Voyage of the Dhoni – A Maldivian Island Celebration Awaits at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo

This festive season, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites guests to climb aboard “Voyage of  the Dhoni – A Maldivian Island Celebration” a spirited journey from 21^st December 2026 to  07^th January 2027, where festive traditions meet the warmth, flavour and rhythm of island life. 

Inspired by the Dhoni, the traditional Maldivian boat that has long carried people, stories and  goods between islands, the festive programme bids guests to slow down, look around and  discover something wonderfully unexpected. From local flavors and cultural encounters to  sunset moments, live music, merry gatherings and island-inspired experiences, every moment  becomes another stop along the voyage. 

At Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, the holiday season begins with a warm island welcome and an invitation  to discover the Maldives in a way that feels authentic, spontaneous and personal. The festive calendar brings together the magic of Christmas and the excitement of a new year with the  unmistakable character of island life. Guests can share a sunset with someone special, raise a glass with  new friends, discover local flavours or simply slow down and take in the rhythm of the lagoon. Here, the journey is just as important as the destination.

Christmas: A Little Bit of Magic, Island Style

Christmas arrives with a Maldivian twist as the island comes alive with festive spirit, warm gatherings and  the distinctive sounds of the tropics. 

The season begins with a Christmas Tree Lighting, setting the tone for days filled with festive dining, live  music and the captivating rhythm of Maldivian Boduberu. Expect vibrant colors, local flavors and  traditions inspired by tropical lifestyle, brought together in a celebration that feels both familiar and  wonderfully diverse. 

At the table, holiday spreads meet the flavors of the Maldives, offering guests an opportunity to taste  something local, surprising and memorable. Come curious, take a bite and discover a flavor you may not  have expected. 

And for those keeping an eye on the lagoon, there may just be a special visitor making an unforgettable  entrance. Keep watch for Santa’s arrival by Dhoni — because in the Maldives, even Christmas comes by  a boat. 

New Year: Voyage of the Dhoni – A Maldivian Island Celebration

As 2026 drifts towards the horizon, the voyage reaches its most spirited chapter. Inspired by the  traditional Maldivian Dhoni, New Year’s Eve brings together the flavors, rhythms and warm-hearted spirit  of the island. The evening unfolds with Boduberu, festive drinks, a celebratory feast, live music and  entertainment, creating the perfect setting to leave the old year behind and welcome 2027. 

Then comes the moment the voyage has been sailing towards. As midnight approaches, the celebration  gathers pace beneath the Maldivian sky, welcoming 2027 with music, laughter, clinking glasses and the  undeniable vibe of a tropical evening. No grand map is needed for this journey — just follow the tune,  look towards the ocean and see where the night takes you. Because at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, the  best New Year stories are not simply planned; they are discovered along the way. 

“At Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, we believe the most memorable holidays are the ones that leave you  curious. With ‘Voyage of the Dhoni – A Maldivian Island Celebration’, we wanted to create a festive  season that feels genuinely connected to the Maldives — warm, welcoming, spontaneous and full of  discovery. The Dhoni is more than just a boat; it is part of an island life and a symbol of connection  between people and places. This festive season, we invite you to step aboard, immerse yourself in local  flavors, connect with the spirit of the island, and uncover your own unexpected discoveries.” said Cluster Resort Manager, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo.

From Christmas traditions with a Maldivian twist to festive feasts, island flavors, local discoveries, music,  sunset moments and a spirited welcome to 2027, “Voyage of the Dhoni – A Maldivian Island  Celebration” invites guests to experience the festive season through a different lens. No passport needed. Just bring your curiosity.