As the year draws to a close, the festive season returns as a moment to reconnect, reflect and welcome the promise of a new beginning. This year, Minor Hotels unveils an inspiring collection of festive programmes across Asia and the Maldives, each blending local heritage, seasonal traditions and unforgettable experiences. From mystical jungles and Mekong river trails to Maldivian shores and Bangkok’s glittering skyline, every destination offers its own interpretation of festive magic as 2025 gives way to 2026.
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas: A Mystical Himmapan
On the serene shores of Koh Yao Yai, guests step into the mythical realm of Himmapan, where ancient Thai legends unfold amidst nature. Over two festive weeks, celebrations include floating sound baths beneath the New Moon, bonfire storytelling inspired by naga folklore, and hands-on workshops such as batik painting and maki roll making with local ingredients. Thai cultural rhythms muay ka yong, rum kra tob mai, beach fishing, craft-making and guided walks culminate in a full Thai Cultural Day on 1 January, beginning with a sunrise ceremony and traditional island breakfast.
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort: Festive Glow and New Year Reset Journeys
At Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, wellbeing takes centre stage. Layan Life by Anantara, the resort’s wellness and longevity centre, presents festive journeys designed to restore balance and vitality. Throughout December, the Sparkling Holiday Glow Journey combines advanced diagnostics, Hydrafacial Platinum treatments and revitalising IV therapy. Guests seeking a fresh start may opt for Detox Cleanse or Gut Reset programmes, each offering personalised plans rooted in long-term wellness.
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort: Lotus Whispers
Inspired by its appearance in HBO’s The White Lotus Season 3, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort introduces Lotus Whispers, a celebration of serenity and renewal. Guests enjoy rotating dining settings by the beachfront, lotus pond and at Guilty restaurant, while families delight in festive crafts and activities. At the resort’s acclaimed spa, the White Lotus Indulgence Deluxe ritual offers two hours of deep relaxation using white lotus oil to restore inner calm.
NH Collection Samui Peace Resort: Sparkle & Shine by the Sea
At NH Collection Samui Peace Resort, the “Sparkle & Shine” New Year’s Eve Celebration promises a feast of festive flavours and joyful energy. Guests indulge in a magnificent buffet overflowing with seasonal delicacies, paired with favourite drinks to keep spirits bright. Live entertainment builds excitement throughout the night, leading to a breathtaking fireworks display over the Koh Samui sky a dazzling welcome to 2026.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort: A Mekong Trade Journey
In Northern Thailand’s misty highlands, Anantara Golden Triangle brings Mekong heritage to life through Echoes from the Past, a festive programme inspired by ancient trade routes. Guests enjoy soulful jazz breakfasts, merit-making rituals and evenings by the fire with Explorer Cocktails. Christmas and New Year feasts highlight regional flavours amid graceful cultural performances. At Samsarn, Chef Parinda’s Winter Odyssey menu showcases culinary influences from three Mekong cultures, creating an immersive festive dining experience.
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel: Legacy in White
In Bangkok, Anantara Siam elevates festive gifting with its luxurious hampers filled with handcrafted chocolates, cookies and artisanal preserves. Highlights include the coveted Advent Calendar and Siam Chocolate, created in collaboration with award-winning Chef Nouel Catis. His signature bar blends lotus root, pistachio, caramel, lemongrass, dark chocolate and coconut chips for a distinctive Thai-inspired indulgence.
Avani+ Luang Prabang: Land, River and Spirit
In the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, festivities at Avani+ draw inspiration from the land, river and spirit of the region. A traditional Baci ceremony opens the season, followed by festive meals celebrating Laotian warmth. Along the Mekong, sunset Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinner cruises create timeless moments. Throughout the week, guests enjoy cycling tours, water blessings, market visits and the iconic climb up Phousi Hill.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives: Boho Luxe in Nature’s Playground
At Niyama Private Islands Maldives, festive celebrations unfold with boho luxe flair. Guests indulge, play and reconnect through an exciting line-up of visiting experts: celebrity chef Roberto Alcocer brings inventive Baja Mexican cuisine; fitness champion Shaune Stafford offers energising training sessions; and Jessica Klein leads yoga and Pilates classes. Creative guests may explore tattoo artistry with Erroic Tattoo or join holistic sessions with specialist Lorenzo Arcuri, making each day feel vibrant and unique.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort: Tales of the Maldives
At Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, the season comes alive through Tales of the Maldives a colourful blend of culture, cuisine and island storytelling. Fares Baa’zaar transforms into a lively souk with street-food stalls, Bodu Beru beats and artisan crafts. Tales of Christmas brings cocktails, live music and a gala dinner under the stars, while Tales of Smugglers invites families on a playful pirate cruise followed by rum tastings, ribs and reggae for adults and open-air movie magic for children.
NH Hotels in Bangkok: Urban Energy, Festive Spirit
For travellers embracing Bangkok’s holiday buzz, NH Bangkok Asoke offers effortless access to Christmas feasts, last-minute shopping and relaxed poolside countdowns. At NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard, celebrations rise skyward with rooftop dining, dancing and panoramic views as fireworks streak across the Sukhumvit skyline.
Explore festive offers, seasonal menus and unforgettable celebrations across all Minor Hotels destinations at minorhotels.com/offers/festive-celebrations.
