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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.
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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island achieves PADI Eco Center Certification

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has been officially certified as a PADI Eco Center, becoming one of only two resorts in the Maldives to receive this recognition in 2025. The certification is awarded to dive resorts that extend their efforts beyond standard operations, with a strong focus on protecting marine environments and raising awareness among future generations.
As part of the certification process, the resort’s team adopted the Conrad House Reef through PADI’s Adopt the Blue programme. A Dive Against Debris clean-up dive was conducted around the reef near Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, during which 10 kilograms of marine litter, primarily plastics and metal fragments, were collected.
The team also joined Green Fins in June 2025 and has since introduced a series of sustainable practices. These include paperless dive check-ins, eco-briefings before excursions, reduced use of plastics through the introduction of glass alternatives, and signage encouraging responsible snorkelling and diving across the dive centre.
Guests are also directly engaged in conservation activities through coral restoration initiatives. In 2025, the team has facilitated 17 coral line adoptions, where participants attend an educational session before attaching coral fragments to nursery lines and assisting with their placement underwater.
Jessica Miller, Marine Biologist at Conrad Maldives, commented: “This certification represents a milestone for us. It’s the result of dedicated teamwork and genuine care for the ocean. Watching our guests become part of the solution, whether through coral planting or learning about local marine life, is what makes this so special.”
Nick Flynn, General Manager of Conrad Maldives, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the team’s achievement in making Conrad Maldives a certified PADI Eco Center. This milestone is part of our long-term commitment to sustainability and a testament to how luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
Ranjit Batra, Chief Executive Officer of Ventive Hospitality, the owning company of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, highlighted the wider significance of the achievement. He said: “The PADI Eco Center recognition for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island underscores our commitment to protecting marine ecosystems while shaping the future of responsible travel. We are proud of Conrad for leading the way in sustainability across the Maldives.”
The certification strengthens Conrad Maldives’ broader sustainability objectives under Hilton’s Travel With Purpose programme. The resort will continue to offer educational dives, coral adoption opportunities, and conservation briefings, encouraging guests to actively participate in marine protection efforts during their stay.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island operates under Hilton and is part of Hilton Honors®, the global guest loyalty programme. Hilton Honors members booking directly through official Hilton channels receive a range of benefits, including exclusive discounts, free standard Wi-Fi, flexible payment options combining Points and money, and contactless technology via the Hilton Honors mobile app, which enables digital check-in, room selection, and access.
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Angsana Velavaru recognised as Best Water Villa Resort at TTM Awards 2025

Angsana Velavaru has been named Best Water Villa Resort at the TTM Awards & Gala 2025, presented by Travel Trade Maldives, the country’s leading travel trade platform.
The award acknowledges the resort’s InOcean Pool Villas, the Maldives’ first standalone water villas located one kilometre from the main island. These villas have become a signature feature of Angsana Velavaru, designed to accommodate both couples and families, with private pools, direct access to the ocean, and spacious interiors.
Beyond the architectural concept, the villas are intended to provide guests with a personal and adventurous connection to the surrounding sea. The resort also offers a wide range of experiences through its ‘101 Things to Do’ programme, which includes marine exploration, wellness activities, and culinary experiences. Cultural engagement is a central element, with opportunities for guests to interact with local island communities and traditions. The resort further integrates sustainability through its ‘Stay for Good’ initiatives, which combine environmental care with community involvement.
Commenting on the award, General Manager Ahmed Zahir said: “We are truly honoured to receive this award from the TTM Awards, a platform that embodies the spirit of the Maldivian travel community. This accolade not only celebrates the uniqueness of our InOcean Pool Villas but also pays tribute to the dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to create moments of discovery, connection and meaning for our guests. At Angsana Velavaru, we believe a stay should be more than a holiday—it should become a journey that remains with our guests long after they return home.”
Angsana Velavaru continues to position itself as a destination offering immersive experiences. Guests are invited to explore coral reefs, engage in island life, and create enduring memories in harmony with the natural environment.
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Barceló Nasandhura Malé named Best City Hotel at TTM Awards 2025

Barceló Nasandhura Malé has been awarded Best City Hotel at the TTM Awards 2025, held on 28 August at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi.
The recognition reflects the passion, hard work, and dedication of the team at Barceló Nasandhura, whose commitment to excellence has been evident since the property opened earlier this year. The hotel has focused on creating memorable guest experiences and setting new standards for city hospitality, which contributed to this achievement.
The TTM Awards, part of the Maldives’ largest travel trade show, celebrates the country’s hospitality sector across 28 categories, bringing together leading travel and tourism professionals from the region.
As it marks this milestone, Barceló Hotel Group reaffirmed its dedication to shaping the future of city hospitality in Malé.
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