By
The Sybarite Team
on
13th November 2025
Discover The Sybarite's round-up of the best luxury things to do in the Maldives during the festive season, from oceanside dinners to Christmas Day snorkelling.
Do you want to revel in Christmas traditions in a place that looks like screensaver heaven? Do you want the air to smell of salt and sunscreen instead of pine trees? Do you want the loudest thing you’ll hear to be the blender making piña coladas? Then the perfect destination for your Christmas vacation should be the Maldives.
But you may be thinking, 'Can the charm of a white Christmas be replicated on an island? Aren’t “Christmas” and “snow” basically synonymous at this point?' No. The Maldives offers an entirely different experience that feels equally as 'Christmassy'. Think fairy lights in palm trees, seafood buffets with festive decorations and Santa hats galore.
The main draw? The deliciously warm weather. Christmas in the Maldives is all about exploring barefoot, dips in the ocean and languid evenings framed by peachy skies.
Why the Maldives is a Unique Christmas Escape
A Maldivian Christmas is worlds apart from the traditional celebrations we see in Europe and the United States. The closest thing to a fireplace here is probably the magical pink-orange sky just before sunset kicks in. The ocean, meanwhile, is an impossible shade of turquoise, a glittering expanse of water that never looks real in photos.
But the balmy weather is only part of the story. Christmas in the Maldives is also a relaxing affair. Visitors are invited to slow down and embrace the otherworldly landscapes punctuated by palm trees. Many of the resorts here embrace the 'Christmas holiday spirit' with their own spin. Staff weave palm leaves into wreaths and Christmas trees here are crafted from driftwood and seashells.
It all feels quite surreal. One night you might be feasting on a five-course Christmas dinner under the stars, and the next moment you're dancing barefoot in the soft white sand.
Top 10 Luxury Festive Experiences in the Maldives
1. Overwater Villa Stay
Where: Soneva Jani, or any lagoon where villas are perched right above the sea.
Why: Complete seclusion, private pools, steps leading straight into the water, romantic sunsets.
Festive twist: Driftwood trees, candles, and breakfast surrounded by turquoise water instead of snow.
2. Gourmet Christmas Gala Dinner
Where: A beachfront Christmas Eve festive feast under the stars at Anantara Dhigu.
Why: Seven courses, live music, and the gentle sound of waves between courses.
Festive twist: Tree lighting, Santa by the sea, and a festive toast that somehow tastes better barefoot.
3. Sunset Cruise with Champagne
Where: On Kandima’s yacht Laura or Kudadoo’s Bella.
Why: Premium Champagne, canapés, and a slower pace of life.
Festive twist: A few lights on deck, maybe a nostalgic holiday song.
4. Christmas Day Snorkelling or Diving
Where: The UNESCO-protected reefs of Baa Atoll.
Why: Private guide, calm seas, sea turtles, manta rays, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life.
Festive twist: While everyone else is occupied with gift-giving, you’re drifting through vibrant coral reefs (best trade-off ever).
5. Spa Waterfront Christmas Treatment
Where: The overwater spa at St. Regis Vommuli
Why: Serene sunsets, and complete detoxification amid nature, gentle music that soothes your senses and an expert-led session that resets your mind, body, and soul.
6. Private Island Dinner & Bonfire
Where: There are many popular resorts in the Maldives which offer sandbank dinners and romantic candle-lit settings.
Why: Customised gourmet options, private butler, and quality time far away from the daily grind.
Festive twist: On Christmas Eve, swap crowded dining halls for an open sky and spend quality time in a unique location awash with shades of brilliant blue.
7. Seaplane Arrival with a Christmas Welcome
Where: Touch down by seaplane over a turquoise lagoon in multiple locations.
Why: Private transfer, VIP greeting, and that cinematic arrival few people ever get to experience.
Festive twist: Vibrant décor, and welcome drinks to set the perfect tone for the festive season.
8. Festive Beach Party with Live DJ & Fireworks
Where: Hard Rock Maldives
Why: Premium cocktails, private cabanas, and a live DJ
Festive twist: A tropical remix of Christmas Eve, fireworks in lieu of snow, and vibrant music taking the place of carols.
9. Artisan Shopping & Local Craft Sessions
Where: Small boutiques all over the Maldives.
Why: Every piece feels personal, made by someone you’ve probably met that afternoon.
10. Romantic Christmas Morning Breakfast
Where: On your terrace at any hotel.
Why: Fresh coffee, warm pastries, and maybe Champagne.
How to Choose the Right Resort & Itinerary
Picking a resort in the Maldives comes down to your own interpretation of luxury. Maybe it’s an overwater villa with a butler, or maybe it’s the serene silence of a quiet beach. It's worth noting that North Malé is easy to reach and a bit more social. The farther atolls, meanwhile, tend to be more private.
For Christmas, every detail makes a difference. Seaplane transfers, jet lag, and short stays don’t mix well, so plan for at least a week if you can. And book early. The good villas get snapped up before December even starts.
