Travel news: Festive island offers in the Maldives

Plus: Indonesia launches Muslim tourist guide; Boogie into the New Year in Malta; Get artsy on new worldwide tours.

The Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Dhonakulhi, Maldives, can help you start your Christmas celebrations with its seasonal package. The experience kicks off with a Christmas Eve dinner at Matheefaru restaurant, featuring a festive menu and a traditional drumming show from the resort's in-house band. Those with children can sign them up for the Santa's Little Helpers programme, which includes a treasure hunt aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat, a visit from Santa on Christmas day – including toys and treats – and snorkelling lessons. When families book in for seven days, from December 22 to 29, they'll receive a stay in a deluxe water villa with a pool, on a half-board basis. The package cost from Dh57,555 for two adults and two children, including return flights with FlyDubai, return seaplane transfers to the resort, the Christmas Eve dinner and taxes.

Indonesia launches Muslim tourist guide

To help Muslim tourists travelling through Indonesia, the country's Ministry of Tourism has launched a new interactive visitors' guide. The 70-page directory, entitled Wonderful Indonesia: Many Lands. Timeless Culture. One Journey, is part of a campaign to make the country a top destination for Muslim tourists. It includes suggestions on where to shop, what attractions to see, the best halal restaurants and hotels to visit and places to pray throughout the country. The guide is published in English and Arabic, and can be downloaded here.

Boogie into the new year in Malta

Get your dancing shoes on in the Mediterranean to see in 2016. The Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Malta, is holding a 1940s-themed "Swing Around the Clock" New Year's Eve party, featuring savoury snacks, sweet desserts and drinks at the Villa Corinthia restaurant. Visitors will then spend the evening kicking up their heels to the sound of a live jazz band, before counting down to the new year. The party costs €210 (Dh848) per person. The hotel is also offering a special overnight rate for the month of December, starting from €143 (Dh577) per person, including taxes, but excluding breakfast.

Get artsy on new worldwide tours

The travel company Cox & Kings has unveiled its new collection of Royal Academy of Arts worldwide tours. The company has 11 tours that focus on the art and architecture of different destinations. Travellers can explore the Basilica San Marco in Venice, visit the Bachkovo Monastery in Bulgaria and meet the curator of the Larco Museum in Lima, Peru. A lecturer accompanies each group, and many of the tours include exclusive visits and special access to areas not open to the general public. Tours start from March 2016, and include international flights, transfers, sightseeing, accommodation and breakfast.