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Local artists wow guests at LUX* South Ari Atoll
Three local artists have wowed guests at LUX* South Ari Atoll with their artistic talents, as part of a series of art workshops hosted by the resort.
In partnership with local NGO Maldivian Artist Community (MAC), three talented local artists took residency at LUX* South Ari Atoll from June 28-30, where they hosted three classes that focused on their individual skills.
“We are committed to serve the public and local community by giving various opportunities to local talents to promote their arts and craft and other skills. We are proud to have hosted this event at LUX* and received wonderful feedback from all our guests,” Jonas Amstad, the resort’s General Manager, said.
“Three local art events were attended by at least 50 guests over the course of three days. It was well received by all guests who attended the event, including taking the art piece made with them to home as a souvenir from their Maldives holiday.”
Renowned local artist Hussein ‘Iphpha’ Iffal led the series with his signature coffee art class at the resort’s Café LUX*, using freshly roasted coffee. During his two-hour workshop on June 28, Iphpha taught curious guests the techniques in which he is able to create detailed portraits and beautiful scenes from the Maldives landscape using coffee as a medium.
Famous for his underwater painting and coffee art portraits, Iphpha tries to link the popular Maldivian pastime of meeting at cafes and drinking coffee with his own part in this present day cultural trend. Recognised by the local and international community, Iphpha recently held an exhibition in Abu Dhabi with 66 artworks using coffee as a medium. He is also a talented underwater painter.
On the second day of LUX* South Ari Atoll’s art workshop series, up-and-coming artist Insha Hassan hosted a two-hour class on watercolour painting at the resort’s Beach Rouge restaurant. Several young guests at the resort as well as students from a neighbouring island school took part in the workshop, painting scenes from the underwater beauty of the Maldives using watercolour.
Insha currently works as a visual artist in various souvenir shops and guesthouses. Since starting her career in 2016, Insha has exhibited her works at the National Art Gallery and at Kandima Maldives resort’s first ever Kula Art Festival.
The series wraped up on June 30 with a two-hour acrylic art class hosted by popular local artist Ahmed ‘Baachy’ Azmee at the Veli Bar Beach. He used acrylic to wow the participants by creating several pieces of contemporary canvas art that were later exhibited for the resort’s guests.
A self-taught abstract artist, Baachy uses sensual and bright colours as well as various mediums including acrylic, oil and charcoal to create contemporary canvas art. He has participated in various art related events, including the Kula Art Festival at Kandima.
“LUX* South Ari Atoll will have another series of art festival during December 2018 to promote local art and talents,” Amstad said.
“As a core element of our CSR initiatives, LUX* South Ari Atoll will focus on promoting local arts and crafts throughout the year, including the festive of 2018/2019. We have already partnered with the famous coffee artist Iffal to host an Underwater Diving Art workshop during the September LUX* Underwater Diving festival. He will also showcase a Sand Art show during the festive period at LUX*.”
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.
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.
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.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.
The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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