Fushifaru Maldives has announced a new and convenient domestic transfer option for its guests, made possible through a partnership with Manta Air. Travellers can now enjoy a smooth domestic flight from Velana International Airport to Madivaru Airport in Lhaviyani Atoll, followed by a picturesque 15-minute speedboat ride to the resort.

This newly launched transfer route enhances accessibility and flexibility for guests. Unlike seaplane transfers, which are limited to daylight hours, Manta Air’s domestic flights operate throughout the night. The flight itself takes just 25 minutes and can be booked directly through Fushifaru Maldives, offering a seamless and stress-free travel experience from the moment guests arrive in the Maldives.

Ahmed Siaar, General Manager at Fushifaru Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the update, stating that the partnership with Manta Air allows for greater flexibility in travel planning and ensures comfort and convenience regardless of international arrival times.

Fushifaru Maldives remains committed to elevating the guest experience by offering personalised service, luxurious accommodations, and now, an even more accessible route to the island’s idyllic shores.

Feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? The relentless demands of daily life leaving you yearning for a breath of fresh air? This summer, Oaga Art Resort in the Maldives offers more than just a getaway; it presents an invitation to rediscover yourself through the profound art of doing nothing. In a world that constantly pushes for more, Oaga whispers: slow down, breathe, simply be.

While the Maldives often conjures images of winter escapes, the summer months unveil a quieter, more authentic charm, a time when the islands breathe at their own rhythm. At Oaga, this natural tranquility is amplified by experiences designed to soothe the soul and spark creativity. Imagine waking without an alarm, the gentle sound of the waves your only companion. Picture languid afternoons spent exactly as you please or perhaps losing yourself in a book by your private pool, savoring a delightful floating breakfast, or simply letting the warmth of the sun melt away your worries.

Evenings at Oaga are not about fleeting entertainment, but about genuine connection. Envision yourself captivated by live art performances under a canopy of a million stars, the vibrant rhythms of live music and dance telling ancient stories. From sunset cruises that paint the sky in breathtaking hues to the discovery of local flavors, each moment is an opportunity to connect with the heart and soul that’s truly Maldives.

Whether it’s finally giving voice to your thoughts in a journal by the whispering shore, savoring a handcrafted cocktail as the ocean breeze kisses your skin at Raa Baa, or spontaneously exploring the kaleidoscope of the underwater world, your days at Oaga are yours to shape, free from expectation.

All things summer, just for you: For a limited time, Oaga Art Resort is offering a compelling invitation to embrace this transformative summer experience with a 45% discount on stays, where every detail is designed for your ultimate indulgence and ease.

Ready to gift yourself the break you truly deserve? Explore this exclusive summer offer, valid for stays through September 30, 2025, here.

And not just that, there’s something for everyone. For locals and expatriate workers in the Maldives, Oaga Art Resort is offering an exclusive offer to rediscover the magic of the Maldives in your own backyard, designed for those just footsteps away. Pick a tale to live in here and make it a summer to remember. 

Oaga Art Resort is more than just a destination; it’s a sanctuary where the vibrant spirit of the Maldives intertwines with a deep respect for your well-being. This summer, the question isn’t just about finding a place to go. It’s about discovering a way to feel truly rested, truly inspired, and truly yourself. Oaga Art Resort may just hold the key to unlocking that feeling.

Don’t just dream it, live it! Book your stay at Oaga Art Resort and experience the redefined limits of all-inclusive with the Greatest All -Inclusive Plan in the Maldives. Enjoy Free Flow (art) sessions, Take Notes (music) experiences, Floating meals, excursions, motorized watersports, and more.

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), known as Visit Maldives, recently collaborated with popular Emirati content creator and digital storyteller Khalid Al Ameri for an exclusive familiarisation (FAM) trip held from March 22 to 26, 2025. The result: a heartfelt and engaging YouTube video that has already begun resonating with viewers across the globe.

Known for his authentic storytelling and ability to connect deeply with different cultures, Khalid’s visit captured the Maldives from a refreshingly local perspective—beyond the five-star resorts and crystal-clear lagoons that dominate travel brochures. The trip offered a deep dive into the culture, history, food, and way of life of the Maldivian people.

A Journey into the Heart of the Maldives

The video begins with Khalid journeying to Paree Fengandu—the mysterious “Fairy Pond.” With a sense of humor and wonder, Khalid narrates legends surrounding the lake’s reddish waters, rumored to be a gateway to the spiritual world. As he climbs into a canoe for the first time, Khalid embodies the spirit of exploration that threads through the entire video.

From there, viewers are taken to a traditional Maldivian home—“Relax Home”—for a dinner hosted by a local family. Khalid learns to prepare baiy mas, a traditional fish ball curry, alongside warm and welcoming hosts. His attempt at flaking fish may have been clumsy, but the scene was full of joy, laughter, and appreciation for Maldivian home cooking. A tasting session of local delicacies, including riha folhi (crepes) and mas huni, added a layer of culinary discovery to the experience.

Tracing History Through Mosques and Markets

Day two brought a deeper exploration of the country’s religious and architectural heritage. Khalid visits the historic Jumma Mosque, a 332-year-old structure known for its coral-stone architecture and wooden panels inscribed with Qur’anic verses. He reflects on the historical and cultural significance of the site, describing it as “hundreds of years of lessons” preserved through careful conservation.

He later visits the King Salman Mosque, the largest mosque in Malé, which was officially opened in 2024 and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers. Khalid admires the blend of modern design with island culture, noting the mosque’s woodwork and glass detailing. The segment subtly highlights the Maldives’ connections to the broader Islamic world while grounding them in local identity.

In between mosque visits, Khalid explores the vibrant local market in Malé. With his signature charm, he engages in friendly haggling with vendors—unsuccessfully, but humorously—while taking in the colours and sounds of everyday Maldivian life.

A Cultural Celebration and a Lesson in Patience

In a lighthearted moment, Khalid joins a group of performers from Rhythm Boduberu, a traditional Maldivian drumming troupe, in a high-energy beach performance. The scene is filled with laughter, clapping, and dancing—an authentic portrayal of Maldivian cultural expression.

The journey concludes with a fishing trip off the coast of Malé, where Khalid reflects on life’s simple lessons after a mostly fishless outing. “Sometimes we have to lose to win,” he remarks, as the group eventually enjoys a seafood buffet prepared by local chefs.

More Than Just a Vacation

The final moments of the video capture the essence of Khalid’s experience. “Not the Maldives that everyone shows on Instagram. The Maldives that the people live every day,” he says, offering a powerful reminder that behind every postcard-perfect beach lies a community, a culture, and a story worth telling.

This collaboration between Visit Maldives and Khalid Al Ameri marks a significant step in diversifying the global perception of the Maldives. By spotlighting its heritage, traditions, and people, the video invites travellers to look beyond the water villas and instead connect with the soul of the islands.

The full video is now available on Khalid Al Ameri’s YouTube channel, providing a heartfelt window into an unseen side of the Maldives.