This festive season, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru unveils The Secret Underwater Garden, a celebration inspired by the extraordinary marine world flourishing beneath its shores. From 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the resort invites travellers to celebrate above and beneath the surface through experiences that honour Maldivian cultural heritage, marine preservation, culinary delight and restorative wellbeing.

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Celebrating Maldivian Heritage and Local Traditions

The festivities begin on 22 December with a Christmas tree decoration workshop led by resident artist Abdulla, celebrating local creativity, followed by a beachfront Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Throughout the season, cultural experiences offer a closer connection to traditions that have shaped island life for generations. From traditional sandbank shore fishing and Maldivian cooking classes to the powerful rhythms of Bodu Beru, each experience celebrates the country's living heritage and the spirit of its people.

On 1 January, a Festive Maldivian Night with Bodu Beru brings together traditional island flavours and cultural performances, welcoming the New Year with the warmth of Maldivian hospitality.

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Festive Culinary Celebrations Above the Surface

From the vibrant marine world beneath the surface to elegant celebrations overlooking the Indian Ocean, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru brings the festive spirit to life throughout the island.

Culinary experiences celebrate the art of gathering, from refined Japanese gastronomy at the award-winning Madi Hiyaa and signature Thai flavours at Saffron to Maldivian-inspired dining, interactive cooking classes and festive mixology.

The festivities culminate in an elegant Christmas Eve Dinner and a glamorous New Year Gala Dinner on Naiboli Beach, where exquisite gastronomy, a cosy beachfront ambience and sparkling moments set the stage for a spectacular countdown to 2027 beneath the Maldivian stars.

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Giving Back to the Ocean, Inspiring Future Guardians

At the heart of The Secret Underwater Garden is the resort's longstanding commitment to marine conservation. Home to the Maldives' first resort-based Marine Lab, established in 2004, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites travellers to engage in meaningful preservation activities alongside its marine biologists.

A signature highlight, Christmas Tree Coral Planting on 25 December, transforms a festive symbol into a contribution towards restoring the island's house reef. Other experiences include Save The Reef, Citizen Science snorkelling, educational marine talks and coral micro-fragmentation sessions, connecting travellers with the island's marine ecosystem.

For little explorers, the new Junior Ocean Guardian programme introduces the wonders of marine life through educational workshops led by the Marine Lab team, inspiring curiosity, ocean awareness and a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age.

Ocean Adventures and Island Discoveries Under The Surface

Beyond the reef, the festive programme celebrates the natural beauty of the Maldives through ocean excursions and island adventures.

Festive Dolphin Cruises offer opportunities to encounter dolphins in their natural habitat, while Kahan'bhu sunset cruises reveal the beauty of the Maldivian horizon. Traditional fishing excursions, private big-game fishing and day cruises invite further exploration of the surrounding waters.

For adventure seekers, Christmas diving, windsurfing, sailing, jet skiing and Ride & Slide experiences bring excitement to the lagoon. An Island-to-Island Swim between Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and its sister resort Dhawa Ihuru celebrates movement and connection with the ocean, while beach volleyball, football and playful island activities create moments of togetherness.

A Season of Wellbeing and Gratitude

Drawing on Banyan Tree's pioneering wellbeing heritage, the programme invites moments of restoration through sunrise and sunset yoga by the beach, unique outdoor wellbeing experiences, self-care massage workshops and personalised wellness rituals.

On 31 December, the Year-End Gratitude Meditation offers a moment of reflection by the ocean, encouraging participants to appreciate the passing year and welcome new beginnings with mindfulness and intention.

The festive season draws to a close on 7 January 2027 with an Orthodox Christmas Party, marking the final chapter of The Secret Underwater Garden – a season of meaningful connections, cultural discovery, ocean preservation and gratitude, capturing the true essence of the Original Maldives.

For reservations and further information, visit www.banyantree.com/maldives/vabbinfaru or email reservationsvabbinfaru@banyantree.com.