No sooner than guests disembark from the speedboat carrying them from the Male airport to the island, they will be transported to the land of carnivals with a motley circus crew, including illusionists, street performers, living statues and international dancers, ready to cheer up everybody.

During their stay, guests will have the option to choose from indulgent culinary experiences to wine dinners, to variety entertainment, ocean adventures, etc.

The carnival-theme based activities specially planned for this period have been designed keeping family (including children), couples and friends groups in mind.

While the little ones can opt for face-painting, circus animal cookie crafts and sandcastle competitions, teens may paddle boarding, kickboxing or participate in a sushi masterclass at the Mar-Umi restaurant.

There will also be activities such as float races and tug-of-war to water balloon fights and ‘Splash the Target’.

The resort’s swimming pool (said to be the largest in the Maldives) will be converted into a 150-metre long amphitheatre for the festivities.

To mark the joie de vivre of Christmas, Santa Claus will join the revellers, arriving in style at the Restaurant Beach.

On December 30, an open-air Family Carnival will be held at the Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, featuring jugglers, stilt walkers, and an exclusive circus performance, etc.

On Christmas Eve, there will be a cocktail party with a gala dinner buffet accompanied by live bands.

To welcome the coming year, the resort will be hosting the ‘Carnival Fiesta' on New Year’s Eve with cocktails, gala dinner, and fireworks.

In between, you may go for a rejuvenating therapy at the resort’s spa Ocean Wonders.

The Kuda Villingili ‘Carnivalland’ festive celebration will run from December 23, 2023 to January 6, 2024.

About the resort

Kuda Villingili Resort consists of 75 villas, including 39 beach villas and residences with private pools, and 36 overwater villas that rest on the crystal-clear lagoon.

The open-plan spacious villas and suites command a 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean, and positioned both on the sunrise and sunset side of the island.

The resort features seven restaurants, three bars and an exclusive whiskey and Cigar Lounge.

The restaurants offer global speciality cuisine to suit every palate - Spice specialises in Indian-Arabic dishes, East offers Thai-Chinese cuisine, Med presents an Italian-Mediterranean menu, Mar-Umi serves South American cuisine for lunch and Japanese-Peruvian dishes in the evening, Fire offers a classic American steakhouse experience, Ocean is known for its seafood with a European flair menu, while Earth specialises in organic Asian dishes.

How to go

Kuda Villingili Resort is located in the North Male Atoll, just 30 minutes away by speedboat from Velana International Airport.

Note: Check with the resort for participation fees, timeline for advance reservations of gala dinner, etc.

For booking, see here