taking place from 23 to 27 October 2026.

A former World No. 1 in doubles, seven-time Grand Slam champion and Davis Cup winner, Murray brings more than two decades at the highest level of professional tennis to the island. Having announced his retirement from professional tennis earlier this year after a career spanning 36 years, his residency at Finolhu marks a new chapter – one where the competitive court gives way to a more relaxed setting for sharing his knowledge, passion and love of the game.

During his time at Finolhu, guests will have the opportunity to step onto the court with one of British tennis’s most successful doubles players, gaining personal insight into the game from someone who has competed, won and travelled at the very highest level.

The residency will bring together exclusive tennis sessions, informal coaching and opportunities for guests to connect with Murray away from the traditional tournament environment, creating an experience that is as much about the stories and spirit of the sport as it is about the game itself.

Murray’s career is marked by an extraordinary collection of achievements. He became the first British player to reach World No. 1 in the ATP doubles rankings in 2016, the same year he won the Australian Open and US Open men’s doubles titles alongside Bruno Soares. His seven Grand Slam victories also include mixed doubles titles at Wimbledon and the US Open, while his contribution to Great Britain’s 2015 Davis Cup triumph remains one of the defining moments of his career.

Now, the setting is altogether different.

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and Finolhu’s signature two-kilometre sandbank, guests can combine time on court with the freedom of island life – from barefoot walks along the sand to long lunches, ocean adventures, sunset moments and evenings under the stars.

At Finolhu, tennis becomes another way to embrace the island’s playful spirit: competitive when you want it to be, relaxed when you don’t. With Murray’s residency taking place during the resort’s vibrant October season, guests can expect a week where world-class sporting experience meets the carefree rhythm of Maldivian island life.

The Jamie Murray Tennis Residency takes place at Finolhu from 23 to 27 October 2026.

For more information and reservations, visit finolhu.com.

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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa reimagines island experience with resort-wide makeover

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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has announced an exciting new chapter with a comprehensive resort-wide refurbishment. The transformation reimagines accommodations, dining venues, public spaces, and guest experiences while preserving the lush island environment that has defined the resort for generations. To celebrate this transformation, travellers are invited to experience the renewed island retreat with an exclusive long-stay offer. For a limited time, guests who book five nights or more will enjoy complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers on any available package, making it easier to discover one of the Maldives’ most naturally abundant private islands, located just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport.

Long before the Maldives became one of the world’s most sought-after luxury destinations, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa had established itself as a place where genuine hospitality and nature coexist in perfect harmony. While many islands have been developed in recent years, Sheraton Maldives has had the rare privilege of allowing its landscape to flourish over time, creating a mature tropical sanctuary that cannot be replicated overnight. Today, the resort is building on that legacy with thoughtful enhancements that elevate the guest experience and preserve the character that has always made the island distinctive.

The island is home to nearly 200 varieties of tropical plants, 18 species of orchids, and more than 600 coconut trees, creating a vibrant ecosystem that welcomes guests from the moment they arrive. At its heart stands a magnificent banyan tree that has flourished for more than a century, a living reminder of the island’s rich heritage and enduring connection to the Maldivian landscape. The island’s tropical landscape has developed over decades and is home to native flora, abundant birdlife, and shaded pathways that distinguish it from many newer developments across the Maldives.

Alongside its ongoing sustainability initiatives, the resort’s current refurbishment has been carefully designed to enhance what guests have always loved about the island. Guestrooms and villas are being refreshed with contemporary design and enhanced comforts. Restaurants, bars, recreational facilities, the kids’ club, and public spaces are also being reimagined to create a more seamless and refined guest experience.

Every enhancement aims to meet the evolving expectations of today’s travellers while maintaining the warmth, authenticity, and natural charm that define Sheraton Maldives. Guests can relax on powder-soft beaches, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, enjoy diverse culinary experiences, and unwind at Shine Spa for Sheraton. Every stay balances timeless island charm with modern luxury.

“At Sheraton Maldives, our story has always been about bringing people together in an extraordinary island setting,” said Greg Allan, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. “Our refurbishment is an investment in the future of the resort, ensuring our guests enjoy modern comforts while preserving the island’s extraordinary natural beauty and the heartfelt hospitality that have defined Sheraton Maldives for decades. We are excited to welcome returning and first-time guests to experience a timeless destination that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.”

To mark this exciting new chapter, guests who book for five nights or more will receive complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers on any available package. Whether choosing a bed and breakfast escape or a curated dining package, every eligible booking includes this exclusive benefit. The offer provides added value and convenience from the moment they arrive in the Maldives.

Guests can be among the first to experience the next chapter of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa by booking directly through the resort’s official website at www.sheratonmaldives.com or by contacting the reservations team at Sheraton.Maldives@sheraton.com.

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef introduces guest-led coral restoration initiative

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Surrounded by one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, is inviting guests to leave behind more than memories. This World Nature Conservation Day (28th July 2026), the boutique island retreat officially launched its signature ‘Adopt-a-Coral’ initiative, giving travellers the opportunity to play an active role in restoring one of nature’s most precious underwater sanctuaries.

Driven by Sun Siyam Resorts’ overarching sustainability program, Sun Siyam Cares, this initiative provides a hands-on opportunity to safeguard the fragile aquatic landscapes of the South Nilandhe Atoll. Guests become active participants in the restoration process, carefully attaching live coral fragments onto specially designed nursery frames under the guidance of the resort’s marine experts. These structures are then carefully placed in nursery zones across the lagoon to flourish and rebuild vital habitats.

To commemorate the launch, guests enjoyed an interactive morning event featuring bespoke refreshments and a symbolic frame planting ceremony. Long after returning home, guests continue receiving personalised updates, allowing them to witness the growth of the very coral they helped restore, creating a lasting connection with the island and its surrounding waters.

“Our reef is the heart of our island, and protecting it is a responsibility we proudly share with every guest who visits us,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager. “By giving our guests the opportunity to plant coral, we offer them a meaningful way to leave our sanctuary even better than when they arrived. It is a genuine privilege to empower our visitors to play a direct role in building a more resilient ecosystem while forging a lifelong bond with the Maldives.”

The Adopt-a-Coral initiative forms a key part of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s long-term sustainability vision, seamlessly combining luxury island hospitality with meaningful conservation efforts, guest participation, and community engagement. The resort’s spectacular house reef is home to an extraordinary diversity of coral formations, tropical fish, turtles, and countless other species, making its protection essential for future generations.

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