A Season of Celebration: Culinary Excellence & Cultural Highlights at Finolhu

17 February, 2026

For those who believe that the finest holidays are a blend of breathtaking beauty, world-class cuisine, and rich cultural immersion, Finolhu Maldives is about to become your dream destination. As the sun paints the Indian Ocean in hues of gold and pink, the "Island Playground" is transforming into a vibrant hub of gastronomic excellence and creative expression.

This season, Finolhu invites guests on a journey that tantalizes all the senses. From an exclusive beachfront dining series with a celebrated Michelin-recognized chef to hands-on art sessions with one of the Maldives' most innovative artists, the island is curating a series of moments designed to inspire, delight, and bring people together. As a proud member of Design Hotels™, Finolhu is launching its inaugural "A Year In Colour" Art & Design Year 2026, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Maldives that promises a year-long celebration of creativity, making this the perfect time to visit .

Here is an exclusive look at the culinary and cultural highlights awaiting you at Finolhu this season.

An Exclusive Culinary Encounter: Chef Andrei Shmakov Pop-Up by the Beach

Finolhu has always been a destination for discerning palates, boasting dining venues that range from the retro-cool Crab Shack to the refined Asian flavours of Kanusan . This season, the resort elevates its culinary credentials to new heights by welcoming a master of his craft.

On the 5th and 8th of March 2026, Finolhu hosts celebrated culinary master Chef Andrei Shmakov for an exclusive series of pop-up dinners. Set against the island’s most breathtaking beachfront settings, this is more than a meal; it is a gastronomic performance.

Chef Shmakov, the legendary chef behind Moscow's Michelin-recognized restaurant SAVVA, is renowned for his unique Russian-Nordic cuisine . Recognized in the MICHELIN Guide Moscow 2022 and listed among the Top 1000 restaurants in the world by La Liste 2026, Chef Shmakov brings a philosophy of precise, delicate, and multi-layered flavours to the shores of the Baa Atoll .

Guests will have two distinct ways to experience his artistry:

• The Exclusive Chef’s Table: For those seeking the pinnacle of intimacy, this experience presents a meticulously curated seven-course degustation menu. With a limited number of seats, diners will witness culinary creativity up close in a private, unforgettable setting.

• A Social Beachfront Soirée: For a more relaxed vibe, a specially designed menu will be served in a larger beachfront setting. Here, more guests can enjoy Chef Shmakov’s signature style in a laid-back island atmosphere, with the rhythm of the waves as their soundtrack and a canopy of stars above.

This limited-time culinary residency is the perfect embodiment of the Finolhu style: barefoot luxury where world-class sophistication meets the easy-going spirit of the island.

A Vibrant Canvas: Art Classes with Hussain Ihfal Ahmed (Iffa)

Creativity flows as freely as the ocean tides at Finolhu, especially during its "A Year In Colour" celebration . From 29th March to 12th April 2026, the resort proudly hosts renowned Maldivian artist Hussain Ihfal Ahmed, affectionately known as Iffa.

A Visit Maldives 2025 Ambassador and National Award winner, Iffa is celebrated for his innovative use of mediums, from oil and watercolour to sand and his signature coffee paintings . His work, which reflects the islands’ cultural richness and natural beauty, has been exhibited across the Maldives, Europe, Asia, and the U.S. .

During his residency at Finolhu’s dedicated Art Lab—a creative space designed by acclaimed studio Muza Lab—guests of all ages and skill levels are invited to unlock their own creativity . Guided by Iffa, participants will explore different artistic techniques, drawing profound inspiration from Finolhu’s vibrant island surroundings. Whether it’s capturing the electric blues of the lagoon or the texture of a palm frond, these sessions offer a therapeutic and deeply personal way to connect with the Maldives.

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A World of Adventure for Young Explorers: The Teens Hut

Finolhu truly lives up to its nickname, the "Island Playground," and this is never more evident than in its dedicated spaces for younger travellers . While the little ones are captivated by the Oceaneers Club, teenagers have their own kingdom: the Teens Hut.

More than just a kids' club, the Teens Hut is a vibrant, clam-shaped, treehouse-style space where adolescents can forge their own path to fun . It offers the perfect balance of freedom and friendship, featuring:

• Creative Workshops: Tapping into the resort's artistic spirit with craft sessions.

• Gaming & Music: From high-score battles in the gaming chair to learning to DJ.

• Sports & Social Time: Friendly matches of padel tennis, beach games, or simply relaxing and making new friends from around the globe.

This dedicated space ensures that while parents indulge in spa treatments or romantic dinners, their teens are curating their own unforgettable island experience.

An Adventurous Easter Celebration Awaits

Easter at Finolhu is not just a day; it is a season of joy, transforming the island into a magical playground for the whole family. Embracing the spirit of togetherness, or as they say in Hawaii, ʻOhana’, the resort has curated an action-packed programme.

Imagine the delight of little ones as they join Lilo & Stitch adventures and scour the beaches for treasures during The Great Easter Egg Hunt. But the fun doesn't stop there. The Easter celebrations include a full roster of extraordinary experiences:

• Inspiring sessions at the Art Lab

• Fun-filled tournaments at the Teens Hut

• Exciting Padel Tennis matches for all ages

• A magical Full Moon Night celebration

• An extravagant Easter Gala feast under the stars

• A visit to the iconic Crab Shack for its famous "Smokehouse & Sounds"

Beyond the fun, there's a chance to win a complimentary return stay through a special lucky draw. Easter at Finolhu is about creating those irreplaceable family memories, set against the backdrop of the Maldives' most stunning scenery.

Celebrate Eid by the Ocean

The season of celebration culminates in a beautiful tribute to culture and community as Finolhu marks Eid. From the moment guests return to their villas, the spirit of the season is felt through a special turndown amenity inspired by Arabic delights.

The centerpiece of the Eid festivities is a bespoke Beachside Dinner on Thursday, 19th March. This is not just a meal; it is a cultural journey. The evening features a lavish buffet blending the vibrant, aromatic flavours of traditional Eid street food with a distinct Maldivian culinary theme. It’s an authentic yet elevated festive journey for the taste buds.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the beach comes alive with the rhythmic energy of traditional Boduberu performances and the mesmerizing glow of a captivating fire show by the sea. It’s an evening designed to celebrate the bonds of community and the richness of culture, all set against Finolhu’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Your Season of Celebration Awaits

Whether you are a foodie eager to taste the creations of a Michelin-recognized chef, an art lover looking to learn from a master, or a family seeking the ultimate festive getaway, Finolhu offers an escape that is as vibrant and dynamic as it is relaxing.

Located in the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, Finolhu provides the perfect setting for these extraordinary moments . From the longest sandbank in the Maldives to the world-class service and design, every element is crafted for wonder.

👇 Plan your escape to Finolhu this season and be part of a celebration where culinary excellence, cultural richness, and barefoot luxury meet.

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