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LUX* South Ari Atoll hosts crafts classes, spices up Maldivian Night with local artists’ exhibition
LUX* South Ari Atoll hosted arts and crafts classes with a visiting Maldivian artist this week, capping off the event with an art exhibition by two local artists.
Ali during a class at LUX* South Ari Atoll.
For four days, Maldivian artist Ibrahim Ali conducted sessions for interested guests, where they learned about several forms of arts and crafts, including coconut art, marble art, shrinking paper art and accessory making. Guests who signed up for the classes learned to make creative accessories and vibrant artworks from everyday materials found in the Maldives such as coconuts and shells.
Ali, who currently resides in Japan, also held an exhibition of his own art series, called Turquoise. The series presents the natural beauty of the Maldives, especially its turquoise blue waters, through his imagination.
“Kids and adults alike joined my classes and they were all so happy. My idea of art has a fun aspect to it, and I believe that the participants had fun while learning something new. I had a fabulous time too, and LUX* did an amazing job organising this event,” Ali said.
Ali chats with a guest during his art exhibition at LUX* South Ari Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*
On the final day of the event, LUX* South Ari Atoll spiced up its usual Maldivian Night beach dinner on Tuesday by inviting renowned local artist Hussein ‘Iphpha’ Iffal to join Ali and showcase their work in a joint art exhibition on the beach. Alongside Ali’s Turquoise series, Iffal displayed 10 paintings from his famous coffee-infused art series to a curious audience.
Iffal’s coffee infused art series on display during the Maldivian Night at LUX* South Ari Atoll on Tuesday. PHOTO/ LUX*
Commenting on the event, Hussain Afeef, Regional Director of Training, Development and Quality Assurance at LUX* South Ari Atoll, highlighted the brand’s commitment to promote local culture, heritage and talent, especially amongst the guests. LUX* admires the creativity and uniqueness of talented Maldivian artists, he said.
“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to showcase the talent of Iphpha and Ali. Both of them have added value to our guest experience, and have helped our guests celebrate life. Our team is committed to continuing these initiatives,” Afeef told Maldives Insider.
Ali’s Turquoise series on display during the Maldivian Night at LUX* South Ari Atoll on Tuesday. PHOTO/ LUX*
Fresh from its relaunch late last year, cutting-edge designer villas and world-class dining can be found only a 30-minute seaplane flight away from the main Velana International Airport, making LUX* South Ari Atoll one of the most exciting resorts in the Maldives.
With 187 private villas dotted at the water’s edge along four kilometres of powder fine beach or perched on stilts above a crystal clear lagoon, these spacious pavilions and villas bring an entirely original vibe of coastal, beach house chic to the Maldives.
Sand and shell art done during a class conducted by Ali at LUX* South Ari Atoll.
Excellent eating and drinking is always a cut above the rest at LUX*, and at LUX* South Ari Atoll, there is authentic South East Asian street food in the Maldives’ only over-the-water gourmet night market and world-class Chinese cuisine at East, along with the Japanese restaurant Umami, which offers live teppanyaki and dazzling selection of sakés.
In addition to the usual dining options, on every Tuesday evening, guests at LUX* South Ari Atoll are treated to a feast of authentic Maldivian cuisine set up by the beach. The dinner, ranging from food items such as short eats and curries to live cooking by locals from nearby islands, are complemented by local Bodu Beru dance and music, making it a truly Maldivian Night.
While the resort has a PADI-certified dive centre, two infinity pools, a floodlit tennis court, a fitness centre and a renowned spa which hosts a wellness concierge and a menu of indulgent treatments, what sets the property apart from its neighbours are surprises, or better known as #ReasonstogoLUX. Designed to create lasting memories for guests, these ‘reasons’ can range from island-roasted coffee in Café LUX* to impromptu movie screenings at cinema paradise and the chance to hang your wishes on the Tree of Wishes.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.
Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.
From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.
On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.
Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.
A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.
On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
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