Chocolate carving, Maldivian high tea and themed dining lead Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ festive season
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts will bring together themed dining, chocolate-inspired experiences, Maldivian cuisine and festive gala celebrations across three of its Maldives properties during the 2026–2027 festive season.
Atmosphere Kanifushi, RAAYA by Atmosphere and VARU by Atmosphere will each present a different culinary programme, with experiences ranging from international themed dining and chocolate carving to Maldivian high tea and live sweets stations.
For chefs, pastry professionals and food and beverage teams, the programmes will provide opportunities to showcase different culinary techniques, local flavours and interactive dining experiences throughout Christmas and New Year.
International flavours at Atmosphere Kanifushi
At Atmosphere Kanifushi, the festive programme, titled Kanifushi Odyssey, will run from 21 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The culinary calendar will feature themed dining experiences including Kanifushi Trattoria and World Kitchen, bringing different international culinary influences into the resort’s festive celebrations.
The programme will also highlight Maldivian culture through The Spirit of Kanifushi, alongside Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations.
Festivities will culminate with The Crown of Midnight, a New Year’s Eve gala marking the arrival of 2027.
For the resort’s culinary team, the programme will combine themed restaurant experiences with large-scale festive dining, requiring coordination across kitchen, pastry, beverage and service operations.
Chocolate-inspired celebrations at RAAYA by Atmosphere
At RAAYA by Atmosphere, the festive season will take on a confectionery-inspired theme with Wonka Winter Wonderland, running from 23 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
Drawing inspiration from the world of chocolate and sweets, the programme will feature chocolate-inspired experiences and creative activities for guests of different ages.
One of the culinary highlights will take place on Christmas morning, when chocolate carving forms part of the celebrations alongside Santa’s arrival.
For pastry and chocolate professionals, chocolate carving offers an opportunity to showcase craftsmanship, working with form, structure and presentation to transform chocolate into decorative creations.
Maldivian cuisine will also feature through a traditional dinner accompanied by Boduberu performances, connecting the festive programme with the country’s culinary and cultural heritage.
The celebrations will conclude with a Masquerade-themed New Year’s Eve event, bringing together dining and entertainment for the countdown to 2027.
Maldivian high tea and live sweets stations at VARU
At VARU by Atmosphere, the festive programme, Colour of Lights – A Luminous Island Journey, will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The resort will place Maldivian culinary traditions within its festive programme through Maldivian high tea and treats prepared at live sweets stations.
The experiences will give guests an opportunity to discover local flavours and sweet preparations in an interactive setting.
For pastry and culinary teams, live sweets stations provide a platform to demonstrate preparation and presentation techniques while engaging directly with guests.
Maldivian high tea also offers an opportunity to introduce traditional snacks and refreshments as part of the resort’s wider culinary experience.
The programme will culminate in the Festive Christmas Eve Gala, bringing together celebratory dining, local traditions and entertainment.
Culinary experiences across three island concepts
While each resort will follow a different festive theme, food and beverage will remain a central component across all three properties.
Atmosphere Kanifushi will focus on themed international dining and gala celebrations, while RAAYA by Atmosphere will incorporate chocolate-inspired activities and traditional Maldivian cuisine. VARU by Atmosphere will emphasise local refreshments, sweet preparations and interactive culinary experiences.
The programmes will also include wellness, marine exploration, creative workshops, family activities and cultural entertainment, with most activities included in the resorts’ Holiday Plan.
Across the three properties, the festive calendar will give chefs, pastry teams and F&B professionals opportunities to bring culinary experiences beyond conventional restaurant service, combining food preparation, guest interaction and Maldivian cultural traditions throughout the holiday season.
Atmosphere Atmosphere Core Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts Atmosphere Kanifushi Festive RAAYA by Atmosphere VARU by Atmosphere
