Featured
Ibrahim Ali: moulding creative youngsters in Maldives and abroad through art
This might come as a surprise to those of us like me who have little to no artistic skills, but everybody is an artist! That’s at least what one self-taught Maldivian artist thinks. And he has set out to prove that through his own style of art and art classes.
Ibrahim Ali started exploring his talent at a very young age, painting and creating art pieces. While going to high school in capital Male, he discovered a small art shop right in front of his school. Luckily, he got a part-time job at the shop run by a local art graduate. That gave him access to a wider range of materials and more opportunities to further explore his skills.
But right after he graduated from high school, the art shop closed and Ali had to find a job. Finding work in the field of arts was almost impossible in the Maldives where art was still not appreciated. So, like most fresh school graduates still looking to build a career, he took up a job at the Bank of Maldives’ (BML) branch at the main airport.
Ali chats with a guest during his art exhibition at LUX* South Ari Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*
For Ali, the five years that he spent doing the boring desk job at the bank branch became the stepping stone to finding his inner calling. At the airport, he was introduced to “a family” of airport representatives from the resorts across the Maldives. Together they enjoyed coffees, cigarettes and chit chats. Soon enough, he was drawn to the hospitality industry, and started looking for a job in a resort. That search yielded in a job at the finance department of One&Only Reethi Rah resort.
“While working at the resort, I got the chance to make decorations for different occasions like Easter, Christmas and Halloween. During these chances, the resort discovered my talent and I got the chance to move to the Art Studio where I created art pieces and conducted art lessons for the guests,” Ali tells me, during a chat at LUX* South Ari Atoll resort.
“This is where everything started shining in my career. There I realised that this has always been the dream that I wanted to pursue.”
Ali conducts an art class in Japan.
When Ali joined the art studio at Reethi Rah, he was still a newbie. Pottery was a big part of the art classes offered by the studio, but he knew nothing about it. He learned a bit about the art of pottery from the resident artist and self-taught it through trial and error. But to make things worse, the resort’s resident artist Lilia left soon after, leaving the art studio at one of the most luxurious resorts in the country solely in his hands.
“I was scared because our clientele was the ultra-rich. So there was no chance for any obvious mistakes, but I was still a beginner. Lucky for me, I was able to learn pottery on my own and conduct classes. My new manager Haneef was also very helpful. And through that, I created amazing bonds with kids from around the globe which made them come to the property just to take my classes,” Ali recalls.
Those bonds remain strong to this day, as guests who had attended his art classes at Reethi Rah still visit him in Japan, where he lives with his wife and son since December 2014.
In his wife’s native Japan, Ali has discovered more opportunities to grow as an artist. After spending his initial months in Japan without a job because of language barriers and his lack of a college degree, he landed a job as an English teacher at a newly opened language school for children. With Ali as the primary teacher, the school started with just one student in January 2015, and in a year expanded to accommodate 20 students.
At first it started as a regular English language class, but Ali was a born-artist and he knew he had to quench his thirst to instil his knowledge in arts into the young minds that came to him for guidance. So he introduced an art class at the school for the first time during the summer break. It was well-received by the parents and kids alike, as it combined art with language. Now he teaches English at several schools in Japan using the concept of art, enabling children to learn language through real situations and by creating a piece of art together. Community centres in different parts of Japan are also benefiting from his knowledge.
“I couldn’t have come this far without the help and support of my family in Japan and in the Maldives, especially my wife and son. Living in Japan is difficult and she works full-time to support the family, acting as the leader of the family in order to let me do what I love to do,” Ali says.
Ali conducts an art class at a community centre in Japan.
For his next move, Ali is looking to conduct visiting artist programmes at resorts in the Maldives.
“I would like to continue sharing my knowledge skills and creating those memories to a lot of people,” he says.
His first stop was the LUX* South Ari Atoll in mid-August. On a personal invitation of Hussain Afeef, Regional Director of Training, Development and Quality Assurance at LUX* South Ari Atoll, 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 four days of classes learned to make creative accessories and vibrant artworks from everyday materials found in the Maldives such as coconuts and shells.
Ali during a class at LUX* South Ari Atoll.
At the fresh setting of the chic beach resort, Ali 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.
“My artworks are driven by ideas about creating art using everyday materials like a fallen coconut, which people would throw away. I make sure they have a fun experience, and create a memorable painting or an art piece which they would hang back in their homes to always remember to come back to the beautiful place at LUX* South Ari Atoll,” Ali describes his first visiting artist programme.
Ali’s paintings on display at LUX* South Ari Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*
For now, Ali is back in Japan, moulding young students with his unique blend of language and arts. He also has grand plans for next year, including more visiting artist programmes at LUX* South Ari Atoll and other popular resorts in the Maldives, and to represent his home country at Setouchi Triennale, one of the biggest art festivals in Japan.
But as he improves his own artistic skills and discovers more techniques of art and creativity everyday, he is determined to share his knowledge and experience with his countrymen and those that come to the beautiful islands of the Maldives for a glimpse of paradise.
Awards
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives secures Readers’ Choice honour in Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Awards
The inaugural Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 have been announced, and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, has secured a place on the list. The resort has been recognised as a Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotel, marking an important milestone for the newly opened property. Known for its privacy, refined elegance, diverse dining options, and holistic wellness offerings, the resort has quickly emerged as one of the region’s most sought-after five-star retreats in the Maldives.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives has been designed to engage the senses, blending elevated elegance with uninterrupted seclusion. Its collection of beachfront and overwater villas and residences has been created for travellers seeking a peaceful Maldivian escape defined by natural surroundings. The contemporary design is softened by organic textures, muted tones, and Thai-inspired elements, resulting in an atmosphere that feels serene, relaxed, and discreetly luxurious.
Elegance and simplicity shape the experience across the island. Private decks offer quiet spaces for reflection, while an array of water sports and marine activities provide opportunities for exploration. The resort’s wellbeing philosophy is anchored by SPA Cenvaree Retreat, a dedicated sanctuary for holistic healing and restoration. Drawing on Thai wellness traditions, each treatment is designed to renew balance and nurture physical and mental wellbeing. Signature therapies, couples’ rituals, and restorative beauty treatments allow guests to slow down and reconnect with their natural rhythm.
Dining is a defining aspect of the resort’s appeal. Guests can enjoy tandoor and teppan live stations at The Gallery, savour Mediterranean-inspired seafood at Bluefin, or end the day with cocktails and sunset views at Sunset Social. For additional exclusivity, The Club offers gourmet breakfasts, curated grape pairings, and intimate culinary experiences, while Coco Drift provides relaxed poolside refreshments.
The recognition from Condé Nast Traveller Middle East highlights the rapid rise of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives within the region. Securing such a prestigious title within months of opening underscores the resort’s commitment to service quality, guest satisfaction, and exceptional experiences. It also reflects Centara’s growing presence and increasing popularity among travellers to the Maldives.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised by the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East community,” said Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon. “This award reflects the genuine care and commitment our team puts into creating stays that feel calm and personal—experiences that are both distinctly Maldivian and authentically Thai. Our focus has always been on curated journeys, refined elegance, and a meaningful connection to the island’s natural beauty. It is incredibly rewarding to know that our guests feel this throughout their time with us.”
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives continues to welcome guests from the GCC region and beyond, strengthened by the trust of travellers who value authenticity, elegance, and exceptional island experiences.
For many travellers, certain holidays transcend the ordinary and become memories retold for years to come. Christmas and New Year at Vakkaru Maldives fall firmly into that category. Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Vakkaru offers an environment where time softens into the rhythm of turquoise waters and soft white sand. During the festive season, the resort adopts an added layer of understated elegance and island-inspired charm.
Guests waking on Christmas morning in an overwater villa are greeted by sunlight dancing across the lagoon. Instead of winter’s chill, there is only the warmth of a gentle tropical breeze and the soft sound of the ocean beneath the suite. Breakfast may be served on a private deck as manta rays pass in the distance and the day begins with quiet possibility.
Festive celebrations at the resort combine refinement with authenticity. Tree-lighting ceremonies unfold against pastel-coloured sunsets, live music moves through the palm groves, and seasonal dining features gourmet menus that incorporate Maldivian influences. The atmosphere is intimate and thoughtfully arranged, creating the sense that the island itself is sharing a moment with each guest. Younger travellers have much to enjoy as well, with holiday craft activities, island treasure hunts, and a dedicated visit from Santa that adds a playful touch to the celebrations.
As the year draws to a close, Vakkaru brings a renewed sense of celebration to its shores. New Year’s Eve features an open-air gala dinner beneath the stars, illuminated by lanterns while chefs prepare dishes showcasing the finest local produce. The resort’s signature barefoot-luxury spirit is fully present—relaxed yet refined, festive without excess. Entertainment continues into the night with live performances and DJ sets. Guests gather on the sand, cocktails in hand, as the countdown to midnight begins. When the clock strikes twelve, fireworks illuminate the lagoon, their reflections shimmering across the still water. The moment feels cinematic and memorable, marking the start of a new year in a spectacular setting.
Between the festivities, guests can enjoy the resort’s signature tranquillity. Merana Spa, positioned over the ocean, offers treatments that encourage rest and restoration. The surrounding reefs provide opportunities for snorkelling and diving, with the chance to encounter marine life that thrives in the atoll’s protected waters. Paddleboarding, dolphin cruises, and excursions in search of hammerhead sharks offer both gentle and adventurous options for exploration. For those seeking a quieter experience, a sunset dhoni cruise with a glass of champagne captures the classic romance of the Maldives.
Vakkaru Maldives presents Christmas and New Year as a blend of natural beauty, thoughtful experiences, and personalised celebration. Guests can savour every detail—from festive lights glowing through the coconut palms to holiday-inspired cocktails and candlelit dinners—while welcoming the new year from the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Vakkaru Dream Getaway – Early Bird Festive Offer includes:
- Complimentary daily breakfast
- Savings of over 10% on all villas and residences
- Up to 15% savings on round-trip seaplane transfers
- Complimentary access to selected non-motorised watersports
Those seeking a festive season that combines natural tranquillity with considered sophistication may find Vakkaru Maldives to be the ideal destination.
Villa Resorts has launched a new Villa Air seaplane service to Villa Park Maldives, offering an arrival experience that begins in the air with views across the Maldivian archipelago.
Operated by the sister brand Villa Air, the seaplanes serving Villa Park are fitted with some of the widest panoramic windows used in the Maldives. This allows passengers to observe reefs, sandbanks, and islands almost continuously from take-off to landing. Travellers see the colours of the ocean shift from deep blue to lighter turquoise and can trace the shape of atolls and lagoons well before reaching the resort.
The size of the windows ensures that most seats offer wide views, enabling couples, families, and groups to experience the scenery together without needing to change places. Capturing photographs and short videos becomes straightforward, and for many visitors this forms their first impression of the Maldives while still above the islands.
A notable feature of the Villa Air service is the experience of taking off from and landing on water. The gradual ascent from the lagoon near Malé and the final descent beside Villa Park bring a sense of calm and mild adventure, particularly for those new to seaplane travel. The sound of the floats touching the water and the sight of the resort appearing ahead create a natural transition to the island.
With unobstructed views, a relaxed pace, and the experience of stepping off an aircraft that has just landed on the ocean, the new Villa Air seaplane connection ensures that a stay at Villa Park effectively begins from the moment passengers depart Malé and follow the chain of islands south.
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