Kandima Maldives has been named Winner of the Family Activities & Entertainment category at the Family Traveller Awards 2026, hosted by Family Traveller, the UK’s leading family travel brand, at a ceremony held at riverside venue The Swan on London’s South Bank on Friday 11 September.

The awards drew hundreds of entries across 19 categories spanning hotels and villas, tour operators, cruise lines, destinations and the wider travel industry. An independent panel of family travel journalists shortlisted finalists in each category, before thousands of public votes produced the winners.

The win is a recognition to Kandima’s efforts in opening the Maldives to groups and families, with island infrastructure purpose-built to welcome multigenerational families, accessible room rates to suit different budgets, and a full-year events calendar that offers groups real reasons to travel together for shared adventures and memories of a lifetime.

The resort has long positioned itself against the Maldives’ traditional honeymoon-only narrative, championing the destination as a haven for every age group. Newer launches this year, including Kandima Running Club and Fresh Labs’ foraging and farm tours, turn everyday movement and island agriculture into social activities that parents and children can undertake together.

Major attractions that opened doors in recent years, from Fast Track, the Maldives’ longest and fastest asphalt go-karting circuit, to PlaySpace, a groundbreaking entertainment hub bringing together family gaming, thematic escape room adventures and VR experiences for older children and grown-ups, also shaped Kandima into a destination that grows alongside its guests, across life stages and generations, and evolving traveller preference for more active escapes.

“Winning this award means a great deal. We would like to thank all guests and partners who have voted for us and have experienced Kandima over the years. We’ve always believed a great family holiday is about balance – with the freedom to come together as a group and just as easily find a moment of your own. It’s a philosophy we will continue to stand by, with more in the making,” said Dermot Birchall, General Manager of Kandima Maldives.

Looking on, plans are in place to develop an Adventure Park with new outdoor experience zones to bridge the gap between children’s play and adult recreation, with a programme of challenge-based and active pursuits for collective discovery and team building.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury, has unveiled the enhanced Two Bedroom Sunset Villa to Gili Lagoon Retreat, a spacious two-bedroom overwater hideaway offering guests the rare opportunity to combine quintessential Maldivian overwater living with their very own private island and beach, Three Palm Island.

Set on the resort’s coveted Jetty 3 – renowned for its spectacular sunsets – the new 369m2 upgraded category retreat villa has been designed as the ultimate Robinson Crusoe-style castaway escape. A newly constructed 65-metre walkway connects the villa directly to Three Palm Island, transforming the secluded islet into a private extension of the villa and allowing guests to move effortlessly between life over the lagoon and days spent with their toes in the sand.

The result is the best of both worlds; guests can wake to the gentle rhythm of the Indian Ocean, step directly into the turquoise lagoon from the villa’s expansive deck, then wander across to their own private island to relax on sun loungers, enjoy the secluded beach or retreat to a miniature sandbank. While Jetty 3 offers some of Gili Lankanfushi’s most impressive sunset views, early risers can cross to the private island to watch the sun rising above the island – ideally accompanied by a private breakfast.

Rodrigo Buanafina, General Manager of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, comments: “The Gili Lagoon Retreat really offers the best of both worlds: the romance and privacy of an overwater villa, together with the feeling of having your own beach and island. In the Maldives, these are two quintessential experiences that are traditionally offered separately, but the new walkway means Three Palm Island is now part of the villa experience.

“Guests can simply wander across to their own stretch of beach and sandbank for a sunrise breakfast, afternoon picnic or sunset drinks and for families in particular, it makes the whole experience much more seamless. Above all, we wanted to create that sense of freedom and castaway adventure that has always been such an important part of Gili Lankanfushi.”

Design & Facilities

Designed primarily for up to four guests, the two-bedroom Gili Lagoon Retreat combines generous indoor and outdoor spaces with Gili Lankanfushi’s signature laid-back approach to luxury. The spacious en-suite master bedroom features a king-sized bed and daybed, while a separate guest bedroom comes complete with its own en-suite facilities, outdoor shower and pantry.

At the heart of the retreat lies an expansive deck overlooking the lagoon, complete with a dedicated dining area, overwater sun deck and direct ocean access. Indoors, a comfortable living and dining space is joined by a pantry with mini wine chiller, while a private steam room, wellness and workout room offers guests the opportunity to maintain their fitness routine in complete seclusion.

A semi open-air private bathroom continues Gili’s signature connection with nature, featuring a bathtub, separate glass-walled shower and its own direct ocean access. Upstairs, a private rooftop terrace provides another peaceful hideaway, with a daybed and traditional Maldivian swing creating the perfect setting for lazy afternoons and sunset watching.

Additional touches include a bamboo bicycle for each guest, Bose sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, Nespresso machine, minibar and chess table, while the resort’s renowned Mr./Ms. Friday private butler service is available 24/7 to arrange everything from private dining to bespoke island experiences.

A Private Island Experience

Guests looking to embrace their inner Robinson Crusoe can make Three Palm Island entirely their own. Private sandbank picnics, sunrise breakfasts and sunset cocktails can be arranged, while refreshments can be provided on the island for days spent drifting between the beach, sandbank and lagoon. Private dining is also available within the villa, allowing guests to enjoy an intimate meal without leaving their retreat.

The new walkway connecting the Gili Lagoon Retreat with Three Palm Island was designed and completed entirely by Gili Lankanfushi’s in-house engineering team. Led by Ahmed Majid, Director of Engineering at Gili Lankanfushi, who has worked at the resort for 16 years, the project uses Yellow Balau timber across the upper deck, with Pine timber beneath and marine-grade fittings and fasteners selected to withstand the island environment.

Ahmed Majid, Director of Engineering at Gili Lankanfushi, comments: “The new walkway is particularly special as it showcases the skill and craftsmanship of our in-house team here at Gili. One of the greatest challenges was integrating the new extension with the existing structure while minimising disruption to the resort but completing it ourselves gave us greater control over quality and allowed us to make decisions quickly.”

“Thanks to the new walkway, Guests can now stroll directly from the villa to Three Palm Island and its secluded beach, creating a completely new experience. For me, the Gili Lagoon Retreat is elegant, spacious and timeless – it enhances the villa while remaining true to the character of Gili Lankanfushi.”

Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport with direct flights from London now available. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery.

Nightly rates at Gili Lagoon Retreat at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives start from $5,200 (£3,846), based on four guests sharing and are subject to seasonal variations. Offering exceptional space and privacy, the villa can accommodate up to six guests, either six adults or four adults and two children. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.

There is a brief moment in the Maldives that is easy to miss. The Sun is on its way down, the Moon is just beginning to appear, and for a few minutes the sea turns a shade of silver blue. The island gets quieter. You might still feel the warmth of the day, but somehow, the night has already begun.

This is Hayeh, the blue hour. Neither day nor night, but somewhere beautifully in between. It is this feeling that sits at the heart of Oaga Art Resort’s upcoming festive season.

For Christmas and New Year 2026/2027, Oaga Art Resort presents Between Two Lights, a Maldivian journey through the moments where worlds meet. Inspired by the ancient connection between Sun and Moon, the season brings together island stories, Maldivian culture, local artists, contemporary creativity, food, music, ocean journeys, wellness, storytelling and live performance.

At Oaga, it is not about choosing between the Sun and the Moon. It is having somewhere to be in between.

A Story Written in Sun & Moon

This story begins long before Oaga. The Maldives has always been shaped by movement: people arriving by sea, fishing its waters, trading across the Indian Ocean and carrying stories from one island to another. Kula Sudha Ira, the descendants of Sun and Moon, echoes this history through a story of ancient kingdoms, connection and two worlds coming together.

This festive season, Oaga brings that story into its own evolving landscape. From November, the new Avi Water Villa joins the island’s accommodation collection, drawing inspiration from the warmth and energy of the Sun and facing the sunrise. Odi Water Villa, already part of Oaga’s sunset facing collection, returns with additional villas and a renewed expression inspired by the quiet serenity of the Moon.

Across the island, the story continues through Suvāsthi’s programme of Maldivian artists, musicians, performers and makers, moving between tradition and contemporary expression. From Boduberu Fusion Nights and live mural art to storytelling, digital art, movement and original performances, there will be plenty to discover. Some moments will be planned, some will happen only once, and some may simply be waiting to be stumbled upon.

From Fire to Tide

The festive dining experience follows the changing light. Kaa Kada moves from the bright, energetic world of the Sun by day into a warmer, more atmospheric Moonlit setting by evening.

At the heartof this festive season are two distinct dining experiences: Iru Meyzu, the Sun Table, a generous Maldivian feast inspired by fishermen returning from the sea, with fresh catch, local produce, island spices and open fire; and Handhu Meyzu, the Moon Table, a slower, more intimate evening of candlelight, storytelling and flavours inspired by night fishing.

Across the season, guests can also discover the flavours of the islands through interactive food and drink experiences, from traditional spice making and local ingredient tastings to cocktail creations.

Finding Your Way Through the Island

The festive journey makes space for every kind of discovery. At Hoba Spa, Hayeh, the space between Sun and Moon, becomes a moment to slow down and return to yourself, with festive wellness experiences centred around four pathways: Energize, Grounding, Nurture and Recover.

Beyond the shore,Hoara Xfollows the movement of the frigatebird between sky and sea, taking guests into the waters through traditional fishing, sunset journeys, Boduberu at sea and moonlit ocean experiences. Highlights include Iruvai Foarion National Fisherman’s Day and a special Full Moon healing journey on Christmas Eve.

For younger guests, Fiyoh Club offers its own island of discovery, with traditional Maldivian games, natureactivities, local crafts, sand art and ocean exploration, encouraging children to experience the island with curiosity and wonder.

One Light, Many Moments

Christmas brings the story together around the simple act of gathering. Rather than recreating a Christmas fantasy from other corners of the world, Oaga draws from something deeply familiar to island communities: coming together around one shared light, one long table, with food, stories, music and new faces becoming familiar ones.

New Year’s Eve begins in the quieter world of the Moon, making space to reflect on the year gone by and what we choose to leave behind. As midnight approaches, The Blue Hour unfolds through live music, performance, movement, visual art and Maldivian creative voices, carrying the island from stillness into celebration. The Moon gives way to fire, and with the first light of the new year, the party begins.

For one day, the story stretches beyond the island to a nearby sandbank with the Deserted Day Club. Music, movement, food, drinks and ocean set the scene for an unhurried island day with no real need for an itinerary. Just sea, sky, sand and the freedom to lose track of time.

The Space Between

Between Two Lights is about noticing the moments in between: the first light of morning, the last fire of sunset, the blue hour, the Moon over the lagoon, a story shared over dinner, a drum heard somewhere across the island, the stillness before midnight and the first light of a new year.

This festive season, Oaga brings these moments together through the things that make the island what it is: Maldivian culture, local artists, contemporary creativity, nature, ocean experiences, food, wellness, storytelling and live performance. Much like Oaga itself, the season is not meant to be experienced from a distance. It is something to wander into, discover and become part of.

Come curious. Follow the light. See where it takes you.

This festive season, come experience the space between at Oaga Art Resort.

Nestled in North Malé Atoll, Oaga Art Resort is a homegrown Maldivian hospitality brand where art, culture and storytelling shape the guest experience. Just a 45-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, the resortis home to vibrant beach and overwater villas, creative dining experiences, Hoba Spa and a programme of art, culture and island experiences curated with local artists and cultural practitioners.

Oaga Art Resort stands as a creative hub, offering sensory-rich experiences thoughtfully curated by both local and visiting Maldivian artists and craftspeople. Guests seeking complete indulgence can enjoy the Greatest All Inclusive Plan, with moments designed to inspire from free-flow art sessions and dance experiences to floating meals, island excursions, and watersports. Through its creative brand, Suvāsthi , Oaga supports local artists and arts while offering guests meaningful opportunities to engage with authentic Maldivian culture.

Discover your next inspiration at www.oagaresorts.com and book your stay; an unforgettable artistic journey awaits!