Festive Celebrations 2024: Experience the Magic of the Maldives

The Maldives transforms into a vibrant paradise during the festive season, filled with joy and unforgettable moments. Luxury resorts in the Maldives offer unique experiences for those looking to revel in the magic of joyous celebrations. Travelers seeking a memorable holiday will find enchanting events and exquisite dining experiences at these luxury resorts, making it the perfect time for a Christmas Maldives getaway.

Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

The celebrations begin with the lighting of the Christmas tree, setting a festive mood for guests. Enjoy a cocktail reception on Christmas Eve featuring a sumptuous dinner inspired by global traditions. Santa Claus makes a grand entrance, delighting children and adults with gifts and holiday cheer. For culinary enthusiasts, Michelin Chef Thanos Feskos will lead a remarkable journey through a 12-stage menu. At the same time, artist Nina Brooke offers interactive workshops. In addition to that, Holistic practitioner Yoko Kawaguchi provides Zen meditation sessions, ensuring a tranquil holiday experience by adding a mindful touch to the festivities.

Moreover, as New Year approaches, the resort hosts an Elements-themed extravaganza inspired by Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Guests can expect mesmerizing ballet performances, fire shows, and live music. DJ Jesse Santos and the band JAZUBEA-T keep the energy alive as the night culminates in spectacular fireworks.

JOALI Maldives

The festivities begin with a sparkling Christmas tree lighting ceremony, complemented by festive canapés and crafted cocktails. Families gather for a lavish Christmas Eve feast, prepared by talented chefs showcasing exceptional holiday flavors. As Santa Claus arrives, young guests are filled with cheer from the gifts and surprises he brings.

On New Year’s Eve, guests enjoy a dazzling dinner, welcoming the new year in the Maldives with champagne, fireworks, and spectacular culinary creations. Throughout the season, children can partake in exciting activities at the Muramas Kids Club, guided by a marine biologist and a chef. Culinary highlights include themed Chef Nina Tarasova dinners featuring Russian flavors and exquisite seafood pairings. For Orthodox Christmas, indulge in a special feast crafted by expert chefs with authentic flavors.

Jawakara Islands Maldives

This holiday resort buzzes with excitement for its inaugural festive celebrations, kicking off on 20th December. The festivities begin with an enchanting lighting ceremony, transforming the island into a magical wonderland. Guests can indulge in a sumptuous Christmas Eve Gala Dinner, a lively evening filled with live music, a DJ, and a dazzling fire show.

Christmas Day brings joy as Santa Claus makes a special appearance for the little ones. Families can participate in a fun kayak race in the lagoon or enjoy the Elf Sunset Cruise. The resort will host a boutique sale for those seeking gifts, offering a perfect opportunity to surprise loved ones.

As 2024 approaches, guests will bid farewell with a glamorous New Year Gala Dinner, culminating in an unforgettable countdown featuring live music, a DJ, and a spectacular fire show. Jawakara promises a festive celebration Maldives filled with joy and memorable moments for all.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

From 20th December, 2024, to 7th January 2025, the resort presents an enchanting program with captivating performances and delightful dining experiences. The Winter Wonderland tree-illumination event on a secret beach sets the tone for a magical holiday.

On Christmas Eve, the Sing-Along spectacular takes place in an enchanted forest, where guests can dance under the Maldivian moon. Furthermore, a Santarina’s Wishing Counter and a Santa Parade for children enhance the joy for families. Guests can look forward to a Showman’s Brunch on New Year’s Day, following the dazzling New Year Kuda Cabaret featuring a star-studded cast of performers.

One&Only Reethi Rah

Meanwhile in this luxurious resort, the festive celebrations begins on 20th December 2024. Families can enjoy cocktails and classic carols while decorating the Christmas tree at a traditional tree-lighting ceremony. On Christmas Eve, a Starry Night-themed cocktail and dinner awaits, featuring a feast of seasonal favorites, fresh seafood, and delectable sweets.

Christmas Day offers a lavish brunch by the pool, perfect for gathering with loved ones. As the New Year approaches, the resort hosts the “Light Up the Night” party, featuring live music and refreshing cocktails. Golden Glow pre-New Year celebration invites guests to indulge in culinary delights and entertainment.

The New Year’s Eve gala is the highlight, showcasing an exquisite dinner themed “Reflections,” with dazzling entertainment. Guests will raise their glasses to 2025 at midnight, marking the new year in style. With various engaging activities, from festive chocolate-making classes for kids to adult sports events, the resort ensures a magical holiday experience for all.

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

Experience the Magic of Maldives 2024 Festive Celebrations

Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

JOALI Maldives

Jawakara Islands Maldives

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

One&Only Reethi Rah

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