Pure Escapes Magazine Edition 7: Festive

The Festive Season is a time for family, fun, sunshine and adventure! Outdoor excursions, delicious delicacies, traditional ceremonies and tropical treasures invite you to Indian Ocean shores. Each chosen resort provides a unique array of activities for families or couples to share, fringed with intention, presence, and luxury.

The art of celebration has been redefined to include culinary journeys, marine exploration, creative classes, dance performances and active adventures for all to enjoy. Holiday gifts arrive in the form of curated experiences that enhance quality time spent together with loved ones beneath the sun, stars and beside the sea.

'Tis the Season Milla

MILLA VLADOVA Managing Director Pure Escapes

Soneva Fushi World-renowned Illusionist performance by Lior Suchard

ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH

NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLAND

SONEVA FUSHI

THE RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES

JUMEIRAH MALDIVES OLHAHALI ISLAND

JUMEIRAH MALDIVES OLHAHALI ISLAND

SONEVA JANI

PATINA MALDIVES FARI ISLAND

Cuisine, cocktails

& CHRISTMAS CHEER

Wine & Art Wonders at Fandithas opens festivities at One&Only Reethi Rah on the 21 December. Gin and Cocktail Journeys garnish the season, along with Champagne, oysters and live DJ’s to compliment the food!

The Firepit at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo ignites the festive season with a special beach BBQ dinner and live band on 22 December.

On 29 December, A Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne Dinner at the Summer Pavilion Private Dining Room raises the bar for fine-dining at The Ritz Carlton, Maldives

Castaway Sandbank Dining at Patina Maldives on 27 December brings a secluded sophistication to the season. In comparison, its Fari Marina Village Festival is a communal celebration of Christmas with local artisan vendors, signature cocktails and canapes from surrounding restaurants.

So Engaging, the intimate table for five at Soneva Jani welcomes an exceptional lineup of visiting chefs throughout the holiday season, including Anika Madsen and Paul Svensson.

Wise Men & Women of

“

wellnessLIFE IS NOT MERELY BEING ALIVE, BUT BEING WELL

NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLAND

PATINA MALDIVES FARI ISLAND

Niyama Private Islands welcomes Susan Gwaltney, certified Vibrational Sound Therapist, yoga teacher, meditation trainer and Deeksha healer from 30 December 202216 January 2023.

As a yoga and meditation instructor and isometric healer, Hannah Gallagher at Patina Maldives Fari Islands, holds the space for guests to deepen their body and mind connection through holistic healing.

Roger Moore, Soneva Stars visiting wellness expert at Soneva Fushi, combines cuttingedge science, ancient Eastern remedies, psychotherapeutics and spirituality to create an integrative pathway to wellbeing.

Practitioner

heals and guides guests through singing bowl meditations sessions at the One&Only Reethi Rah, instilling inner peace in paradise.

Visiting

Muayad Najemeddin

ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH

SONEVA FUSHI

The Jungle Gym at Soneva Fushi encourages all elements of fitnessbalance, coordination, agility, strength, power and endurance. *The programme is applicable to all ages.

Ready, set, glow!

FESTIVE FITNESS

Over the festive season, Niyama Private Island will be hosting Shaun Stafford, two-time WBFF World Fitness Champion, who will be on hand to guide guests through building physical and mental strength as they head towards the New Year.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands keeps guests moving with an array of exercise options: Fit boxing at the yoga studio, HIIT workouts, aerial yoga, a table tennis tournament and Muay Thai classes.

THE RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES, FARI ISLAND

NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLAND

JUMEIRAH MALDIVES OLHAHALI ISLAND

SONEVA FUSHI

Former England international footballer, Graeme Le Saux, will be hosting a series of football camps at Soneva Fushi

Beach Boot Camp, Social Tennis, Power Vinyasa and Volleyball motivate holiday makers to keep moving at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

Tournaments decorate the fitness schedule at One&Only Reethi Rah with options of Badminton, Football, Tennis and Volleyball.

ISLAND

SONEVA FUSHI

THE RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES, FARI ISLAND

ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH

NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLAND

JUMEIRAH MALDIVES OLHAHALI ISLAND

JUMEIRAH MALDIVES OLHAHALI ISLAND

SONEVA JANI

RAFFLES MALDIVES MERADHOO

SONEVA FUSHI

PATINA MALDIVES FARI ISLAND

SONEVA FUSHI

The double-decker Den at Soneva Jani offers endless entertainment with ziplines, waterfalls, musical piano steps and a mocktail bar for teens.

Banana rides, cupcake decorating classes, dream-catcher creations, fashion shows and a junior tennis camp keep young minds stimulated at The Ritz-Carlton, Maldives

A family tennis tournament summons all members of the fold to partake at Patina Maldives Fari Islands.

The Den at Soneva Fushi is a wonderland for young travellers with carnival game entertainment, mocktail classes and entering the Junior Masterchef challenge.

HO HO HO HOLIDAYS family fun

Stargazing DJing workshops are provided for teens, and families can enjoy treasure hunts, movie nights and dolphin cruises together.

Family Volleyball, arts and crafts and magic shows are cheer filled choices at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island. Tropical wreath making, bubble shows and dance classes delight the younger senses, as well as a New Years Eve Kids Party to say farewell to 2022.

Sand sculptures, kids yoga, origami classes and coconut painting are available for the children at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

An entertainment haven awaits kids at Amilla Fushi, with each day

offering a different movie themed activity. From Scarecrow Relay Races, to a Grease Lightning Paper Boat Race, Campfire Story Sessions and Rock Star Palm Leaf Weaving; activities are endless!

Chocolate cooking classes at One&Only Reethi Rah makes Christmas extra sweet, as well as a Glitterific fun night of snacks and games to ensure the holidays shimmer and shine!

To welcome in the New Year, Niyama Private Island’s Explorers Kids Club puts on a Masquerade Party for young travellers, filled with face painting, games and delicious treats.

PATINA MALDIVES FARI ISLAND

ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH

AMILLA FUSHI

PATINA MALDIVES FARI ISLAND

Champagne and Caviar Breakfast at Flying Sauces by Chef Razal

New Years Eve: Epicure from 7:30pm

New Years Eve: Sunrise Beach *Dress Code: Black, Gold & Elegant

New Years Eve: Helios

New Years Eve: Thari, Ocean of White Party

New Years Eve: Marina, A Night at the Grammys

New Years Eve: Glow

New Years Eve: Beach Shack *Theme:

New Years Eve: South Beach, Countdown Party

ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH

JUMEIRAH MALDIVES OLHAHALI ISLAND

AMILLA FUSHI

PATINA MALDIVES FARI ISLAND

THAT'S A WRAP ON 2022! AND WHO COULD IMAGINE A MORE MAGICAL LOCATION TO SEE IN THE NEW YEAR?

“

A new chapter:

SCRIBE YOUR STORY FOR 2023

Indulge

Japanese Whiskey Dinner, Tasting Room, The Ritz Carlton, Maldives

Play

Foam Pool Party, W Maldives

Relax

Private Sandbank Trip & Snorkelling, Jumeirah Maldives

Indulge

Wine Cellar Experience by Anita Lo, Vakkaru Maldives

Play Magic Show, Jumeirah Maldives

Relax

The Power of Crystal Healing, The Ritz-Carlton Spa

Indulge

Mediterranean Wine pairing Dinner, Thari, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Play

Asian Market Buffet with Live Music, Mihiree Mithaa, Soneva Fushi

Relax Sunrise Yoga, Away Spa, W Maldives

Indulge

Full Wolf Moon Dinner at North Beach, Soneva Jani Play

Sushi Class with Chef Akira, Soneva Fushi Relax Sleep Meditation, Talise Spa, Jumeirah Maldives

Orthodox Christmas Feasts

Gala Dinner by Anita Lo, Cafe Umi, Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau

Eastern Christmas Dinner at Blu, Niyama Private Islands

Festive Cocktail Party, Glow, Jumeirah Maldives

Orthodox Christmas Feasts

Christmas Brunch, Rah Bar & Pool and Beach One&Only Reethi Rah

Champagne & Lobster Dinner, the Firepit, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Tattinger Vintage Champagne Degustation with Oysters & Caviar, Poolside, Jumeirah Maldives

INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES MAAMUNAGAU: SECRET GARDEN

VAKKARU MALDIVES: AROUND THE WORLD CELEBRATIONS

JOALI BEING: VITALITY & VIBRANCY

JOALI: THE ART OF TRANSFORMATION

W MALDIVES: A FESTIVE FAREWELL

Secret garden

Inviting guests for a culinary Christmas experience, Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau completes their season style with a Michelin-star chef and award winning flair bartender. Their accommodation options include beachfront, lagoon and overwater villas for both family and couples; providing luxury holiday homes for all. Offering a holistic approach to the season, there are wellness treatments available to those who wish to focus on wellbeing. The resort encourages festive participation in scavenger hunts, a Secret Garden pop-up bar and events flowing with champagne!

A HOLISTIC HOLIDAY: JINGLE ALL THE WAY…. TO WELLNESS

With health being the ultimate wealth, Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau encourages guests to invest in their wellbeing. A holistic holiday awaits guests at the overwater AVI spa, hosting the following visiting practitioners* will be at hand for wellbeing season sessions. *Pre-booking required.

Massage by Joao Santos Art of Healing by Rajeshwari Amol Nerukar Naturopathy with Dr Vihas Unni

FAMILY FESTIVITIES

Families may begin the festive season in style with a Fashion Show at the Collective on the 22 December, followed by Christmas Carols & Tree lighting at Cafe Umi. The 23 December invites culinary curiosity while adding festive spice as an ingredient in a gingerbread making activity; hands deliciously dirty and hearts fantastically full! Christmas Eve brings movie night, welcoming guests to sit back, relax while waiting for Santa to arrive!

Christmas Day offers culinary classes at The Collective; an activity for all members of the fold. (These continue till 5 January). A Pirate Cruise encourages families to sail out to sea on the ‘Jolly Roger’ on the 29 December and 4 January, with Captain Sparrow at the helm. Planet Trekkers calls all explorers on a scavenger hunt on 01 January in search of Santa who is hiding in the Secret Garden!

Dry

Christmas treats & festive feasts

The whole festive season is hosted by US based Michelen-star chef Anita Lo Christmas Eve Dinner at the Main Pool Deck 7pm

Santa's Arrival at Cafe Umi 11am

Live Station South American Breakfast at Cafe Umi 7am

Mediterranean Champagne Dinner at the Lighthouse, 7pm

New Year’s Eve Dinner from 7.30pm at Café Umi Beach

Dress code: Beach Glamour Theme: Secret Garden

Champagne Mixology at The Sunset Bar 9pm

Exclusive al-fresco pop up restaurant at Lighthouse Beach, 6:30pm

*Limited seats

An intimate dinner and wine cellar experience in the secret Wine Cellar, 7pm

Around the

world celebrations

Embracing an international festive spirit, Vakkaru Maldives welcomes guests to a season of bespoke global menus, wine journeys, dance troupes and fire shows. Sport tournaments and activities inspire action, wellness programs motivate mindfulness and kid’s talent shows are an invitation for family time. Its 113 villas and residences gift an array of accommodation choices for friendship groups, families and couples.

FESTIVE FITNESS

Vakkaru Maldives offers a fitness focus this season with a range of active entertainment from restorative yoga and meditation to beach volleyball, a padel tennis tournament and more. Those seeking to dive deeper into their health journeys for the finalé of 2022 and beyond can book a consultation with Domingos Folgado, a visiting award-winning wellness practitioner, therapist, acupuncture expert and qualified personal trainer from Portugal. Domingos offers the following wellness options:

Facial Rejuvenation with Acupuncture and Guasha

FAMILY FESTIVITIES

K.O.R.E Therapy Chakra Hot Stone and Aromatherapy

Families can kick off the festive season with a Giant Beach Foosball game on the 23 December. Christmas day begins with a family show on Isoletta Beach, followed by the arrival of Santa! Boxing Day and DJ Leila host post-christmas excitement at the main pool during the day, and a Shadow Art show at 07:30 pm. Kids can become pirates during activities on the 27 December, ending the day with a Marrakech Stye family dinner at Isoletta. Kids can also awaken their inner chefs with a chocolate

mixology class as well as Little Masterchef.

Competition and challenge is encouraged during a Ping Pong championship and Family Kayak Race on the 29 December, ending the year in action! January reminds and educates all ages about the importance of marine conservation, offering the option to adopt a coral frame; as well as other activities in the young Ambassadors of the Ocean program by Oliver Steed.

Fire Cupping Therapy Personal Training Journeys

Mixology

Christmas treats & festive feasts

Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at Isoletta Beach

Robatayaki Grill at Lagoon Bar

Lobster and Champagne Dinner at Vakku

New Years Celebrations: Around the World Gala Dinner

Under the Sea Star Dinner at Isoletta Beach

Orthodox Christmas Dinner

Vitality & vibrancy

JOALI BEING ushers the festive season in with vitality and vibrancy. Guests of all ages can expect a repertoire of experiences that ignite the senses, each which instil the feeling of freedom, lightness and joy. 68 villas, 3 restaurants and a comprehensive wellness facility provide options and activities for nature lovers, epicureans and wellbeing warriors. Families may join in the Amazing Race challenge and adults can opt to join perfume making classes or mixology sessions, dance workshops, and more. The Joy of Being is accessible to all!

HEALTH & HAPPINESS

JOALI BEING offers some of the finest wellness facilities and unique transformational spaces, with hydrotherapy, movement and sound healing experiences. A combination of modern methodologies mixed with ancient remedies achieve a feeling of weightlessness, resulting in guests returning home refreshed and inspired. During the festive season, guests may embark on mind and body positive exercises such as New Moon Meditation, an Unlock Healing Breathwork Session, Journey of Sound, Guided Exploration and an Explosive Release Sacred Dance Class.

FAMILY FESTIVITIES

Encouraging curiosity from a young age, the resort calls young explorers and wonder-seekers to join on an adventure of discovery and wellbeing. From 21 December to 11 January 2023, guests aged 6 - 12 will be whisked away on an adventure immersed in nature and wrapped in the ways of wellness. The program is centred around self-discovery and growth, instilling the values of joy and weightlessness from a young age.

On 26 December the resort invites all members of the family to participate in the Amazing Race, Joy of Being Challenge - reminding all ages about the pleasure of play. A tennis tournament ensues on the 30 December, welcoming any willing participants to the court for some healthy competition!

The art of transformation

Exploration and transformation await guests at JOALI. The property inspires curiosity, set amidst lagoons, influenced by nature and garnished with a collection of both international and local artworks. This festive season, the resort has collated a list of activities and experiences which encourage guests to rejoice in the colours of life.

THE ART OF CELEBRATION

Charisma, creativity and curiosity are evoked at JOALI this season; the island scattered with vibrant and colourful works of POP art. In addition to an art tour, the resort will be offering workshops and classes to awaken each guest’s inner artist. Eager artisans may take to the pottery wheel and discover the world of ceramics. The Canvas of Joy dinner invites guests to dine and decorate their provided canvas, inspired by the food and mood of the evening. One may even learn the ancient art of Archery, trying their hand and eye at the bow and arrow.

FAMILY FESTIVITIES

JOALI motivates memory making throughout one’s holiday. Families are encouraged to connect during time spent together in nature. A family challenge takes place on the 22 December, filled with games of both physical skill and imagination. Cooking classes, artistic endeavours and yoga sessions can be shared, as well as the experience of planting a coral as part of the JOALI Reef Restoration Project.

An exhilarating family kite-flying session will be held on the 7 January, the resort providing a colourful collection of flying friends.

Christmas treats & festive feasts

Ocean Feast at Vandhoo

Art of Umami (Japanese Cuisine) at Saoke

Expressions of Lobster at Bellinis

Magic of the Mediterranean at TUH’U

Pop-Art Dazzle New Years Celebration at Mura Bar

Vibrant Concoctions & Potions Cocktail Class at Mura Bar

A festive farewell

Festive Illumination is the word on the street at W Maldives. Bright, bold and upon the beach, the celebrations are set to bid farewell to 2022 with a burst of entertainment! Tidings of joy arrive in the form of Christmas markets, Cocktails and Santa Clause. Guests are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes and surrender to glow parties, foam parties and unlimited bubbles!

WAVE GOODBYE TO 2022!

W Maldives has curated a list of activities worthy of the memory bank of 2022. From UV night snorkelling expeditions, to dolphin encounters, sunset fishing or parasailing; there is something for all types of adventure seekers. The final farewell party is one to be attended, and remembered, with a feast fueled with local and international flavours, bubbles, cocktails, live entertainment and dancing!

FAMILY FESTIVITIES

Acrylic painting, gingerbread making and balloon popping await in anticipation for kids to enhance the space with energy and colour. Crab racing encourages healthy competition upon the beach, whereas coconut painting awakens creativity. Family ‘presents’ is requested at the arrival of Santa on Christmas Day at KADA. A treasure hunt and mini olympics are the finalé activities of 2022, ready to welcome in the New Year buzzing with memories collected in their new found treasure chest.

Christmas

Beach

Christmas treats & festive feasts

Santa GETS WET beach party at WAVE beach

Japanese Dinner at Sip/Fish

Mix & Challenge W Cocktail Culture Contest at WET

Let it Glow Neon Pool Party at WET

Made the Resolutions List Party at FIRE Beach