Nature’s Playground comes alive with nature’s elements – earth, air, water, fire – as well the surreal, the sensual, and the out-of-this-world this Christmas and New Year.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives is an immersion in nature in every way – strolling brilliant white sands, swimming balmy ocean, dining in treetops, and spa-ing overlooking the Indian Ocean. This year, this natural beauty – already beyond imagination – becomes ethereal, layered with the exotic of the four elements.
The season begins with traditional Christmas magic – a sparkly tree, carols, a Christmas market with food, drink, arts and crafts, and gifts to buy for loved ones. Christmas Eve is then a
decadent affair at fiery Dune, with not just turkey, but also lobster, oysters, exotic game roasting over the fire, while the dessert station overflows with mince pies, stollen, panettone, Christmas pudding and a yule log.
Christmas Day continues with a surprise visit from Santa, who arrives in true Maldivian style on a jet ski bearing gifts. Next is lunch, decidedly untraditional with a six-course testing menu served six metres under the ocean’s surface at Subsix: while the cuisine is exquisite, the company is surreal, with schools of butterflyfish and sea turtles surrounding.
The following days are filled with unbridled indulgence in the form of chef dinners with celebrity stars, mixologist shaking cocktails, rum and reggae nights, Latin spice, and underwater glow parties. Nothing compares, though, to the extravaganza of New Year’s Eve, the non-stop party beginning at sundown. Cocktails will be served on the beach, followed by a Gala Dinner. Performers flown in from around the world will entertain with dazzling dance and daring acrobatics. As the clock strikes midnight, the fireworks are let loose, as is the champagne to toast with. The dancing then continues until dawn, fuelled by the hypnotic beats of the DJ.
Throughout the festive season, as always, Niyama will bustle with activity. While adults can enjoy movement classes, training with World Fitness champs and tennis pros, and holistic healing at the sanctuary Drift spa, little ones are kept occupied with gingerbread making, fun and games at the Maldives’ most exciting kids’ club.
For more information or reservations, call +960 676 2828
M283 Arabia covers all aspects of men's lifestyle; fashion, sports, self-care, and travel tips and destinations.
While Greece is best known for its idyllic islands and sunny beaches, it has a lesser-known winter appeal, with mountains perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Swapping the Alps for Greece’s Mount Parnassus and the charming town of Arachova offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and vibrant culture. Just two hours from Athens, Arachova – often called the “winter Mykonos” – combines luxury, nightlife, and scenic beauty, making it an ideal choice for a winter getaway.
The holiday season evokes fond memories, often based on traditions passed down from generation to generation. Europe’s Christmas markets, many of which have been around since the Middle Ages, are magical places to embrace the holiday spirit and celebrate these age-old traditions. Minor Hotels, which operates a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and residences across six continents, offers a vast selection of properties in Europe’s top Christmas market destinations, including Vienna, Prague, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Lisbon. From former palaces to historic bank buildings, the hotels bring their own history, style, and romance to the festive winter season, making for bucket-list-worthy stays at all budget levels.
Global travel app Skyscanner shares the latest trends shaping industry and traveller behaviour in its Travel Trends 2025 report. While last year was all about cultural exploration, 2025 will build on this as the year of truly shared travel experiences, highlighting the power of collective exploration and discovery.
Built using Skyscanner’s proprietary search data, a specially commissioned traveller survey and trusted industry insights, today Skyscanner reveals its top 10 trending destinations, 10 best-value destinations as well as the future of travel.
SHARE
