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JOALI Maldives brings global artists to create immersive art dinners
Guests at the artistic island escape, JOALI Maldives, can combine gastronomical experiences with art and education this summer, as a new series of immersive painting events is launched.
Monthly art dinners at the artistic hub will see theExecutive Chef, preparing paints using herbs and flowers from the island’s own Chef Garden, for an interactive experience led by female artists from around the world.
During the specially curated dinner, guests at one of the Maldives’ newest resorts, are invited to participate in interactive art pieces set up in the host restaurant, in a unique experience led by one of a series of guest artists guiding the evenings on the magical Maldivian island.
Whether guests are experienced artists or novices, the art dinners are designed to be open to all, inviting participants to explore their creativity in a fun, interactive environment around a long communal table at the resort where art is at its heart, in a warm, social setting.
The art dinners series will take place starting from May at each of the resort’s restaurants where guests can explore culinary creativity while immersing in artistic exploration at the tropical haven.
Part of the Women in Arts programme, an initiative from JOALI’s founder Esin Güral Argat to give back to the local community, the art dinner series is a continuation of the JOALI philosophy supporting the artistic community and pioneering gender equality. Local art can be found all over the luxurious island retreat, which pays homage to its Maldivian roots through art and design.
The works of art created through the programme are on display and sold at the JOALI Art Studio for guests to purchase, showcasing local talent and generating much-needed revenue for the remote island community.
“JOALI certainly goes beyond providing guests with picturesque views of the Maldivian landscape,” said Enver Arslan. “We hope that this one-of-a-kind holiday destination will enrich guests’ experience by infusing it with spectacular art installations, immersing visitors in the splendour of art and nature.”
Four dining destinations will be participating in the summer series, reflecting the diversity of the resort’s culinary offerings with flavours from around the world.
Bringing an Asian feel, there are two offerings. Vandhoo, a specially designed dining experience encompasses Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Mediterranean cuisines while Saoke, a distinctly Japanese restaurant, has been designed by world-renowned restaurant architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu. With breathtaking Indian Ocean views, the floating restaurant serves select sakes, sushiand a choice of teppanyaki or kotatsu seating for iron-griddle enthusiasts.
Bellinis will also feature in the events programme, famous for being home to the island’s perfect cocktails, notably, Bellinis and homemade Limoncellos, with a carefully crafted menu by Michelin star Chef Theodor Falser. In addition to its mouth-watering aperitifs, the Mediterranean fine dining experience offers a taste of authentic Italy in the heart of the Maldives.
The art dinners experience would not be complete without the magical al fresco dining under the stars at Tuh’u, where guests can relish the flavours of the Levant on the sand surrounded by the sparkling palms and the night sky. The island’s more casual affair offers a different atmosphere for guests to delve into their inner artists guided by the inspiration of nature.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has been nominated in the “Resort” category of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, one of the travel industry’s recognised measures of guest preference and brand standing.
Located in Raa Atoll, the resort is continuing to build its profile through its all-Club concept, service model and guest experiences shaped by both location and programme. As the Maldives’ first all-Club InterContinental resort, the property includes a set of signature benefits with each stay, including daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening aperitif.
The resort features 81 beach, lagoon and overwater villas and residences, along with seven restaurants and bars. Its guest offering combines private accommodation with a range of tailored experiences, including manta ray encounters in the Maamunagau lagoon, customised Dining by Design experiences, visiting wellness practitioners and its Artist in Residence programme.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is also positioned to serve both couples and families, through its family offering and adults-only Retreat enclave.
The nomination reflects continued recognition for a resort that combines service, experience-led programming and a natural setting within one of the Maldives’ established tourism atolls.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has introduced its Family Fun Summer offer, aimed at families seeking longer island stays built around shared activities and rest. The offer is available for booking from 15 April to 15 June 2026, with a minimum stay of four nights for travel through to 20 December 2026.
Located within Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is positioning the offer around family wellness, marine experiences and time spent together in a natural island setting. Seasonal snorkelling with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay remains one of the area’s key attractions, while the resort’s collection of beach and overwater villas is designed to accommodate families looking for space and flexibility during their stay.
For larger families and groups, the resort also offers the two-bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence, which includes a living room, kitchen and dining area intended to support longer and more relaxed island stays.
The resort says the guest experience can be shaped around both activity and downtime, supported by Westin’s Sleep Well concept and Heavenly Bed. Children have access to the Westin Family Kids Club, which includes a children’s pool and pirate ship, while parents can make use of Heavenly Spa by Westin.
Away from the villa, the resort is also promoting shared family experiences through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy activities focused on the culture and environment of Baa Atoll. These include traditional lacquer craft workshops, visits to local islands and guided marine activities in surrounding waters.
The Family Fun Summer package includes three meals per day, with children under 12 dining free of charge. It also includes a one-time dolphin cruise for two adults and two children, a 30-minute photography session with one printed photo, and a USD 150 resort credit.
Reethi Faru Resort has been recognised at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, receiving honours in four categories: Best Beach Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Pool Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Eco-Friendly Resort in Maldives, and Best Sustainable Hotel in Maldives.
The awards recognise performance across villa accommodation and environmentally focused hospitality, reflecting the resort’s emphasis on guest experience alongside sustainability and environmental stewardship.
According to the resort, the recognition supports its positioning within the Maldives market as a property that combines natural surroundings, accommodation standards and responsible hospitality practices.
Located on Filaidhoo in Raa Atoll, Reethi Faru Resort features 145 villas, including beachfront and overwater accommodation designed in a style that combines Maldivian elements with contemporary comfort.
The resort’s food and beverage offering includes six restaurants and six bars, while its leisure facilities cover watersports, diving, yoga, spa treatments and fitness activities. Surrounded by coral reefs, the resort also offers guests access to marine-based experiences in the Indian Ocean.
Sustainability remains a central part of the resort’s operations, with initiatives that include coral reef restoration and guest experiences linked to environmental awareness.
Through its recognition at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, Reethi Faru Resort has added to its profile as a Maldives resort with a focus on both accommodation standards and sustainability.
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