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The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is trading tinsel for tridents this December, unveiling an ambitious holiday program inspired by the myth of “Atlantis: The Lost Kingdom.” The Indian Ocean property, already known for its overwater villas and cinematic sunsets, is transforming into an immersive “Celebration for the Oceans” — a series of performances, residencies, and dining events designed to blend fantasy with environmental reverence.
The resort’s programming, running from Dec. 22 through early January, includes large-scale productions like “Poseidon’s Banquet,” where guests dine over a reef illuminated to resemble a submerged palace, and nightly mermaid ballets staged in the infinity pool. The season’s finale, on New Year’s Eve, culminates in the dramatic “Trident of Light,” a rising ocean sculpture that ignites a fireworks display across Maamunagau’s lagoon.
Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens headlines the culinary slate, with a 12-day residency featuring tasting dinners at The Lighthouse, cooking classes and a private yacht journey complete with caviar, champagne and a stargazing session led by the island’s resident astronomer. UK artist Florence Super will host ocean-themed art workshops and exhibit sustainable works made from recycled materials during her residency, part of the resort’s ongoing emphasis on marine awareness and conservation.
Programming extends beyond fine dining and art: Santa’s island arrival, a kid-focused Pirate Cruise, and interactive experiences with British children’s entertainers Sharky & George round out the family offerings. Wellness guests can opt for Maldivian-inspired spa treatments, ocean detox rituals or sound healing sessions under the stars.
Over the past few years, the Maldives has quietly become Hollywood’s favorite hideaway — a discreet but ultra-luxury alternative to the usual Aspen or St. Barts circuit. A-listers from Zendaya and Tom Holland to Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have been spotted on the archipelago’s private islands, often sharing sun-drenched glimpses of overwater breakfasts and bioluminescent lagoons. It’s easy to see the appeal: just a seaplane ride from Malé, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has positioned itself at the high end of this cinematic escape market, catering to those who prize privacy, design, and curated experience over overt opulence. The property, built across a 35-acre coral reef atoll, has earned a reputation for its immersive programming — from astronomy sessions and sustainability workshops to chef residencies and private yacht dining.
The destination’s rise coincides with a broader shift in celebrity travel, where the emphasis has moved from visibility to retreat. In the Maldives, anonymity becomes luxury’s final frontier — a place where global names can go offline without losing access to world-class cuisine or cinematic settings. The InterContinental’s “Atlantis: The Lost Kingdom” concept plays directly into that fantasy: a self-contained world that’s both exclusive and experiential.
Check out a full teaser of their festive programming below:
