Underwater adventures, festive performances and Christmas activities set against a stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean await guests of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru this year.
Island Festivities
The Festive Celebration will begin with the Decorating and Lighting of the Christmas Trees on the 22nd of December. Christmas Eve will be traditional with a small twist as Santa will arrive by boat instead of the sleigh on the 24th, followed by lively Christmas Carols while guests enjoy cocktails and canapés.
On the morning of 25th, Santa and his divers will visit the Rannamaari Wreck to check out the resident guitarfish and other marine creatures.
Fun activities will commence at Banyan Tree Beach such as Festive Games, Zumba Session, and Beach Volleyball every day before the sunset. Live arts with local market experience and t-shirt painting are available for the crafty and the much-anticipated activity ‘Swim Across the Channel,’ an 890-meter swim between the two islands will also take place.
Guests are encouraged to come as they are for New Year’s Eve, even barefoot if they prefer but they can dress up and get that perfect Instagram-worthy Christmas shot on the specially designed Festive Photobooth.
New Year’s Eve at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru will be for those who seek laid back celebration under the stars. The resident acoustic band will serenade guests throughout the evening until the countdown.
For guests who prefer to dance their night away and welcome the New Year under twirling disco lights, they can head over to Angsana Ihuru and show their moves on the dance floor during the DJ performance.
‘Tis the Season for the Kiddies
A series of fun activities await for the kids!
The little ones can try kids-yoga on the beach, coral planting, or bracelet making from recycled fishing nets. For something a little more festive, kids can decorate their own gingerbread man or create Christmas cards using recycled paper.
Activity Highlights
Those who seek tranquility can retreat to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and be rejuvenated by the time-honored treatments at Banyan Tree Spa. Guests can reconnect to nature by meditations and yoga classes led by the resorts’ in-house Yoga instructor. A romantic cruise on the Indian Ocean during the Christmas or New Year’s Eve is also a one of a kind Festive Experience.
A team of experienced dive instructors will offer the most wonderful underwater adventures to divers and non-divers alike. Divers can meet the resident guitarfish, batfish and moray eels of the legendary Rannamaari Wreck while beginners can explore Angsana Ihuru’s vibrant house reef. For non-swimmers, swimming lessons or guided snorkeling can be arranged.
Guests can visit the Marine Lab to participate in conservation activities such as coral planting, citizen science snorkeling, and Marine Talk.
For something a little extra, in case the North East wind blows a little bit stronger, guests can expect a kiteboarding show from the resorts’ kite surfers including one of Maldives’ finest, Ahmed Hamdhan (Hambe).
