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Finolhu unveils ‘A Year in Colour’ with global artist residencies in 2026

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Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort and the first Design Hotels™ member in the Maldives, has announced the launch of the property’s “A Year In Colour” Art & Design Year 2026, the first initiative of its kind in the Maldives. This year-long celebration of creativity, culture, and island inspiration will feature immersive artist residencies, dynamic collaborations, and interactive guest experiences that merge art, design, and barefoot luxury.

Curated to reflect Finolhu’s distinctive aesthetic—where bold colour, sustainable design, and relaxed luxury converge—the programme will welcome a rotating roster of internationally acclaimed artists, designers, and creatives throughout 2026. Each will draw inspiration from the island’s natural beauty and Maldivian heritage to create original works and interactive moments that invite guests to engage directly with the creative process.

From January through December, artists representing diverse markets— including the U.S., U.K., Germany, Russia, the Middle East, and Asia— will each bring a unique perspective to the island, hosting hands-on workshops, design sessions, and intimate exhibitions that blur the boundaries between art, travel, and community.

Below is a preview of Finolhu’s confirmed 2026 artist calendar. Each artist will spend 1-3 weeks on the island, developing bespoke creative projects that reflect the spirit of Finolhu.

January 4 – 17 | Sarah Stieber (U.S.-based artist)

Known for her electrifying use of color and dynamic figurative style, Sarah Stieber’s work embodies empowerment, positivity, and energy – setting the tone for the year’s creative journey.

Steiber’s vibrant aesthetic and community-driven ethos are integrated throughout her work. Stieber has cultivated an expansive portfolio of public murals, tape paintings, art-inspired jewelry, and interiors. Her paintings are exhibited worldwide and have been featured on billboards in Times Square New York, Piccadilly Circus in London, and on the Duomo in Milan.

During her residency, Stieber will lead Tape Painting Workshops, guiding guests through her signature technique of using vibrant vinyl tape to create crisp, geometric compositions layered with expressive color. The classes – open to all ages and skill levels – invite guests to co-create bold, joy-infused artworks inspired by the island’s tropical palette and ocean hues.

Socials: @sarahstieber

February 17 – 22 | Chef Janice Wong (Singapore-based artist)

A visionary pastry artist celebrated for her edible art installations and multi-sensory approach to design, Chef Janice will fuse culinary creativity with visual expression in a series of guest experiences.

Chef Janice Wong is a globally acclaimed pastry artist known for her groundbreaking edible art, multi-sensory dessert experiences, and innovative approach to confectionery design. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris and recognized as “Asia’s Best Pastry Chef” by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, she has collaborated with leading chefs and exhibited her edible installations around the world. Through her residency at Finolhu, Wong will fuse art and gastronomy, inviting guests to explore creativity through taste, texture, and imagination.

During her residency, Wong will lead a series of immersive, hands-on chocolate art workshops designed for kids, teens, and families. Guests will learn to paint, mold, and sculpt with chocolate as a medium, blending color, flavor, and texture to create edible works of art. Each session reflects Wong’s central installation theme, an artistic interpretation of Hanifaru Bay, allowing participants to craft figurines that highlight the atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. Playful yet refined, the workshops offer a uniquely multi-sensory experience that celebrates creativity through taste and imagination.

Socials: @janicewongsg

March 5 – 18 | Anna Bochkova (Germany-based artist)

A contemporary artist exploring geometry, abstraction, and color balance, Anna will transform Finolhu’s natural landscape into a study in movement and minimalism.

Anna Bochkova is a Hamburg-based visual artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans sculpture, ceramics, papier-mache, drawing, and installation. Her work builds fragile yet evocative worlds that explore themes of care, utopia, memory, and belonging – often reflecting her experience of migration and her fascination with speculative Eastern European philosophies. Her sculptures and immersive installations have been shown across Europe at venues like Tomas Umarian Contemporary, Eigen+Art Lab, and Kunsthaus Hamburg, inviting viewers into tender, atmospheric spaces where human and non-human forms coexist in imagined futures.

Workshop details to come.

Socials: @anna_bochkova

March 26 – April 15 | Hussain Ihfal Ahmed (Maldives-based artist)

Finolhu’s Art & Design Year will spotlight local creativity with Hussain Ihfal Ahmed, widely known as Iffa, whose work reflects the island’s unique textures and cultural heritage.

Iffa is celebrated for his innovative use of mediums, including oil, watercolor, sand, and his signature coffee paintings. With over two decades of experience and exhibitions spanning the Maldives, Europe, Asia, and the U.S., his work reflects the islands’ cultural richness and natural beauty. A Visit Maldives 2025 Ambassador and National Award winner, Iffa is also renowned for leading immersive art workshops that connect guests with Maldivian creativity.

During his residency, Iffa will lead a series of immersive Acrylic Art and Coffee Painting Workshops, inviting guests to explore Maldivian creativity through two of his signature mediums. In the Acrylic Art Workshop, participants will paint vibrant, island-inspired scenes using bold colors and guided techniques suited for all skill levels. His Coffee Painting Workshop—one of his most distinctive offerings—teaches guests how to create warm, textured artworks using instant coffee as the primary medium, blending artistry with sensory experience. Each session is designed to be relaxing, hands-on, and deeply connected to the Maldives’ cultural and natural surroundings, offering guests a memorable and therapeutic creative escape.

Socials: @iphpha_gallery

May – September | Md. Nakib Rahman (Finolhu Resident Artist) & Yashika Pitigala (Sri Lankan-based artist)

During the summer months, Finolhu’s in-house creative team and emerging Maldivian artists will collaborate on projects inspired by sustainability, community, and the ocean.

Finolhu’s Resident Artist, Md. Nakib Rahman is a Bangladeshi ceramicist whose work explores the calming, elemental connection between earth, water, and form. With more than seven years of experience, Nakib is known for his meditative approach to wheel throwing and the pinch technique, shaping clay into organic, sea-inspired vessels that reflect the simplicity and serenity of island life. His “Earth & Ocean” workshops invite guests to slow down, embrace mindfulness, and craft their own clay pieces—each one a personal expression of patience, creativity, and the natural rhythm of the Maldives.

Sri Lankan artist Yashika Pitigala brings a deeply expressive, nature-rooted perspective to Finolhu, drawing inspiration from the rhythms, colours, and quiet poetry of island life. Trained in acrylics, watercolours, mixed media, and polymer jewellery design, her work captures the fluid beauty of the ocean—each piece a harmonious blend of texture, emotion, and coastal storytelling. Through her signature “Moments in Motion” workshops held by the lagoon, Yashika guides guests in exploring mindfulness and intuitive creativity, encouraging them to translate the movement of waves and shifting light into flowing, heartfelt works of art.

October 21 – 31 | Matthew Williamson (U.K. – based artist)

Known worldwide for his joyful use of color and pattern, Matthew Williamson will bring his distinctive design perspective to Finolhu through an exclusive collaboration and guest workshop.

Matthew Williamson is a British designer whose kaleidoscopic use of colour, pattern, and print first made waves in fashion with his 1997 debut collection at London Fashion Week. Over more than two decades, his eponymous label earned global acclaim, dressing style icon, expanding into homeware and lifestyle, and eventually evolving into a full-fledged interiors and design studio. Today, Williamson brings his signature joyous maximalist aesthetic to spaces and interiors worldwide, a perfect match for the vibrant, design-forward spirit of his residency.

During his residency, Williamson will demonstrate how to paint one of his favorite motifs, the Palm tree. Williamson focuses on an abstract, contemporary painting style, taking motifs from nature and the local landscape.

Socials: @matthewwilliamson

November 3 – 13 | Yakov Khomich (Russia-based artist)

A photographer and visual storyteller, Yakov’s residency will explore the interplay between light, reflection, and emotion within Finolhu’s natural surroundings.

Yakov Khomich is a contemporary artist based between Russia and France whose work defies stylistic boundaries and embraces eclectic experimentation. Raised in a family of artists and formally trained in film and fine arts, Khomich began painting full-time in 2019, launching a career defined by fluid technique and a wide variety of media, from oil and spray paint to mixed media. Since his debut solo show in Moscow, his work has been featured in major exhibitions and fairs such as Cosmoscow Art Fair and Blazar Art Fair, attracting international collectors and audiences drawn to his dreamlike scenes, evocative figures, and emotionally resonant paintings.

During his residency, Khomich will lead three immersive two-hour masterclasses focused on painting and sketching within Finolhu’s vibrant natural environment. Guests will explore Yakov’s expressive techniques for capturing movement, emotion, and the play of light across the island’s landscapes. Each session combines guided instruction with open creative exploration, encouraging participants to develop confidence in both observational and intuitive mark-making. Designed for all skill levels, the masterclasses provide a reflective, artist-led space to translate the colours and textures of Finolhu into compelling visual works.

Socials: @yakov_khomich

December 20 – January 3 | Araceli Adams (International)

To close the year, Araceli Adams will curate a festive collaboration uniting global craftsmanship, cultural celebration, and design-driven joy.

Araceli Adams is a Spanish-Australian artist and designer. Her hand-made and painted porcelain pieces draw on the rich biodiversity of the Indo-Pacific and the decorative traditions of the natural history books produced during the Age of Discovery. With degrees in English and marketing, and a diploma in ceramics (with distinction), Araceli learnt the mysteries of porcelain at New York’s Greenwich House Pottery. She now runs Casa Adams Fine Wares, a regenerative ceramics studio where her handmade pieces are produced and meticulously hand-painted to bring the magic found underwater into our daily lives. Araceli is listed as an exceptional craftsperson on the Homo Faber guide.

During her residency, Adams will invite guests to participate in a hands-on porcelain painting experience inspired by the vibrant marine ecosystems of the Baa Atoll. Each guest will receive a half-baked porcelain platter pre-sketched with local sea life – such as rays, reef fish, corals, and turtles – which they can paint in their own style, regardless of experience level. Designed to be both creative and educational, the workshop offers guests the chance to learn about the underwater species they encounter during their stay at Finolhu while creating a beautiful, meaningful keepsake to take home.

Socials: @araceli_adams

“As the Maldives’ first Design Hotels member, Finolhu has always championed creativity as a cornerstone of our identity,” says Steven Phillips, General Manager of Finolhu and .Here Baa Atoll, Seaside Collection Resorts. “The Art & Design Year is a natural extension of that philosophy—celebrating design as a living, evolving conversation between our guests, our environment, and the global creative community.”

At the heart of the programme is Finolhu’s Art Lab, a barnacle-inspired creative sanctuary designed by KölorGroup Singapore and Muza Lab London in collaboration with Asali Bali. The building itself is an incredible work of art and since its debut in 2024, has become a hub for creativity in the Maldives, hosting classes in painting, fabric dyeing, pottery, and resin art. The Art Lab will host residencies, exhibitions, and sustainability-focused workshops using natural and recycled materials found throughout the island.

As part of the resort’s evolving Kaleidoscope of Life concept—which celebrates colour, connection, and creativity—the Art & Design Year underscores Finolhu’s identity as a design-forward destination where architecture, art, and nature exist in joyful harmony.

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Sirru Fen Fushi celebrates Golden Week and Mid-Autumn Festival with Golden Autumn Escape

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This autumn, Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort invites guests to celebrate two of China’s most cherished annual traditions with the launch of Golden Autumn Escape, an immersive programme inspired by Golden Week and the Mid-Autumn Festival, taking place from 25 September to 10 October 2026.

Designed for couples, families and multigenerational travellers, the two-week celebration blends Chinese cultural inspiration with the natural beauty of the Maldives, offering an unforgettable collection of wellness experiences, culinary journeys, family activities, sustainability initiatives and ocean adventures.

Throughout the programme, guests can discover experiences curated to encourage connection, relaxation and celebration. Culinary highlights include The Golden Duck Soirée, Moonlight Hot Pot Experience, Wine & Sake Dinner, Imperial Seafood Feast, Lagoon Wine Tasting, and hands-on Dumpling Making and Sushi Making classes inspired by Asian flavours and traditions.

Families can enjoy a vibrant programme of creative activities including lantern making, Golden Cookie Art, treasure hunts, cupcake decorating, origami workshops and festive crafts, while guests of all ages are invited to take part in Mahjong sessions, canvas painting, coconut art, archery and a variety of sporting activities.

Surrounded by one of the Maldives’ largest natural lagoons and a thriving house reef, guests can also experience unforgettable marine adventures including nurse shark snorkelling, sunset dolphin cruises, turtle research, Coralarium discovery tours, coral planting, scuba experiences and private ocean excursions.

Adding another dimension to this year’s celebration is the exclusive wellness residency of internationally recognised holistic wellness consultant Dr Hetalkumar Doshi, founder of Energy Masters.

Throughout the Golden Autumn programme, Dr Doshi will lead a selection of immersive wellbeing experiences inspired by his holistic approach to health and the philosophy of the Five Elements. Guests can participate in guided Breathwork Meditation, Reiki Healing, Sunset Signature Flow Yoga, Sound Healing, Silent Walking Meditation, and Stress Relief Through Breath & Sound sessions, alongside personalised healing experiences and complimentary wellbeing consultations.

The residency reflects Sirru Fen Fushi’s ongoing commitment to offering transformative wellness experiences that nurture physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing while connecting guests with the tranquillity of the island.

In addition to wellness and cultural celebrations, sustainability remains at the heart of the programme. Guests are invited to participate in signature experiences including Coralarium Discovery Tours, Coral Planting, Sustainability Lab Tours, Turtle Tag Making and Ghost Net Bracelet Braiding, offering meaningful opportunities to contribute to marine conservation during their stay.

Speaking about the programme, Rudrojit Deb, General Manager, said: “Golden Week and the Mid-Autumn Festival are among the most significant celebrations for Chinese travellers, centred around family, gratitude and togetherness. Through Golden Autumn Escape, we wanted to create a programme that honours these traditions while showcasing the unique experiences that make Sirru Fen Fushi such a special destination. From exceptional dining and holistic wellness to marine adventures and sustainability experiences, every element has been thoughtfully designed to create meaningful moments for our guests.”

Golden Autumn Escape forms part of Sirru Fen Fushi’s continued focus on creating immersive seasonal experiences that combine authentic Maldivian hospitality with thoughtfully curated programming for international travellers.

The full programme runs from 25 September to 10 October 2026, with daily experiences taking place across the resort.

For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.

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Ifuru Island Maldives to stage four nights of music and culture with Ripple & Friends

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From 17 to 21 September 2026, Ifuru Island Maldives welcomes Ripple & Friends for an intimate island gathering bringing together music, live performance, art, wellness, movement, dining and unforgettable shared moments.

From 17 to 21 September 2026, Ifuru Island Maldives introduces Ripple & Friends in collaboration with Ripple Effect for an intimate island gathering bringing together music, live performance, art, wellness, movement, dining and unforgettable shared moments.

Ripple Effect is a Maldives-based creative company shaping experiences where music, hospitality and culture come together. From distinctive events to original music production, moments are created to bring people together and leave a lasting impression.

The “& Friends” is more than a name. It represents everyone who joins the gathering, creating an experience centred on music, good food, creativity and genuine connection.

Rather than following the format of a conventional music festival, Ripple & Friends is designed to move with the natural rhythm of island life. Each day brings its own defining moments, while leaving guests with the freedom to slow down, explore Ifuru Island and enjoy the experience at their own pace.

Across four days and nights, the programme moves between sunset sessions, live performances, DJ led nights, poolside gatherings, shared dining experiences, art, wellness and movement, before coming together for a unplugged jam session.

Four days; four distinctive rythms 

DAY ONE | FIRST RIPPLE
Thursday, 17 September 2026

The first ripple begins at sunset.

Guests gather at Waterfront as the sun goes down over Ifuru Island, setting the tone for the days ahead with music, dining and a first night dedicated to nostalgic sounds and good company.

  • Sunset Session at Waterfront
  • Welcome Dinner at Waterfront
  • 90s & Disco House at Hubba Hubba
  • Dress Code: White

From the first sunset session to the late night atmosphere at Hubba Hubba, Thursday is designed as an introduction to the people, music and spirit that will shape the rest of Ripple & Friends.

DAY TWO | LOW TIDE
Friday, 18 September 2026

Friday begins with movement before the tempo rises.

Dynamic Stretch with Martha at the Pool Deck starts the day, followed by an R&B and Hip Hop Brunch and a Pool Party, bringing music into the heart of the daytime island experience.

As evening arrives, guests come together for a BBQ Dinner at Social House before the night continues with After Dark at Hubba Hubba.

  • Dynamic Stretch with Martha at the Pool Deck
  • R&B and Hip Hop Brunch
  • Pool Party
  • BBQ Dinner at Social House
  • After Dark at Hubba Hubba

Low Tide brings together wellness, food, music and poolside energy in a day designed to move effortlessly from morning into night.

DAY THREE | HIGH TIDE
Saturday, 19 September 2026

Saturday sees the energy rise with High Tide.

The day begins with Morning Stretches with Sharu at the Pool Deck, offering a slower start before the island shifts towards an evening of music and celebration.

As sunset approaches, guests gather for a Sundowner at Beach Club, before the night reaches its peak with High Tide at Hubba Hubba.

  • Morning Stretches with Sharu at the Pool Deck
  • Sundowner at Beach Club
  • High Tide at Hubba Hubba

High Tide captures the contrast at the heart of the experience, moving from a relaxed island morning to sunset gatherings and an energetic Saturday night.

DAY FOUR | WHINE DOWN
Sunday, 20 September 2026

After three days of music, movement and shared experiences, Sunday brings a change of pace with Whine Down.

The evening begins with a Sundowner by the Pool, bringing everyone back together as the sun begins to set.

The night then moves to Hubba Hubba for Whine Down, closing the fourth full day of Ripple & Friends with music, connection and one more night shared among friends.

  • Sundowner by the Pool
  • Whine Down at Hubba Hubba

It is a fitting final full night for a gathering built around taking time, meeting people and enjoying each moment without rushing towards the next.

LAST RIPPLE
Monday, 21 September 2026

Ripple & Friends does not simply end after the fourth night.

On Monday, guests come together one final time for Last Ripple, featuring an Unplugged Jam Session at Hubba Hubba.

Stripping the experience back to live music and the people who have shared the previous four days, Last Ripple offers an intimate conclusion to the gathering before guests say goodbye to the island and to new friends made along the way.

  • Unplugged Jam Session at Hubba Hubba

At the heart of Ripple & Friends is a collective of talent spanning duos, selectors, art, wellness and movement.
The 2026 gathering features:

  • Inma & Mira
  • Farey & Nish
  • Afruh
  • Tappu
  • Amney & Aleef
  • Martha
  • Studio Odi by Naani
  • Sharu

Together, they bring different creative dimensions to the island, allowing the programme to move naturally between music, performance, art, wellness and movement throughout the four days.

What sets Ripple & Friends apart is its intentionally unhurried approach.

Instead of creating a packed schedule that asks guests to move constantly from one event to another, the experience allows the island itself to become part of the programme.

One moment each day is shaped around the Ripple & Friends community, while the rest leaves room for guests to wander, discover and enjoy Ifuru Island on their own terms.

Music moves between Waterfront, the Pool Deck, Beach Club and Hubba Hubba. Meals become social gatherings. Wellness and movement provide a different rhythm to the mornings, while sunsets naturally bring everyone back together.

At its heart, Ripple & Friends is about the people sharing those moments.

Guests may arrive as names on a list, but the idea is simple: Come as a guest, leave as a friend.

For more information, please visit the resort’s official website or contact bookingmagic@ifuruisland.com.

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Le Méridien Maldives, Patémar unite for sustainable swimwear collaboration

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Some of the best stories begin by the sea. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa and resortwear brand Patémar come together for a collaboration inspired by a shared passion for the ocean, thoughtful design and an endless summer state of mind.

At the heart of the collaboration are Patémar’s men’s swim shorts, crafted from fabric made using upcycled plastic recovered from landfill and ocean waste. Each pair represents the equivalent of around 12 discarded plastic bottles, giving waste a new purpose. Entirely handmade in Bali by master tailors, the swimwear is defined by clean silhouettes and considered details, bringing together contemporary style, functionality and a more intentional approach to materials; a naturalfitfor life by the sea.

Patémar finds a natural home at Le Méridien Maldives, where the ocean is central to island life and its protection is an enduring priority. Set on Thilamaafushi Island in Lhaviyani Atoll and surrounded by a vibrant housereef, the resort maintains a strong commitment to sustainability and marine conservation, from reducing single-use plastics and strengthening waste management practices to responsible water and energy use. Its hydroponic greenhouse further supports more responsible food production, growing herbs and leafy greens on the island.

The connection to the marine environment extends beyond the resort’s operations, becoming part of the experience at Le Méridien Maldives. At the Marine Conservation Hub, the resident marine biologist offers a closer look at the ecosystems surrounding Thilamaafushi Island, from the species that inhabit its waters to the delicate coral and seagrass that sustain them. Through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy, this discovery continues through the Marine Master programme, where guests can explore the housereef, identify marine species and contribute to ongoing marine conservation and research initiatives.

Within this setting, Patémar’s approach to swimwear takes on another dimension: designed for life by the ocean, with greater consideration for the environment that inspires it.

Framed by Au Soleil, Le Méridien’s celebration of the sun-kissed good life, the collaboration brings a playful energy to the island. Here, summer is a state of mind. Patémar’s swimwear becomes part of that rhythm, moving effortlessly from morning swims to afternoons by the pool and moments spent discovering the reef beneath the surface. It is an expression of endless summer, shaped by the sea, where style and purpose exist naturally side by side.

“Patémar is a natural partner for Le Méridien Maldives because our stories meet in the same place: the ocean,”says Thomas Schult, General Manager at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. “The collaboration brings together our passion for design, the spirit of Au Soleil and a shared commitment to environmental conservation. It also gives our guests another way to discover and connect with the marine world that surrounds the island.”

For Patémar, the collaboration brings its ocean-conscious approach to a destination where the sea is an integral part of everyday life, and where preserving the marine environment is equally important.

“Patémar was created with the idea that resortwear should feel connected to the places where it is worn,” says Rudy Hertanto, Co-founder and CEO of Patémar. “The Maldives is a natural extension of that story. Working with Le Méridien Maldives allows us to share our approach to design and materials in a setting where the beauty of the ocean, and the importance of protecting it, is impossible to overlook.”

The partnership carries a purpose beyond the product itself. For every pair of swim shorts sold, Patémar contributes€1to Plastic Bank Indonesia, supporting the collection of ocean-bound plastic while creating additional income opportunities for local communities.

The collaboration is available at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, inviting guests to discover Patémar’s men’s swimwear and the story woven into its materials, while experiencing the marine environment that makes Thilamaafushi Island a distinctive destination to live, explore and play.

For more information or to book, please visit lemeridien-maldives.com or contact reservations.maldives@lemeridien.com.

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