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Fight against climate change meets art at Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives
Jumeirah Vittaveli has unveiled the White Fire art exhibition, showcasing a stunning new synergy of coral conservation and conceptual art.
The exhibition showcases photographs by award-winning local photographer Mohamed ‘Double Dot’ Azmeel, in a venue that has been turned into an experiential art gallery.
The entrance beckons visitors in, flanked by two larger than life white coral walls, guiding the view as if through a tunnel to the centrepiece of a large table display of bleached corals, symbolising the effect of global warming. Eight creative oversized photographs encircle the venue, showcasing the artist’s unique artistic interpretation that celebrates visual culture and artistic achievement through photography.
The opening night last week saw a life model in a white custom-made coral gown enacting the plight of corals in today’s warming oceans. The entire exhibit glows in white, enchanting visitors with its elegance and haunting beauty, as the white colour signifies that all life has left the once colourful corals.
To kick off the evening, Shaheena Ali took the stage and introduced the audience to the threats of global warming and the dangers of coral bleaching.
A professional dive instructor and Executive Director for Parley for the Ocean in Maldives, Shaheena spoke about how her passion for corals grew from her first dives when she was a young girl and admired the astounding colour palette that grows just under the surface of the sea, providing a habitat for such a diversity of marine life. She then recounted the distressing experience when she was diving during the first major El Niño event in 1998 and saw the coral reefs had turned completely white.
Only a few degrees increase in ocean temperature can adversely affect coral reefs, as the corals will expel the microscopic algae that live in its tissue in a symbiotic relationship and give the corals their bright and lively colours. If the water does not cool down fast enough, the corals will eventually die off, turning a once rainbow coloured reef first to bright white and then to a dull and lifeless brown.
Jumeirah Vittaveli’s General Manager Abhijit Ghosh thanked Shaheena for her passionate presentation.
“We are proud to host this important exhibition at Jumeirah Vittaveli. Living in such a fragile eco environment, with the highest point of natural elevation only 2.5 metres in the Maldives, fighting climate change and doing our part to support eco-conservation efforts is close to our heart,” Abhijit said.
“We have implemented a range of initiatives in this regard, such as sustainable purchasing, working with local fishermen and agricultural islands to source fish and produce, operating our own water bottling plant, and creating artificial coral reefs to support the natural marine life surrounding the island. We look forward to further collaborations with Mohamed Azmeel in our constant pursuit to highlight the dangers of environmental pollution.”
A rousing speech followed, delivered by no less than homegrown eco activist and the country’s former president Mohamed Nasheed, who famously held a cabinet meeting underwater in 2009 to alert the world to the dangers of climate change.
President Nasheed likened the red flame of fire to the bright white colour of dying coral reefs, explaining how the title of the exhibition, White Fire, eerily illustrates the devastating effect global warming has on the beautiful coral reefs in the Maldives.
“We as Maldivians are the best people to alert the world to the dangers of climate change. We have been seeing its impact on our shores first-hand, and we understand the danger it poses to the planet. We need to ensure that international powers commit to limiting global warming and we all work together to fight climate change,” he said.
The artist himself Mohamed Azmeel welcomed guests with a short speech: “This has been a vision of mine that I have been working on for the past few years. I am honoured to have the opportunity to showcase this exhibition to guests at Jumeirah Vittaveli. I am already working on my next initiative that will go a step further in highlighting the plight of our oceans. Now, I will let my artwork speak for itself.”
The White Fire exhibition will be hosted at Jumeirah Vittaveli until 15 February 2020. It is open daily, and the artist will visit the island for several private viewings as well as meet-and-greet events.
Jumeirah Vittaveli is on the forefront of sustainability, having been Green Globe certified since 2015, and continuously works on implementing further initiatives to preserve the environment.
With a traditional Maldivian welcome and more activities to fill your days with than you can dream of, Jumeirah Vittaveli is the perfect place for all the family to speed things up or slow things down. Land and water-based activities include the destination’s first ice rink, a PADI Dive base, water sports centre, Talise Spa, six restaurants and bars, a wine library, an overwater lounge, an underground whisky and chocolate salon and a cigar lounge.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been recognised as the Best Surf Resort in the Maldives at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2025, achieving the accolade for the second consecutive year. The award underscores the resort’s reputation as a leading destination for surf enthusiasts in search of world-class waves and welcoming hospitality.
Located just 40 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort offers direct access to Kandooma Right, a renowned right-hand reef break celebrated for its long rides and playful barrels. Surf operations are exclusively managed by Perfect Wave Travel, ensuring uncrowded line-ups and an emphasis on sustainable surf tourism. The island has cultivated a dedicated surf community, with many guests returning annually, and some multiple times a year, drawn by the consistency of the waves, the warmth of the resort’s service, and expert surf guidance.
Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, commented on the achievement: “Our continued partnership with Perfect Wave and the team’s dedication to creating memorable surf experiences is what makes Kandooma stand out. We welcome surfers of all levels, and our aim is to ensure that every ride is unforgettable. The sense of belonging to the surf community here is what makes the island truly unique.”
In addition to Kandooma Right, surfers have access to nearby breaks such as Tucky Joe’s, Riptides, and Quarters, catering to intermediate surfers, progressive shortboarders, and longboarders alike.
Away from the surf, the resort offers a wide range of leisure experiences including the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, snorkelling and diving excursions showcasing the Maldives’ rich marine life, and diverse dining options serving global cuisine. The combination of surf culture, tropical adventure, and authentic hospitality contributes to a distinct island lifestyle.
This back-to-back success at the TTM Awards follows the resort’s 2023 title as Best Dive Resort, further reinforcing its position as one of the Maldives’ leading destinations for marine-based experiences.
Jumeirah Olhahali Island will celebrate Chinese Golden Week this October with a curated programme titled ‘A Golden Journey Together’. From 1 to 8 October 2025, the island will host experiences designed to bring families and friends closer, combining creativity, wellbeing and discovery with the natural rhythm of Maldivian island life.
Dining will be central to the celebrations, blending Asian traditions with the tropical setting of the island. Guests will be able to enjoy an Asian-Inspired Gala Dinner at Glow, Ocean’s Embrace Hot Pot, and Flavours of Asia at Shimmers, accompanied by live music and culinary offerings from across the continent. Other highlights will include an Asian-Inspired Floating Breakfast, an Afternoon of Bliss tea ritual, and a Maldivian Sharing Beach Dinner under the stars with the rhythmic beat of Boduberu.
Cultural encounters will add depth to the week’s programme. At the MURACA Art Studio, guests will be invited to shape and paint bespoke tea cups, create auspicious pottery designs, or hand-decorate a Tuanshan fan with traditional motifs. Shared culinary experiences will include Kayto’s Family Dim Sum Masterclass, offering parents and children the chance to fold and enjoy dim sum together. Evenings will feature celebrations such as the Lantern Ceremony at Shimmers Beach, a radiant tribute to hope and renewal.
The week will also bring opportunities for renewal and recreation. Gentle face yoga, Pilates by the sea and natural self-care workshops will provide calm, while social and competitive spirit will be encouraged through sunset tennis gatherings and a holiday tournament. Guests seeking adventure at sea will have options ranging from semi-submarine excursions and snorkelling to dolphin quests, parasailing and traditional sunset fishing.
On 6 October, the island will mark the Mid-Autumn Festival with a Sunset Soirée Gathering of canapés and cocktails, a Lunar Wellness Ritual by moonlight, and the International Market Night at Glow, which will take guests on a culinary journey across continents.
Accommodation will be in the resort’s collection of 67 all-villa retreats, each offering sweeping ocean views. One-bedroom villas, with private infinity pools, rooftop terraces and light-filled interiors, will be ideal for families of four, while larger two- and three-bedroom residences will provide ample space for extended families or groups of friends to create shared memories.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced its festive programme for the upcoming season, themed around ‘A Celebration for the Oceans’. Drawing inspiration from the Indian Ocean, the programme will transport guests into the mythical world of Atlantis: The Lost Kingdom, offering a range of cultural, culinary, artistic and wellness experiences. Highlights include a culinary residency by Tom Aikens, art classes and exhibitions led by UK artist Florence Super, physiotherapy sessions with Emma Diani, and entertainment for younger guests provided by Sharky & George. A series of gala dinners, live musical performances, and festive traditions will also form part of the celebrations.
The resort’s calendar of activities is designed to appeal to a wide audience, including families, food enthusiasts, creatives and those seeking wellness. Guests will be able to enjoy themed gala dinners, musical entertainment, Santa appearances, and New Year’s Eve celebrations, alongside time for relaxation at AVI Spa, which will feature holistic treatments and visiting practitioner sessions. The resort’s Resident Astronomer, Aleks, will also offer stargazing sessions.
Situated on the southern tip of Raa Atoll, at the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and near a juvenile manta ray aggregation site, the resort supports manta ray research and has introduced sustainable waste and recycling initiatives. Ocean-focused activities such as diving, seabobbing and coral adoption will also be incorporated into the programme.
Michelin-starred Chef Tom Aikens will take up a 12-day residency at the resort, curating exclusive tasting menus at The Lighthouse restaurant across several gala evenings. His residency will also feature a cooking class, a private yacht dinner for two, and a finale beachside buffet. The programme offers guests the opportunity to combine fine dining with the resort’s island setting.
Florence Super will debut her ocean-inspired art at the resort, delivering five creative sessions for guests. Her work, which often utilises recycled materials, will culminate in an exhibition with select pieces available for purchase. This collaboration complements the resort’s sustainability initiatives and partnership with The Manta Trust.
Wellness practitioner Emma Diani, an experienced physiotherapist, will be in residence from mid-December 2025 to mid-February 2026, offering treatments designed to improve posture, ease chronic pain and restore mobility. The resort’s AVI Spa will also provide a range of therapies, including Maldivian-inspired treatments and specialised body sculpting.
Family entertainment will be provided by Sharky & George, who will return to host activities at the Planet Trekkers Kids Club. Their programme includes treasure hunts, games, cooking classes, gingerbread house making, pirate cruises and mini expeditions, encouraging children to explore the island and its marine life.
Music and live entertainment will play a central role, with Jazzubeat The Band and DJ Levi set to perform. Traditional Christmas elements such as a tree lighting ceremony and Santa visits will accompany the festivities. On Christmas Eve, guests will gather for cocktails and a gala dinner, while New Year’s Eve will be marked with a gala celebration, ballet performances, fireworks and dancing on the oceanfront.
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