At Lets Go Maldives, we continue to see travellers seeking holiday experiences rooted in connection, authenticity and wellbeing. This year, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is welcoming guests with a festive programme inspired by its three-decade legacy in the Maldives-a celebration of slow living, meaningful rituals and the timeless charm of island life.
Running from 22 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, the resort’s theme, “A Season to Return,” carries a gentle message of gratitude and renewal. It is not only a celebration of the festive holidays, but also a tribute to the resort’s 30-year journey as one of the early pioneers of barefoot luxury in the Maldives.
Wellbeing at the Heart of the Festive Journey
Each morning invites guests to start with mindfulness-sunrise yoga on soft sand, meditation by the ocean, or spa treatments at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa. Regenerative therapies, wellness workshops and guided reflection sessions create a peaceful rhythm to begin each day.
Programme highlights include:
- New Year’s Yoga Awakening on a lagoon platform
- Gratitude meditations and breathwork sessions
- Herbal oil workshops designed to blend traditional practices with natural island ingredients
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has long placed wellness at the centre of its identity, and this year’s calendar reflects that philosophy.
Culinary Experiences with Global Creativity & Local Soul
Dining will be a major part of the festive celebration, with a variety of themed experiences across the resort’s restaurants and bars.
- Saffron will host a refined Thai degustation dinner
- At Madi Hiyaa, guests can enjoy a sophisticated Omakase with sake pairings
- Sangu Garden will offer themed evenings inspired by cultural heritage, including Maldivian Oasis, Fisherman’s Night and a special Orthodox Night for the Russian New Year
Those who enjoy culinary discovery can join curated tastings such as Japanese lobster dinners with champagne, lagoon-side wine pairings, and chocolate experiences overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Interactive culinary classes-from Maldivian curry making to mixology workshops-will allow guests to learn directly from the resort’s chefs and bartenders.
Evenings of Celebration & Island Culture
As night falls, the island atmosphere shifts to music, celebration and connection.
Guests can look forward to:
- Christmas Eve sunset cocktails
- A beachside New Year’s Eve Masquerade Gala and countdown
- Traditional Bodu Beru performances beneath the stars
Every event is designed to bring guests together in the open-air spirit of island life.
Sustainability & Conservation as Part of the Festive Story
True to Banyan Tree’s ethos of environmental care, the festive calendar also includes marine conservation activities guided by the resort’s pioneering Marine Lab-the first established in the Maldives.
Guest experiences will include:
- Coral planting using a micro-fragmentation method
- “Save the Reef” snorkelling tours
- Reef clean-ups
- Educational talks led by marine biologists
It is a thoughtful way for visitors to celebrate while contributing to the island’s long-standing preservation initiatives.
A Meaningful Return to Where it All Began
For guests returning to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru-and for those visiting for the first time-the festive season offers a blend of wellbeing, celebration and shared moments in one of the Maldives’ most iconic settings.
The resort is also offering exclusive stay benefits for festive bookings of five nights or more, adding even more value to an already memorable period.
“A Season to Return” is a reflection of what has defined Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru for 30 years: sincerity, island warmth, and experiences that feel personal. It is a celebration of new beginnings, cherished traditions and the joy of coming back to a place that feels like home in the Maldives.
