News
Kandolhu Maldives announces festive season with gourmet experiences and island traditions
Kandolhu Maldives’ festive season programme is an invitation to experience the warmth of the holidays shaped by the rhythms of Maldivian island life. Celebrations unfold through culinary events, intimate gatherings, and moments of quiet connection from late December through the New Year.
The season begins on 20 December with a festive workshop where guests will learn to craft unique ornaments from palm leaves, each handmade piece later becoming part of the collective, joyful spirit of the island’s tree decorating ceremony. The celebrations continue with the annual tree lighting and a Christmas cocktail reception, where handcrafted cocktails and delicious canapés are shared.
Christmas Eve arrives with its own soft magic. Artisanal cocktails at Vilu Bar, followed by a gala dinner on the beach. Beneath a canopy of stars, an exquisite menu meets the ocean’s gentle rhythm. Christmas Day brings a festive Christmas spread, a beachside buffet of seasonal favourites and island-inspired delights.

At the heart of the festive season is a series of gourmet events, each a celebration of place and culinary artistry. The programme is highlighted by two exclusive evenings with two-Michelin-starred Chef Benjamin Peifer, whose distinctive fusion of Palatinate and Japanese cuisine is offered at Olive restaurant for an intimate gathering of just twenty-two guests on each occasion. On 28 December, an inspired four-course dinner showcases his culinary vision. This is followed on 30 December by a five-course Wine & Dine experience where intense, fire-roasted izakaya-style flavours are harmonised with expert pairings from Sommelier Jan Spener.
The warmth of shared evenings continues with menus shaped by the surrounding ocean and the rich traditions of the archipelago. One night will offer a Taste of Asia, a journey through bold spices and aromatic herbs. Another evening brings the spirit of the Maldives to life with the pulsing beat of boduberu, a living story told through drumming and savoured with exquisite cocktails and light Maldivian bites. Even in the stillness of morning, there is life, found at Vilu Bar in the conviviality of a traditional Frühschoppen, where freshly baked pretzels and wheat beer are shared in the sunlight.

There will be elegant tastings on the beach with a curated selection of fine Champagnes and sparkling wines, and a collection of wines selected by Sommelier Jan Spener, perfectly complemented by an assortment of delicious canapés.
The New Year is welcomed with an evening of music, indulgence, and culinary excellence. As twilight descends, guests will gather at the water’s edge to savour canapés and cocktails crafted for the season. Dinner unfolds under the stars, a six-course journey of exceptional ingredients and refined flavours. As midnight approaches, the final moments of the year dissolve into music and dancing. A passage from one year to the next.
The first morning of the year begins with a leisurely, festive New Year’s Day breakfast and later that evening a New Year’s feast will be held at Sea Grill, presenting an elegant four-course menu perfectly paired with sparkling wine in a refined seaside setting.

Varu Spa offers restorative rituals to elevate the self and soul. Treatments shaped by the ocean’s calm and the warmth of island air invite a deeper stillness. Guests can surrender to deep tissue massage with warming oils, or let heated stones promote a sense of flowing energy. Inspired by ancient traditional Thai medicine, Stretch Therapy uses pressure point therapy and gentle stretching to restore balance and vitality to the body. A Rose Indulgent Scrub nourishes and moistures, leaving skin deeply hydrated and radiant, while tailored facials enhance skin health for a complete reset. For a shared experience, the Varu Haven couples’ treatment begins with a sea salt soak and concludes with a symbol of connection.
Beneath the water’s surface, a house reef rich with marine life stretches out beyond the shore. Sunlit mornings and afternoons are spent on guided excursions into clear water, slow drifts through coral gardens, and the quiet wonder of the sea on guided swims alongside majestic manta rays and whale sharks. The festive programme is complemented by stand-up paddleboarding, champagne sunset cruises, and spirited games of beach volleyball.
The Kandolhu festive programme offers a pathway to revival and renewal. More than an escape, it is a recalibration.
For reservations and more information, please visit www.kandolhu.com or contact the reservations team at +960 668 0790 / info@kandolhu.com.
Local
Atmosphere Foundation supports 1,440 households, 3,599 students in 2025
The Atmosphere Foundation has published its inaugural annual report, bringing together the stories and results of its work across the Maldives during 2025. The report documents a year shaped by close collaboration with island councils, schools, universities, community organisations and individuals working to create lasting opportunities within their communities.
Established as the community and sustainability arm of Atmosphere Core, Atmosphere Foundation works by listening to communities and supporting ideas grounded in local priorities. The Annual Report 2025 offers a detailed account of this approach in action, covering initiatives in education, livelihoods, health, community wellbeing and environmental protection.
During the year, the Foundation worked alongside 47 implementing partners and engaged 37 experts across its programmes. Its initiatives supported more than 1,440 households and 3,599 students across 38 schools and two universities. The Foundation also conducted 91 training sessions, engaged 913 parents through awareness programmes and provided skills development opportunities for 463 teachers.
Environmental action remained a major focus. Through the Foundation’s flagship Bamboo for Climate Mitigation project, 3,722 bamboo plants were planted across 48 islands in every atoll of the Maldives. The programme has involved more than 23 community groups and 18 island councils. At the Vaikaradhoo Bamboo Park, the local council extended the initiative by replanting 200 bamboo cuttings across the island, demonstrating how a supported project can grow under community ownership.
The Foundation also partnered with the Maldives National University on a scientific study examining how different bamboo species grow in island environments. The research will help establish a stronger body of local knowledge to guide future cultivation and understand bamboo’s potential ecological role in the Maldives.
Alongside its environmental programmes, the Foundation supported practical routes towards income generation. In HDh. Vaikaradhoo, a soft toy initiative involving 14 households began producing fabric turtles and crabs for young guests visiting Atmosphere Core resorts.

Education initiatives ranged from improving preschool learning environments to placing locally relevant books in schools and libraries. The Foundation supported the printing of 1,000 copies of the Dhivehi children’s book Ainee aai Velaa, created with the Olive Ridley Project Maldives, and contributed towards 1,000 copies of Atoll and Island Formation in the Maldives. The latter was distributed free of charge as an educational resource for students across the country.
Health and community care programmes included 779 vision screenings and screenings for 112 people through community-based hearing camps. Other initiatives addressed healthy ageing, nutrition, non-communicable diseases and domestic violence awareness, reflecting the range of needs identified through the Foundation’s community partnerships.
Commenting on the report, Ismail Faseeh, Senior Vice President of Atmosphere Foundation, said: “Real change does not happen alone. It grows when communities, councils, educators and partners come together, each bringing their own knowledge and strengths. This report is a reflection of the trust communities have placed in us and of what becomes possible when people work towards a shared purpose.”
Rather than presenting support as a one-way contribution, the report recognises the communities and partners who shaped each initiative. Eighteen focus groups were conducted during the year to better understand community needs and help ensure that programmes remained locally relevant.
Through the publication of its first annual report, Atmosphere Foundation aims to provide a transparent record of its progress while recognising the many people and organisations behind it. Together, the projects illustrate how practical support, shared knowledge and local ownership can help good ideas take root and grow.
News
Finolhu brings ‘Magic by the Sea’ to Maldives for festive season 2026
This festive season, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, invites guests to embrace the wonder of Magic by the Sea, an imaginative celebration of togetherness, discovery and island living. Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort will transform its celebrated Island Playground into a world of festive enchantment, where cherished traditions meet contemporary creativity, exceptional gastronomy and the carefree spirit of the Maldives.
Unfolding from 21 December 2026 through early January 2027, the festive programme brings together an inspiring collection of experiences designed for guests of all generations. From sun-drenched days exploring the island’s natural beauty to atmospheric evenings beneath the stars, the celebrations capture Finolhu’s distinctive approach to luxury: vibrant, expressive and effortlessly relaxed.
At the heart of the festivities is a celebration of connection. The season begins with the traditional Festive Tree Lighting, bringing guests together for an evening of music, entertainment and holiday cheer against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Christmas takes on a distinctly tropical character, with Santa Claus making a special island arrival, while elegant Christmas Eve celebrations and a spectacular New Year’s Eve gala bring a sense of occasion to the shores of Finolhu. As the year draws to a close, live performances by the international Goldsingers, captivating entertainment and a dazzling fireworks display set the stage for an unforgettable welcome to 2027.
Gastronomy remains central to the festive experience, reflecting Finolhu’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ leading culinary destinations and its recent recognition as Best Culinary Resort at the TTM Awards 2026. Throughout the season, guests can discover a diverse collection of dining experiences that celebrate international flavours, local ingredients and the pleasure of sharing memorable moments around the table. From refined festive gala dinners and exclusive Anguru dining experiences to relaxed beachfront gatherings, seafood specialities and vibrant culinary celebrations, each occasion is thoughtfully designed to complement the island’s extraordinary setting.

Creativity also finds its place within Magic by the Sea, with Finolhu’s Art Lab offering opportunities for guests to explore artistic expression inspired by the surrounding ocean. A highlight of the season is the collaboration with Casa Adams, founded by ceramic artist Araceli Adams, whose hands-on pottery experiences invite guests to discover traditional techniques and create personal keepsakes inspired by the colours, textures and beauty of the Maldives. Alongside these artistic encounters, an engaging programme of painting, craft workshops and creative experiences encourages guests of all ages to embrace their imagination.
For families, the festive season promises a world of discovery and adventure. Finolhu’s Oceaneers Club and Teens Hut will host an extensive programme of experiences tailored to younger guests, from festive baking and treasure hunts to creative workshops, sporting challenges and island explorations. Family-friendly competitions, interactive entertainment and shared adventures offer opportunities for parents and children to connect, while dedicated experiences for teenagers introduce a contemporary mix of music, photography, creativity and outdoor activities.
Beyond the festivities, the natural beauty of Baa Atoll provides the setting for moments of exploration and renewal. Guided snorkelling experiences with Finolhu’s Marine Biologist offer a closer connection to the remarkable marine environment, while ocean-inspired educational activities introduce younger guests to the importance of marine conservation. For those seeking a gentler rhythm, sunrise yoga, meditation, wellness experiences and peaceful moments by the sea provide a welcome balance to the season’s lively celebrations.

As daylight gives way to golden sunsets, Finolhu’s signature social spirit comes alive. Beachfront cocktail gatherings, sunset celebrations, live music, DJ performances and the resort’s celebrated White Parties create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and refreshingly playful. Whether enjoying a leisurely afternoon at Crab Shack, gathering with loved ones on the sandbank or dancing beneath the stars, guests are invited to experience the festive season at their own pace.
Framed by turquoise lagoons, powder-soft beaches and Finolhu’s iconic two-kilometre sandbank, Magic by the Sea offers more than a traditional festive escape. It is an invitation to rediscover the joy of being together, embrace new experiences and create lasting memories in one of the Indian Ocean’s most extraordinary island settings.
With its distinctive blend of creativity, gastronomy, wellness and spirited entertainment, Finolhu welcomes guests to celebrate the season in true Island Playground style, where every day brings a new discovery and every evening holds the promise of something magical.
For more information and reservations, visit www.finolhu.com.
News
Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa marks eight years in Maldives with special guest experiences
Eight years of island moments, memorable stays, and Maldivian hospitality come together this November as Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa celebrates its eighth anniversary with a month of special experiences, culminating in a gala evening on 7 November.
Set against the turquoise waters of Noonu Atoll, the celebrations reflect what makes time at Kuredhivaru distinctive: the freedom to slow down, reconnect, and discover the island in unexpected ways.

The anniversary gala will begin with cocktails on Bodumas Beach before guests gather for dinner at Onu Marche. Live music, DJ performances, a special address from the General Manager, and the traditional cutting of the anniversary cake will bring the evening together in a festive celebration of the resort’s journey.
Throughout November, guests can also discover Eight Experiences for Eight Years, a collection of curated dining, wellness, and ocean adventures. Highlights include private dining in the resort’s Secret Garden, a castaway picnic on a nearby private island, and Cinema Underthe Stars, where a movie unfolds beneath the Maldivian night sky.

For those seeking a slower pace, multi-day spa journeys offer moments of renewal and relaxation. Guests looking for adventure can take to the waves with special offers on jetskiing or even explore the breathtaking underwater world with their first Discover Scuba Diving experience.
The celebrations extend beyond dining and wellness, with recreational activities and friendly competitions bringing guests together through beach sports, stand-up paddleboarding, fitness challenges, and family games.
More than marking a milestone, the eighth anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the experiences and connections that have shaped Kuredhivaru over the years. From quiet moments by the lagoon to evenings shared beneath the stars, the resort’s November programme invites guests to make new memories while celebrating eight years of island living.

For any reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 656 3000.
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