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A FESTIVE SEASON WHERE MALDIVIAN MAGIC COMES TO LIFE

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A professional lifestyle photograph at Nova Maldives during the 'Maldivian Magic' festive season, featuring a unique sustainable Christmas tree handcrafted from tiered cajon wood and driftwood.

This festive season, Nova Maldives invites travellers to embrace the magic of authentic island life with its curated programme, Maldivian Magic – A Festive Fusion. Running from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, the soulful festive celebration draws inspiration from the Maldives’ 2,500-year cultural tapestry, rich with heritage, shaped by seafarers and storytellers, and steeped in rituals of connection and joy.

The year’s programme offers enriching experiences that combine the spirit of the sea with vibrant celebrations. Start your day off with a series of marine adventures, from Ocean Glides with Koamas, a thrilling jet ski ride to spot dolphin pods swimming in their natural habitat, to Whale Shark and Manta Snorkelling sessions, offering the chance to observe these majestic creatures of the sea in their hypnotic swim. Seafarers can also board a Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise, where gentle winds and golden light guide an unhurried sail across turquoise waters, perfect for couples or friends seeking calm connection. 

In the evening, join marine lovers on a night snorkelling session to discover squads of nocturnal fishes, baby reef sharks and crustaceans, a sensory tribute to the ocean’s quiet magic.

Nova’s culinary offering for the season, themed around the Taste of the Atolls, introduces gourmands to a trio of intimate, flavour-led experiences. Each afternoon from 1:30pm to 2:00pm at Wink BarElixirs of the Isles offers a playful mixology class featuring cocktails infused with Maldivian fruits and botanicals. As the sun sets, Mizu—Nova’s overwater teppanyaki restaurant—presents a refined, multi-course Ocean Umami dinner, artfully preparing the freshest catch from the sea with Japanese and Maldivian cooking techniques. Evenings at FLAMES are reserved for the indulgent Maldivian Fishermen’s Feast, wherea beachside seafood spread with a curated menu, a splash of bubbles, and live island rhythms.

Bringing a distinct cultural note to the festivities, Malaafaiy Keyn, a seasonal item, offers experimental diners a rare taste of traditional Maldivian cuisine. This special dish is arranged on a handcrafted malaafaiywooden platter, featuring fragrant rice, richly spiced curries, and time-honoured sides, and is served in a customised Mauloodh Haruge dining hall, bridging historical flavours with modern day community dining.

For those seeking a softer rhythm, whether alone, with a partner, or simply in search of quiet time to recharge and be present, a mid-day Private Finolhu Sandbank Escape offers a serene pause from the island’s energy: a white-sand retreat where time slows, waves whisper, and a bottle of chilled Prosecco with curated canapés sets the tone for an unhurried afternoon.

Nearby at EsKape Spa and available exclusively during the season, the Kaashi Naashi Ritual welcomes guests into a tender journey of release and renewal. Starting with the warmth of coconut oil and smooth coconut shells to guide the body into deep relaxation, it concludes with a soothing head massage that quiets the mind and softens the senses. Complementing this, the Soulful Healing through Dhivehi Beys treatment, which involves a deeply restorative oil massage that harnesses the natural power of locally sourced herbs, spices, and virgin coconut oil, draws on ancestral practices and therapeutic touch to bring the body into balance.

The season unfolds with a festive calendar designed to elevate celebrations through to the new year. Beginning with the Grand Christmas Tree Lighting, a joyful gathering that brings the island community together beneath the stars, where carols are sung and traditions are shared in heartfelt company. On Christmas Eve, the shoreline comes alive with the rhythm and energy of a dazzling fire show and party, followed by a Gala Dinner where Maldivian flavours and festive favourites are savoured in celebration. Christmas morning brings its own kind of magic as Santa Claus makes a cheerful arrival at Wink Beach, greeted with handcrafted cocktails, sweet treats, and wide-eyed wonder.

As the year draws to a close, the final night of the year lights up with fireworks,a symbol celebrating fresh starts and new beginnings. The celebration carries into the night with live music, DJ sets, and festive cocktails that fill the air with rhythm and warmth. Welcoming the new year in soft contrast the next morning, the First Brunch of ’26 offers a leisurely gathering of palate-pleasing dishes and live cooking to start the year in a relaxed, sunlit setting. 

“At Nova, we believe in celebrating more than just the season. Our festive offerings embrace our island’s deep cultural roots, offering an immersive experience where heritage, joy, and meaningful connections come to life,” says Abdulla Aboobakuru, Nova’s General Manager.

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Hospitality

CELEBRATE TOGETHERNESS THIS RAMADAN WITH AL HALLAB’S IFTAR OFFERINGS

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Overhead view of AL HALLAB Lebanese dishes including stuffed vine leaves, hummus with chickpeas, fried spring rolls, a pita sandwich with fries, dates with boiled egg, and mixed appetizers served on patterned table.

This Ramadan, Al Hallab invites families and loved ones to come together over a generous and comforting Iftar experience inspired by time-honoured Lebanese traditions. Available across all three Al Hallab outlets and for delivery, the Ramadan offering is thoughtfully designed to celebrate togetherness with the flavours that define the holy month.

Guests can enjoy a full dine-in experience at any of Al Hallab’s three outlets, where tables are set with warm hospitality and a feast of Lebanese favorites. From comforting soups like Lentil, Chicken, or Mushroom, to cold appetizers including Hummus, Moutabal, Labneh, Fattoush, and Vine Leaves, every dish is prepared with care to celebrate the flavors of Lebanon. Hot appetizers, grilled skewers, daily mains, and fresh bread complete the spread, followed by a selection of premium Arabic sweets like Kunafa, Shaibeat, Othamlieh, Kunafa rolls, and fruits for dessert. 

For those who prefer to break their fast at home, Al Hallab also offers Iftar meal boxes for delivery, making it easy to enjoy a complete Ramadan meal in the comfort of your own space. Available for one, two, or four people, each Iftar includes dates to break the fast, comforting soups, traditional juices like Kamaredine and Jallab, a selection of cold and hot appetizers, daily main dishes, and a taste of Ramadan’s sweetest delights, including Kataef Walnut and Shaibeyat Ashta.

Al Hallab’s Iftar is more than a meal; it is an invitation to gather, share, and celebrate the blessings of Ramadan with loved ones. Whether enjoying the cozy ambiance of the restaurant or the comfort of home, every Iftar is a moment of joy, flavor, and heritage.

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Hospitality

LA VILLE HOTEL & SUITES ANNOUNCES THE REOPENING OF LOOKUP ROOFTOP BAR WITH A REFINED MEDITERRANEAN IDENTITY

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Nighttime cityscape view from LA VILLE HOTEL & SUITES showing the illuminated Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai skyline.

La Ville Hotel & Suites CITY WALK Dubai, Autograph Collection announces the reopening of its rooftop destination, LookUp Rooftop Bar,on 22nd January 2026. Reintroduced with a refined Mediterranean identity and a fully refreshed look, LookUp now offers a complete day-to-night experience that feels genuinely new, even for long- standing guests of the hotel.

Overlooking City Walk with uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline, LookUp has been reshaped into a rooftop destination with greater depth and purpose. By day, the space centres around its infinity pool and open terraces, offering a relaxed setting for guests to unwind, swim and spend time outdoors. A strengthened food offering now plays a central role in the experience, with a full Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring wood fired pizzas and fresh sharable dishes, designed for casual dining and longer stays.

As the day moves into evening, LookUp naturally shifts in energy. Guests can enjoy crafted cocktails, a considered music programme and live DJs, alongside a calendar of curated experiences including fashion showcases, brand collaborations and pop ups. Morning wellness sessions such as yoga and pilates further extend the rooftop’s use beyond traditional bar hours, creating a space that works across different moments of the day.

The refreshed LookUp is designed as more than a rooftop bar. It is a lifestyle destination that brings together leisure, dining and social connection in one setting. With its updated design, stronger menu focus and varied programming, LookUp offers returning guests a new way to experience a familiar space, while welcoming new visitors into the heart of City Walk.

The reopening will welcome hotel owners, Marriott leaders, media, partners and influencers, marking the next chapter for one of City Walk’s most recognisable rooftops. With ongoing collaborations across wellness, fashion and lifestyle, LookUp Rooftop Bar is positioned as a key social destination within City Walk, offering experiences from sunrise through to late night.

Michel Nader, Regional Vice President, UAE & Levant – Premium & Select, Marriott International commented: “The return of LookUp is both timely and emblematic of Dubai’s ever-evolving social landscape. With its revitalised Mediterranean-inspired concept, the destination seamlessly combines refined charm with enhanced hospitality, embodying the city’s affinity for sophisticated and vibrant nightlife. We are confident the relaunch of this popular venue will be appreciated by local residents and international visitors.” 

Roudi Soubra, Vice President – Asset Management, Dubai Holding, added: “LookUp has always been more than just a rooftop, it’s part of La Ville’s story and spirit. This reimagining represents our commitment to continuous evolution and to creating spaces that inspire connection, creativity, and joy. With its Mediterranean charm and breathtaking views, LookUp once again reflects the essence of Dubai: dynamic, sophisticated, and full of life.”

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Hospitality

RAMADAN IFTAR AT OASIS TERRACE & GARDEN, MÖVENPICK DOWNTOWN

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Iftar dessert and fruit buffet display at MÖVENPICK DOWNTOWN featuring assorted cakes, mini pastries, fresh fruit platters, and traditional Ramadan desserts arranged on a serving counter.

This Ramadan, Oasis Terrace & Garden at Mövenpick Hotel Apartments, Downtown Dubai invites guests to break their fast in a relaxed outdoor setting with a garden-style Iftar buffet designed for families, friends, and group gatherings.

The experience features authentic Arabian and regional favourites, complemented by interactive live cooking stations. Guests are welcomed with dates and water on arrival, followed by unlimited access to mezze, salads, hot mains, and signature Oasis desserts. Live stations include Shawarma, slow-cooked Ouzi, and BBQ specialities, alongside a dedicated dessert counter and mocktails with laban.

Set across the venue’s open-air terrace and garden, the Iftar offers a laid-back yet festive atmosphere ideal for both casual and corporate celebrations throughout the holy month.

With its combination of open-air seating, warm hospitality and thoughtfully curated buffet, Oasis Terrace & Garden offers a welcoming space to slow down and reconnect after sunset. The experience reflects the spirit of Ramadan, bringing together comforting flavours, shared plates and a setting designed for togetherness. Available throughout Ramadan 2026 (subject to official moon sighting, expected from 19 February 2026).

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