Lifestyle

Soneva Fushi to welcome two European visual artists for glass exhibition in February and March 2017

Published

8 years ago

January 20, 2017

Soneva has confirmed that two European visual artists will be visiting Soneva Fushi, Maldives, in February and March 2017, to create an exhibition of artwork made exclusively from recycled glass materials and other objects found at the luxury resort. The renowned Danish glass artist Tobias Møhl will be visiting from February 10 – March 02, while the acclaimed Russian visual artist Maria Koshenkova will be visiting from March 24 – April 14.

Their visit is part of the resort’s Featured Artist’s programme, which has recently also welcomed Maestro Lino Taliapietra, Martin Janecky,Howard BenTre, and Flavie Audie, among others.

Tobias Møhl

Tobias’ work focuses on sculptural forms which are clearly informed by the lineage of functional glass vessels. The complex visual patterns in his work can be traced to the techniques of the Venetians, yet his subtle and sophisticated palette set him apart.

Commenting on his work, the New York Times has written: ‘The work of Tobias Møhl… impresses sotto voce with small bowls crisscrossed with infinitesimal threads of color. Combining an extraordinary technical mastery of his craft with an exquisite level of taste, he successfully translates a historically Italian glass-making idiom into his own, distinctly Scandinavian voice.’

Møhl’s work is included in collections of the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY; Memorial Art Museum, Rochester, NY; Museum of Arts and Design, New York, NY; the Museum fur Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, Germany; the Danish Museum of Decorative Art, Copenhagen, Denmark and other public and private collections in the USA and Europe. A studio artist and teacher, Tobias Møhl works and resides in Ebeltoft, Denmark.

Maria Koshenkova

Born and raised in St Petersburg, Russia, Koshenkova currently lives and works in Denmark, where she runs her atelier ‘Koshmar’ in the heart of Copenhagen.

Her work reflects influences from both Russia, where she grew up, and Scandinavia, where she was shaped as an artist. She uses glass in combination with other materials such as wax, wood, ceramic tiles, concrete and drawings to create art pieces that establish concrete and fragile equilibriums between what is real and abstract, defined only by its own form.

One recent area of focus for Koshenkova has been the crossover between parallel realities, based on site-specific contexts, local history, and architecture. In these contexts, she molds new storylines by working with glass, which involves the human body in a very direct and active way.

She also aims to show the propensity for violence and the need for harmony as the two pillars of being human, with glass emphasizing this fragile balance of our nature. Her work, created out of glass (itself a transparent media) aims to reflect and embody the border between an existing and non-existing reality.

“I am interested to reach the point where the readymade objects I use as a model – whether they are wooden planks from a wall of a destroyed house or freshly bought items from a market – are transformed by my physical artistic act of re-sculpting them into unfamiliar structures which show both parallel realities I deal with: the lost past and the real – present context of the now,” Koshenkova explains.

Since 2006, her works have been exhibited internationally, including major exhibitions of contemporary glass in Europe, such as the International exhibition of Glass, Kanazawa; the Coburg Glass Prize in Belgium; the Ebeltoft Glass museum and Sophienholm Denmark, as well as museums including the Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art, the Holstebro Art museum in Denmark, the Ludwig Museum in St. Petersburg, the LENTOS Kunstmuseum in Austria, and Islip Art Museum in the United States.

Her sculptures have been represented by the Clara Scremni Gallery in Paris, which showcases contemporary glass and ceramic work in Europe.

Maria Koshenkova will be at Soneva Fushi from March 24 – April 14 2017. She will be working from Soneva Fushi’s world class Art and Glass Studio and the work produced will be on sale at the on-site boutique.

Soneva owns and operates Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Soneva in Aqua, an ultra-luxurious yacht, was launched in the Maldives in 2015 and sails out of Soneva Fushi.

For more information about Soneva visit www.soneva.com. More information about Soneva’s art programme can be accessed at: http://www.soneva.com/soneva-art/featured-artists/

Lifestyle

Sonakshi Sinha & Zaheer Iqbal’s luxurious Maldivian retreat sparks fan frenzy

Published

2 weeks ago

June 12, 2025

Maha Rasheed

Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha and her husband Zaheer Iqbal recently indulged in a lavish getaway at the picturesque Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, creating a buzz among fans and followers. Accompanied by close friends, the couple flew to the tropical paradise to celebrate a joyous milestone—the 10th wedding anniversary of their dear friends Nirvana Chaudhary and Ashrayata.

Sinha, known for her engaging presence on social media, has been delighting fans with glimpses of her serene vacation. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared a collection of breathtaking images from their short yet memorable trip, captioning them:
“A minute in Maldives to celebrate love, life and the 10th wedding anniversary of our dear friends… reunited with old friends, made some new ones… this was our shortest trip there but the MOST special… Big shoutout to @tajmaldives for being the perfect venue for this one!”

The couple and their friends were seen embracing the island life, soaking in the pristine white sands and turquoise waters, with fans eagerly engaging with their vacation posts. For a deeper look into the escapade, Sinha shared a travel vlog on her official YouTube channel, titled “2 days in MALDIVES! #TravelVlog”, giving her followers an intimate peek into the retreat.

The celebration drew attention not only from fans but fellow celebrities as well. Actress Shilpa Shirodkar, Sinha’s co-star in the upcoming film Jatadhara, praised her stunning look, commenting, “Pretty pretty girl,” with a red heart emoji. Adding to the heartfelt moments, Sonakshi also posted a candid snapshot of Zaheer Iqbal sleeping, playfully captioning it “Tooo much cute,” giving fans a glimpse into their warm and loving relationship.

While enjoying this tropical respite, Sinha is also gearing up for her Telugu film debut in the supernatural fantasy thriller Jatadhara, directed by Venkat Kalyan. Co-starring Sudheer Babu, the film is set to explore the mysteries surrounding the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Produced under the Zee Studios banner, the film’s ensemble cast includes Shilpa Shirodkar, Rain Anjali, and Divya Vij.

As Sonakshi Sinha returns to her professional commitments, fans eagerly await more updates on both her cinematic ventures and personal adventures.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ4NyFqJGry/

Entertainment

The Presets to ignite nights in exclusive Kandooma Maldives showcase in April 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

June 5, 2025

m@ldives

Imagine your favourite music festival—but swap muddy fields for white sands, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. In April 2026, acclaimed electronic duo The Presets will trade stadiums and festival crowds for an exclusive beachfront series of shows at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, offering fans an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime island escape curated by Music in Paradise.

From Coachella to Splendour in the Grass, The Presets—Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes—have made their mark on the global stage. But this time, they’re doing things differently. From 11–18 April 2026, fans will experience a week of sun-drenched luxury capped off by three electrifying live performances, including a sunset DJ set on the beach and an exclusive rooftop party at the resort’s Sunset Bar.

“We’re beyond excited to host The Presets at Kandooma,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Their energy, talent, and incredible live shows are a perfect match for our vibrant island setting. Guests can expect something truly unforgettable.”

With a career spanning two decades, The Presets are electronic music royalty in Australia. Their breakout 2008 album Apocalypso went triple platinum and produced the festival anthem “My People.” With multiple ARIA Awards, APRA Songwriter of the Year titles, and collaborations like the RAKA EP with Golden Features under their belt, the duo continues to shape the sound of electronic music worldwide.

Their 2018 album HI VIZ soared to the top of iTunes within hours of release and included hits like “Do What You Want” and “Martini,” both nominated for major Australian music prizes.

Fans can now secure the Early Bird Gold Experience Package for A$3,790 per person (twin share) for seven nights in a Beach Villa—saving over $1,000. This VIP experience includes:

Entry to 3 Nightly Exclusive Events
3 Intimate Performances
Meet & Greet with artists
Professional Photo with artists
Music in Paradise Welcome Bag
Music in Paradise Event Poster
Event commemorative t-shirt
Return shared Speedboat airport transfers
Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
Delicious buffet breakfast daily at Kandooma Café
Tea, coffee & bottled water in-villa, and replenished daily
Complimentary snorkel trip & use of snorkelling gear
Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee

Additional packages offering different villa types are also available exclusively from Music in Paradise here. All packages exclude airfares.

Celebration

Family fun and Maldivian traditions await this Eid at Summer Island Maldives

Published

4 weeks ago

May 26, 2025

m@ldives

This Eid al-Adha, Summer Island Maldives extends an exclusive ‘Eid Bliss’ offer to Maldivians and work permit holders, inviting them to unwind and celebrate. Located just 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé, this tropical island provides a barefoot escape ideal for those seeking simplicity and comfort.

Available for stays between 5th and 15th June 2025, the limited-time Eid offer includes full board accommodation starting at just USD 250 per night for two adults (minimum two-night stay), inclusive of all taxes and service charges.

For guests planning a longer stay, the rate is reduced to USD 225 per night for stays of four nights or more. Those looking for a shorter retreat can book one-night stays at USD 290. Families can especially benefit from this offer, as one child under 12 stays free, making it the perfect Eid retreat for relaxation, reconnection, and the creation of lasting memories.

Guests booking the Eid offer will enjoy:

Full board meals at Samuga Restaurant
Evening tea at Nevi Bar
Complimentary return speedboat transfers
30% off spa treatments and water sports
20% off excursions and beach dinners
15% off à la carte dining, in-villa dining, and bar snacks

On Eid Day – Friday, 6th June 2025 – the island will come alive with colourful Maldivian traditions. Guests can look forward to the spirited rhythms of Bodu Beru, the dramatic folklore of Bodu Mas & Koadi, and the lively procession of Dhafi Negun, all complemented by Summer Island’s signature warm and welcoming touch.

“Eid celebrations are a big deal at Summer Island Maldives and are especially popular among our local guests,” said Mohamed Thaufeeq, Resort Manager of Summer Island Maldives. “This year, we are once again preparing to mark the occasion with traditional cultural activities and our signature Summer Island spirit. Whether planning a family retreat or a peaceful escape to recharge and reconnect with a loved one, this is the perfect time to experience the island’s joyful Eid atmosphere.”

Rooted in genuine Maldivian hospitality, Summer Island Maldives welcomes all to celebrate the spirit of Eid in a setting where simplicity, nature, and heartfelt service come together.