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.