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Pioneering underwater artist Andreas Franke brings his Phantasy Fairytale to Huvafen Fushi and Niyama Maldives

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Phantasy Fairytale

Maldives.net.mv – Andreas Franke, one of the world’s most revolutionary artists, is displaying his magical Phantasy Fairytale exhibition for guests at NIYAMA and Huvafen Fushi, giving guests at the resorts the opportunity to experience the depths of the ocean at a completely new level. Phantasy Fairytale will be on display from now until the end of May 2014 as part of Per AQUUM’s renowned Dream Calendar.

Trailblazing another WORLD FIRST, Per AQUUM has simultaneously unveiled four stunning artworks underwater at NIYAMA and Huvafen Fushi, highlighting the brilliance of the underwater structures at both properties. At NIYAMA, the artworks can be viewed from SubSix, the world’s first underwater music club, where guests can to appreciate the hypnotising images whilst dancing the night away or enjoying a long subaquatic lunch. The LIME Spa at Huvafen Fushi will take ocean living to a whole new level as spa goers enjoying treatments will be able to lose themselves in Franke’s artworks as they are being pampered under the sea.

Committed to breaking boundaries, this Per AQUUM and Andreas Franke collaboration spins the typical art exhibition on its head giving the world a mind blowing interpretation of underwater life….. offering views underwater!

Andreas Franke’s fascination with the subaquatic world stems from his two passions in life: photography and diving. His “Sinking World” concept, which he created in 2010 is a natural combination of the two. Years ago, whilst diving on an Austrian shipwreck in Croatia, Andreas took pictures and upon returning home to Vienna, he realised that “something was missing.” That something was the mystical creatures that are recognisable as the protagonists in Franke’s “Sinking World” images and now the “Phantasy Fairytale” works too.

“Phantasy Fairytale” steps away from the shipwreck context that surrounds “The Sinking World” work and moves into a more fantastical realm drawing inspiration from Western fairytale stories, and thus further crossing the borderlines between fantasy and real life. The Snow Queen, Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White will all be present in the “Phantasy Fairytale” exhibition with the beautiful submarine topography of the Ocean creating a perfect atmospheric backdrop.

Coral reefs resembling trees and the underwater vegetation reminiscent of a forest undergrowth bring fantasy and reality together to create an extraordinary finished product, available only to guests at Huvafen Fushi and NIYAMA.

The images are created by Franke undertaking two separate photo shoots; one using an underwater backdrop followed by a secondary studio shoot with real life models that bring the final visual to life. These secondary shots are then superimposed onto the original images to create the finished ‘Phantasy Fairytale’. To secure the art underwater, they will be encased in Plexiglass and suspended from the underwater structures of Subsix at NIYAMA and the LIME Spa at Huvafen Fushi. Franke says his creative work is only the first part of the process. Once the images are submerged, it is up to the sea and nature to create the final finished product. Together with algae and microorganisms, the salt water adorns the pictures from the world above. It is the individual signature of the ocean that embellishes the photographs, a bizarre and beautiful touch of impermanence.

Andreas Franke says of his work: “With my photographs, I want to pull the spectators into unreal and strange worlds. Mystified scenes of a fairytale play within a fictional space. Dreamworlds you can get lost in or that you can identify with. This creates a new and unexpected atmosphere. This work shows very much of myself, since I am always on the lookout for stunning themes to create new images that have never been seen before.”

In line with Per AQUUM’s commitment to environmental awareness within the Maldives, coral regeneration programmes are in place at both NIYAMA and Huvafen Fushi. Franke’s “Phantasy Fairytale” will be sensitively and carefully hung from the underwater structures in order to maintain the harmony of the underwater environment. Following the exhibition, guests will have the opportunity to purchase the art, and a percentage of all proceeds will go to Per AQUUM’s coral regeneration programme.

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Cinnamon Maldives updates book direct offer to let guests choose tailored experiences

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Travellers continue to return to the Maldives in search of clear lagoons, warm hospitality and meaningful experiences that reflect both the destination and their personal interests. As visitor expectations evolve, research shows a growing preference for stays that feel tailored rather than standardised. A recent Mews survey reports that 68% of travellers prefer personalised experiences instead of generic rewards, with even stronger interest among Gen Z and affluent travellers.

Recognising these preferences, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Maldives has refined its Book Direct value offering. The updated structure allows guests who book directly to select two curated experiences from each resort’s personalised list while also receiving resort credits for stays of three nights or more. This credit can be used across dining, wellness and recreational activities, giving guests the freedom to shape their time on the island according to their interests and pace.

Members of Cinnamon Discovery, the brand’s loyalty programme, can access an expanded set of Book Direct benefits based on their membership tier. Silver members may select two experiences, Gold members may select three experiences and Platinum members receive all experiences listed at the resort they book.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

  • Four course dinner by the beach
  • Island hopping adventure
  • Dolphin safari
  • 45 minute spa treatment

Resort credit available: USD 150 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or more

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

  • Four course dinner by the beach
  • Balinese massage
  • Island hopping adventure
  • Guided swim and snorkel session

Resort credit available: USD 100 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or more

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives

  • Sunset fishing
  • Island hopping adventure
  • Sparkling bottle of beverage
  • 1 hour double kayak experience

Resort credit available: USD 100 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or more

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

  • Four course dinner by the beach
  • Balinese massage
  • Sunset fishing
  • Dolphin safari

Resort credit available: USD 100 per room per stay for bookings of three nights or more

For more information on Book Direct benefits, detailed terms and eligibility, guests are encouraged to visit Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.

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Chef Frank Fol leads plant-based culinary programme at ananea Madivaru Maldives

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ananea Madivaru Maldives is hosting Chef Frank Fol, founder of We’re Smart World and a recognised figure in plant-based gastronomy, for a dedicated culinary programme aimed at strengthening and refining the resort’s plant-based dining concepts.

Chef Fol is visiting the island from 8 to 14 December, working closely with the culinary team to develop and enhance plant-forward offerings across the resort’s dining experiences. The programme focuses on integrating contemporary plant-based techniques with locally relevant ingredients and presentation styles, aligning with evolving guest preferences for balanced and conscious dining.

As part of the visit, an internal tasting menu is scheduled to take place, bringing together Chef Fol and the resort’s senior leadership. During the session, Chef Fol will present a selection of plant-forward dishes developed throughout his stay, offering insight into his culinary philosophy and approach to modern vegetable-led cuisine.

ananea Madivaru Maldives stated that the collaboration is intended to support the continued development of its food and beverage concepts, with a particular emphasis on broadening high-quality plant-based options available to guests across its restaurants.

Following the tasting session, the resort will issue a formal press release outlining the programme outcomes, including details of the dishes, concepts, and future plans. Visual assets and supporting media materials will also be made available as part of the official announcement.

The visit forms part of ananea Madivaru Maldives’ wider efforts to evolve its culinary offerings in line with global dining trends while maintaining a strong focus on quality, creativity, and guest experience.

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Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar

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Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.

Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:

  • Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
  • Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
  • Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
  • Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
  • Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.

Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.

He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”

Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.

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