Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the arrival of the Chinese New Year with a carefully designed island celebration from 15 to 20 February 2026, offering guests a refined programme that blends dining, wellness, culture, and family-oriented experiences. The curated festivities are created to honour the Year of the Horse within a tranquil and immersive natural setting.
Within Chinese tradition, the Year of the Horse represents strength, vitality, and forward momentum—principles that closely align with Alila’s philosophy of purposeful living, personal development, and a meaningful connection with nature. Reflecting these shared values, the resort’s Chinese New Year programme is designed to encourage guests to pause, reconnect, and enter the new year with clarity and intention.
“At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Chinese New Year is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate renewal and togetherness in a way that feels authentic and unhurried,” said Thomas Weber, the General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “Inspired by the Year of the Horse, our celebrations are designed to embody balance, resilience, and mindful progression which allowing guests to embrace the new year through enriching moments, shared traditions, and restorative experiences.”
Central to the celebration is an elevated Chinese New Year–themed ‘Boat To Table’ dining experience at Seasalt Restaurant. The experience highlights thoughtfully sourced ingredients and fresh island flavours, presented in a relaxed beachfront environment that complements the spirit of the occasion.
Guests will also be invited to take part in complimentary Dumpling Making Classes, providing an intimate and interactive opportunity to engage with traditional Chinese New Year customs through hands-on cultural participation.
Wellness offerings will play a key role in the programme at Spa Alila with Spring of Luck, a restorative ritual inspired by seasonal renewal. The experience combines a Mandarin Body Renewal with a personalised massage, reflecting Alila’s holistic approach to wellbeing by nurturing both body and mind as guests step into the new year.
Adding a creative and contemplative element, Mandala of the Horse will invite guests to join a guided session inspired by themes of strength, creativity, and forward movement. This experience encourages mindfulness and self-expression, aligning with the resort’s focus on purposeful and design-led encounters.
Families will also be included in the celebrations through Festive Fun at Play Alila, featuring a lively programme of Chinese New Year–themed activities for children and families. These include arts and crafts sessions and playful traditions inspired by the festive season.
Through the integration of refined dining, mindful wellness, cultural engagement, and family-friendly experiences, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will offer guests a meaningful and elevated way to welcome the Year of the Horse, grounded in balance, intention, and the natural beauty of island life.
Guests are invited to follow @alilamaldives on Instagram for updates on the Chinese New Year celebrations and to join the resort in welcoming the Year of the Horse in a serene island setting.
