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/

Celebration

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

Published

1 week 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.

Culture

Maldives unveiled: Khalid Al Ameri’s off-resort exploration

Published

2 weeks ago

May 19, 2025

m@ldives

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.

Lifestyle

Rosamund Pike escapes to paradise at Patina Maldives

Published

1 month ago

April 22, 2025

Maha Rasheed

Award-winning British actress Rosamund Pike recently traded the bustle of London for the serene turquoise waters of the Maldives, enjoying a picture-perfect escape at the luxurious Patina Maldives, Fari Islands. The “Gone Girl” star shared a dreamy video on social media, offering fans a glimpse into her idyllic tropical retreat—and it’s everything a Maldivian holiday should be.

In the video, Rosamund is seen immersing herself in the full island experience. From soaking up the sun at a private overwater villa to cruising on a dolphin-watching tour, biking along palm-lined paths, snorkeling with manta rays, and diving alongside sea turtles, it’s clear she embraced the magic of the Maldives. She even took to the waves on a water scooter, channeling her adventurous side in the most scenic setting imaginable.

Pike captioned her post with heartfelt reflection: “I left London on my very last ember and had a holiday of magical dimensions! The Maldives offer a glimpse of paradise, an escape from rush. @patinamaldives is a destination I have sought out three times; to practice doing nothing in preparation for playing Elspeth and this time to recover from doing too much. It is a heaven on your own terms— and I washed all my cares in salt and rinsed my soul in the sea. Here is a glimpse of bliss as I see it.”

Rosamund Pike is no stranger to immersive roles and demanding projects. Known for her powerful performances in films like Pride & Prejudice, Gone Girl, and the fantasy series The Wheel of Time, her career has spanned decades and earned critical acclaim. With such a busy professional life, it’s no wonder she finds solace and renewal at Patina Maldives.

Set in the pristine Fari Islands, Patina Maldives is a modern sanctuary that blends understated luxury with a deep connection to nature. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the resort offers minimalist aesthetics, eco-conscious living, and transformative experiences. Its overwater villas and beachfront retreats provide the ultimate in privacy and comfort, while curated wellness, art, and culinary journeys cater to mindful travelers seeking more than just a getaway.

For Rosamund Pike, Patina Maldives isn’t just a destination—it’s a refuge. Her third visit to the resort speaks volumes of its allure, where moments of stillness are as treasured as moments of adventure. As she puts it, it’s “a heaven on your own terms.”

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, indulge in marine adventures, or simply float into a state of bliss, Rosamund’s Maldivian escape is all the inspiration you need.