A SEASON OF CELEBRATION, ISLAND STYLE
As December approaches, the islands take on a captivating new rhythm. Golden afternoons give way to elegant evenings, exceptional flavours gather around festive tables, and each resort unveils its own distinctive way to celebrate the season.
Yet the story begins long before the festive season arrives.
September and October offer their own invitation to island life, with seasonal marine encounters, restorative wellness, culinary discoveries, astronomy and enriching experiences shaped by each resort. These quieter months provide a beautiful prelude to December, revealing a different side of the islands before the celebrations begin.
From nature and wellness to art, entertainment and unforgettable dining, discover four distinctive island settings and the moments that make the season worth looking forward to.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT MALDIVES AT LANDAA GIRAAVARU
A Festive Chapter in Nature
Set within the natural beauty of Baa Atoll, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru brings together festive dining, meaningful island adventures and restorative wellness. Days unfold among the island’s lush surroundings and vibrant marine life, while evenings invite lingering moments beneath the stars.
The festive programme adds a seasonal touch to the resort’s signature connection with nature, creating a celebration that feels both refined and distinctly Maldivian.
September & October highlight:
The manta ray season continues into September and October, with Manta-on-Call viewing windows offering opportunities to encounter these graceful giants alongside the resort’s marine biologists.
Island highlight:
Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort offers access to some of the region’s most remarkable seasonal manta ray encounters.
A Thoughtful Choice for
Families and couples who enjoy combining refined resort living with nature, marine encounters and wellness. It is particularly well suited to travellers looking for a festive holiday that feels connected to the island’s natural surroundings.
Villa Recommendation
The Beach Villa with Pool is an appealing choice for couples seeking privacy and easy access to the beach, while the Three-Bedroom Land and Ocean Suite offers generous space for families or groups travelling together.
ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH
The Countdown Starts Here
From 20 December 2026, “Time as One” brings the island to life with culinary discoveries, wellness rituals, family activities and a vibrant programme of island pursuits.
The celebrations reach their crescendo on 31 December, with a beachside cocktail reception, culinary theatre, live entertainment and a headline performance by Jessie J, creating an unforgettable way to welcome the year ahead.
September & October highlight:
Before the festive celebrations begin, island days offer an inviting mix of diving, hawksbill turtle encounters, scenic cycling, watersports, culinary activities and padel. Personalised padel training with Dumitru Fosnea and fitness and performance sessions with Antonios Tsonis Tsagkalidis add further depth to the island’s active rhythm.
Island highlight:
Jessie J will headline the New Year’s Eve celebrations on 31 December 2026.
A Thoughtful Choice for
Families and multigenerational groups looking for an energetic island holiday with plenty to do, as well as active couples drawn to wellness, fitness, padel and watersports. The resort also suits clients seeking a lively festive atmosphere rather than a purely secluded retreat.
Villa Recommendation
The Grand Sunset Residence is an excellent option for families or larger groups seeking additional space and privacy, while the Beach Villa with Pool offers a more intimate setting for couples who want to stay close to the island’s natural surroundings.
JOALI MALDIVES
A Season Written in Scenes
From 20 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, “Life Is a Theatre” transforms JOALI Maldives into a celebration of art, performance and imagination.
Grand gala evenings, immersive dining, creative pursuits and restorative wellbeing rituals create a festive season filled with expression and discovery. Among the highlights is an opportunity to enjoy tennis alongside former World No. 1 and Grand Slam champion Ana Ivanović.
September & October highlight:
The island’s year-round Calendar of Joy continues with curated celebrations, from Halloween festivities and seasonal gatherings to special moments with visiting experts, creating an artistic and wellness-led rhythm in the months leading up to the festive season.
Island highlight:
Former World No. 1 and Grand Slam champion Ana Ivanović features in the festive tennis programme.
A Thoughtful Choice for
Couples and families who appreciate design, art, gastronomy and highly curated experiences. JOALI Maldives is particularly suited to travellers who enjoy a more contemporary interpretation of island luxury, with plenty of creative and cultural touches throughout the stay.
Villa Recommendation
The Beach Villa with Pool is an elegant choice for couples seeking a private beachfront setting, while the Two Bedroom Beach Villa with Pool works beautifully for families or two couples travelling together. For clients seeking an exceptional stay, the Four-Bedroom Beach Residence with Pool offers a more expansive private retreat
SONEVA JANI
A Different Kind of Festive Wonder
Across Soneva Jani’s shimmering lagoon, the festive season unfolds at an unhurried pace, bringing together exceptional dining, restorative wellness, family moments and imaginative island pursuits.
As evening falls, open skies and tranquil waters create a naturally beautiful setting for lingering conversations, memorable dinners and celestial discoveries.
September & October highlight:
Setting the scene for a season of discovery at Soneva Jani, from stargazing beneath clear island skies to enriching wellness and culinary encounters. As the island welcomes a series of inspiring visiting experts and thoughtfully curated experiences, these months offer a captivating prelude to the festive season.
Highlights include visiting wellness practitioners, chef Chantelle Nicholson, astronomer Lars Lindberg Christensen and other distinguished practitioners bringing fresh perspectives to the island.
Island highlight:
The Observatory offers an exceptional setting for discovering the night sky, with expert astronomical guidance adding another dimension to the island experience.
A Thoughtful Choice for
Families and couples who value privacy, space and a slower approach to luxury. Soneva Jani is especially suited to clients who enjoy exceptional dining, wellness, astronomy and memorable experiences that unfold naturally throughout the stay.
Villa Recommendation
The Water Retreat with Slide is a natural choice for families, combining generous space with Soneva Jani’s signature waterslide. For couples seeking a more secluded stay, the One Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide offers a private overwater setting, while larger families and groups can consider the Four Bedroom Island Reserve for an especially spacious island retreat.
A SEASON WORTH LOOKING FORWARD TO
Four island settings. Four distinctive festive stories.
From marine encounters and wellness escapes to exceptional gastronomy, world-class entertainment and magical evenings beneath the stars, each island brings its own character to the festive season.
Whether planning a family celebration, a romantic getaway, a multigenerational holiday or a more indulgent island escape, our Maldives Luxury Experts can help find the setting that feels just right.
Looking for the perfect island for your next Maldives getaway? Reach out to our Maldives Luxury Experts at reservations@intourmaldives.com and let us help match the right resort, villa and festive experience to your clients’ holiday.
Let the season unfold. ✨
