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Oaga Art Resort officially opens this New Year 2023

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Aanlheoa! Oaga Art Resort has opened up for the world during this new year of 2023, singing a welcome song that is their very own. A contemporary brand driven by a Maldivian team, Oaga as a concept revolves around the philosophy of organic community growth. The art resort focuses on elevating the collective  story of the Maldive islands with a platform especially made to cater for local artists and craftsmen while embracing the tranquility offered by the surrounding sun, sand and beaches. Oaga Art Resort redefines the Maldivian experience with  a never before seen merger of the Maldivian traditional lifestyle with the contemporary.

The resort’s new year 2023 celebration showcased a transition from the traditional ways of the forefathers to the contemporary street style which Oaga encompasses. The celebration was two-fold as they officially announced their homegrown brand to the world, inviting everyone to partake in this unique concept where there is sure to be at least one experience which would appeal to everyone.

Their greatest all-inclusive plan is testament to this, which includes experiences such as Creative Expression (art) classes, Take Notes (music) sessions, Thashibari In-Villa Dining, floating meal, choices of excursions, motorised watersports and  the list goes on.

Part of the all-inclusive plan, their main restaurant, Kaa Kada, takes inspiration from the ultimate comfort of food served on a busy street. Watch the chefs behind the counter as they prepare the a la carte’ meals and enjoy it in a humble and cosy island setting.

A first of its kind, their specialty restaurant, Samaasaa, weaves together interactive literature with a fine dining experience, currently opening with the folk tales of the Maldives. Journey through Chef Zuzu’s five course meal which tells age old tales of lore depicting star-crossed lovers or mythical beasts.

Hoba Spa, their very own holistic wellness brand, offers the essence of Maldivian healing traditions passed down from generations, reimagined completely to cater to the modern day spa experience. The time tested remedial ingredients offer nostalgia which is sure to awaken the senses and ground you to these Maldivian soils. Their ‘Atharuge’ offers curated treatments using locally sourced and handmade oils which can be customised to your liking.

The villas on the island are inspired by the most beloved folktales in the history of Maldives. The Haruge Beach Villa with Private Pool invites you to dive into brightly coloured murals depicting the legend of the two lovers – Dhon Hiyala aa’i Alifulhu – full of splendour, magic, and wild creatures from the deep blue sea.

Inspired by the story of ‘Khalid and Sitti’; the Veyoge Gallery Pool Villas are fashioned after the home where these lovers spent their nights. The spaces are designed to make guests feel stimulated and safe, enhanced from the outside by an invisible mirrored exterior that recalls the magic of Khalid and Sitti’s legend.

The main bar and pool, Raa Baa boasts of the largest hand-painted mural pool in the Maldives, designed and painted by the resort’s Rahvehi resident creatives. The resort has also incorporated the visions of many local artists in other design aspects such as their furniture and walls. There are over 300 hand-painted  murals to spot on the island, ranging from walls, pools, tables, chairs and even sign posts.

Oaga Art Resort caters as an authentic Maldivian product with small doses of artistic experiences and learning experiences of Maldivian history and culture. One of their main focus as CSR is to have a platform to promote local talents and give back to the local cottage industries.

Situated in North Malé Atoll, Oaga Art Resort is 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport. A small island with 60 villas with beach and over water options, 4 dining venues and a spa inspired by Maldivian traditional healing practices, Oaga Art Resort’s artistic and creative spaces offer an immersive experience curated by local and visiting artists, and craftsmen from the Maldives.

Drink

Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.

Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.

Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.

On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.

This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.

Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen

Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.

Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse

At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.

The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven

Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.

Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.

Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.

Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”

With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.

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Featured

Spring reawakens: Sirru Fen Fushi showcases Maldives at its calmest

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Sirru Fen Fushi, a soulful island retreat in the Shaviyani Atoll and a distinguished member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced the launch of its Spring Reawakens 2026 campaign. Centred on the season’s exceptional natural conditions, the initiative invites guests to experience the Maldives at its calmest, clearest, and most inspiring time of year.

Each spring, the lagoon surrounding Sirru Fen Fushi becomes remarkably still, bathed in soft seasonal light, while the resort’s nine-kilometre house reef grows particularly vibrant with young coral and flourishing marine life. These conditions create some of the best opportunities of the year for snorkelling, diving, and stargazing.

The Spring Reawakens campaign is tailored to guests who feel most connected to the resort’s nature-centred and purpose-driven identity. It appeals to Nature-Led Explorers seeking immersion and clarity, Experience Seekers looking for meaningful encounters, and Quiet Luxury Travellers who value privacy, tranquillity, and refined simplicity. Boutique family groups—gently addressed within this campaign—will particularly appreciate the calm lagoon and the learning experiences offered through the Sustainability Lab. Spring provides the ideal emotional setting for all guest types: a moment to pause, breathe, and rediscover the beauty of the natural world.

Guests booking the Spring Reawakens offer will receive breakfast and dinner, one curated seasonal experience per stay, a Sustainability Lab workshop, and early check-in and late check-out subject to availability. Signature experiences include sunrise paddling on still waters, guided Coralarium discovery sessions, sunset sailing, art and nature walks, and nature-inspired wellness rituals.

The resort’s pioneering Sustainability Lab—dedicated to plastic upcycling and coral propagation—anchors the campaign’s emphasis on purpose, circularity, and renewal.

Leaders Club members of The Leading Hotels of the World will enjoy added privileges during the campaign, including a private introduction with the resort’s marine biologist and a 30-minute Spring Wellness Ritual when booking any spa treatment.

“Spring at Sirru Fen Fushi is when the island reveals its true soul. The lagoon settles into calm clarity, the reef comes alive with renewed energy, and each sunrise feels like a gentle fresh start. It is one of the most beautiful times for our guests to reconnect—whether with nature, loved ones, or themselves. Spring Reawakens is an invitation to slow down and experience the island in a deeper, more meaningful way,” said Gerhard Stutz, General Manager at Sirru Fen Fushi.

Booking & Stay Details:

  • Booking window: 8 December 2025 – 31 January 2026
  • Stay window: 1 March – 31 May 2026
  • Rates: From USD 750
  • Eligible villa categories: Beach Sunrise, Beach Sunset, Deluxe Beach Sunrise, Deluxe Beach Sunset, Water Sunrise, Grand Water Sunset Villas

With its immersive privacy, nature-focused design, and thoughtful service, Sirru Fen Fushi offers a soulful Maldivian experience rooted in clarity, connection, and natural beauty. Spring Reawakens 2026 presents travellers and media with a powerful seasonal perspective on the Maldives—celebrating renewal and the restorative force of the natural world.

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