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Top Venetian glassmaker first artist to feature at Soneva Fushi’s new glass studio

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Maldives.net.mv – Artist extraordinaire and master Venetian glassblower, Lino Tagliapietra, was the first artist to feature at the recently opened Glass Studio at Soneva Fushi last year from December 15-27.

Widely acknowledged as the best glass artist in the world, guests at the luxury resort got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch Maestro Tagliapietra create unique art pieces, learn the art of glass-blowing, and also purchase his fantastic creations.

Born on the Italian island of Murano, famed for its hand-blown artisanal glassware since the 13th century, Tagliapietra was apprenticed to master glassmaker Archimede Seguso at the age of 12, and by 21 had already earned the title of maestro himself. In 1979, he moved to the United States to teach at the Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle, which also marked the beginning of his international career and collaborations with other prominent glass artists.

Lino Tagliapietra

His stunning work, celebrated for its complexity, elegance, and visual poetry has earned him numerous awards such as the Glass Art Society Lifetime Achievement Award, election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has been exhibited at top galleries around the world, including the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery, Washington DC, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Victoria & Albert Museum, London and the Tokyo National Modern Art, as well as at the Venice Biennale.

Tagliapietra’s collaboration is just the beginning of Soneva Fushi’s plans to offer unique and rare experiences to their guests in the form of special courses and interactive events such as glass-blowing workshops. Several glass exhibitions are scheduled to be held every year in conjunction with a rotating programme of visiting artists. The Venetian maestro was followed by another well-known glass artist Dr Sunny Wang in February this year.

Born in Taiwan and educated in Australia, Wang, who is the Assistant Professor of Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University, contemplates the meaning of life through her colourful glass sculptures.

From March 13 to April 5, the Glass Studio will feature another internationally renowned artist, American Howard Ben Tré, who will create a series of works at the resort.

A pioneer in the use of cast glass as a sculptural medium, Ben Tre has won critical acclaim for his unique sculptures and large-scale works of art for public and private spaces. His works have been included in more than 101 museums and public collections worldwide, among them the Metropolitan Museum of Art; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY; the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution; the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Nice, among others.

Lino TagliapietraAmong his  public commissions are the award-winning installation of fountains and seating created for Post Office Square Park in Boston; the plaza and sculpture for BankBoston’s headquarters in downtown Providence; a sited sculpture for the plaza at the Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence; and an interactive fountain for the hall of the newly renovated Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston.

 “We are also hoping that our facility will stimulate the Maldivian art scene, as we aim to both nurture the talents of Maldivian artists and provide a platform for them to get recognition,” said Kevin Christison, Soneva’s Curator of Art.

“So far visitors to the island have been very fascinated by the glass facility and some of them have already had some glass-blowing training and have returned home with personally-designed pieces of art,” Christison concluded.

Soneva’s studio, which opened its doors in September last year year, was conceptualised as a state-of-the-art facility for resort guests to watch world-renowned glass artists create objects of art, and learn the art of glass blowing. It also includes a retail boutique and art gallery, designed to showcase the work of Maldivian and international glass artists.

The facility uses only waste glass materials used at Soneva resorts and other resorts in the Maldives. It is estimated that the resorts in the Baa Atoll alone produce more than five tonnes of glass waste, every month. “The idea behind this project is to turn the glass into something that is much more beautiful and valuable than it was in its previous state,” said Sonu Shivdasani, Founder and CEO of Soneva.

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The Nautilus Maldives unveils ‘An Easter Canvas’ of colour and creativity

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This Easter, The Nautilus Maldives is inviting guests to step into “An Easter Canvas”, a celebration where colour, creativity, and island freedom come together in a week of joyful expression. At this ultra-luxury bohemian hideaway, Easter unfolds like a living artwork, with days washed in colour, moments shaped by imagination, and time flowing as gently as the tides.

At the centre of An Easter Canvas is a collection of immersive artistic experiences inspired by the island’s radiant spectrum of colours. From family art sessions hosted by a visiting Maldivian artist to a collaborative beach canvas that evolves with each guest’s contribution, the Easter programme becomes a tapestry of renewal and joy—crafted by the hands and hearts of those who take part.

Solasta Spa embraces Easter with a curated palette of healing and renewal.

  • Radiant Awakening draws from sunshine hues with a rejuvenating body polish and signature massage.
  • Harmony Within reflects tranquil greens through aloe-based treatments, crystal sound healing, and grounding techniques.
  • Ocean Stillness mirrors the calm blues of the sea, beginning with a salt exfoliation followed by a meditative Shirodhara ritual.
  • Tender Renewal and Soulful Reflection explore soft pink and violet tones through rose quartz, aromatherapy, and gentle facial therapies.

Each ritual offers a sensory immersion designed to awaken, soothe, and restore—one colour at a time.

Dining at The Nautilus is treated as an art form. As the island shifts through its Easter-inspired palette, culinary experiences transform with it—from colour-changing cocktails at Naiboli’s Shades of the Horizon sunset pop-up to vibrant beach dinners and lively Easter brunches at Thyme. Without menus or fixed hours, each meal becomes a spontaneous creation shaped by guest preferences and the island’s creative spirit.

This Easter season will also feature a special appearance by Chef Gregor Zimmermann, Swiss State Chef and Executive Chef of the iconic Bellevue Palace in Bern. A distinguished member of Le Club des Chefs des Chefs, he will present two exclusive five-course dinners and a chocolate masterclass. His creations will form a dialogue between the refined flavours of the Swiss Alps and the treasures of the Maldivian seas, expressed through authenticity, emotion, and technical mastery.

Easter at The Nautilus promises a world of discovery for younger guests. Activities include the lively “Bunny Kickoff” party, ocean-inspired crafts, pastel tie-dye sessions, treasure hunts, and the island’s signature event—the “Every Bunny Wins Easter Egg Hunt”.

Children may also explore purposeful creativity through ecoBirdy Ocean Lab workshops, which introduce young minds to the beauty and fragility of marine environments. Each session guides children in transforming recycled plastics into small functional artworks. Through storytelling and hands-on making, young guests learn about sustainability while creating keepsakes inspired by the ocean around them.

At The Nautilus, Easter is more than a seasonal holiday—it is a celebration of renewal, artistry, and the simple joy of creation. Whether crafting upcycled treasures during ecoBirdy workshops, contributing to the island’s living art installation, enjoying spontaneous feasts shaped by personal tastes, or sharing sunlit moments on white sands, every guest becomes part of a story painted in freedom, colour, and flow.

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Sweet traditions: Canareef Resort hosts festive cake mixing ceremony

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On the morning of 26 November, as the Maldives embraced the gentle warmth of the festive season, Canareef Resort Maldives once again lit up the island with its much-loved Christmas tradition – the annual Cake Mixing Ceremony. Held at the lively Dhoaraa Bar at 10:30am, the event brought together guests, team members, and island friends in a joyous celebration of tradition, community, and holiday spirit.

This year’s ceremony unfolded as a vibrant gathering filled with cheerful faces, aromatic spices, and rich festive ingredients. Guests from across the world joined in, eagerly blending dried fruits and a touch of local warmth into a fragrant mixture. As the rhythm of stirring released notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum into the air, participants bonded over this cherished ritual, symbolising unity, generosity, and the joy of the season. The ocean breeze mingling with the sweet aroma created an atmosphere that beautifully captured the magic of island festivities.

More than a seasonal event, the Cake Mixing Ceremony at Canareef is a celebration of togetherness. It is an opportunity to create lasting memories, forge new friendships, and embrace the true essence of the holidays. Guests and the resort’s team take delight in the simple act of stirring the mixture side by side, adding a special sparkle to Canareef’s festive calendar.

Long recognised as a hallmark of holiday cheer, the ceremony reflects Canareef Resort Maldives’ warm, welcoming, and family-like spirit. For those seeking a tropical escape or a memorable festive experience, the resort continues to offer a sanctuary where traditions are honoured and celebrations become unforgettable.

This festive season, Canareef invites guests to join in for a celebration brimming with flavour, joy, and island magic—an opportunity to discover why the Maldives remains a truly special place to celebrate and to create holiday memories that will last a lifetime.

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SO/ Maldives earns full Green Globe recertification, strengthening position in sustainable luxury

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SO/ Maldives has announced a significant sustainability milestone with its perfect 100% Green Globe recertification score, reaffirming the resort’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative green practices. This achievement continues a journey that began well before the resort welcomed its first guests. In November 2024, SO/ Maldives earned the prestigious Green Globe certification in its very first year of operation, demonstrating an exceptional dedication to integrating sustainable principles into the core of its fashion-forward and design-led identity. Guided by Ennismore’s ESG mission, the resort has consistently showcased how bold eco-conscious innovation can elevate the luxury hospitality experience.

From the outset, SO/ Maldives has implemented thoughtful and forward-thinking initiatives that minimise its carbon footprint, reduce waste, support the local ecosystem and empower both its team and surrounding communities. The flawless 2025 recertification score reflects excellence across all sustainability indicators, supported by impactful measures such as the installation of solar panels across villas, restaurants and operational areas, generating up to 45% of the resort’s total energy. Intelligent GRMS technology further optimizes energy consumption by regulating air-conditioning, lighting and occupancy-based usage.

As SO/ Maldives continues to redefine luxury through purpose and innovation, the resort is also proud to be recognised as part of the Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) a global framework dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity beyond traditional protected areas. This milestone underscores the resort’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship, championing long-term sustainability practices that preserve both the island’s natural beauty and its ecological integrity.

Through ongoing marine protection initiatives, habitat monitoring, and low-impact operational strategies, SO/ Maldives is actively contributing to the protection of local wildlife while fostering the natural regeneration of coral ecosystems. These efforts support thriving marine life, encourage healthy reef development, and reinforce the resort’s mission to protect the environment for future generations.

By aligning luxury hospitality with meaningful conservation, SO/ Maldives continues to lead with purpose where indulgence, innovation, and environmental responsibility coexist in perfect island harmony.

Waste management has been another cornerstone of the resort’s success. SO/ Maldives enforces comprehensive waste segregation and has partnered with Parley to upcycle plastic waste into high-performance materials used by Adidas in footwear and apparel. Additionally, collaborations with Secure Maldives ensure responsible recycling of metal waste. The resort also champions eco-conscious product choices: CODAGE bathroom amenities feature vegan, sustainably sourced formulas packaged in recyclable materials, while Palatino supplies 100% compostable bamboo and FSC-certified wooden in-villa amenities, including slippers and personal care items.

Food sustainability is deeply embedded into the resort’s culinary philosophy. SO/ Maldives utilises advanced digesters to liquefy food waste for responsible disposal, implements dedicated composting systems, and leverages Orbisk technology to monitor consumption and reduce waste. By sourcing ingredients locally from seafood to fresh produce the resort supports Maldivian communities and reduces carbon emissions. Its buffet-free approach promotes curated à la carte experiences that minimise food waste while enhancing guest satisfaction.

In true SO/ fashion, the resort merges sustainability with style. Each villa features bespoke artworks by Thai artist Ploenchan Vinyaratn, crafted from surplus yarn and recycled materials, blending elevated design with eco-friendly practices. The resort has also fully eliminated single-use plastics, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable hospitality.

The perfect Green Globe recertification is a tribute to the passionate SO/ Maldives team whose creativity, commitment and innovation ensure that environmental responsibility and guest happiness go hand in hand. SO/ Maldives extends its gratitude to its partners and guests for choosing to support its sustainability journey. As the resort continues to push boundaries and redefine island luxury, it remains steadfast in harmonizing bold design, exceptional service and meaningful environmental impact, celebrating the artistry of hospitality through green living.

For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit SO-Maldives.com or contact SO.Maldives.Reservations@so-hotels.com.

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