Featured
‘Kula Kula’ Festival of Colours comes to Oaga Art Resort Maldives this March

This March, Kula Kula festival will be held at Oaga Art Resort, Maldives, taking inspiration from the Hindu festival of Holi and the Brazilian Rio Carnival, both being renown for the celebration of music, dance, and colour that brings people together from all over the world.
The 3-day festival is to be held from 7th to 9th March 2023. One of the main highlights of the event is a collaborative live mural painting for the first time in Maldives, by American artist Daev Momo and Maldivian street artist Ahmed Sobah aka Toxicrew. Momo began his experimental outdoor work in the late 90s and some notable mural commissions include those from Facebook, Pepsi, the NFL and the World Trade Centre. Sobah is a multi-disciplinary street artist whose graffiti is depicted in all bathrooms of Oaga Art Resort and the arrival hall at Raa Baa.
During this festival, the Canadian beverage art consultant Tao Zrafi will also be hosting themed cocktail apprentice sessions. Tao is most famous for being a finalist in Drink Masters Season 1 on Netflix, and is a world traveler combining two things he lives for – cocktails and traveling. The cocktail menu he creates during this time will be available at Oaga Art Resort even after the festival.
In addition to this there will be musical performances by traditional ‘boduberu’ group Harubee, as well as the local band Affan & The King Coconuts. The resort will also be hosting pop-up stalls by different local artists, belly dancing, fire performances, throwing of festive colours at the beach, henna art and mandala making.
The finale’ event will be the Raa Baa Beats pool party on the eve of 9th March, featuring local powerhouse artists Zara & Mahran followed by DJ Baapu, with a special live art performance by local mural artist Hassan Najih aka Iamarthling hosted by the resort’s very own Suvāsthi Retail & Art Gallery.
Visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere with an eclectic mix of music, dance, and costumes providing a blend of cultures. Additionally, there will be food and drink stalls, offering a fusion taste of tropical cuisines and refreshing drinks, perfect for the sunny weather of the Maldives.
The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends. The resort, which is located on one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Maldives featuring stunning beaches, offers a range of accommodation from Haruge Beach Villa to Veyoge Garden Villa to ensure a comfortable stay for all participants.
We encourage all those who love music, dance, and culture to join this exciting event. Don’t miss your chance to experience the energy and passion of the Kula Kula Festival in the Maldives.
For Maldives lovers searching for an all-inclusive holiday, Oaga Art Resort’s Greatest All-Inclusive plan re-defines the limits of what All-Inclusive is all about; with inclusions such as Creative Expression (art) classes, Take Notes (music) experiences, Thashibari In-Villa Dining to floating meal, choices of excursions, motorised watersports and many more.
Guests looking to book the resort can enjoy great discounts for bookings made through the resort’s website, www.oagaresorts.com.
Featured
Barceló Nasandhura Malé named Best City Hotel at TTM Awards 2025

Barceló Nasandhura Malé has been awarded Best City Hotel at the TTM Awards 2025, held on 28 August at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi.
The recognition reflects the passion, hard work, and dedication of the team at Barceló Nasandhura, whose commitment to excellence has been evident since the property opened earlier this year. The hotel has focused on creating memorable guest experiences and setting new standards for city hospitality, which contributed to this achievement.
The TTM Awards, part of the Maldives’ largest travel trade show, celebrates the country’s hospitality sector across 28 categories, bringing together leading travel and tourism professionals from the region.
As it marks this milestone, Barceló Hotel Group reaffirmed its dedication to shaping the future of city hospitality in Malé.
Featured
Sun Siyam unveils new identity and signature experiences

Sun Siyam has unveiled a milestone transformation as it celebrates 35 years of Maldivian hospitality. More than a visual refresh, the brand’s evolution introduces a new statement anchored in The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, reinforcing its position as one of the Maldives’ most culturally authentic resort operators. The transformation enhances guest journeys through the introduction of Signature Experiences across all six resorts and strengthens customer relationships via Siyam Rewards.
The group has unified its five Maldivian resorts and Sri Lankan retreat under a single identity, The House of Siyam. To provide greater clarity for guests and partners, properties are now grouped under three distinct collections: Luxury, Privé, and Lifestyle.
- Luxury Collection: Representing the highest calibre of island indulgence, led by Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, this collection offers premium exclusivity.
- Lifestyle Collection: Designed for energetic adventure and diverse experiences, Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World form part of this portfolio.
- Privé Collection: Centred on privacy and bespoke comfort, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, and Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka comprise this category.
A central feature of the transformation is the introduction of Signature Experiences, designed to extend beyond villa stays and integrate Maldivian heritage and imagination into every visit. Guests may participate in Maldivian Roots, a weekly culinary and cultural series, book the Maldives’ first overwater photo studio, the Insta Villa, or enjoy the atmosphere at the Sun Siyam Beach Club. Other offerings include the Wow Welcome, Hidden Treasure Chests, Plant Based Bliss dining, and Moonlit Cinemas.
The brand has also launched Siyam Rewards, a digital membership programme offering personalised itineraries, room upgrades, and optional carbon offsets. Members benefit from rewards starting with their first booking. Each stay contributes to marine conservation and community projects through the group’s sustainability initiative, Sun Siyam Care.
Reflecting on this milestone, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Founder, Owner & Managing Director, said, “When we founded Sun Siyam in 1990 and later opened our first resort in 1998, our goal was simple: to share the warmth of our islands and our people with the world. This transformation keeps that soul alive while giving us the space to innovate for the next generation of free-spirited travellers.”
Chief Executive Officer Deepak Booneady added, “This rebrand is not just about design, it is about experience. It is about cultural authenticity, purpose-driven hospitality and creating moments that spark joy. With the Maldives’ widest choice of villas, the region’s most generous premium all-inclusive plan and now our Signature Experiences, we are setting the stage for the future of island travel.”
The redesigned website, sunsiyam.com, brings the new brand identity across all touchpoints with a look and feel that is both distinctly Maldivian and modern.
The rebrand was developed with leading industry experts: JHAGGER&CO as brand advisors; StudioSixty7, led by Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, for interior restyling; and Dominik Ruhl, a Maldives hospitality pioneer, for operational standards and experiences. Implementation was carried out by Sun Siyam’s operations team, General Managers, Resort Managers, and brand, sales, marketing, and public relations teams, coordinated by Abdulla Thamheed, VP of Operations.
The outcome is a design system that retains Maldivian heritage while embracing a contemporary edge.
Featured
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort wins ‘Best Design Resort’ at TTM Awards

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been named ‘Best Design Resort’ at the TTM Awards 2025, an accolade that recognises architectural excellence combining innovation with distinctive aesthetics. The award highlights the resort’s position as one of the Maldives’ most striking luxury properties, known for its design vision and refined guest experiences.
Located on a private island in Dhaalu Atoll, the resort is distinguished by its architectural concept created by Singapore-based WOW Architects. Its design draws inspiration from the natural environment of the Maldives, incorporating organic forms and local motifs with a modern interpretation. Among the resort’s most notable structures are the Whale Bar, shaped in the likeness of a whale shark, and the overwater Iridium Spa, designed to resemble a seashell, both exemplifying the seamless integration of luxury and nature.
The property’s design approach extends across its 77 private villas, positioned to offer either ocean or jungle views. Each villa is designed to blend with the island landscape, integrating sustainable elements while maintaining comfort, privacy, and style. The resort’s spaces reflect a balance between contemporary lines and Maldivian influences, creating a distinct sense of place.
The TTM Awards, presented annually during Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), recognise outstanding contributions to the region’s hospitality sector. This year’s award reinforces The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s reputation as a leader in design and attention to detail.
Since its opening, the resort has become known for uncompromising luxury, featuring celebrated dining options, an extensive wine cellar, and curated experiences supported by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. The recognition at the TTM Awards 2025 further strengthens its status as a global benchmark in design-led hospitality.
-
Family1 week ago
Kuramathi Maldives brings families together with fortnightly children’s programme
-
Cooking1 week ago
Sirru Fen Fushi unveils exclusive dining series with Michelin-starred talent
-
Featured1 week ago
Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation
-
Featured1 week ago
October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests
-
Celebration1 week ago
Boduberu, craft and cuisine highlight National Day at Grand Park Kodhipparu
-
Celebration1 week ago
Early bird festive packages unveiled at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo
-
Excursions1 week ago
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives introduces spacious villas for families and groups