Featured
One&Only Reethi Rah launches Artist in Residence programme with world-renowned artists
One&Only Reethi Rah has launched a new Artist in Residence programme with world-renowned artists, including figurative painter Henri Lamy, and portrait painter, DJ and photographer Ruddy Candillon.
Guests have the opportunity to learn from expert artists and nurture their artistic talents in the inspiring beachfront setting of the Art Gallery, recently expanded and located at the lively hub of the island, ClubOne.
A variety of innovative art classes are available for guests based on different themes and genres. Classes take place in the beach-side studio at ClubOne or upon request in the privacy of the guest’s villa. One&Only Reethi Rah offers a vibrant array of activities for all ages and interests, whether guests are seeking relaxation, adventure, wellbeing or to pursue an area of passion such as art, all against a backdrop of pristine white sand and turquoise lagoon waters.
“One&Only Reethi Rah offers an unforgettable escape for guests to experience once-in-a-lifetime moments in a captivating setting amid the spectacular white beaches and vivid turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean,” Jan B. Tibaldi, General Manager at One&Only Reethi Rah, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“We are delighted to provide our guests with an array of exciting art classes and activities with internationally renowned artists, designed to celebrate life, leaving our guests feeling energised and inspired to create their own masterpieces.”
As part of the new Artist in Residence programme, One&Only Reethi Rah welcomed Henri Lamy in January.
Lamy started painting at an early age and his work is characterised by lively colours and highly creative composition, as well as inventive use of a palette knife. Henri depicts spontaneous colourful faces and surprising scenes of life, his paintings take on the movements of the martial art Capoeira, creating lively and expressive compositions. Through these techniques, it may seem as though his work is abstract when viewed at close range but is actually figurative when viewed from a distance. Guided by his emotions, he is renowned for taking risks with his art and is a true Capoeira-painting performer.
Influenced by Yan Pei Ming and Lucian Freud, Henri’s first exhibition was held in France in 2006, and he has exhibited in galleries all over the world including Japan, China, New York, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok.
Following a successful programme with Lamy, One&Only Reethi Rah is now hosting Ruddy Candillon, who will be in residence until April 31.
Candillon is a renowned photographer whose images have been shown in galleries and foundations all around the world, including France, Brazil, the UAE and US. He notably presented a series of Japanese portraits at the Musée des Beaux Arts de Bordeaux, and his works are present in many private collections. Through his work, Ruddy aims to preserve the energy and the movement of a traditional painting. Ruddy works by seizing unveiling energy and transforming his subjects as he experiments with different focus points and depicting a lapse of time through his portrait photographs.
At One&Only Reethi Rah, Ruddy offers guests the opportunity to create unique portraits where light transforms and transfigures the person. This innovative way of working is something completely new for One&Only Reethi Rah guests.
Set on one of the largest islands in North Male Atoll, the all-villa ultra-luxury One&Only Reethi Rah resort offers an unparalleled array of luxurious options to create an unforgettable holiday. Sleek and spectacular, with unprecedented privacy, One&Only Reethi Rah inspires extraordinary journeys for the soul. From extensive outdoor adventure options, including snorkelling and diving in the exotic underwater world, to the mesmerising One&Only Spa, guests are spoilt for choice.
The resort offers 122 thatch-roofed villas and a wide range of culinary experiences, including the Botanica restaurant, which offers the ultimate in organic garden-to-fork cuisine, and Rabarbaro, which offers genuine Italian fare, as well as a superfoods breakfast menu.
Guests at One&Only Reethi Rah can also enjoy an array of spa experiences, including private sunrise yoga classes on a secluded sandbank, a ‘Twilight Spa Rendezvous’ massage experience under the stars, ‘foot rehab’ – a concept created by the resident yoga instructor and the Bastien Gonzalez therapist which combines yoga and foot massage, Barber+Blade – a men’s grooming and shaving studio and a Spa Courtyard featuring a vitality pool, outdoor sauna and steam room.
Awards
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef secures Best House Reef title at TTM Awards
Renowned for its marine life and underwater experiences, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection, has been named Best House Reef at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026.
The award recognises the resort’s marine environment, which is accessible directly from its beaches and overwater villas. The annual TTM Awards and Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers from across the archipelago to recognise achievements within the Maldivian hospitality industry.
The island’s coral reef is home to marine species including resident sea turtles, reef sharks, tropical fish and eagle rays. Guests can explore the reef through guided excursions led by the resort’s resident marine experts, customised scuba-diving experiences and coral restoration initiatives designed to support the long-term preservation of the marine environment.
“Our reef is the living soul of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, shaping every visitor’s journey from the moment they step into our turquoise lagoon,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager. “To be named the Maldives’ Best House Reef is an immense honour, strengthening our commitment to nurturing this remarkable marine sanctuary so our guests can keep discovering its quiet magic beneath the surface.”
Travellers seeking underwater experiences can book directly with the resort to access exclusive benefits and guided marine excursions.
Featured
‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.
The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.
During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.
“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.
“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”
The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.
The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.
Awards
Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards
Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.
Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.
The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.
This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.
The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.
“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.
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