Atypical New Year: what to do if you’re tired of celebrating it at home

Keep in mind that Islam is practiced on the islands, so you won’t find the usual New Year and Christmas activities in the capital. If you really want to start your trip by exploring the main city, you shouldn’t spend too much time there so as not to get bored – all the main attractions are located in the eastern part.

The Friday Mosque (Male Huruku Miskiy), built of coral stones, is one of the oldest buildings in Male. It is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. But keep in mind that you can only enter inside in closed clothes and in agreement with the administration.

Directly opposite is the blue and white colonial building Muliaage Palace. Formerly the residence of the president, it now functions as a museum and is open to all.

The end point of the walk can be the famous fish market. To taste the exotic reptiles from the fresh catch, it is worth going there in the afternoon, when the fishermen return with their “catch”.

And after a busy day in the capital, it’s time to go to a corner of paradise that attracts all the tourists flying to the Maldives. After a 30-minute seaplane transfer to the picturesque island of Maamunagau in Raa Atoll, you’ll be greeted with true local flavor. Each visitor is greeted by drummers who beat the rhythm of traditional bodu-beru drums.

At the InterContinental Maldives Maaumunagau Resort, in addition to classic Maldivian “activities” in the form of serenely lying on deckchairs, relaxing massages at the SPA, swimming with manta rays and a cruise with dolphins, a whole program is planned for the New. Year-round holidays for all tastes.

Right now, you can find world-renowned wellness experts here. From November 26 to January 26, holistic medicine doctor Yoko Kawaguchi will help hotel guests cope with stress, anxiety and insomnia. Her techniques include auriculotherapy, Usui Reiki and aromatherapy with essential oils.

From December 28 to January 9, the British artist Nina Brook will stay there. The main inspiration for her work is the ocean, so it’s no surprise that she holds master classes on the island for anyone who wants to capture the famous Maldivian landscapes from a bird’s eye view. It is this characteristic style that brought Nina Brook worldwide fame.

Those who cannot imagine a festive atmosphere without gastronomic delights will appreciate the original menu of two Michelin star chef Thanos Feskos. From December 29 to 30 and January 5 to 7, guests will have the opportunity to taste a 12-course meal combining unusual fermentation techniques and Scandinavian preservation, the chef’s signature tips.

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