This festive season, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites guests to trade traditional winter rituals for barefoot celebrations, welcoming Christmas and the New Year with The Secret Underwater Garden. Taking place from 22nd December 2026 to 7th January 2027, the programme celebrates life above and beneath the surface, bringing together festive gastronomy, Maldivian cultural heritage, meaningful marine conservation, ocean adventures and restorative wellbeing.
Inspired by the vibrant marine world surrounding the island, the programme brings together festive gastronomy, Maldivian cultural heritage, meaningful marine conservation, ocean adventures and restorative wellbeing. From barefoot beach celebrations and authentic island traditions to immersive ocean experiences, the festive season offers a distinctive way to discover the magic of the Maldives.
Christmas, the Maldivian Way
Festive traditions meet island life through Christmas tree ‘bauble’ decorating for the Christmas tree decorating with resident artist Abdullah, a beachfront lighting ceremony, a surprise-filled recycled-wood Advent Calendar and family-friendly Beach Olympics. Maldivian storytelling, sarong-inspired workshops, beachside cinema and traditional Bodu Beru performances bring local culture and festive cheer together beneath the palms.
From Reef to Table
The ocean takes centre stage, with coral planting and marine discovery experiences led by the resort’s Marine Lab, the Maldives’ first resort-based Marine Lab, established in 2004. Guests can join reef restoration activities, Citizen Science snorkelling and marine talks, while younger explorers discover ocean conservation through the Junior Ocean Guardian programme.
Beyond the reef, dolphin cruises, sunset sailing, diving and lagoon adventures invite guests to explore the surrounding waters. Signature experiences include Masveriyaage Dhathuru: Fisherman Journey, combining a morning fishing trip with a chef-led cooking class and beachside dinner, and Kahan’bu, a sunrise cruise with a marine biologist, snorkelling and freshly prepared sashimi.
A Taste of the Festive Season
From refined Japanese dining at award-winning Madi Hiyaa to signature Thai cuisine at Saffron, festive gastronomy celebrates both international flavours and Maldivian heritage. Local ingredients and specialities, including coconut, fresh fish, Hedhikaa, Rihakuru and Valhomas, showcase the islands’ culinary traditions through distinctive menus, cooking classes and festive mixology.
Christmas Eve brings an elegant beachfront dinner, followed by a glamorous New Year Gala Dinner on Naiboli Beach, where exquisite cuisine and the Indian Ocean set the scene for welcoming 2027 beneath the stars.
New Year, New Beginnings
As the year draws to a close, The Secret Underwater Garden sets the scene for an immersive New Year’s Eve celebration inspired by the island’s vibrant reef. On 31st December, the Year-End Gratitude Meditation invites guests to reflect on the passing year and welcome new beginnings with mindfulness and intention, while the Gratitude Tree offers a moment to celebrate what matters most. On 1 January, an island-to-island swim between Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and sister resort Dhawa Ihuru offers an energising start to the New Year. The festive season concludes on 7th January 2027 with an Orthodox Christmas Party.
Nightly rates at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru start from $1,300, per villa per night, subject to taxes. For more information or to book, visit www.banyantree.com/maldives/vabbinfaru
