Lifestyle
British designer Matthew Williamson to host residency at Finolhu Maldives
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, has announced the upcoming residency of internationally acclaimed British designer Matthew Williamson. Taking place from 21 to 31 October 2026, the residency will invite guests to immerse themselves in Williamson’s vibrant creative universe through exclusive workshops and artistic experiences inspired by the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Widely recognised for his kaleidoscopic use of colour, bold patterns and joyful maximalist aesthetic, Williamson first rose to prominence with his acclaimed debut collection at London Fashion Week in 1997. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has become one of Britain’s most celebrated creative talents, expanding from fashion into interiors, homeware and design, where his distinctive approach continues to shape inspiring spaces around the world.
Matthew Williamson’s residency forms part of Finolhu’s ongoing Art & Design programme, an initiative that has welcomed an exceptional roster of internationally acclaimed creatives to the island throughout 2026. Earlier this year, guests had the opportunity to engage with celebrated British artist and designer Sophie Tea, renowned fashion illustrator and creative director Megan Hess, acclaimed interior designer and television personality Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and multidisciplinary artist Natasha Kumar. Through workshops, exhibitions and immersive creative experiences, the programme continues to foster meaningful connections between guests and some of the world’s most inspiring artistic talents.
A proud member of Design Hotels™, Finolhu is renowned for its bold design identity and creative approach to luxury hospitality. The resort’s Art & Design programme extends this philosophy beyond architecture and interiors, offering guests rare opportunities to engage directly with globally recognised artists, designers and cultural visionaries in an inspiring island setting.
During his residency at Finolhu, Williamson will lead a series of intimate guest workshops focused on one of his favourite motifs – the palm tree. Drawing inspiration from the island’s tropical landscape, participants will explore an abstract and contemporary painting style that celebrates colour, nature and personal expression. Designed for both aspiring and experienced creatives, the sessions will offer guests a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of the industry’s most influential designers while creating their own artwork to take home.
The residency further strengthens Finolhu’s position as a leading creative destination in the Maldives, bringing together art, design and meaningful guest engagement in a setting that encourages inspiration, self-expression and cultural exchange.
At the heart of the programme is Finolhu’s Art Lab, a striking barnacle-inspired creative sanctuary that serves as a hub for artistic expression and cultural exchange. The space hosts workshops, exhibitions and immersive experiences throughout the year, encouraging guests to explore their creativity while engaging with leading artists and designers from around the world.
inolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, has established itself as one of the Maldives’ most celebrated lifestyle resorts, renowned for its vibrant personality, playful approach to luxury and iconic two-kilometre sandbank, one of the longest in the Maldives. Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort offers a collection of stylish beachfront and overwater villas, diverse culinary experiences, holistic wellness offerings and immersive recreational experiences. Known for seamlessly blending barefoot luxury with a dynamic social atmosphere, Finolhu has cultivated a loyal international following and continues to distinguish itself through creative guest experiences, contemporary design and a distinctive sense of island character. Through initiatives such as its Art & Design programme, the resort further reinforces its reputation as a destination where creativity, culture and hospitality converge in inspiring and unexpected ways.
To learn more about Finolhu, a Seaside Collection resort, visit the resort’s website.
Entertainment
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives welcomes British duo The Whiskey Brothers for live performances
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is turning up the volume this October as The Whiskey Brothers bring their signature live performances to CROSSROADS Maldives for two evenings of music, energy and island entertainment.
Known for their engaging performances and distinctive musical style, The Whiskey Brothers will bring their sound to two of the destination’s vibrant venues, creating memorable evenings against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives.
The duo will kick off their performances at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives on 27 October 2026. Open to the public, including local residents, expats, and visitors, the evening invites music lovers to come together and experience the electrifying atmosphere of Hard Rock Cafe, where great music, dining and entertainment take centre stage.

On 28 October 2026, The Whiskey Brothers will continue their island performance at The Elephant & The Butterfly, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ signature beachfront restaurant. This exclusive performance is reserved for resort guests, offering an intimate evening of live music in a relaxed tropical setting.
The performances reflect Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ commitment to bringing its iconic music-inspired DNA to life through dynamic entertainment, engaging experiences and vibrant island programming.
Located within CROSSROADS Maldives, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives continues to celebrate the spirit of music, entertainment and island living.
Event Details:
- 27 October 2026 | 9:00 PM – 9:45 PM Venue: Hard Rock Cafe Maldives; open to the public, including locals, expats and visitors
- 28 October 2026 | 7:30 PM – 8:15 PM Venue: The Elephant & The Butterfly, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives; exclusive to resort guests
Entertainment
Former Savoy Hotel pianist Richard Sully to perform at V Villas Maldives at Mirihi
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection has announced a residency by British pianist Richard Sully from 4 to 9 November 2026, featuring a series of live performances alongside dining experiences, sunset cruises and evening gatherings across the resort.
Sully, a former resident pianist at London’s Savoy Hotel, has performed at venues across Britain and internationally. His repertoire includes popular music, light jazz, classic standards and compositions from film and theatre, which he performs entirely from memory.
The residency will begin on 4 November with sundowner cocktails and a Lobster Extravaganza on the beach, accompanied by a live piano performance. The opening evening will combine music with beachfront dining.
On 5 November, Sully will perform at AKOYA Sea Lounge, offering guests an evening of live music in the resort’s oceanfront setting.
The programme will continue on 7 November with a sunset cruise aboard the Mirihi Thari Sailing Yacht, bringing the musical experience onto the Indian Ocean.
On 8 November, Sully will present a sundowner performance at Muraka, before concluding his residency with a final evening performance at AKOYA Sea Lounge on 9 November.

The five scheduled experiences form part of the resort’s efforts to incorporate live entertainment into its dining and leisure offerings, allowing guests to enjoy music in different settings across the island.
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, part of the MGallery Collection, offers beach and overwater accommodation, oceanfront dining and marine experiences. The November residency will add a series of music-focused activities to the resort’s guest experience programme.
Fashion
KAYALI showcases Maldives as luxury brand destination with first global trip
Global fragrance brand KAYALI, founded by beauty entrepreneur Mona Kattan, selected Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa as the destination for its first-ever global brand trip, bringing together international content creators, influencers and media representatives for an experience combining fragrance, wellness and Maldivian island hospitality.
Held in September 2026, the event, titled KAYALI Island Spraycation, marked a milestone in the brand’s international engagement strategy. The programme featured two exclusive trips designed for its influencer and media communities, providing participants with opportunities to experience the brand’s fragrances alongside the resort’s accommodation, wellness facilities and marine excursions.

The Maldives was selected because of Kattan’s personal connection with the destination, which she has frequently described as one of her favourite places. Her experiences in the country have also influenced KAYALI’s fragrance development, including its Vacay in a Bottle collection, which draws inspiration from travel and destinations.

Located in North Malé Atoll, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa provided the setting for several brand activations, with villas, wellness experiences and guest activities incorporating KAYALI’s fragrances and visual identity.

Upon arrival, participants were welcomed with personalised amenities, fragrance collections and branded gifts. Guest accommodation featured KAYALI products, robes and sleep accessories, while the resort’s hospitality team collaborated on themed turndown experiences and personalised arrangements.

One of the programme’s highlights was a wellness experience at ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island, the resort’s dedicated wellness sanctuary. Inspired by KAYALI’s Yum Lip & Body Collection, the House of Yum: Layer With Love experience introduced participants to body care and fragrance layering through treatments and product demonstrations.

The itinerary also included the KAYALI Scent Lab, an interactive session exploring fragrance ingredients, formulation and the Middle Eastern tradition of combining different scents.
Kara Davis, the brand’s Vice President of Global Marketing, and Robert Nasser Sabet, Director of Global Sales and Education, guided participants through the development of KAYALI fragrances and the techniques used to combine different scent profiles.

Participants were introduced to fragrances from the brand’s portfolio, including Vanilla | 28, Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar | 42 and Yum Boujee Marshmallow | 81. They also received an exclusive preview of an unreleased KAYALI fragrance ahead of its planned October 2026 launch.

Beyond the fragrance sessions, the programme incorporated resort dining, themed entertainment and ocean experiences. A KAYALI movie night, inspired by the brand’s Boujee Kitty Caramel Milk fragrance, brought participants together for an evening of entertainment and personalised hospitality.

Guests also joined a dolphin-watching excursion aboard the Perfume Princess yacht, providing an opportunity to experience the marine environment surrounding the resort. The programme concluded with a farewell dinner that brought together participants from different international markets.

The trip followed previous KAYALI destination-based activations, including a visit to Cappadocia, Türkiye, associated with the launch of its Freedom fragrance collection in late 2025. However, the Maldives event represented the brand’s first global trip bringing together its international creator and media communities.

Founded in 2018, KAYALI has developed an international following through its fragrance collections and emphasis on scent layering. The Maldives trip formed part of its efforts to engage content creators and media through experiences that extend beyond traditional product launches.

For Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the collaboration demonstrated the property’s capacity to accommodate international luxury brand events requiring customised accommodation, wellness programmes, dining and recreational activities.

The event also highlighted the Maldives’ potential as a destination for global beauty, fashion and lifestyle brand activations, where international brands can combine product storytelling with resort hospitality and destination experiences.

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