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Kandima Maldives becomes more colourful with KULA art initiative

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Kandima Maldives has introduced its KULA art initiative, turning the “kool” island resort into the trendiest, most happening art centre in the Indian Ocean.

KULA, which means “colours” in local Dhivehi language, is envisioned as a long-term initiative to support the full spectrum of the contemporary creative arts — from local crafts, fashion, digital photography, videography to music — and open up new horizons for the local art community like never before.

A local artist showcases her talent at Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA

The entire resort will be a glorious art gallery, and thanks to a collaboration with Maldives Artists Community (MAC), a local art NGO with over 100 members, Kandima is set to host regular exhibitions and exciting performances by local artists. There will be live art demonstrations and guests can unleash their inner Picasso with classes at Kandima’s very own Art Studio.

Set on the edge of a natural lake, the Art Studio will be one of the most peaceful locations on the island, giving both guests and artists the inspiration and calm space they need to create their masterpiece.

“We want to create extraordinary and innovative experiences for our guests which in turn will positively impact our local communities,” Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz, PR and Communications Manager at Kandima who is leading the initiative, was quoted as saying in an announcement issued by the resort.

“This seemed like the perfect match. There are hundreds of talented artists that come from the local Maldivian islands but their work isn’t seen or appreciated because they don’t have a platform. It’s our vision that this programme will change that. We want KULA to promote and nurture local artistic talent and creativity and essentially open up new horizons for the local art community like never before.”

Kandima team poses for a photo with some of the artists that showcased their talent at the resort. PHOTO/ KANDIMA

KULA is very much a community affair as it will support local schools and artists with equipment, grants and masterclasses. Kandima will give USD 1 per occupied room night to the KULA Fund and guests can make their own donations.

The KULA fund will also prosper and increase from the artists themselves. When a piece of art is sold, the artist will contribute a small percentage of the sale to the KULA fund to help it grow. The remainder goes personally to the artist, with no profit to Kandima.

A local artist showcases his talent at Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA

The opportunity to be involved is one that local artist Atikey is grateful for.

“KULA is a dream come true. It’s a platform that the whole art community has been waiting for, for a long time. This will not only help local artists display their work in the Maldives, but also on an international stage. It’s an exciting new beginning for us that we hope will grow from strength to strength,” Atikey, who was amongst a group of local artists that hosted art classes at Kandima last month, said.

Local artists showcase their talent at Kandima Maldives. PHOTO/ KANDIMA

According to Kandima, additional dimensions of the KULA initiative will be activated over the next few months, making its way through local crafts, photography and music. The plans include hosting the first KULA exhibition in December with work from 20 local artists — a first for any resort in the Maldives — and introducing the KULA Awards in 2018, giving the local art community a platform to showcase to a global audience.

Located on a lush tropical island in Dhaalu Atoll, Kandima offers a choice of 274 stylishly designed studios and villas, with 11 different categories to choose from, all of which have a private terrace and endless tropical views to enjoy.

The four star plus resort has first class infrastructure, boasting the largest pool in
 the Maldives, tennis courts, an art studio, a marine biology school, a kids club, a game room, a library, a gym, a yoga studio and a spa. There is plenty to keep everyone occupied and the array of activities and events on offer is endless, including a huge choice of watersports, diving or snorkelling near the house reef, yoga, Zumba, bicycles, beach volleyball, petanque, arts and crafts lessons, and much more.

The island also offers one of the largest selection of F&B outlets in the country, with an incredible choice of ten restaurants and bars, all featuring unique and individual menus offering flavours of the world from Chinese and Japanese to authentic Maldivian and Mediterranean. So be it tropical or traditional, Kandima has something to suit everyone’s tastes.

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Waldorf Astoria Maldives hosts iconic beachside concert with Chris De Burgh

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Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is preparing to elevate the romance and charm of Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable evening featuring iconic singer-songwriter Chris De Burgh. Renowned for timeless hits such as ‘The Lady in Red’ and ‘Missing You’, De Burgh will perform an exclusive beachside concert on February 14, 2025, combining world-class entertainment, gourmet dining, and the romantic allure of the Maldives.

The concert will take place under the stars on the resort’s pristine beaches, surrounded by the soothing sound of ocean waves and candlelit tables. Guests will enjoy an intimate live performance by one of the music industry’s most enduring artists. The evening will begin with an elegant BBQ dinner, paired with premium bubbly and live music from the resort’s resident duo band, culminating in De Burgh’s soul-stirring performance beneath a starlit sky.

With a career spanning over five decades and more than 50 million albums sold worldwide, Chris De Burgh’s music has touched hearts across generations. His live performances are celebrated for their intimacy and passion, promising a Valentine’s experience where love, music, and the magic of the Maldives converge into an unforgettable evening.

This bespoke event is priced at USD 595++ per person and includes a thoughtfully curated package designed to enhance the romantic experience. The package features:

  • A luxurious beachside BBQ dinner
  • A bottle of premium bubbly per couple
  • A romantic beach setup to create lasting memories
  • A bouquet of fresh flowers
  • An exclusive Valentine’s in-room amenity

To further enhance the celebration, Waldorf Astoria Maldives is offering a special room package for guests staying between February 12 and 17, 2025. Requiring a minimum stay of three nights, this package includes the exclusive dinner experience. Guests can book directly online to ensure a seamless journey to this enchanting escape. From personalised service to the serene beauty of the Indian Ocean, the resort provides the perfect backdrop for love and celebration.

This exclusive event highlights Waldorf Astoria Maldives’ commitment to elevating the art of hospitality. The resort continues to transform guest experiences by offering extraordinary, bespoke events that seamlessly combine world-class entertainment with luxurious amenities. The ‘Exclusive Celebration with Chris De Burgh’ exemplifies this vision, blending exceptional artistry with the unparalleled charm of the Maldives for a truly unforgettable occasion.

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Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell bring intimate performances to Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, in collaboration with event organisers Music in Paradise, has announced that Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell will perform at the private island resort from September 6 to 13, 2025. This week-long event offers a blend of tropical island relaxation with three intimate performances set on the beach and at the resort’s rooftop Sunset Bar, along with exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities. Additionally, rumours suggest that the duo, known for their love of Espresso Martinis, might make a surprise appearance behind the bar.

Anthony Callea, an ARIA Award-winning artist, is celebrated as one of Australia’s most accomplished vocalists and entertainers. With a career spanning two decades, he boasts eight albums, TV concert specials, numerous tours, and appearances at major events and on television. His latest album, ‘FORTY LOVE*’, released in October 2022 to commemorate his 40th birthday, debuted at No. 5 on the ARIA album chart. Over the years, Callea has performed for HM Queen Elizabeth II, Luciano Pavarotti, and other notable figures, while also touring with music legends such as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Diana Ross.

Tim Campbell is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most versatile and beloved entertainers, excelling in acting, hosting, musical theatre, and recording. He is best known for his role as Dan Baker in ‘Home & Away’ and Tom Parker in the Logie Award-winning series ‘House Husbands’. Campbell’s extensive musical theatre repertoire includes roles such as Roger in ‘Rent’, Johnny O’Keefe in ‘SHOUT! The Legend of the Wild One’, Bobby in ‘The Boyfriend’, Fiyero in ‘Wicked’, and Corny Collins in the national tour of ‘Hairspray the Arena Spectacular’. As a recording artist, his debut album, ‘High School Disco’, released in 2014, debuted at No. 25 on the ARIA charts.

In 2023, Callea and Campbell joined forces for their ‘Up Close & Unpredictable’ live concert tour across Australia. They also performed a series of shows at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall and the Sydney Opera House, celebrating the music of Elton John and George Michael.

A VIP Experience package for this exclusive event is available for A$3,890 per person (twin share) and includes seven nights in a two-story Beach House at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. The package features:

  • Entry to three exclusive events
  • Three intimate performances
  • Meet-and-greet with Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell
  • A professional photo with the performers
  • Music in Paradise welcome bag
  • Event poster and commemorative t-shirt
  • Return shared speedboat airport transfers
  • Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
  • Daily buffet breakfast at Kandooma Café
  • Complimentary tea, coffee, and bottled water replenished daily in the villa
  • A group yoga session
  • A group “Learn to Surf” experience
  • Complimentary snorkel trip and snorkelling gear use
  • Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee

This unique event promises an unforgettable experience, combining world-class entertainment with the serene beauty of the Maldives. Additional package details can be found at Music in Paradise’s official website.

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Art in the tropics: vibrant celebration at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa

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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa proudly hosted the highly anticipated Art Week 2024, a celebration of creativity and community facilitated through a dynamic partnership with Clay Studio Maldives. The month-long studio residency culminated during Art Week, offering a series of inspiring workshops and interactive sessions that brought art to life for both guests and Heartists (Pullman’s talented team members).

The Clay Studio, located in the serene and lush Migili Room, became a tranquil haven for artistic exploration. Surrounded by the island’s tropical greenery, it was the heart of creativity on the island, offering diverse hands-on experiences such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, and ornament painting classes.

Guests and Heartists were immersed in the tactile world of clay, crafting unique pieces and creating memories to cherish for a lifetime. The Clay Studio’s warm and inclusive atmosphere allowed participants of all skill levels to discover the joy of working with clay under the guidance of expert artists from Clay Studio Maldives.

Riaan Drever, the General Manager, reflected on the success of the collaboration, expressing that Art Week 2024 had been an extraordinary experience. He emphasised that the partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives brought a unique blend of creativity, relaxation, and personal expression to Pullman Maldives Maamutaa. He found it heartwarming to see guests and Heartists connect through art, taking home not just souvenirs but meaningful experiences.

Ahmed Muaz, Co-Founder of The Clay Studio Maldives, also shared his delight in the collaboration, stating that it was a pleasure to offer the pottery program during Art Week 2024. He praised the opportunity to work with the Pullman team to enhance the guest experience and expressed joy in sharing the craft of pottery in such a dynamic and inspiring environment.

The event showcased Pullman’s commitment to offering creative and immersive guest experiences, seamlessly blending the artistic journey with the island’s natural beauty. This initiative reflects Pullman’s dedication to art and cultural enrichment, a core element of its global identity and commitment to fostering local creativity and talent.

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