In preparation for the festive season, the team at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort has tapped the creativity of artificial intelligence (AI) to come up with ideas for this season's Christmas theme. Following the prompts, AI's 'hive mind' generated four imaginative themes - Tropical Wonderland, Candy Cane Christmas, Frosted Paradise and Santa's Surf Shack. Now, it's up to the resort's Instagram followers to decide which one will set the tone for the resort's Christmas celebrations this year.

The four themes will be posted on the @AvaniMaldives Instagram account on 15 October at 10am MVT, giving the public 24 hours to vote for their favourite festive theme through an exclusive poll. The AI-generated image with the most votes will inspire the resort's festive theme and experiences through the end of 2024. The winning dreamscape will be announced on 16 October.

The first entry is Tropical Wonderland, which transforms the Maldivian sugarloaf shores into a snow-dusted landscape, with a tropical twist. At its heart stands a majestic Christmas tree, its crown nearly touching the towering palm trees. The tree's shimmering branches are adorned with baubles, seashells and whimsical coral-like flowers, all floating amid twinkling fairy lights. Adding a touch of wonderment, flickering candles line the meandering paths leading to the beach.

Sure to delight those with a sweet tooth, the Candy Cane Christmas theme features giant striped candy canes as tall as tree trunks. AI's algorithms twisted them into various shapes, from beach beanbags and stalagmite-like structures that double as “street” lamps illuminating the shore, to a cosy campfire to gather around for s'mores and a cup of cocoa. The flamingo pink hue brings instant joy, connecting everyone to their inner child.

Ice-cold and regal, Frosted Paradise is a white Christmas fantasy that evokes scenes of rolling in Lapland's untouched powder snow, going on reindeer rides, or watching the Northern Lights dance from an igloo. Between building snow castles on the beach and sipping eggnog in a gazebo adorned with fairy lights, this theme is a Santa-approved dreamscape.

Finally, Santa's Surf Shack will feel right at home for guests from Down Under who are used to celebrating Christmas with a beach BBQ and a paddle in the ocean. In this laid-back scene, Santa himself mans the counter of a weathered shack adorned with traditional Christmas wreaths, with a decorative row of surfboards lining the path to the shore. Nearby, sun loungers are barely visible beneath a profusion of gifts shimmering under a bluebird sky.

“From the exotic vibes of Tropical Wonderland to the cool charm of Frosted Paradise, each theme showcases our commitment to blending creativity and innovation for unforgettable guest experiences,” said Judd Rabbidge, General Manager of Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort. “We're excited to see which theme wins and becomes our festive highlight of the season.”

For more information about Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort and to book the upcoming festive package, please visit www.avanihotels.com/en/fares-maldives, call +960 664 4111 or email reservations.fares@avanihotels.com. To cast your vote in the upcoming festive theme poll, please follow the @AvaniMaldives Instagram account.