The Maldives, the UK's favourite Indian Ocean destination, is preparing to count down to 2016 with a night full of celebrations, offering families and couples the chance to welcome-in the New Year on a last-minute winter sun getaway.

Whether holidaymakers are looking for a luxury resort experience or a cultural festive holiday, the Maldives has something to cater for every traveller's New Year plans. Visitors will be treated to delicious local dishes, including Kiru Sarbat, Kuli Boakiba, Gula and Foni Boakiba, while watching traditional Bodu Beru drumming performances throughout the night. For a starlit New Year's Eve experience, Maldivian resorts promise extravagant New Year's Eve Gala Dinners, filled with music, champagne and Maldivian culinary treats.  

Travellers after a last minute Indian Ocean getaway can choose from a selection of New Year packages including:

Seven Night Bed and Breakfast Package at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, from £2,149 per person
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, located on Furanafushi Island and just a short speedboat ride from Malé Airport, promises guests a memorable break. Visitors are invited to explore what's underwater by going scuba diving, or relax in the Shine Spa, while indulging in a refreshing massage treatment. The hotel is ready to welcome 2016 with a glamorous New Year's Eve Gala Dinner, including pre-dinner cocktails at the Anchorage Bar, live performances by fire-dancers and the British band 'Fully FunKtional', as well as a special raffle draw.

Kenwood Travel is offering a seven night package at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, from £2,149 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and includes return scheduled flights from Heathrow Airport with Etihad Airways and return speedboat transfers. The package also includes a New Year's Eve Gala Dinner and is based on 27 December 2015 departure. To book, visit www.kenwoodtravel.co.uk or call 020 7749 7330.

Seven Night Bed and Breakfast Package at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, from £2,961 per person
Located at the heart of Noonu Atoll, surrounded by palm trees and clear blue waters, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi invites guests to celebrate New Year with activities ranging from family-style feasts and private romantic dinners to water sports, dive trips and unique spa treatments. Guests can indulge in a number of gourmet events taking place at the resort, including a Festive Wine-Pairing Dinner and Grand Seafood Buffet, night entertainment featuring DJs and finally a New Year's countdown on the beach, complete with a flyboard show.

Travelbag is offering a seven night package at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, from £2,961 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Beach Villa on a bed and breakfast basis and includes return flights from London Heathrow with Oman Air and return seaplane transfers. The package is based on 28 December 2015 departure. To book, visit www.travelbag.co.uk or call 0871 402 1628.

Seven Night Half-Board Package at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, Maldives, from £3,095 per person
Encircled by a perfect white-sand beach and the shallow waters of the surrounding lagoon, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort promises an idyllic New Year holiday to travellers of all ages. Adults can relax in one of the hotel's infinity-edge swimming pools or choose one of the resort's watersports centre activities, ranging from paddle-boarding and windsurfing to kayaking and sailing, while younger guests stay occupied at the resort's dedicated children's pool and play area.

Caribtours is offering a seven night package at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, Maldives, from £3,095 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Room on a half-board basis and includes return scheduled flights and speedboat transfers. Price is based on travel until 5 February 2016. To book, visit www.caribtours.co.uk or call 020 7751 0660.

12-Night Half-Board Package at Velidhu Island Resort, from £3,489 per person
Set in the North Ari Atoll, Velidhu Island Resort offers a winter sun escape and a warm atmosphere to guests choosing to welcome 2016 in the Maldives. The lagoons that surround the island are ideal for watersports, while some of the best snorkelling spots can be found on the hotel's house reef. Travellers will encounter reef sharks, turtles and colourful corals before indulging in a festive dinner at Iruara, the island's only restaurant.

Kuoni is offering a 12-night package at Velidhu Island Resort, from £3,849 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Beach Bungalow on a half-board basis and includes return scheduled flights from London Gatwick with British Airways and transfers to the resort. Price is based on 20 December 2015 departure. To book, visit www.kuoni.co.uk or call 0800 092 4444.

 For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.