The Maldives is set to become the ultimate open water swimming destination as Maafushi Island hosts the first-ever Oceanman Swimming event on April 10, 2026. More than just a race, this event promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience, inviting swimmers to glide through the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters in mesmerizing shades of blue and enjoy its warm tropical embrace. Following this iconic bucket-list challenge, participants can explore the adventures and natural beauty that make the Maldives one of the world’s most captivating island destinations. As of this morning, 59 swimmers have registered — 55 international and 4 local participants, with more expected to join soon. The competition will feature various categories, including the 10 KM (15 swimmers), 5 KM (26), 2 KM (14), 2 KM with fins (1), and Oceanteams (3). Swimmers from Russia, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Maldives, the Philippines, Italy, Mexico, the UAE, Germany, Vietnam, and India will be taking part, making it a truly global celebration of open water swimming. 

Renowned celebrity trainer and fitness expert Jono Castano leads energising beach bootcamps and aqua fitness sessions designed to elevate wellbeing. Each workout is thoughtfully crafted to enhance strength and confidence, with personalised wellness and training guidance available.

Celebrated worldwide for his sculptural artistry and refined French technique, Chef Grégory Doyen infuses the festive season with a touch of wonder. Guests are invited to experience his signature style through an intimate pastry masterclass, a selection of exclusive island creations, and a collaborative four-hands dinner at Decanter.

Experience a restorative journey guided by Tricia Tee, a certified Seifu practitioner and sound therapist. With over a decade of expertise, Tricia artfully blends Seifu Therapy with the calming embrace of sound and essential oils to nurture your wellbeing.

German Michelin-starred chef, TV personality, author, and restaurateur, Alexander Herrmann is a celebrated voice in modern gastronomy, known for creative, contemporary cuisine that balances precise technique with guest-centric warmth. Bringing his distinctive, two-MICHELIN-star perspective to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, he will host two exquisite dinners that infuse island bounty with inventive flair, tailored courses, intuitive pacing, and flavors that linger with quiet confidence. An intimate master class will further unveil his artistry, offering a rare opportunity to experience his signature approach: precise, sensory, and seamlessly executed. A rare encounter with a chef whose craft feels both premier and personal.

Experience the transformative expertise of Tash Barnard, a world-renowned Master Pilates Instructor, and Andre Barnard, a distinguished Performance & Wellbeing Coach. Together, they bring decades of knowledge in movement, strength, and holistic wellbeing to The St. Regis Maldives.

A rare culinary journey begins this season as we welcome Chef Jolly—celebrated TV personality and MasterChef India judge — for a two-month pop-up dining experience over the waters of The St. Regis Maldives. Savor modern Indian flavors with standout dishes like Lamb Ghee Roast Tacos and Butter Chicken, complemented by cocktails such as The Great Indian and Imli Margarita.

Kandolhu Maldives presents its magical lineup of festive celebrations, running from 19th December through the New Year, designed to make the holiday season truly special for guests. From the dazzling tree lighting ceremony to exceptional themed dining events and adventurous outdoor activities, Kandolhu offers the perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and festive cheer. Whether indulging in gourmet cuisine, exploring the vibrant marine life, or embracing Maldivian culture, guests can look forward to a truly magical getaway Shaped by the Sea.

Kuramathi Maldives invites guests to immerse themselves in the magic of the holidays with an exciting festive programme designed to delight every member of the family. With carefully curated activities and events, this year’s celebrations promise unforgettable experiences to set against the stunning natural beauty of the island.

Vybe Fest is a bold new annual music festival created to position the Maldives as a global destination for music, culture, and entertainment.

Raaraa Pro was launched in 2025 as a new kiteboarding series in the Maldives, debuting with an adrenaline-filled slalom twin-tip race format on the turquoise waters of Dhiffushi – The Sunrise Island.
Following its successful inaugural edition, the event will return in 2026 with an expanded program, featuring both twin-tip race and freestyle divisions, bringing together local and international athletes for an unforgettable celebration of kiteboarding.
More than just competition, Raaraa Pro showcases the Maldives as a premier sports tourism destination, blending high-performance action with the vibrant charm of island life.

Every year in the Burunu Part of Monsoon occurring from April to May, the Maldives hosts its Annual Sustainable Fishing Festival—a nationwide celebration dedicated to responsible fishing practices. This atolls-wide event brings together tourists, locals, and hospitality partners in a thrilling challenge that promotes sustainability while offering an unforgettable adrenaline-pumping experience on the deep blue seas.
Participants engage in a catch-and-release competition targeting big game fish like marlin and yellowfin tuna, highlighting the importance of preserving marine biodiversity. The festival not only celebrates the Maldivian fishing heritage but also serves as a powerful platform to raise global awareness about sustainable fishing methods.
Winners are honored with the prestigious Burunu Boma Awards, and standout moments from the festival are featured on the Visit Maldives website. National TV coverage further amplifies the message, showcasing the Maldives as a global role model in eco-conscious fishing practices

From May to November, the waters of Hanifaru Bay in the heart-shaped Baa Atoll come alive during manta season — a stunning natural event that reaches its peak from June to October.

A rich bloom of nutrient-dense plankton draws in gentle ocean giants, including manta rays spanning 3 to 5 meters and majestic whale sharks reaching up to 12 meters, adorned with their unique, mesmerizing patterns.

This annual phenomenon offers one of the most awe-inspiring marine experiences in the Maldives. For the best chance to witness these graceful creatures in large numbers, plan your snorkeling excursions around the full moon or new moon phases (ideally 4 days before or after).

Don't miss your chance to swim alongside hundreds of manta rays while staying on our islands this season — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.

The festive season in the Maldives, spanning from 20 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, marks the peak of international arrivals as guests from around the world come to celebrate Christmas, New Year, and Orthodox Christmas. To honor the season and create unforgettable moments, resorts are unveiling uniquely curated themes and experiences to stand out.
Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple, or in a group, there’s something for everyone—ranging from exquisite culinary events and beach games to enriching lifestyle activities. It’s a time for all visitors to indulge in celebration. Be sure to pick up brochures and festive activity guides from your resort to discover what’s in store.

This festive season, indulge in a culinary journey like no other.

On Christmas Eve, join us at Celsius for a lavish Gala Dinner—a perfect blend of classic holiday dishes and bold Maldivian flavours.

The celebration continues on Christmas Day with a relaxed, vibrant brunch, set to the sounds of live saxophone and DJ performances.

The festivities go beyond the traditional. Discover hidden gems in our underground wine cellar, Vinum, or toast to the season with our delightful Dumpling & Sake Night.

For a truly unforgettable experience, enjoy a romantic dinner nine metres beneath the sea at our exclusive underwater venue, Immerse Latitude 4°—an evening of wonder, flavour, and intimacy.

A two-day, large-scale community outreach event dedicated to raising awareness about marine conservation, with a special focus on sea turtles.

Day 1 features the Atoll Marine Symposium, where NGOs and marine conservation experts present on key ocean issues and engage in panel discussions.

Day 2 opens up to schools from across the Maldives, alongside the organizations from Day 1, to host interactive marine awareness stalls. These stalls include educational games and activities aimed at inspiring environmental stewardship.

Schools also participate in fun, eco-themed competitions such as Best Stall Design, Waste Sculpture, and Sand Sculpture. Additional optional contests—open to local residents—include recycled bag and dress making, traditional dance performances, and a plastic bottle collection challenge.

Festive Royale at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo – Where Glamour Meets Mischief 

22 December 2025 – 7 January 2026

This festive season, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites adults to experience Festive Royale — a playful, glamorous celebration where cheeky elves, daring parties, and unforgettable nights take center stage.

Naughty Elves Christmas
Christmas gets cheeky with mischievous elves, a playful Elf on the Shelf Gala Dinner at Alita, DJ-led beach parties, and a surprise appearance from the Grinch. Indulgent festive meals keep the spirit going from morning to night.

Operation Countdown: A 007-Inspired New Year’s
Celebrate in Bond-style with cocktails, a glamorous gala dinner, and a glittering poolside countdown party with live DJ sets. Start 2026 with a bubbly brunch at Alita.

Balance & Play
Between parties, guests can enjoy pool games, cooking and cocktail classes, wellness sessions at Suvadiva Spa, yoga, sound healing, and daily elf hunts with surprise gifts.

“This season, the elves run wild, the Grinch steals the spotlight, and New Year’s sparkles with Bond-level glam,” says Cluster GM Riaan Drever.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is your festive playground — bold, fun, and full of surprises.

he stage is set at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa for a festive season unlike any other, where every corner of the island promises a touch of wonder. From 22 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests are invited to join ‘A Great Holiday Adventure’ — a celebration filled with color, music, flavors, and surprises waiting around every corner.

Christmas at Pullman: Whoville Wonderland
The heart of Christmas at Pullman beats to the rhythm of the Dr Seuss inspired Whoville. Expect playful décor, the arrival of Santa and the “Grinch,” with themed experiences that will wrap guests into a world of festive fun. The week begins with the
iconic Christmas Tree Lighting and continues with seafood feasts, grill nights, and a BBQ pool party under the stars.

On Christmas Eve, Mélange transforms into Whoville Wonderland for a bountiful buffet, preceded by a pre-dinner cocktail gathering at The HUB. Christmas Day invites guests to linger over flavors from dawn until afternoon with a marathon of dishes: a long breakfast that seamlessly flows into brunch until 3 PM. After all, who needs lunch when breakfast continues well past midday? Daily live music and performances add to the atmosphere, while Whoville “citizens” keep the celebration lighthearted.

New Year’s at Pullman: The Grand Spectacle
As the year draws to a close, the island shifts into full spectacle mode, inspired by the bold energy of The Greatest Showman. The celebrations flow with a Last Getaway Party by The HUB and a steady pulse of music and live acts across the festive stretch. On New Year’s Eve, guests will gather at The HUB for pre-dinner cocktails before stepping into New Year’s Eve Grand Spectacle Dinner at Mélange, complete with vibrant shows, live entertainment, and fireworks on the Mélange Beach to mark the countdown.

New Year’s Day carries the indulgence forward with another extended breakfast-to-brunch feast lasting until 3 PM, the perfect start to a fresh year without a rush.

Kids, Wellness, and More
Younger guests are never left out, with daily activities designed just for them, keeping the island buzzing with creativity and play while parents relax or join in the larger festivities. The Pullman Spa will also carry festive promotions, offering the perfect chance to pause and recharge between the celebrations.

A Great Holiday Adventure Awaits
“Christmas here is never ordinary — we’ve invited the Grinch himself, but don’t worry, he’s only stealing the spotlight, not the holiday spirit,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager. “Then, as the countdown begins, the island flips into showtime with all the spectacle of a big top; fireworks, music, and a Grand Spectacle dinner to remember. It’s
a holiday adventure where you never quite know what’s coming next, and that’s exactly the fun of it.”

From tree-lightings to Fireworks, from Whoville Wonderland to the Grand Spectacle, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is ready to turn the season into a story worth telling, and one worth remembering long after the New Year begins.

This October, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives joins Hard Rock International’s 26th annual PINKTOBER campaign to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

Guests can support the cause in several ways:

• Join the Fun Run on October 18 to promote education and early detection.
• Book a pink-themed room upgrade, featuring exclusive pink guitars, with proceeds supporting the Cancer Society of Maldives.
• Rent a pink guitar from the Play it Pink, Play it Forward collection — all rental proceeds are donated.
• Dine at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives and enjoy pink-themed burgers and drinks, with 50% of proceeds going to the cause.

The campaign also includes a global collaboration with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, featuring a special retail collection available online and at Rock Shops, with models sharing personal stories to inspire early detection and support.

Since its launch, PINKTOBER has raised over $13 million for breast cancer research through the Hard Rock Heals Foundation.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is excited to offer Marriott Bonvoy members an exclusive chance to bid on a once-in-a-lifetime wellness and endurance retreat with reigning IRONMAN World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay, through Marriott Bonvoy Moments.

Taking place from December 15–18, 2025 in the Maldives’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll, the three-day retreat blends performance, relaxation, and sustainability. Guests will enjoy luxury Overwater Villa accommodation, wellness-focused activities led by Lucy — including RunWestin sessions, ocean kayaking, and breathwork — as well as restorative spa treatments and intimate dinners.

The experience also includes a cultural visit to the Maldivian Mermaids Anhenunfushi Farm, highlighting the resort’s commitment to sustainability and meaningful travel.

“This experience reflects our shared passion for wellbeing, endurance, and cultural connection,” said Vijay Kumar, General Manager at The Westin Maldives. Lucy Charles-Barclay added, “The Maldives offers the perfect setting to combine recovery and performance.”

This festive season, The Nautilus Maldives unveils Nomadic Journeys: A Free-Spirited Celebration — a soulful holiday experience rooted in individuality, creativity, and absolute freedom. From 21 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, the island transforms into a bohemian haven where art, music, movement, and gastronomy flow untethered.

Programme Highlights:
• Artful Celebrations & Soulful Evenings – The Christmas Boho Soirée and Beachside
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner blend world flavours, live music, and enchanting
performances under the stars. Guests can also explore The Art of Bohemia, featuring
Boduberu drumming, artisanal cocktails, and live painting.

• Immersive Wellness & Rituals – Sunrise yoga flows, crystal bowl meditations, and
transformative fire ceremonies like Fireside Release invite stillness, reflection, and
renewal.

• Culinary Voyages – Led by Executive Chef Christopher Terry and his team, highlights
include Chef’s Table by the Sea, Flavours of the Levant, and a Dom Pérignon Seafood
Degustation at Zeytoun.

• Family & Connection Moments – From family yoga and shared spa rituals to Santa’s
whimsical Wanderer in Red arrival, children and adults alike discover wonder and
connection through festive workshops and music.

Throughout Nomadic Journeys, The Nautilus embraces cultural artistry and eclecticism,
with Silk Road-inspired décor, Maldivian craft workshops, and barefoot celebrations that
embody the island’s unscripted philosophy.

“This festive season is not a schedule. It’s a journey — a soulful escape crafted for those who dare to wander,” shares Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives.

In celebration of World Sustainability Day, The Nautilus proudly unveils its collaboration with ecoBirdy, the award-winning Belgian design studio that transforms recycled plastic toys into colourful, ergonomic furniture.

This partnership brings sustainability to life in playful, meaningful ways:

• Young Wonderers Children’s Club – now furnished with ecoBirdy’s vibrant, design-
forward pieces, encouraging creativity and conscious play.

• The Nautilus Lounge at Velana International Airport – an inspiring first impression
where travellers encounter sustainable luxury upon arrival.

The collaboration embodies The Nautilus’ belief that even the smallest corners of the island
can hold purpose, creativity, and care — ensuring that the next generation grows up
surrounded by beauty with meaning.

The Nautilus Maldives is delighted to announce an extraordinary three-day residency with
two Michelin-starred Chef Darren Chin, one of Asia’s most celebrated culinary visionaries.
Founder of Kuala Lumpur’s acclaimed DC Restaurant, Chef Darren is known for blending
classical French technique with Southeast Asian heritage, creating soulful dishes that honour sustainability, innovation, and artistry.

During his residency at The Nautilus:
• Two Exclusive Degustation Dinners at Zeytoun – multi-course menus crafted to showcase the harmony of French refinement and Asian spirit, paired with fine wines.
• The Nautilus Rising Cocktail Soirée at Naiboli – a vibrant evening of crafted cocktails, music, and oceanfront ambience, where food and art intertwine.

Guests will embark on a soulful gastronomic journey where every dish tells a story — weaving culture, memory, and emotion into unforgettable moments.

Rashu Expo 2026 is the premier platform celebrating Maldives’ island tourism, local culture, and small businesses. The expo brings together island councils, guesthouses, resorts, artisans, and SMEs to showcase the authentic experiences, heritage, and unique natural attractions of Maldivian islands.

Attendees can expect:

• Stalls representing dozens of islands offering crafts, traditional cuisine, and cultural demonstrations
• Special promotions 
• Live performances, interactive cultural displays, and immersive storytelling of island traditions
• Support for local tourism businesses to connect with visitors and the greater community

This December, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is delighted to welcome acclaimed British chef Tom Aikens for an exclusive festive culinary journey. Known for his innovative approach to modern British cuisine and as the youngest chef to earn two Michelin stars, Chef Tom will curate an unforgettable series of dining experiences over Christmas and New Year. Join us in celebrating the season with exceptional gastronomy inspired by his passion for sustainability, artistry, and the essence of fine dining.

Renowned for her ocean-inspired artistry, UK-based creative Florence Super brings her distinctive touch to InterContinental Maldives this festive season. Celebrated for her vibrant marine murals and eco-conscious creations, Florence transforms recycled wood and salvaged materials into captivating visual stories. Her work not only reflects the beauty of underwater life, but also inspires a deeper appreciation for our oceans – blending sustainability, emotion, and artistic elegance into every brushstroke.

Emma Diani is a highly skilled and compassionate physiotherapist and massage therapist with 29 years of experience in therapeutic care. Renowned for her expertise in Postural Re-education through the Mézières Method, she specializes in correcting posture, relieving chronic pain, and restoring functional movement. From 15 December 2025 to 15 February 2026, Emma will bring her therapeutic expertise to InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort as a Visiting Practitioner, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience personalized physiotherapy and bodywork in a luxurious island setting.

This Halloween, Reethi Faru Resort invites you to experience an unforgettable evening where mystery, music, and luxury intertwine under the Maldivian moonlight.

On Halloween, October 31st, 2025, our island paradise will be transformed into a world of spellbinding elegance, highlighted by a special live performance from internationally acclaimed vocal artist VICTORI (Victoria Bulieieva). Dare to experience the magic?

A finalist of The Voice and recipient of the prestigious Maria Callas Award, presented by Prince Albert II of Monaco, VICTORI is a genre-defying performer whose powerful voice seamlessly blends classical finesse with symphonic rock, alternative pop, and metal crossover. Featured in Forbes Monaco, she has shared stages with Plácido Domingo Jr., Maye Musk, and Eric Roberts, while her viral performances have captivated millions worldwide.

Her hauntingly powerful voice, paired with her striking stage presence, promises to create an atmosphere unlike any other — the perfect harmony between the mystical spirit of Halloween and the natural beauty of the Maldives. Guests will be swept into an enchanting journey where operatic power meets modern artistry, making this night a celebration of music, mystery, and magic.

As a special gift to our guests, VICTORI will perform an exclusive additional performance on November 2nd, offering another rare opportunity to experience her artistry in an intimate island setting.

In addition to the performance, guests can enjoy children’s face painting, creative activities, a Halloween costume party, a specially curated buffet of international and local dishes, signature cocktails, and themed decorations that spark imagination and enhance the holiday spirit.

Join us at Reethi Faru Resort and celebrate Halloween in true style — with unforgettable music, enchanting ambiance, and magical moments that will linger long after the night ends.