International authors and local talents to take centre stage at a one-day event in the capital

To celebrate the return of the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’ to Soneva Fushi’s award-winning shores, a special one-day Festival showcase will be held at the Maldives National University in Malé on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The free-to-attend event will bring together the nation’s local talents and international creatives for an inspiring cultural programme featuring book signings with acclaimed authors, thought-provoking readings and live music performances, as well as a welcome speech by the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives HE Munu Mahawar and Managing Director of Festival producers Teamwork Arts, Sanjoy K. Roy.

Meet and mingle with JLF Soneva Fushi speaker Christina Lamb, the Chief Foreign Correspondent at The Sunday Times and one of Britain’s leading foreign journalists, as well as a bestselling author. Having reported from many of the world’s hotspots, from Afghanistan to Ukraine, Lamb has authored 10 books, including Our Bodies, Their Battlefields and What War Does to Women, and co-wrote I Am Malala with Malala Yousafzai. Acclaimed author, skin cancer specialist, philanthropist and professor Sharad P. Paul will also be speaking at the event. The author of The Genetics of Health and Skin: A Biography, Paul was awarded the prestigious Ko Awatea International Excellence Award for Leading Health Improvement on a Global Scale.

Published Maldivian authors will also be taking to the stage to discuss prose and poetry, including Nadha Ibrahim Zuhair whose first book, Between the Stills and Pauses, was published in August 2022; Aminath Shirneem, the author of A Medium Rare Heart and The One with the Blue Pages; and Ahmed Mahid who is known for his popular serialised short stories and contributions toOcean Weekly. Local music talents are also in the spotlight with musicians Dhifoo and Zayaan showcasing their signature style of music that blends several genres to present captivating performances of English, Dhivehi and French songs, as well as dynamic instrumentals.

Taking place from May 12 – 21, 2023, the second edition of JLF Soneva Fushi brings the best of art, music and literature to the pristine sands of Kunfunadhoo in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Special Festival Day Passes are now available for USD 300, which includes full access to the vibrant programme of insightful talks and workshops, gala celebrations on the sand and electric live entertainment, as well as lunch with soft beverages, and access to Soneva’s signature chocolate and ice cream parlours.

To view the one-day Festival showcase programme, click here

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives Welcomes New In-House Salsa Dancers

The Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives has recently welcomed a new addition to its team – professional Salsa dancers Johanna Bremont and Roy Gomez. Originally from France and Mexico, the dance couple is ready to share their experience with guests at the resort.

The luxury resort offers free group Salsa dance sessions every day from 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm at the beach, where guests can learn some new moves and have fun. Those who want to take their skills to the next level can also book a private tutorial with Johanna and Roy.

After learning some new moves, guests can showcase their newly acquired skills on the dancefloor at the ONU Bar every evening from 9.00 pm to 11.00 pm. Good vibes and a fun atmosphere are guaranteed!

Set in the heart of the pristine Noonu Atoll, Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives is a luxury resort that offers guests five-star services that are fully personalised to their needs. Designed as a destination for relaxing and rejuvenating escapes, the resort offers a high degree of privacy and an array of luxurious villas located both overwater and on the beach.

Located in Noonu Atoll, one of the country’s most pristine atolls, the resort is a scenic 45-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport in the capital city of Malé. With the addition of the new in-house Salsa dancers, Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives is committed to providing a unique and unforgettable experience for its guests.

Oaga Art Resort has announced its celebration of International Jazz Day with an exceptional offer, including a stay in the Veyoge Gallery Pool Villa and an exclusive performance by the Soul Salad band.

The event will take place on April 30th, 2023, with guests arriving late afternoon from Male’, followed by a sunset cocktail reception before the Jazz Day special dinner at Raa Baa, the island’s main pool and bar.

The evening’s entertainment will feature a one of a kind performance by the Soul Salad band, featuring Ziya on guitar, Zeeban on bass, Muthrib on drums, Raalhu Mariyambu on vocals and Husen on saxophone and keys.

The resort’s Jazz Day offer at USD 550 nett includes an overnight stay in the Veyoge Gallery Pool Villa (at double occupancy). The Veyoge Gallery Pool Villas are a unique experience all on their own, with the display of the in-house art collection from Maldivian artists exhibited on the wall. The Villas also provide direct access from the pool to the ‘veyo’ garden stream which leads up to the Sobi Bar, the beer and gin garden. Each of these villas also include a vintage turntable invoking sweet nostalgia, perfect for the celebration of Jazz Day.

The offer also includes unlimited beverages from the Greatest All-Inclusive menu throughout the stay, and breakfast from Kaa Kada (the main restaurant) on the following day, 1st May, before departure transfers.

International Jazz Day was established by UNESCO in 2011 to promote jazz music as a symbol of peace, unity, and dialogue among cultures. Oaga Art Resort’s celebration promises to be an unforgettable experience for guests, with the Soul Salad band delivering a world-class performance. For more information and to book your place, please visit the resort’s website or use link .

For Maldives lovers searching for an all-inclusive holiday, Oaga Art Resort’s Greatest All-Inclusive plan re-defines the limits of what All-Inclusive is all about; with inclusions such as Creative Expression (art) classes, Take Notes (music) experiences, Thashibari In-Villa Dining to floating meal, choices of excursions, motorized watersports and many more.

Situated in North Malé Atoll, Oaga Art Resort is 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport. A small island with 60 villas with beach and over water options, 4 dining venues and a spa inspired by Maldivian traditional healing practices, Oaga Art Resort’s artistic and creative spaces offer an immersive experience curated by local and visiting artists, and craftsmen from the Maldives.