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‘Plastic painting’ with Mbongeni Buthelezi at Coco Collection’s resorts

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Coco Bodu Hithi has welcomed South African artist Mbongeni Buthelezi for a month-long residency.

Known for inventing his own method of “plastic painting”, Mbongeni is the first artist to take up residence as part of Coco Collection’s new art programme, “Nurture”.

“Nurture” will be an ongoing effort by Coco Collection to help and encourage the development of art and artists focused on environmental and wildlife conservation. By using art to educate and raise awareness of these global issues, Coco Collection’s goal is to contribute to the care and protection of the environment around.

Mbongeni is the first artist to initiate this series, as he explores an unfamiliar medium by creating stunning masterpieces using a heat gun and thousands of pieces of plastic rubbish.

“I use rubbish to create something beautiful from it. I collect something that has no value and give it new life. That’s what we can do with ourselves and our lives,” Mbongeni said.

Mbongeni chose plastic to work with during his art school days as a way of making a statement in order to raise awareness about the plastic challenge our world is facing today and to stand out amongst the sea of artists emerging from his local scene.

He scavenges for art supplies on the streets of Johannesburg on the way to his studio and meticulously lays strips of discarded plastic onto a canvas. This is followed by a blast from the heat gun to sculpt the plastic into gritty portraits full of texture depicting the beauty, diversity, and reality of life.

Having developed this method 20 years ago, Mbongeni has since made a name for himself as one of South Africa’s most original artists having his work featured across the globe.

During the residency at Coco Bodu Hithi, Mbongeni will be working on a piece titled, “The Children of the Sea”, depicting the culture and heritage of the Maldives and how the lives of Maldivians intertwines with the ocean. The finished piece will be transferred to sister resort Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu for installation at the end of the residency.

Mbongeni will also be installing five art pieces around the walkways of Coco Bodu Hithi, all of which will showcase the marine life of the Maldives.

As part of the residency, Coco Bodu Hithi will also be hosting an exhibition featuring a number of Mbongeni’s brilliant, captivating pieces that has been curated for the event.

In addition to the exhibition, Mbongeni will be leading workshops where he will be sharing his techniques and knowledge while helping attendees explore, experiment, and get in touch with their creative side. Some of the Maldives’ most notable and established artists are set to attend the workshop, which will also be open for resort guests and local school children.

Two islands — Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu — comprise the Coco Collection brand.

Coco Bodu Hithi, the flagship property in Coco Collection’s portfolio, is a chic retreat where you reconnect with yourself, your loved ones and the wonder of the natural world. Translating island life into contemporary sophistication, the resort, which is accessible by a 40-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport, offers 100 villas that are surrounded by the calm view of the lagoon and the soothing sound of the waves.

With seven restaurants and bars, Coco Bodu Hithi celebrates and offers a variety of exquisite cuisines, taking inspiration from the Maldives and further afield.

An award-winning wellness zone on stilts over the clear water, Coco Spa is a sanctuary for the soul. Mindful of the healing properties of nature and the ocean, the spa is designed to retreat for an escape, whether a massage in one of the eight treatment rooms or yoga on the pavilion overlooking the ocean and beach. With a range of products from the Paris label Thémaé combining the healing properties of tea, therapists at Coco Spa are trained in techniques to treat the mind, body and soul. An overwater gym within the zone inspires guests to keep up with their regime of active well ness when away on a holiday.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is dedicated to the inspiring beauty and natural wonder of the Maldives. Here, environmentally-conscious touches are woven into luxurious natural surroundings and initiatives contribute to the environmental and social sustainability of Maldives.

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Ifuru Island Resort launches exclusive Fanatics Program for ultimate guest rewards

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Ifuru Island Resort has announced the launch of the Ifuru Fanatics Program, a new membership initiative designed to reward its valued guests. This program aims to enhance every aspect of the guest experience, combining luxury, exclusivity, and unforgettable moments into a seamless offering. Whether catering to seasoned travellers or first-time visitors to the island paradise, the Ifuru Fanatics Program is designed to make each stay extraordinary.

Program members will enjoy a range of benefits designed to elevate their visit from the moment of arrival. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary bottle of Prosecco and a personalised welcome card from the General Manager, setting the tone for a memorable stay. Members are also eligible for one-level suite or villa upgrades, subject to availability, and can take advantage of early check-in and late check-out privileges, allowing them to make the most of their time on the island.

The program also provides significant savings, with members receiving discounts of up to 50% on future bookings, spa treatments, and dining experiences. Guests can indulge in jet-lag massages, explore the lagoon with dive sessions, or enjoy floating canapé and cocktail experiences. Premium membership tiers offer even more exclusive perks, such as private romantic dinners, Island Wedding Ceremony packages, and generous resort credits for activities and services.

The Ifuru Fanatics Program features four membership tiers: Basic, Turquoise, Blue, and Pink. Each tier offers progressively luxurious benefits. Turquoise members enjoy curated privileges, while Blue members gain access to enhanced experiences, such as private cocktail sessions and Japanese Teppanyaki dinners. Pink members, the highest tier, receive complimentary two-night stays in luxurious suites, private beach dinners, and credits of up to $500 for the Dive Center. Each tier is tailored to different preferences, ensuring a personalised and memorable experience for every guest.

Membership in the Ifuru Fanatics Program is exclusively available to guests who book directly through the Ifuru Island Maldives website, the official Ifuru app, or by contacting the resort’s reservations team. These exclusive benefits are not offered for bookings made through third-party platforms, ensuring members receive the most direct and personalised service.

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Bipasha Basu’s intimate birthday celebration at Fushifaru Maldives

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Fushifaru Maldives had the privilege of hosting Bollywood power couple Karan Singh Grover and Bipasha Basu for a memorable birthday celebration. Accompanied by their daughter, the family enjoyed the tranquil beauty and genuine hospitality of the resort during their stay on the picturesque island.

A highlight of their visit included a coconut tree planting activity on the island. Bipasha described the experience as “planting joy and hope for us all” in an Instagram post, reflecting the family’s admiration for Fushifaru’s dedication to sustainability and its pristine natural environment.

Bipasha’s birthday was celebrated with an elegant dinner under the starlit sky, featuring a gourmet menu that included succulent lobster. The candlelit setting, paired with breathtaking ocean views, created an enchanting and intimate atmosphere for the occasion.

Bipasha described her experience at Fushifaru as “very lovely,” praising the resort’s exceptional hospitality, culinary offerings, and attention to detail. She expressed gratitude for the “beautiful trip,” further reinforcing Fushifaru Maldives’ reputation as a premier destination for families, couples, and celebrities seeking exclusive and luxurious escapes in the Maldives.

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Emerald Maldives hosts tennis masterclasses with Filippo Volandr

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Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, a distinguished 5-star deluxe property and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced a collaboration with Filippo Volandri, the esteemed coach of the Italian National Tennis Team.

From February 21 to 28, 2025, Volandri will conduct six exclusive tennis masterclasses, designed to cater to both children and adults seeking to improve their skills on the court.

As the coach behind Italy’s 2024 Davis Cup victory and a key figure in the Italian national tennis team, Volandri brings extensive expertise and a passion for the sport. Known for his strategic approach and ability to inspire players of all levels, he offers a coaching experience that is both insightful and engaging.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to enhance their tennis abilities under Volandri’s tailored guidance. Whether seasoned players or newcomers to the sport, attendees will benefit from expert insights into technique, strategy, and gameplay. These sessions will take place at the resort’s world-class tennis facilities, set against the serene backdrop of the Maldives, creating an unforgettable environment for skill development.

Rohit Chhettri, General Manager of Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The collaboration with Filippo Volandri provides our guests with an extraordinary opportunity to learn from one of tennis’s finest coaches while enjoying the unmatched luxury and natural beauty of our resort.”

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