A trio of Maldives resorts have lined up some unusual reasons to book a year-end island break: digital art rewards for loyal guests, Premier League coaching for the kids, and a pirate-themed Christmas programme.
JOALI has started gifting selected returning VIP guests one-of-a-kind NFT artworks built around the resort's own GPS coordinates. Each piece is a 3D underwater scene inspired by the marine life around the island, and because it's a blockchain collectible, guests can keep it as a memento or trade it on NFT marketplaces. It's a novel twist on loyalty perks — instead of a bottle of champagne, you get a unique digital artwork tied to the exact spot where you holidayed.
Families with football-mad children have a more active draw at Avani+ Fares Maldives in Baa Atoll. From 15 to 18 November 2026, former Liverpool defender Martin Kelly — 62 senior appearances for the club and a 2012 League Cup winner — will lead a four-day camp for kids aged five to 13. Daily afternoon sessions come with a kit of two jerseys, shorts and socks, plus beach games, pool parties, FIFA tournaments and a medal-and-certificate closing ceremony. Participation costs USD 399 per child, and a five-night package from USD 3,784 covers a Premium Ocean View Room for two adults and one child, half-board, seaplane transfers and camp entry. The resort has form here: Michael Owen has already headlined three previous camps.
For Christmas and New Year, Kandooma Maldives in South Malé Atoll is running a Pirates' Festive Adventure from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027. Expect pirate crafts and treasure games at the Kandoo Kids' Club, gingerbread making, a Santa appearance, and marine excursions ranging from shark snorkelling and shipwreck safaris to turtle-point swims, sunset cruises and night fishing. Dining highlights include a Maldivian buffet with Bodu Beru drumming and fire dancers, a Christmas Eve gala dinner, and New Year celebrations. The all-inclusive offer includes round-the-clock dining at Kandooma Café and daily diving for certified divers staying four nights or more, while the COMO Shambhala spa adds a three-day wellness programme and surfer recovery treatments. Things wrap up on 7 January with Orthodox Christmas activities.
Music lovers heading elsewhere in the archipelago can catch piano duo QUEENZ OF PIANO at Reethi Faru Resort, performing classical-meets-pop sets on 29 December 2026, New Year's Eve and 2 January 2027.
Why it matters: the festive season is peak time in the Maldives, and resorts are competing hard on experiences rather than just beachfront. Whether your hook is a blockchain keepsake, your child training with a former Liverpool player, or a pirate Christmas on a private island, booking early matters — the football camp has limited places and festive programmes often require advance reservations.
