Joy Island Maldives unveils ‘Joyful Horizons’ with chef-led dining and festive culinary experiences
Joy Island Maldives has unveiled its festive culinary programme for Christmas and New Year 2026–2027, featuring wine experiences, Maldivian-inspired dining, beachfront gala dinners, cooking activities and international cuisine.
Running from 22 December 2026 to 6 January 2027 under the theme “Joyful Horizons”, the programme will bring together dining experiences across the resort’s restaurants, including The Market, Il Basilico and the Japanese Corner.
For chefs, sommeliers, pastry professionals and food and beverage teams, the festive calendar will feature a series of culinary events, including a wine journey with a Master Sommelier, an Italian wine experience, chocolate-making activities and Christmas and New Year dining celebrations.
Christmas dining and beachfront barbecue
The festivities will begin on 22 December with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rainbow Beach, accompanied by cocktails.
On 24 December, guests will be welcomed with cocktails at Rainbow Bar before a candlelit Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at The Market. A Christmas Eve party with a midnight snack spread will follow.
Christmas Day will feature a festive brunch at The Market, followed by a Christmas BBQ Dinner at Palm Beach. Live music at Rainbow Bar will complete the celebrations.
The dining programme will bring together different service formats, from brunch and gala dinners to outdoor barbecue preparation and late-night food service.
Maldivian flavours and wine experiences
A series of culinary events will take place between Christmas and New Year, beginning with Tales of the Maldivian Sea on 26 December.
The experience will introduce a Maldivian theme to the festive dining calendar, reflecting the resort’s connection to the surrounding Indian Ocean.
On 28 December, A Food Journey Through the Wines with Master Sommelier will offer guests a wine-focused dining experience, highlighting the relationship between food and wine.
The programme will continue on 30 December with Endless Romance, a private candlelit dinner for two.
Following the New Year celebrations, Joy Island will host an Italian Wine Journey on 4 January, introducing another wine-focused experience to the festive calendar.
For the resort’s culinary and beverage teams, these events will bring together different approaches to dining, from private service to wine appreciation and themed culinary experiences.
New Year’s Eve gala and international cuisine
On 31 December, the resort will welcome guests with pre-dinner cocktails at Rainbow Bar before a multi-course New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner on Rainbow Beach.
The evening will continue with fireworks at midnight and a late-night snack spread.
On 1 January, a Recovery Brunch at The Market will be followed by an evening celebrating Maldivian culture.
Throughout the festive period, guests will also be able to explore the resort’s regular dining venues, including international cuisine at The Market, Italian dishes at Il Basilico and Asian specialities at the Japanese Corner, including teppanyaki-inspired preparations.
Mixology and chocolate-making activities
Interactive food and beverage activities will also form part of the festive programme, with guests invited to participate in mixology and chocolate-making classes.
The chocolate-making sessions will provide a hands-on element to the resort’s dessert and confectionery offering, while mixology classes will introduce guests to beverage preparation.
Younger guests will have opportunities to take part in gingerbread crafts through the Kiddie Cove programme, alongside other family activities.
The wider festive calendar will include themed entertainment, ocean excursions, wellness experiences and cultural activities.
“This festive season, we invite our guests to embrace the joy of togetherness and create unforgettable holiday memories,” said Bandula Thilakarathne, Resort Manager of Joy Island.
Through its wine experiences, Maldivian-themed dining, beachfront celebrations and interactive culinary activities, Joy Island will place food and beverage experiences among the central elements of its Christmas and New Year programme.
