dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, in collaboration with Bespoke Events Maldives, has hosted the inaugural Maldives Wedding Showcase 2026, bringing together engaged couples, wedding professionals, and leading lifestyle brands for an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating love, creativity, and unforgettable occasions.

Held at the resort’s elegant Feydhoo Hall, the showcase marked an exciting milestone for both the resort and the Maldives’ wedding industry. Guests explored beautifully curated vendor displays, connected with industry experts, and discovered the endless possibilities for creating bespoke celebrations in one of the Maldives’ newest lifestyle destinations.

The event featured an impressive collection of carefully selected local partners, including wedding planners, bridal fashion specialists, photographers, videographers, florists, jewellery designers, entertainers, beauty professionals, decorators, stationery providers, and luxury service experts. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed live entertainment, culinary tastings prepared by the resort’s talented culinary team, interactive experiences, and exclusive offers available only to Wedding Showcase attendees.

Located just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is redefining destination celebrations by combining contemporary island living with stylish accommodation, exceptional dining experiences, and one of the Maldives’ most versatile event venues, Feydhoo Hall.

“The success of our first Maldives Wedding Showcase marks an exciting milestone for dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives,” said Yogeswaran Veerasamy, General Manager of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives. “Seeing so many couples, families, and industry partners come together to celebrate love and creativity was truly rewarding. Together with Bespoke Events Maldives, we wanted to create more than just an exhibition—we wanted to inspire future celebrations and demonstrate what is possible when exceptional venues, talented local partners, and genuine hospitality come together. The overwhelming response has been incredibly encouraging, and we look forward to making the Maldives Wedding Showcase a signature annual event while creating unforgettable celebrations for years to come.”

As the Maldives continues to evolve as a destination for more than just beach weddings, the event highlighted the growing demand for stylish, purpose-built venues capable of hosting intimate ceremonies, grand receptions, multicultural weddings, corporate gatherings, exhibitions, gala dinners, and private celebrations.

With its contemporary design, flexible event spaces, and convenient location close to Malé, Feydhoo Hall offers one of the Maldives’ largest purpose-built function venues, providing an ideal setting for celebrations of every scale.

The success of the inaugural Maldives Wedding Showcase reflects dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives’ commitment to supporting the local events industry while creating a platform that connects couples with trusted suppliers, innovative ideas, and exceptional experiences. Following the overwhelmingly positive response from guests and exhibitors alike, the resort looks forward to building on this success and establishing the Maldives Wedding Showcase as an annual celebration of love, collaboration, and creativity.

For more information about weddings and events at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, please visit the resort’s website.

Oaga Art Resort has successfully concluded The Shape of Return, a contemporary Maldivian art exhibition presented in collaboration with Oevaali Art Gallery, Singapore. Running from 21 June to 5 July 2026, the exhibition brought together the works of 15 Maldivian artists, introducing international audiences to stories of identity, memory, belonging and cultural heritage through contemporary visual art.

The collaboration between Oaga Art Resort and Oevaali Art Gallery reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful platforms for Maldivian artists beyond the country’s shores. Housed within Oevaali Art Gallery’s intimate space dedicated to Maldivian fine art, The Shape of Return transformed the gallery into a window into the Maldives, inviting visitors to experience narratives that extend far beyond the destination’s familiar image of turquoise waters and white sand beaches.

Originally commissioned as part of Maldives; A Simple Story, the artworks were first created as individual installations within Oaga Art Resort’s Veyoge Gallery Villas, where each space was designed as a living narrative inspired by Maldivian culture and everyday life. Their presentation in Singapore brought these dispersed works together for the first time, forming a collective archive of contemporary Maldivian artistic expression within an international gallery setting.

The exhibition formed part of Oaga Art Resort’s broader engagement at ILTM Asia Pacific Singapore, where the resort representatives connected with luxury travel advisors and industry partners from across the region. Extending beyond the trade environment, Oaga hosted private viewings at Oevaali Art Gallery, offering selected partners a deeper cultural context to the resort’s creative philosophy and hospitality narrative. These sessions created a more immersive layer of engagement, bridging conversations initiated at ILTM with the artistic foundations of the resort experience.

Alongside the exhibition, visitors also experienced a miniature installation inspired by Oaga’s Veyoge Gallery Villas, offering visitors a scaled glimpse into the environments where the artworks originate. Guests were also invited to participate in a Veyoge giveaway, extending the exhibition beyond the gallery space while introducing audiences to the artistic experiences that await at Oaga Art Resort.

Bringing together artists from diverse creative disciplines, The Shape of Return showcased painting, mixed media, illustration and visual storytelling that explored the connections between people, place and memory while celebrating the evolving narratives of contemporary Maldivian creators.

“We have always envisioned Oaga as more than just a beach resort – it is an art platform; a destination where people can connect with the Maldives through creative and whimsical storytelling. It has been a joy to bring a glimpse of this to a global stage through the work of 15 local artists, and deeply moving to witness the connections formed through this exhibition. This is a milestone not just for Oaga, but for Maldivian contemporary art.” said Nawaila Nashid, Director of Brand Experience of Oaga Art Resort.

Featured Maldivian artists include Alwan Ibrahim, Hawwa Lahfa, Hidhana Latheef, Zifla Ibrahim, Zuha Bari, Hassan Niyaz, Aishath Shuaila, Mariyam Halym, Baburu Akuru x Jille, Dhyna Shaheem, Emaz Shakoor, Aminath Fathina, Afzal Shaafiu (Afu), Mohamed Hisan and Aima Musthafa.

Concluding on 5 July 2026, The Shape of Return marks another milestone in Oaga Art Resort’s continued mission to create meaningful opportunities for Maldivian artists while fostering international appreciation for the country’s contemporary creative voices through art, storytelling and cultural exchange.

W Maldives, the luxury private-island resort and home to one of the Maldives’ best house reefs, will welcome international acclaimed Japanese cocktail pioneer Hiroyasu Kayama and Tokyo’s legendary Bar Benfiddich from August 18-21, 2026. As part of The Wavemaker Edit’s Island Alchemy series, the exclusive residency brings one of the world’s most sought-after cocktail experiences to the Maldives for a rare international appearance, offering guests immersive mixology events, bespoke cocktails and unforgettable island-inspired creations.

Hidden above the streets of Tokyo, the intimate 15-seat Bar Benfiddich has earned an almost mythical reputation among cocktail enthusiasts. Currently ranked No. 18 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 and No. 9 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026, following its recognition as The Best Bar in Japan 2025, the bar is celebrated for its deeply personal approach to cocktail creation, where craftsmanship, storytelling and discovery converge in every glass.

Every cocktail begins with curiosity. Kayama, a mixologist, farmer, ingredient curator, scientist and collector of forgotten traditions, builds his creations from botanicals harvested on his family’s farm in Saitama, alongside ingredients discovered through years of travel, research and experimentation. Antique tools share the bar with centuries-old books, Indigenous spirits sit beside freshly harvested herbs. Every conversation can inspire a new creation, making each to Bar Benfiddich as personal as the drink itself. It is this philosophy that makes Bar Benfiddich one of the most sought-after reservations in Asia, and one that is rarely experience outside Tokyo.

On August 18 and 19, guests are invited to SIP, the resort’s overwater cocktail bar, for intimate guest shits inspired by the spirit of Bar Benfiddich. Kayama will present four bespoke cocktails, including signature creations and original recipes inspired by the colours, botanicals and rhythms of Island life. Guests are encouraged to lean in, ask questions and discover the stories behind each creation directly from the master himself. Available exclusive at W Maldives during the residency, each cocktail reflects a unique dialogue between Japanese craftsmanship and the natural beauty of the Maldives through his own lens.

The residency culminates on August 21 at WET Deck, where Island Alchemy shifts into celebration. Set against sweeping ocean views and accompanied by a live DJ, Kayama’s inventive creations take on a brighter, more playful expression through an exclusive cocktail menu designed for a vibrant daytime poolside party, where Japanese precision meets the unmistakable energy of W Maldives.

“The Wavemaker Edit was created to connect our guests with the people redefining culture around the world,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “Hiroyasu Kayama embodies everything Island Alchemy stands for–creativity, craftsmanship, curiosity, and a genuine sense of discovery. Experiences like this become part of the island’s story, giving guests the chance to encounter extraordinary talent in a setting unlike anywhere else.”

Guests looking to immerse themselves in the island’s ever-evolving calendar of cultural experience can book the Original Wavemaker package, available until July 31, 2026. This offer includes a minimum four-night stay, seaplane transfers and half-board dining for two adults, creating the perfect base from which to experience eth next wave of The Wavemaker Edit.

For more information, visit wmaldives.com or connect with the resort team at reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.