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

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.

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.
Among 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.
News
Wellness, connection and joy unite nine ELE|NA sanctuaries on Global Wellness Day
Nine sanctuaries. One powerful reminder that wellness belongs to everyone. ELE|NA came together for Global Wellness Day 2026, a day that saw nine sanctuaries across the Maldives unite under a shared vision of wellbeing, connection, and joy and welcomed cancer survivors as honoured guests to one of its sanctuaries for wellness activities, in partnership with the Cancer Society of Maldives, in recognition of Cancer Survivors Month.
#JoyMagenta: Global Wellness Day Theme
The theme for Global Wellness Day 2026, Joy Magenta, is a call to embrace wellness not as a duty but as a source of genuine joy. Vibrant, energising, and full of life, magenta reflects the spirit of a global community coming together to celebrate wellbeing in all its forms.
Global Wellness Day is an internationally recognised, non-profit social movement held annually on the second Saturday of June. The day has grown into one of the world’s largest wellness celebrations, observed across more than 130 countries and thousands of venues. Its guiding philosophy “One day can change your whole life” is an invitation for people everywhere to step back from the demands of daily life and ask themselves a simple, powerful question: How can I live better? Global Wellness Day champions seven foundational pillars of healthy living: drinking more water, walking, eating well, doing good, being in nature, giving up harmful habits, and spending quality time with loved ones. In an era of increasing stress, digital overload, and disconnection from self, days like this serve as vital reminders that true wellness is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

A Day of wellness Lived Across Nine Sanctuaries
From the moment the sun rose, ELE|NA’s sanctuaries came alive with movement, intention, and community. Guests and colleagues stepped onto yoga mats at sunrise, walked barefoot through resort gardens, and gathered at pool decks and spa beaches to begin the day with breath and presence. The energy was unhurried, purposeful, and above all, shared.
As the day unfolded, Aqua Zumba sessions brought laughter and vitality to the water. Workshops invited guests to slow down and create, blending natural ingredients, learning the art of healing, and discovering the quiet power of a tea ceremony. Families came together too, with children and parents side by side, making art and finding stillness in their own way.

By afternoon, the mood turned inward. Guided meditations, sound healing sessions, and mindful movement offered a counterpoint to the energy of the morning, a chance to absorb, reflect, and restore. Healthy food corners and detox stations wove nourishment seamlessly through the day, a quiet nod to the idea that wellness lives as much in what we eat as in what we do.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Sunset Yoga drew guests to the beach and poolside once more, a fitting close to a day that had moved, in every sense, from light to light. And as evening fell, colleagues gathered for their own dedicated sessions of sound healing and meditation, a reminder that the spirit of Global Wellness Day extends to every member of the ELE|NA and it’s extended community.

Honoring Cancer Survivors
In one of the most meaningful moments of the day, ELE|NA partnered with the Cancer Society of Maldives for Cancer Survivors Month, inviting cancer survivors to join one of its sanctuaries for wellness activities planned for the day. It was a gesture rooted in the deepest spirit of Global Wellness Day, that healing is not linear, movement is medicine, and that community is one of the most powerful forces in any wellness journey. To share these moments with survivors was a privilege, and a reminder of why spaces like ELE|NA exist: not just to pamper, but to restore, uplift, and embrace every person who walks through the door.
Awards
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru secures top global ranking in Tripadvisor awards
OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has announced that OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has been named a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice® Best of the Best Award Winner for 2026. Recognised among the top 1% of hotels worldwide, the resort was ranked No. 5 in Asia and No. 21 worldwide among Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts.
Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Awards represent the highest level of excellence in travel and are based entirely on authentic guest reviews and ratings collected over the past 12 months. More than an industry accolade, the recognition reflects the experiences that travellers themselves value most and the destinations they cannot stop talking about.
Nestled within the turquoise waters of South Ari Atoll, OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has become one of the Maldives’ most sought-after barefoot luxury destinations. Guests are drawn to its intimate island setting, elevated all-inclusive offering, world-class dining, transformative wellness experiences and unrivalled access to the marine wonders of the Indian Ocean.
Surrounded by powder-soft beaches and crystal-clear lagoons, the resort delivers the quintessential Maldivian escape while offering something increasingly rare in luxury travel: a meaningful connection to place. From swimming alongside whale sharks and exploring a vibrant house reef teeming with marine life to unwinding at Navasana Spa, every stay is designed to foster a deeper connection to both nature and self.
Located in one of the few places in the world where whale sharks can be encountered year-round, the resort offers guests extraordinary opportunities to swim alongside the ocean’s largest fish in their natural habitat. The surrounding waters of South Ari Atoll are also home to manta rays, sea turtles, vibrant coral ecosystems and an abundance of tropical marine life, creating unforgettable experiences both above and below the surface.
In celebration of World Ocean Month, the award also shines a spotlight on the resort’s commitment to marine stewardship and conservation. Led by an on-site marine biologist, Chloe Mclanachan, the resort’s dedicated marine team helps guests develop a deeper appreciation for the Maldives’ extraordinary underwater world through guided snorkeling experiences, educational programs and coral conservation initiatives. These efforts reflect OUTRIGGER’s broader commitment to protecting the ocean environments that make its destinations so special.
The recognition comes as the resort continues to expand its wellness offering, introducing immersive experiences designed to help guests reconnect with themselves and the rhythms of island life. From restorative spa rituals and holistic wellness treatments at Navasana Spa to mindful moments inspired by the healing power of the ocean, wellness has become an integral part of the Maafushivaru experience.
“We are incredibly honoured to be recognised by Tripadvisor’s global community as one of the world’s leading all-inclusive resorts,” said John Allanson, GM of OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort. “Being ranked No. 5 in Asia and No. 21 worldwide is a tremendous achievement and a direct reflection of our team’s passion and dedication to creating exceptional guest experiences for everyone who visits our beautiful island.”
The recognition of OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is part of a broader achievement across the OUTRIGGER portfolio. In addition to Maafushivaru’s Best of the Best distinction, Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards also recognised OUTRIGGER properties across Hawai’i, Fiji, Thailand and Mauritius, including resorts in Waikīkī, Maui, Kauai, Kona, Fiji’s Coral Coast, Phuket, Khao Lak, Koh Samui, Phi Phi Island and Mauritius. Together, these honors reinforce OUTRIGGER’s growing reputation for delivering exceptional beachfront experiences in some of the world’s most iconic island destinations.
From the overwater villas of the Maldives to legendary surf breaks in Waikīkī, the pristine beaches of Fiji, the tropical shores of Thailand and the turquoise lagoons of Mauritius, OUTRIGGER continues to create authentic, place-based experiences that connect guests to the people, culture and natural beauty of each destination. The brand’s strong showing across Tripadvisor’s global rankings reflects a shared commitment to genuine hospitality, memorable guest experiences and a deep respect for the environments and communities that make each destination unique.
For more information and reservations, please visit the resort’s website.
News
Sirru Fen Fushi unveils summer getaway offer for couples and families
As summer unfolds across the Indian Ocean, Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort, a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, invites travellers to discover a slower, more relaxed side of the Maldives with its Last-Minute Summer Escape special offer, designed for couples and families seeking meaningful time together in a naturally beautiful island setting.
Nestled within one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort offers a distinctive blend of privacy, space, and authentic island experiences. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and vibrant marine life, the resort provides an idyllic setting for summer holidays, whether travelling as a couple, family, or multi-generational group.
Available for a limited time, the Last-Minute Summer Escape combines exceptional seasonal value with thoughtful inclusions designed to enhance every stay. Guests can enjoy daily breakfast at Raha Market, dine-around dinners across the resort’s restaurants, complimentary stays and dining for children under 12, and villa upgrades subject to availability.
Beyond its natural beauty, Sirru Fen Fushi offers a diverse range of experiences for all ages. Guests can explore the resort’s Sustainability Lab, take part in coral planting and recycling workshops, enjoy a wide selection of water sports and marine excursions, discover arts and crafts activities, join wellness experiences, or spend quality time together through sports and recreational activities across the island.
With spacious villas, family-friendly facilities, and experiences designed to appeal to every generation, the resort offers an effortless way to create meaningful memories during the summer season.
Summer is a wonderful time to experience Sirru Fen Fushi. Families have more time to travel together, children can immerse themselves in nature and discovery, and guests can enjoy the freedom to explore our island at a relaxed pace. The Last-Minute Summer Escape combines these experiences with added value, making it even easier to create meaningful memories in the Maldives.
For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
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