Ringing in the new year, Maldivian Style

This New Years Eve, my husband and I decided to break from our usual celebrations (champagne and cheeseboard by the fire), and headed off to see in the new year in the beautiful Maldives.

I have never celebrated the New Year in another country, and I have to say it was a revelation.

Firstly we were able to skip the “between Christmas and New Year slump”, that I am always guilty of, and secondly we were able to bring in the New Year on the most exciting and exotic island.  We were able to recharge our batteries for the new year and make memories that will never be forgotten.

We traveled to the beautiful Island of Vabbinfaru where we stayed at the Banyan Tree resort.  We were greeted by the sound of drums, against the backdrop of a stormy Maldivian island.  It was pretty dramatic and oh so exciting!

Within our beach villa, we found personalized sarongs to wear to the gala dinner that evening, in custom banyan tree colors 

The resort staff we so exited about the celebrations being held, that evening the excitement was infectious. We quickly forget out our jet lag and that fact we had been travelling for so many hours

The evening started with a champagne reception around the Christmas tree and then onto a gala dinner on the beach. There were colored lanterns wrapped around the palm trees and Champagne everywhere we turned.  ​

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And then, there was the food. Fresh fish grilled to order on the BBQ and the most amazing selection of Maldivian dishes, not to mention the deserts.  It was literally impossible to choose, so I may have chosen a few...
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After dinner, there was more champagne and dancing on the beach. And the grand finale?  A gigantic “Welcome to 2016” sign set ablaze in the Maldivian sea.  Truely a sight to behold. ​

We danced the night away on the beach until our jet lagged bodies gave up and it was time to head back to our beach villa, excited to explore the Island of Vabbinfaru the next day, but not before we were surprised with some lovely Happy New Year bed-art!

This was going to be an amazing holiday, and an even better 2016!

Belle 
​Xx