Featured
Art partnership for all senses: JOALI Maldives cooperates with art consultant Tatiana Gecmen-Waldek
Creative dialogues between international art forms, impressive installations as well as local influences: The art resort, JOALI Maldives, is collaborating with the respected curator Tatiana Gecmen-Waldek. The art consultant and audio storyteller, who grew up in Paris, is considered an inspiring pioneer in her field.
Guests at JOALI Maldives can now experience this first-hand: inspiration and freedom of thought that invite you to let go and be creative. From 14 to 18 April 2023, JOALI Maldives will host the Imagi-Nature Art Festival in collaboration with art consultant Tatiana Gecmen-Waldek. This innovative project, which harmoniously blends art and sustainability, offers creative collaborations with famous artists from around the world.
Curated for adventurers, dreamers and storytellers, Imagi-Nature presents an opportunity to fully experience art in all its glory. Channelling the natural splendour of JOALI Maldives, each immersive artwork is created to engage, ignite and free the imagination. Guests across all age-groups, including children, are invited to interact with eco-conscious installations across the beautiful island. A line-up of special events awaits on World Art Day, 15th April. Art lovers who can’t be there can follow the festival via the hashtag #ImagiNature. JOALI shows its engagement not only in matters of art, but also in matters of sustainability through actions for World Oceans Day. The resort has always been committed to environmental protection and the local population through various projects. Among other things, JOALI supports the well-known Olive Ridley Project for the protection of sea turtles and their habitat. Although each piece of art at the resort is unique, they are all united by a commitment to sustainability. Many pieces are made from recycled waste, clay or other natural materials and inspire a more sustainable lifestyle.
With a network that includes internationally renowned galleries, collectors, auction houses and artists, Tatiana has worked as consultant with greats such as Giorgio Armani, Cartier, Etro, Roger Vivier, Maison Kitsuné, Vhernier, Huawei and ACNE. Now, as a valued JOALI Maldives partner, she is poised to bring an extraordinary selection of works by contemporary artists to the resort in the form of exhibitions, performances, limited editions and permanent installations. Born in Austria and raised in Paris, Tatiana is passionate about fostering creative collaborations and producing cultural content that inspires the inner artist within each of us – according to the slogan “experience art instead of seeing art”.
Amid the abundant life between the palm trees and sparkling turquoise water sits JOALI Maldives, the very first art-immersive resort in the Maldives. Based on Raa Atoll, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, guests can expect brilliant blue waters, a myriad of sea life, and pristine white-sand beaches fringed by gently swaying coconut palms. Each of the 73 villas is the epitome of sustainable glamour and was inspired by individual stories and designed to take the guests on a rich sensory journey. Boasting a lavish range of culinary options, every dish at JOALI, tells a story and every plate becomes a journey, a journey of savours, fragrance, and joy – an art immersive experiential dining. Artisanal amenities, curated in-room bookshelves, thoughtful design and deluxe objects d’art creates an atmosphere of unconventional luxury on the island of joy. Central to the JOALI offering is its exceptional array of art and design which pervades all areas of the resort, while at its epicenter is the JOALI Art Studio & Gallery. A selection of international guest artists will exhibit installations to surprise and delight including London-based Glithero and New York-based Misha Kahn, often working with local artisans to intersect design and sculpture.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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