Christmas & New Year in the sun-kissed Maldives

For a truly unforgettable Christmas or New Year's Eve celebration, head to warmer climes and the paradise islands of the Maldives, where tinsel and turkey are swapped for sun, sand and endless beach parties at the four-star Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort.

Christmas is a time for the whole family to have fun together and those staying at Olhuveli will not be disappointed. With a packed programme of special events, there's plenty for young and old alike. Children can participate in crab racing, coloured sand art and parties with Santa, while the adults can enjoy beach party celebrations with live bands, discos, cocktails and a grand gala dinner on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

What's more, Olhuveli is hosting a lucky draw every day starting on Christmas Eve and running until New Year's Eve where guests can win a myriad of luxury prizes to enjoy during their stay. And on New Year's Eve, the grand prize is a free stay for two at Olhuveli. The prize includes five nights' stay on a bed and breakfast basis for travel from 1 June to 31 August 2011.

For those in need of inspiration for a Christmas gift or looking for something truly memorable to see in the New Year, why not book a pampering treatment at the resort's luxurious Sun Spa or embark on one of Olhuveli's fantastic excursions?

For a Christmas gift that will last a lifetime, try the newly introduced couples' massage lesson. Couples are treated to a private session with trained and professional masseurs who guide them through the skills needed to pamper each other with a simple yet highly effective massage. Alternatively, opt for a dolphin safari and sunset cruise; an unforgettable boat trip to witness marine mammals in their natural habitat and enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz as the sun sets.

Olhuveli also has a bountiful array of activities on offer - perfect for working off the excesses of Christmas. Guests can ditch the deckchair and get active in or on the water with a PADI five-star diving school, kite-surfing school and a whole host of watersports including wakeboarding, windsurfing and catamaran sailing to name but a few.

Located on the tip of South Malé Atoll, the 166-room Olhuveli is nestled amid tropical vegetation and surrounded by a vast sandy, award-winning beach and a crystal clear lagoon. Facilities include a selection of restaurants and bars, two large pools, Sun Spa, gym, floodlit tennis and an excellent watersports and dive centre.

For more information, visit: olhuvelimaldives.com