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Vibrant festive cheer awaits guests at Seaside Finolhu
Seaside Finolhu has announced its festive schedule for this year’s holiday season.
Guests of the luxury Maldives resort are guaranteed an extravaganza of unforgettable gourmet, cultural and entertainment experiences designed to delight everyone from children to families and from couples to groups of friends.
While Finolhu’s Magic Experience Team always go to great lengths to ensure that every day is full of joy and wonder on Finolhu’s island playground, they have gone the extra mile to conjure up some fantastical treats as part of their vibrant festive celebrations.
In addition to all the usual entertainment and culinary delights on offer at Finolhu, the festivities get underway on December 22 and run through until January 3 with many special activities designed to entertain and delight friends, families and children.
Throughout the holiday period, the in-house DJ will be setting the mood to party time, while the amazing Silent Alarm band will be providing live music at a very special New Year’s Eve event.
For many people, the festive season is all about children, and the Finolhu team have ensured that the resort’s younger guests will enjoy a thrill-packed holiday season of joy and wonder. From the eager excitement of awaiting Santa’s arrival to the playful delight of fun-packed games and activities, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to get into the festive spirit at Finolhu.
The little ones get a chance to set their creative spirit free by making their own festive candles at the Oceaneer’s Club of December 22, while all of Finolhu’s younger guests are invited to join the elves and help Santa prepare for the big day by making some extra special gifts on December 23.
Part of the Christmas Eve festivities include a Kid’s Fashion Show when they get a chance to dress up in their favourite costumes, while the undoubted highlight of Christmas Day for the young ones will be Santa’s arrival ceremony.
There are, as you would expect, a number of activities designed to bring the whole family together as well. Featuring entertainment and games, the underlying theme here is that, “The family that plays together stays together.”
A sand sculpting competition on December 24 encourages team spirit and creativity, while the Christmas Day Glitter Art activities give the young and young-at-heart the creative freedom to sprinkle some festive cheer into their imaginative creations in Finolhu’s Art Studio.
All guests are invited to join in the fun and games at the Family & Friends Fun Challenge on December 26, when they will have plenty of opportunity to get into the island playground spirit by competing against other teams in a series of fun-filled games where the laughter never stops and everyone is a winner.
There is also a chance for all guests to make sure that 2020 ends with a big splash at the Last Aqua Fun event. Those with a sense of fun and adventure can take the plunge and dive into the fun games and performances in and around the pool during the day on New Year’s Eve.
For anyone feeling a bit more energetic, there is even a mini-soccer tournament planned for January 2.
Of course, it would not be the festive season without a few parties and shows. Finolhu’s not-to-be-missed Maldivian Culture Show provides a great insight into the sights, sounds and tastes of the local culture with a combination of the finest music, entertainment and food from the Maldives. Guests can catch the show on December 22 and again on December 29.
In the midst of all the action and games, Movie Night gives everyone a chance to chill out at the Beach Club on December 27 and January 2.
As anyone who has ever visited Finolhu knows, food is a major part of the resort’s identity and guests will have plenty of opportunities to indulge their taste buds during this year’s festive season. In addition to the local treats and delicacies on offer during the Maldivian Culture Shows, there will be a selection of canapés and cocktails served at the official Coconut Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the sandbank on December 23.
However, the real epicurean adventure begins on Christmas Eve with the season’s first big feast. The highlight of the White Party on the beach is a sumptuous Christmas Dinner served beneath the swaying palm trees and with a full evening’s entertainment that includes the Kid’s Fashion Show and many special performances.
The Christmas Day Lunch promises to be a real festive feast with a variety of international specialties served up in the relaxed atmosphere of the Beach Kitchen.
The New Year’s Eve festivities get underway with a cocktail party followed by a New Year’s Eve Dinner. The resident DJ sets the mood, while the Silent Alarm band are sure to get everyone up on the dance floor with their set of international classics. Throughout the evening, there is also live entertainment by a number of surprise performances with details yet to be announced.
As the sun sets on New Year’s Day, Finolhu’s guests are invited to celebrate the first night of the New Year in the vibrant neon glow of the Kaleidoscope Disco. The colourful black light party features a live DJ spinning the tunes in an evening of music and dancing.
Finolhu was opened in June 2016 and consists of four islands with long beaches. It has 125 beachfront and overwater villas (more than half with private pool) and four restaurants.
While popular with honeymooners, the extensive resort is also very family-friendly, with a kids’ club, a wide choice of activities and world-famous entertainment.
Owned and managed by Seaside Collection, a Europe-based hotel group with an exclusive portfolio of high-end resorts and city hotels, Seaside Finolhu Maldives is a luxury island resort. “Finolhu”, which is a direct translation of “sandbank” in Dhivehi is located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives.
For more information or to make a booking, please visit www.finolhu.com.
RAAYA by Atmosphere has received its latest recognition at the Travel Time Awards, held in Moscow in August 2026, where the island resort was named “The Best Family Resort in the Maldives 2025”.
The award marks RAAYA’s second consecutive recognition from Travel Time, following its win as “Opening of the Year 2024”.
The recognition reflects the resort’s growing presence in the Russian travel market and its approach to family holidays in the Maldives, with a focus on shared experiences, exploration and activities designed for guests across generations.
Located on a private island in Raa Atoll, RAAYA is centred around the fictional story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist and adventurer whose narrative is incorporated throughout the resort experience. Guests can take part in island exploration, creative activities and ocean-based experiences, alongside family-oriented facilities and a range of dining options under The RAAYA Plan™.
The award was also presented during a visit to the resort by Russian film actress Katerina Shpitsa, known for productions including “Metro”, “The Crew” and “Poddubny”. During her stay, Shpitsa presented the Travel Time Awards 2025 accolade to RAAYA by Atmosphere General Manager Mario Stanic.
“Receiving this recognition for a second consecutive year is a proud moment for everyone at RAAYA,” Stanic said. “Winning the Travel Time Award 2025 for Best Family Resort is a wonderful recognition of what we stand for — bringing families together through shared experiences and lasting memories within a backdrop of a tropical island paradise.
“We are proud to create experiences that resonate with Russian families and families from around the world, offering a place to connect, discover and create memories together. We thank the awards team, our partners and our guests for their continued trust and support.”
The award adds to the international recognition received by RAAYA by Atmosphere since the resort opened in July 2024. The property has positioned its offering around experiential hospitality, design, family-focused programming and its castaway-inspired narrative.
RAAYA features 167 beach and overwater villas, a collection of dining venues and a range of land and ocean activities within its Raa Atoll setting.
With two Travel Time Awards in consecutive years, the resort continues to develop its position within the family travel segment in the Maldives.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will welcome award-winning food creator Kabita Singh, the personality behind Kabita’s Kitchen, for a special culinary residency in October to mark International Chefs’ Day on 20 October 2026.
Known for making everyday Indian cooking accessible to a wide audience, Singh will move from her digital kitchen to the Maldives, joining the resort’s culinary team for a live cooking experience created for guests.
The collaboration will bring together Singh’s approach to Indian cuisine — centred on familiar flavours, accessible recipes and an increasing focus on wholesome cooking — with Sun Siyam’s Plant Based Bliss philosophy, which promotes the nutritional and holistic benefits of plant-forward dining.
As part of the International Chefs’ Day celebrations, Singh will cook alongside Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s culinary team during a live session in front of resort guests. The experience will feature a specially curated selection of vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious dishes developed in collaboration with the resort’s chefs and inspired by Singh’s own cooking philosophy.
Guests will have the opportunity to watch Singh prepare the dishes, learn about the techniques and stories behind them, and sample her interpretation of plant-forward Indian cuisine in a Maldivian island setting.
Kabita’s Kitchen has grown from a home-cooking channel into one of India’s most widely followed food platforms, with approximately 14.6 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Singh has built her audience through content ranging from regional favourites and vegetarian staples to festive dishes, street-food classics and everyday family recipes.
Her influence within India’s food and digital content sector was recognised at the inaugural National Creators Award in 2024, where she received the Best Creator in Food Category award, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We are really excited to welcome Kabita to Olhuveli and bring a taste of Kabita’s Kitchen to the Maldives,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
“Food is such an important part of the way people connect, and this is about bringing our guests closer to the experience, watching Kabita cook, discovering the flavours and stories behind her dishes, and of course tasting them together. Her fresh, approachable style is a great match for our Plant Based Bliss philosophy, and celebrating International Chefs’ Day together with our own culinary team makes it even more special. We want dining at Olhuveli to be fun, social and full of moments that guests remember long after they leave the island.”
Located in South Malé Atoll, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection. The resort combines beach experiences, dining, entertainment, wellness and other activities within its broader island offering.
You & Me Maldives has been named Best Adults-Only Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s positioning, guest experiences and continued focus on adults-only hospitality in the Maldives.
The award was presented during the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August 2026, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards recognise achievements, innovation and contributions across the Maldivian tourism industry.
Located in Raa Atoll, You & Me Maldives has established itself as an adults-only retreat catering to couples, honeymooners, friends and solo travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity.
The resort combines its island setting with accommodation, personalised service and experiences centred on romance, wellness, gastronomy and exploration, creating an intimate environment designed specifically for adult travellers.
The recognition comes as You & Me Maldives marks seven years of operations and welcoming guests from around the world.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, we are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, partners, and dedicated team members who have been part of this journey,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.
“These seven years represent not only growth and success, but countless love stories, memories, and unforgettable experiences created on our island. Receiving the ‘Best Adults-Only Resort’ award at the TTM Awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire team.”
The Best Adults-Only Resort award further strengthens You & Me Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector, recognising its focus on combining an adults-only concept with personalised service and island experiences.
Looking ahead, You & Me Maldives plans to continue developing its concept and guest experience through new activities, offerings and services, while maintaining its focus on the adults-only luxury segment in the Maldives.
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