A festive break in the Maldives usually means sandbanks, snorkelling and the odd sunset cocktail. Finolhu, a Seaside Collection resort in Baa Atoll, is adding one more thing to that list: hands-on pottery, taught by a professional artist whose whole practice revolves around the ocean.
From 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, contemporary ceramicist Araceli Adams will be in residence at the resort as part of its festive programme, Magic by the Sea. Adams is known for translating marine life onto ceramics — fish, coral textures, ocean colours rendered on functional pieces — so the setting is a fitting one. Finolhu sits inside the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, meaning the reef life that inspires her work is literally right there in front of the studio.
The residency is structured to be welcoming rather than intimidating. Things kick off informally with a meet-and-greet at the resort's cocktail party on 21 December, followed by an introductory pottery experience on Christmas Eve. Group masterclasses then run from Christmas Day through to 3 January, capped at just six participants per session so everyone actually gets one-on-one guidance. If you'd rather keep it even more personal, private pottery sessions run from 24 December to 2 January, aimed at couples, families or solo guests who want a tailored hour or two with the artist.
Adams herself describes her studio practice as celebrating the diversity of ocean life, and the classes are designed to reflect the island — expect pieces inspired by the colours and textures of Finolhu's lagoon and its famous two-kilometre sandbank. The resort frames the sessions as suitable for complete beginners as well as keen hobbyists, so no prior wheel experience required.
It's worth knowing that this isn't a one-off gimmick for the resort. Finolhu has been quietly building a name as an art-led island: British designer Matthew Williamson ran a residency there in October 2026, and photographer Yakov Khomich followed at the resort's Art Lab in November. There's a dedicated Art Lab on site, and creative programming is treated as a core part of the guest experience rather than an occasional add-on.
For travellers, this is a genuinely different way to spend the festive season. Instead of the usual Christmas-dinner-on-the-beach formula, you get slow mornings learning a craft, the novelty of making something physical on holiday, and a keepsake with a story attached — all in one of the most photogenic settings in the Indian Ocean. It also suits mixed groups: divers and beach-loungers can do their thing while the creatives in the party get their fix.
The one practical caveat is size. With six spots per masterclass and a residency window of just two weeks over peak season, availability will be tight. Reservations need to be made ahead of arrival — enquire via the resort's site or email stay@finolhu.com to lock in a session before you fly.
Story via Maldives Insider.
