News
Vakkaru Maldives celebrates connection and discovery with Silk Road festive programme
Vakkaru Maldives invites guests to embark on a Silk Road-inspired journey this festive season, featuring a rich programme of celebrations, dining, wellness, family experiences and island adventures from 13 December 2026 to 9 January 2027.
For centuries, the Silk Road connected East and West through a network of routes stretching across continents. Along them travelled silk, tea, spices and precious stones, as well as ideas, traditions and stories that brought distant cultures into contact with one another. This spirit of discovery and exchange inspires Vakkaru’s festive season.
Throughout the season, dining experiences draw inspiration from cultures along and beyond the historic routes, alongside celebrations, live entertainment, wellness, family activities and experiences in and around the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.
“The Silk Road is ultimately a story of connection, of people, cultures and traditions meeting and enriching one another,” says Teddy Susanto Wiryawan, General Manager of Vakkaru Maldives. “That feels especially meaningful during the festive season, when families and friends come together from around the world. This year, we wanted to create a programme that celebrates that spirit of discovery and generosity while remaining true to the timeless rhythm of life at Vakkaru.”

Christmas by the Indian Ocean
The celebrations begin to gather pace on 17 December with Vakkaru’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and anniversary celebration on Vakku Beach, bringing guests together for an evening of music, Maldivian Boduberu and family festivities.
On Christmas Eve, guests can spend the afternoon on a guided turtle snorkelling excursion before gathering for cocktails on Isoletta Beach. The evening continues with the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner on Vakku Beach, where festive classics, fresh seafood and flavours from around the world are accompanied by live music and entertainment beneath the stars.
Christmas Day begins on and beneath the water, with a guided house reef dive and a yacht cruise among dolphins. Santa arrives at Vakku Beach later in the morning, while special Christmas dining continues throughout the day.
Between the major celebrations, the island continues with a changing programme of dining and experiences. Guests can discover everything from Korean barbecue and Nikkei-inspired menus to Spanish tapas and paella, Southeast Asian flavours, and lobster dinners by the sea. Vakkaru Reserve takes wine beyond the cellar with sunset tastings on the sandbank, while mixology classes, cooking experiences and evenings of music and cocktails add to the programme. Days can also be spent exploring Baa Atoll, with diving, snorkelling and family marine experiences offering a distinctly Maldivian counterpoint to the Silk Road theme.

Following the Silk Road into the New Year
As the final days of 2026 approach, the Silk Road provides inspiration for the island’s family programme. Younger guests at Parrotfish Club explore themed days inspired by the ancient routes, the Far East, world music and the sea, with activities ranging from map-making and batik to a Silk Route Fashion Parade on New Year’s Eve.
At the heart of the New Year celebrations is the New Year’s Eve Gala: The Silk Road Journey on Vakku Beach. An international feast inspired by the flavours and spirit of the Silk Road is accompanied by live music, dance, and performances. At midnight, fireworks illuminate the sky as guests welcome 2027 on the shores of Baa Atoll.
New Year’s Day starts with a celebratory brunch at Amaany. At the same time, certified divers can make their first dive of 2027 in the waters surrounding the island.

A Return to Wellness at Merana Spa
Japanese holistic practitioner Yoko Kawaguchi returns to Merana Spa for her second Vakkaru residency of 2026, following her first residency earlier in the year.
Originally from Japan, Yoko takes a highly personalised approach to wellbeing, drawing on techniques including auriculotherapy, aromatherapy, Reiki energy healing and targeted massage. Her treatments focus on calming the nervous system, releasing tension and supporting the body’s natural restorative functions.
Throughout the festive season, guests can book treatments including Auriculotherapy for Holistic Wellbeing, Chakra Balance and Japanese Reiki Infusion, Deep Back Release Massage, Silent Mind Ritual and Personalised Emotional and Hormonal Support. Complimentary consultations and selected wellness sessions, including Self-Reiki Healing and Hand Reflexology Massage, will also be available.

The Journey Continues to Orthodox Christmas
Celebrations continue into January in the lead-up to Orthodox Christmas. Family programming introduces traditions including the Russian New Year tree and Matryoshka-inspired activities, culminating in the arrival of Ded Moroz, the traditional Slavic Father Frost, on 6 January.
That evening, guests gather on Vakku Beach for an Orthodox Christmas cocktail party followed by the Orthodox Gala Dinner, with a festive buffet, live music and entertainment by the ocean.
From Christmas and New Year to Orthodox Christmas, the Silk Road weaves through nearly four weeks of celebrations at Vakkaru, bringing together food, music, traditions, wellness, and experiences from around the world in the natural setting of Baa Atoll.

Discover the full programme of festive celebrations and experiences in Vakkaru Maldives’ digital festive brochure here. For further information about the resort, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com to make a reservation.
News
Marriott Bonvoy announces ‘Endless Summer’ promotion for Maldives stays in 2027
Summer need not end with a change of season. In the Maldives, warm turquoise waters, palm-fringed shores, and life lived outdoors invite travellers to follow their own calendar. For those planning the year ahead, Marriott Bonvoy’s Endless Summer campaign brings that invitation to four natural private-island resorts: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa and The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection.

Endless Summer Offer at a Glance:
- Booking window: November 15-December 31, 2026
- Stay window: January 10-December 15, 2027
- Dining plans: From daily breakfast to all-inclusive, depending on the resort
- Children’s dining: Complimentary for children under 12
- Additional benefits: Dining privileges and resort credits toward eligible meals, spa treatments, and island activities, depending on the resort
- Minimum stay: Four nights
Here, an island holiday can take many forms, with each resort bringing a different perspective to the Maldives. Just 10 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Sheraton Maldives occupies Furanafushi Island in North Malé Atoll, where tropical gardens and a sheltered lagoon set an easygoing pace. The Westin Maldives, a wellness-focused retreat in Baa Atoll, and Le Méridien Maldives, a chic, eco-conscious hideaway on Thilamaafushi Island in Lhaviyani Atoll, are each a scenic 35-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport. The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives spans two islands in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, reachable by a 90-minute seaplane journey or a domestic flight followed by a speedboat transfer.
Discover Maldivian Culture Through Its People
At Sheraton Maldives, a coconut palm becomes the starting point for a lesson in island ingenuity. During Maldivian Journey, a weekly gathering on Kakuni Beach, guests discover how climbing, grating, and weaving turn an everyday part of the landscape into food, shelter, and craft. For a different view of the country, the resort can arrange a visit to Malé, taking in the capital’s fish market, Presidential Palace, museum, and shops. From The Westin Maldives, a boat trip to Eydhafushi introduces guests to the rhythms of a local island beyond the resort’s shores.
Food and music continue the conversation. Weekly Maldivian-themed evenings at Sheraton Maldives and The Westin Maldives pair local cooking with the drumbeats of bodu beru. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, culinary classes, and experiences inspired by explorer H.C.P. Bell connect guests with the heritage and rhythms of the far south. Traditional handline fishing connects guests to the sea through patience and knowledge passed down through generations of Maldivian fishermen.
Marine Discovery Beyond the Beach
A dhoni ride may reveal spinner dolphins leaping above the waves. Beneath the water, each island has its own story. From Sheraton Maldives, snorkelling excursions to Shark Point bring guests alongside nurse sharks. Le Méridien Maldives’ house reef invites exploration, with hawksbill turtles spotted year-round. Within Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives opens a window onto marine life, including seasonal manta ray encounters and occasional whale shark sightings at Hanifaru Bay. Marine biologist sessions, coral planting, and turtle identification deepen the connection. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, explore two house reefs with private Marine Butlers, spotting resident sea turtles and nurse sharks, or venture farther on the signature Journey to the Equator for an open-water swim near the equatorial line.

Shared Island Discoveries for Families
At Le Méridien Maldives, families join the resident horticulturist for foraging and a closer look at soil-free cultivation in one of the Maldives’ largest hydroponic greenhouses. Sheraton Maldives takes the classroom outdoors with a guided botanical and wildlife walk led by the resort botanist. At The Westin Maldives, mothers and daughters unwind together at the spa and learn to make a natural face scrub to recreate at home. Dedicated kids’ clubs give younger travelers their own space for play and learning, leaving adults free to linger over lunch, head to the spa, or enjoy a quiet hour beside the water.
From Morning Movement to Evenings by the Ocean
Togetherness need not mean following the same schedule. The pleasure lies in coming back together with something to share. For travellers who like to begin the day in motion, The Westin Maldives’ Move Well philosophy brings together workouts at the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, tennis, swimming, and island runs, alongside guided yoga and meditation. A friendly padel match at Le Méridien Maldives brings out a competitive streak before guided stargazing turns attention skyward, where the island’s near-equatorial setting reveals constellations from both hemispheres. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, guests can alternate between a lively match on the padel court and floating yoga in the lagoon. At Sheraton Maldives, guests gather on Kakuni Beach for bocce ball and beach table tennis, joining in a little lighthearted competition.
A private sandbank picnic or a destination dining experience in a secluded island setting creates room for honeymoons, anniversaries, or family celebrations. International all-day dining sits alongside specialty restaurants drawing on Japanese, pan-Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, and Maldivian flavours to suit every palate.
Villas and Rooms for Every Generation
Across these resorts, accommodations make room for romantic escapes, vacations with friends, and multigenerational gatherings. Sheraton Maldives’ 176 rooms and villas range from interconnecting guest rooms to beachfront and overwater retreats. Le Méridien Maldives’ 134 beach and overwater villas include the 280-square-meter Three-Bedroom Thilamaafushi Villa, ideal for family celebrations. The Westin Maldives’ 69 pool villas include one- and two-bedroom beach and overwater options, with the 194-square-meter Two-Bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence providing space for generations to gather. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, 38 beachfront and overwater pool villas span two private islands, each with personalised butler service, while the 1,250-square-metre Halcyon Grand Estate provides added space and privacy for families and friends.

Click here to book your Endless Summer vacation, or visit marriott.com/maldives to explore Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives.
Featured
Secret Paradise Maldives secures Travelife Partner Award renewal
Maldivian tour operator Secret Paradise Maldives has successfully renewed its Travelife Partner Award, recognising the company’s continued commitment to responsible tourism, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The renewal acknowledges Secret Paradise’s progress in implementing responsible tourism practices and integrating sustainability across its business operations.
The Travelife Partner standard requires tour operators to meet more than 100 sustainability criteria covering office management, business operations, product development, international business partners and customer information. Based on the ISO 26000 guidelines on corporate social responsibility, the criteria address areas including environmental protection, biodiversity, human rights and labour relations.
Since its establishment in 2012, Secret Paradise has focused on demonstrating how tourism can generate positive outcomes for local communities and the environment. The company’s approach includes supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for communities, promoting responsible marine encounters and encouraging visitors to develop a greater understanding of Maldivian culture and the natural environment.
Commenting on the renewal, Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives, said: “Sustainability is an ongoing journey, one that requires continuous commitment, reflection and a willingness to evolve. There is always more we can do.
“We have always believed that tourism should benefit the people and places that make the Maldives so special. This means looking beyond the experiences we deliver to consider how we operate, the partners we work with and the impact our activities have on local communities and the environment. We are proud of the progress we have made and remain committed to doing more.”
Naut Kusters, Manager of Travelife for Tour Operators, welcomed the renewal, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability within the tourism industry.
“I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operator sector is obtaining momentum. The Partner renewal award of Secret Paradise will continue to inspire other companies in Maldives to follow the same path,” he said.
Travelife is an international sustainability certification programme for tour operators and travel agents, supported by more than 35 national travel associations worldwide, including ABTA in the United Kingdom, ANVR in the Netherlands and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
The programme comprises three stages: Travelife Engaged, Travelife Partner and Travelife Certified.
Following the successful renewal of its Travelife Partner status, Secret Paradise Maldives intends to further strengthen its sustainability practices as it works towards achieving Travelife Certified status.
Fashion
Finolhu Maldives to welcome artist Araceli Adams for ceramics masterclasses
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is set to welcome contemporary artist Araceli Adams for an exclusive festive residency from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Bringing together art, nature and the joy of creative expression, the residency invites guests to discover the world of ceramics through immersive workshops inspired by the extraordinary marine life and natural beauty of the Maldives.
Known for her distinctive artistic interpretations of marine life on ceramics, Adams draws inspiration from the natural world, transforming everyday objects into expressive works of art. Through Araceli Adams, her creative practice celebrates the beauty and diversity of ocean life, making her residency a natural fit for Finolhu’s spectacular setting within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.
Throughout the festive season, guests will have the opportunity to explore their artistic side under Adams’ guidance, discovering the pleasures of working with ceramics in a relaxed and inspiring island environment. Designed for both beginners and those with a passion for art, the experiences encourage creativity, personal expression and a deeper appreciation of the marine world.
The residency begins with a meet-and-greet at Finolhu’s cocktail party on 21 December, offering guests an opportunity to meet the artist and discover the inspiration behind her work. An introductory pottery experience on 24 December will set the tone for a series of intimate creative sessions, followed by group masterclasses taking place between Christmas Day and 3 January.
Limited to just six participants per session, the masterclasses offer a more personal and engaging opportunity to learn from Adams while creating individual pieces inspired by the colours, textures and marine surroundings of the island. For guests seeking a more tailored experience, private pottery sessions will also be available, providing an intimate setting for individuals, couples and families to explore their creativity together.
The residency forms part of Finolhu’s festive celebrations, Magic by the Sea, bringing an artistic dimension to the resort’s seasonal programme. Beyond the traditional festivities, the collaboration offers guests an opportunity to slow down, discover a new creative pursuit and create meaningful memories through hands-on experiences.
The collaboration with Araceli Adams continues Finolhu’s commitment to bringing international creative talent to the island. Earlier in 2026, the resort welcomed celebrated British designer Matthew Williamson for an exclusive October residency, introducing guests to his distinctive world of colour, pattern and design through creative masterclasses and personalised experiences. In November, contemporary artist and photographer Yakov Khomich brought his artistic perspective to Finolhu’s Art Lab, further enriching the resort’s programme of immersive creative encounters. Together, these residencies reflect Finolhu’s growing reputation as a destination where art, design and island living come together.
Art and creativity have long been part of Finolhu’s distinctive island identity. With its contemporary design, vibrant atmosphere and dedicated Art Lab, the resort embraces creative expression as an integral part of the guest experience. The collaboration with Araceli Adams further reflects this philosophy, connecting guests with the island’s remarkable natural surroundings through art.
Set against the backdrop of Finolhu’s turquoise lagoon, pristine beaches and iconic two-kilometre sandbank, the residency offers a refreshing way to experience the festive season. Whether discovering ceramics for the first time or simply enjoying a shared creative moment with loved ones, guests are invited to embrace the freedom of artistic expression in one of the world’s most beautiful island settings.
Araceli Adams’ residency at Finolhu will take place from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, with group masterclasses scheduled between 25 December and 3 January and private pottery sessions available from 24 December to 2 January. Advance reservations are recommended due to limited availability.
For further information and reservations, visit www.finolhu.com or contact stay@finolhu.com.
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