Gala dinners, Anguru experiences and seafood lead Finolhu’s festive Season
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, will bring together festive gala dinners, seafood specialities, exclusive Anguru dining experiences and beachfront culinary celebrations as part of its Christmas and New Year programme, beginning on 21 December 2026 and continuing into early January 2027.
Presented under the theme “Magic by the Sea”, the festive programme will combine international cuisine, local ingredients and shared dining experiences with entertainment, creative workshops and island activities.
The celebrations follow Finolhu’s recognition as Best Culinary Resort at the TTM Awards 2026, highlighting the importance of gastronomy within the resort’s wider hospitality offering.
For chefs and food and beverage professionals, the festive programme will feature several dining formats, from formal gala dinners and exclusive culinary experiences to relaxed beachside gatherings and seafood-focused menus.
Gala dining and Anguru experiences
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve will provide two of the principal dining occasions of the season, bringing guests together for celebratory dinners accompanied by entertainment.
Throughout the festive period, guests will also be able to experience exclusive dining at Anguru, alongside seafood specialities and international flavours across the resort’s culinary venues.
The programme will incorporate local ingredients, reflecting Finolhu’s approach to connecting its dining experiences with the natural setting and food culture of the Maldives.
For the resort’s culinary team, the festive calendar will involve different approaches to preparation and service, from large-scale gala dining to more intimate restaurant experiences.
Beachfront gatherings will provide another dining format, with the surrounding ocean and island setting forming part of the experience.
Crab Shack and beachfront dining
Finolhu’s Crab Shack will also contribute to the island’s festive atmosphere, offering guests an informal setting for dining and social gatherings.
The resort’s beachfront cocktail events and sunset celebrations will bring the beverage team into the programme, with drinks and entertainment forming part of the wider festive experience.
For food and beverage teams, the combination of restaurant dining, beachside service and festive events will require coordination across culinary, beverage and front-of-house operations throughout the holiday period.
Festive baking for younger guests
Pastry and bakery activities will also form part of the celebrations through the resort’s Oceaneers Club and Teens Hut programmes.
Younger guests will be able to participate in festive baking alongside creative workshops, treasure hunts and other island activities.
For pastry professionals, these sessions provide an opportunity to introduce children to baking and decorating techniques through hands-on experiences, bringing an educational element to the festive culinary programme.
Culinary celebrations to welcome 2027
The festive season will culminate in a New Year’s Eve gala featuring live entertainment from the international Goldsingers, music and fireworks to welcome 2027.
Beyond gastronomy, the programme will include pottery workshops with Casa Adams, founded by ceramic artist Araceli Adams, as well as marine conservation activities, wellness experiences and family entertainment.
Located in Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Finolhu will use the festive season to showcase the different elements of its hospitality offering, with dining playing a central role.
From gala dinners and Anguru experiences to seafood specialities, festive baking and beachfront gatherings, Magic by the Sea will provide Finolhu’s chefs, pastry professionals, bartenders and service teams with opportunities to present a range of culinary experiences throughout Christmas and New Year.
