Pointilism, pottery, and pool parties: Patina Maldives remixes Christmas classes to create trad-tropical festive lineup with an Indian Ocean twist
Tropical island tastemaker Patina Maldives, Fari Islands is shaking up this year’s seasonal celebrations, infusing classic European Christmas traditions with its uniquely avant-garde sensibility and an unmistakably independent Maldivian spirit - from Patina’s poolside pop-up take on a Christmas market to the dotwork and distortions of precision textile artist David Nott.
From 20 December 2023 to 15 January 2024, the resort will host an array of culinary journeys, curated wellness and artist/artisan residencies and cosmopolitan celebrations. Distilling traditional Christmas market vibes with the vibrant culture of its locale, the island’s Fari Marina Village Festival (27 December) will bring together a Fari Beach Club bazaar brimming with sustainable fashion, artisanal pop-ups and local handicrafts; stalls serving irresistible freshly-made street food and handcrafted cocktails; and a pool party with top DJs including London’s Ella Durston, generating a perfect seasonal storm of fine food, drinks and music to harmonise and unite guests in the festive island spirit.
Taking residence at the Fari Art Atelier, American artist David Nott incorporates his innovative signature take on Pointillism and dotwork into textile art. Combining meticulous attention to detail and artistic precision with unwavering creative passion, David crafts captivating works that evoke wonder. Nott and his artworks will be on the island from 20 December 2023 to 20 January 2024.
Celebrating artistry in all forms, the resort will also host hands-on creative workshops including sustainable sandal-making with Mallorca-based craftsperson, Martina Candela, from 20 November – 20 December; and coral ceramics classes led by the resort’s aptly named resident marine biologist Oshin Christopher, in which guests can hand-make their own natural ceramic frames for coral propagation, to be planted in the resort’s house reef.
Honouring tradition, Patina Maldives will mark the season with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on 20 December. A tropical seafood twist on the quintessential holiday spread, an ‘Indian Ocean Fisherman’s Feast’ at Veli Beach Bar will pay homage to the mesmerising seas on 21 December, while Christmas Eve will be celebrated with exquisite cocktails and a gala dinner featuring all the archetypal festive favourites. Good tidings will bring Santa Claus himself to Fari Beach Club’s Christmas Day party, complete with Christmas cocktails, canapes, and live entertainment, while a celebratory News Year’s Eve dinner at Helios is accompanied by interactive installations and live shows including an immersive theatrical performance of Maldivian folklore.
For guests seeking to reconnect with themselves and the environment this winter, Patina Maldives has invited highly regarded wellness practitioner Sunitha to host a residence from 15 November 2023 to 15 January 2024. Personally trained by Himalayan monks in traditional yoga, meditation, and mindfulness techniques, Sunitha combines different modalities in her unique sessions to help guests renew and rejuvenate.
Between these festive highlights, guests at Patina Maldives can also reunite with kinsfolk through an array of international culinary experiences and activities curated to bring family and friends closer together - from family football, padel and tennis tournaments, an ‘Amazing Race’ and moonlit movie nights, to a gingerbread house decorating competition, ‘Glow in the Dark’ party and the Footprints kids club Mini Olympics.
“At Patina Maldives we place a great importance on kinfolk and creating experiences that strengthen our bond with nature, family and ourselves – which we believe is what the holidays are all about. We do this with a highly curated programme of events focusing on art, music, wellbeing and dining. With surprises at every corner the holiday spirit is alive and well at Patina Maldives.”
- Antonio Saponara, General Manager
For further information festive at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, visit https://patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands/festive-getaway-maldives. Rates at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands during festive start from USD4,334++ (approx.. GBP3,458) per night based on two adults sharing a One Bedroom Pool Villa including daily breakfast, festive welcome treats and amenities, and participation in special festive programming based on dates of stay, plus complimentary Guest Benefits. Valid for new bookings for stays of four consecutive nights or more. Must be booked by 20 December 2023. Price excludes tax and service. Terms and conditions apply. To book email reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com, visit https://patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands/offers/festive-season-offer-23-24 or tel. +960 4000 555.
Part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) DISCOVERY loyalty programme, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands recently enhanced its offering so that PATINA DISCOVERY members at all levels can now expect even more VIP recognition, rewards and access to members-only experiences.
Full festive brochure at https://issuu.com/capellahotelgroup/docs/pam_festive_ebrochure?fr=sM2FlODY1NTYyOTA
