With dried palm fronds crafted into sinister huts inhabited by monsters, this island paradise can turn into hell on earth on Halloween.
Sparkling azure waters and pearly white sand are probably the last things that come to mind when you are thinking of Halloween. The call of the waves and the palm fronds dancing in the wind are not in the least bit intimidating. But don’t let the scenery fool you. Come nightfall, you will face the creatures that go bump in the night.
This island paradise transforms into hell on Earth once a year. The spooky decor makes the best of what the islands have to offer. Monsters with an air of mystery inhabit the sinister huts artfully crafted with dried palm fronds.
Of course, it does not end with just the decor. Traditional boduberu music is customary during most festivities for its hyperactive beats. It is accompanied by ritualistic dances that start off slow. They then progress into frantic and wild movements. The dancers are often dressed as creatures from Maldivian folklore. ‘Baburu kudhin’, which translates to ‘dark-skinned children’, is a popular costume in traditional boduberu.
Refreshments are also subject to terrifying transformations. All culinary delights are curated to look and taste frightfully delightful. The themed drinks perfectly complement the night’s festivities.
Missing the more traditional activities? Little ones will enjoy trick or treating, carving pumpkins, and showing off the scary creations they make during arts and crafts. Dressing up is highly encouraged, so be sure to wear your most terrifying garb! Stand the chance to win a costume contest for exciting prizes and vouchers.
Haunted attractions are a quintessential part of the entire experience. Filled with the screams and howls of the undead, and vengeful ghosts reaching out to grab any who dare to come near. You may even be unlucky enough to cross paths with vengeful spirits called ‘handi’ or ‘fureytha’. Spending Halloween night in the Maldives is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Travellers looking to explore new Maldives resorts in 2024 have a limited number of options this year. Although the Maldives is continuously presenting travellers with new luxury resorts filled with new concepts, this year, there’s only a handful. Even with the small number of new openings, the new resorts bring something truly exceptional to the table. As Maldives has become a hotspot for tourists, these new locations bring the authentic Maldives experience of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, lush greenery and more!
Soneva Secret – Addition of a New Resort by Soneva
The well-known Soneva brand added yet another beautiful destination to the Maldives with the grand opening of Soneva Secret. This new luxury cast-away experience can be explored in the beautiful Haa Dhaalu Atoll, marking the third resort opening for the Soneva brand in the Maldives. Prior to Soneva’s secret, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani also became quite popular among travellers. With this, Soneva Resorts became the true epitome of luxury travel in the Maldives.
Opening in 2024, Soneva Secret offers a personalised luxury getaway experience. Offering 14 villas in 06 categories, Soneva Secret brings the first floating villa to the Maldives. Accessible only by boat, this unique villa can be moved to any location preferred by the guests. In addition to this unique villa, guests can also explore the Overwater Hideaway Villa, Beach Hideaway, Crusoe Villa, and Two-Bedroom Beach Reserve, as well as the Two-Bedroom Crusoe Reserve.
Travellers can now explore Soneva Secret either by speed boat transfer from the airport or by domestic flight as well.
Another well-known brand, Atmosphere Core is also set to open three new resorts in 2024. OZEN MANSION KOLKATA opening in Q1 2024 in India, OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI set for Q4 2024 in the Maldives and OZEN SECLUDED TANGALLE in Sri Lanka. Although only one of the locations is set to open in the Maldives, guests can explore any Atmosphere Core properties for a joyful stay.
OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI is set to be located in South Male’ Atoll, bringing a sustainable stay for travellers visiting the Maldives. Located close to the airport, travellers can explore 38 different pool villas at OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI. Additionally, the resort is also set to feature some amazing dining outlets with multi-cultural dining experiences as well. With this opening, travellers can explore three different properties under THE OZEN COLLECTION. This includes OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, and OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI.
Grand Opening of SO/ Maldives
In 2021 Accor group announced the exciting plans to develop a third property in the beautiful CROSSROADS Maldives. Just a little over two years after the announcement, SO/ Maldives marked its grand opening, bringing travellers an avant-garde travel experience.
SO/ Maldives features 80 spectacular luxury villas, which includes beach front as well as over-water options. Each of the villas at SO/ Maldives has the beautiful view of the azure blue oceans of the Maldives and designer interiors. Located just 16-minutes away from the airport, this resort connecs travellers to a wealth of world-class attractions and facilities. In addition to SO/ Maldives, guests can explore two other resorts at CROSSROADS Maldives. This includes the amazing Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives. With this, SO/ Maldives will join Accor’s collection of five resorts in the Maldives. This include the midscale Mercure brand, premium Pullman and Mövenpick brands, and the luxury Raffles and Fairmont brands.
Some Additional New Resort Openings to Explore!
Although 2024 did not bring a lot of options for new resorts, there were quite a few resort opening to explore in 2023. As these resorts are still quite new, if you’re looking for a new experience, you may just find it here.
Jawakara Islands Maldives: This amazing new resort offers two resorts in one island. Mabin, the larger of Jawakara’s two islands, offers spacious beach villas and private palm suites. This family-friendly destination is perfect for travelers of all ages. Guests can also explore Dheru, a family-friendly paradise with 88 villas, including beachfront, poolside, and two-bedroom options. Experience pure magic.
Ifuru Island Maldives: This resort brough the first sky diving experience to the Maldives. Travellers at Ifuru Island Maldives can discover the magic of Raa Atoll with a thrill. In addition to 147 sunset beach villa suites, the resort also offers four bars and six exquisite dining establishments.
Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives: This exclusive 5-star resort ensures tranquility and comfort, all in a chic beach environment. The resort offers 100 villas. Travellers can explore the 63 Beach Villas, 30 Water Villas and 7 Beach Suites with plunge pools.
Joy Island: This brand new resort is by the well-known Cocoon Collection. Joy island offers travellers 151 rooms, 60 rooms located overwater, and 91 rooms on the beach surrounded by beautiful tropical vegetation. Additionally, travellers can also explore three restaurants and 1 bar at the island.
