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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.
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ELE|NA marks World Asthma Day with guided wellness experiences
ELE|NA marked World Asthma Day with a series of wellness activities across its properties, focusing on the role of breath in overall wellbeing.
The programme was designed to highlight the connection between breathing, movement and daily health practices. According to the company, the initiative aimed to position respiratory health as an integral part of routine wellness rather than a purely clinical concern.
Activities began with guided breath awareness sessions combined with stretching exercises. These sessions focused on controlled movement and breathing techniques intended to improve mobility and support more regulated breathing patterns. The approach was structured to help participants reduce tension and restore a steady physical rhythm.
The programme also included Floating Sound Healing sessions, where participants were positioned on water while exposed to therapeutic sound frequencies. The sessions were designed to support relaxation and mental focus through controlled sensory input.
The overall programme combined breathwork, movement and sound-based therapy as part of a structured wellness approach. ELE|NA indicated that these practices were intended to support awareness, relaxation and physical balance.
The company operates across 12 properties, including OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, VARU by Atmosphere, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and RAAYA by Atmosphere, as well as properties in India.
Through the initiative, ELE|NA presented its wellness framework as extending beyond spa treatments, incorporating routine practices centred on breathing, movement and relaxation.
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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offers Dive Free programme
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is offering guests access to a range of dive sites in South Malé Atoll through its Dive Free programme, aimed at divers seeking structured and accessible diving experiences during their stay.
Located approximately 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort provides proximity to multiple dive sites within a 10 to 30-minute boat radius. The surrounding waters are known for varied reef structures, current-driven channels and regular marine life encounters, allowing for multiple dives per day.
The Dive Free programme is available to guests staying three nights or more, offering up to two complimentary scuba dives per day for up to two certified divers per villa.
According to Dive Centre Manager Ibrahim Shaan, the location enables access to a range of dive environments within a short distance, including reef and channel dives. He noted that sites such as Kandooma Thila can be reached within minutes, while additional sites offering different conditions are accessible within half an hour.
Director of Marketing and Sustainability Sharon Garrett stated that the programme is designed to integrate diving into the overall guest experience, reducing both time and cost considerations for certified divers.
Water conditions in the area remain suitable for diving throughout the year, with visibility often exceeding 20 metres. The dive sites accessible from the resort include:
- Kandooma Thila, a coral-covered pinnacle known for sightings of reef sharks and eagle rays
- Guraidhoo Corner, a channel dive site with strong currents attracting schools of fish and larger species
- Cocoa Corner, featuring reef walls and drop-offs with occasional pelagic encounters
- Kuda Giri Wreck, a sheltered site with a wreck and reef supporting reef fish and macro life
- Kandooma Caves, characterised by overhangs and reef formations with diverse marine species
Additional nearby sites include Manta Point, Lhosfushi, Medhu Faru and Waggiri, offering a mix of reef and channel diving, with seasonal manta ray sightings.
The resort operates a PADI five-star dive centre with guided excursions and access to multiple sites within short travel distances. The Dive Free programme is positioned as an option for divers seeking to maximise time in the water without the need for domestic transfers, providing direct access to dive locations from a single island base.
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Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives unveils Eid al-Adha experience
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has introduced a curated Eid al-Adha offering aimed at travellers seeking a structured yet flexible way to mark the occasion in a resort setting.
Branded “Island Celebrations: Eid – Connect in Paradise”, the experience is positioned for guests from the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, with a focus on shared experiences, personal time and engagement with the surrounding environment.
Located approximately 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort is accessible for short-stay and family travel during peak holiday periods. The property features 120 beach and overwater villas, alongside an overwater spa, house reef and multiple dining outlets.
The Eid experience will begin with an in-villa welcome offering, including Arabic sweets, dates and fruit. The programme is structured around a series of optional activities rather than a fixed schedule. These include lagoon-based experiences, daily yoga sessions at sunrise and sunset, spa treatments, sunset cruises and dining options designed for private or shared settings.
The resort has indicated that the programme is intended to allow guests to engage with activities at their own pace, rather than follow a defined itinerary.
In line with the preferences of Muslim travellers, the resort has incorporated halal-friendly dining options, flexible meal arrangements and an expanded range of non-alcoholic beverages. Villa layouts are also designed to support privacy.
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has reported guest ratings of 9.2 out of 10 on halal travel platforms, reflecting demand within this segment.
The introduction of the Eid programme aligns with broader trends in the Maldives tourism sector, where travel experiences are increasingly structured around personalisation, cultural considerations and smaller-scale experiences.
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