Christmas surrounded by snow, dark evenings and several layers of clothing might be traditional, but spending it barefoot on a Maldivian island certainly has its appeal.
Nova Maldives is doing things a little differently this festive season with The Garden Within, a programme running from 19 December 2026 until 7 January 2027 that brings together Christmas celebrations, food, wellness and plenty of opportunities to make the most of its island setting.
Christmas itself certainly isn’t being forgotten. The festivities begin with a Christmas tree lighting and the arrival of Santa Claus, before Christmas Day introduces guests to the Grand Holhuashi, a Maldivian tradition inspired by the gatherings once held in the country’s seafaring villages, combining storytelling, music and craft.
And if you’re lucky enough to be staying through to New Year’s Eve, there will be cocktail parties, gala dinners and fireworks at midnight.
Music will be a big part of the celebrations too, with resident bands Supremacy and The Kabans performing throughout the festive period alongside beach fire shows and tiki nights at Wink. There’s even a Shisha & Cigar Lounge for those looking for a slightly quieter way to end the evening.
For anyone whose idea of a Christmas break involves escaping the chaos rather than adding to it, EsKape Spa might be particularly tempting. Special treatments include Reikilogy, which combines Reiki and foot reflexology, and Abhyanga, a traditional Ayurvedic warm oil massage.
Christmas Eve offers something a little more unusual with the Soma Nāda Sound Journey beneath the Cold Moon, while Sunday morning Arogya Potli Workshops will give guests the chance to create their own herbal pouch using fragrant herbs and spices.
Naturally, there’s plenty happening around food too.
Soul Kitchen will host a Truly Maldivian Flavours workshop for anyone who fancies learning a few local cooking secrets, while overwater restaurant Mizu will offer its Japanese-inspired Nova Sora Umi: Blooming Ocean menu throughout the festive season. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, guests can also try the six-course Umi no Sachi: Bountiful Harvest of the Sea menu.
Couples wanting to disappear from everyone else for a while can opt for a private beach dinner with grilled lobster and sparkling wine beneath the stars. There’s also a Castaway experience, which takes guests out to a sandbank for Prosecco and canapés.
But you’re in the Maldives, so spending the entire holiday on dry land would seem a bit of a waste.
Whale shark snorkelling and Manta Quest trips will offer the chance to see some of South Ari Atoll’s most spectacular marine life, while beginner-friendly scuba experiences are available for anyone ready to venture a little deeper.
Guests can also get involved in reef clean-ups or the resort’s Coral Garden Sponsorship programme, where they’ll be able to plant their own coral frame with guidance from Nova’s marine team.
General Manager Abdulla Aboobakuru explains that the idea behind The Garden Within is ultimately about giving people the chance to reconnect – whether that’s with themselves, the people they’re travelling with or simply the world around them.
It’s a rather lovely idea for a time of year that can become very busy, very quickly.
And while Christmas dinner on a tropical island might not be quite as traditional as turkey at home, watching the sun disappear over the Indian Ocean before heading to the beach sounds like a pretty convincing alternative.
The Garden Within runs at Nova Maldives from 19 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, with Full Board villas sleeping up to three people available from £457 per night when booked directly. You can find out more and book here!
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