News
Oaga Art Resort unveils exquisite Odi Water Villas in a symphony of luxury and art
In a breathtaking expanse of the Indian Ocean, where the echoes of ancient tales blend with the gentle lapping of crystalline waters, Oaga Art Resort proudly introduces its latest gem – the Odi Water Villas. Translating to ‘naval ship’ in Dhivehi, these villas pay homage to the tales of Koimala and the pioneering settlers, the ‘Dheyvis,’ in a captivating visual palette of white and vibrant hues.
Stepping into the realm of the Odi Water Villa is to step away from the ordinary. As you draw back the curtains, you are enveloped in an ambiance that transcends time and place. The walls bathed in profound blue, the interior exuding a timeless darkness – this is where luxury takes on an entirely new meaning. Elevated over the water, each villa boasts a slide, hammock, a sprawling swimming pool, and a semi-open ensuite bath.
Odi Water Villas extend an invitation not just to seekers of solace but to those yearning for new experiences. Tailored for couples and families marking milestones or seeking tranquility, these villas redefine the art of vacationing.

What sets these villas apart is not merely their stunning design but the curated experiences they offer. The bar station transcends its role as a place to mix drinks; it becomes where memories are crafted, conversations flow, and the art of mixology intertwines with your journey. Then there’s the coin mural by the locally renowned street artist Ahmed Sobah, aka Toxicrew, a visual masterpiece inspired by copper coins that once served as currency in the Maldives during ancient times.
But amidst all this sophistication, the sheer fun that awaits is not to be forgotten. Your private pool and slide are not mere amenities; they are gateways to unforgettable moments, whether you seek relaxation or a splash of adventure.
For those traveling with family, Oaga presents a family-friendly water villa option, featuring two spacious rooms, each thoughtfully designed for your family’s comfort.

Embark on a journey to a realm where luxury floats on crystalline waters, and art seamlessly intertwines with nature. Odi Water Villas in the Maldives await – an invitation to celebrate, rejuvenate, and create memories that linger long after the journey ends.
For ardent Maldives enthusiasts in search of an all-inclusive holiday, Oaga Art Resort’s Greatest All-Inclusive plan redefines the boundaries of what ‘all-inclusive’ truly means. With inclusions such as Creative Expression (art) classes, Take Notes (music) experiences, In-Villa Dining to floating meals, choices of excursions, motorized watersports, and more, guests can visit the website www.oagaresorts.com to secure their stay – an opportunity not to be missed!
Situated in North Malé Atoll, Oaga Art Resort is a mere 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. This small island boasts 60 villas with beach and overwater options, five 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 both local and visiting artists and craftsmen from the Maldives.
Action
Hideaway Beach Resort combines running and wellness for World Wellness Weekend
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa successfully concluded the second edition of the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026 on Friday September the 18th as part of World Wellness Weekend, bringing together running, wellness and the spectacular natural surroundings of the beautiful all-natural Island of Dhonakulhi.
The event welcomed 68 runners, with esteemed athletes Sunny Schippers leading the 10K race and Clara Abbona leading the 5K race, inspiring participants through three scenic island runs (including a relaxing shake out run) surrounded by the turquoise waters and lush tropical landscape of Hideaway.

Held in line with World Wellness Weekend, the programme extended beyond running to embrace a more holistic approach to wellbeing. Participants enjoyed a series of wellness experiences, including sound healing with Naga Healing, Yoga with in-house instructor Shubham, alongside fitness sessions led by Shaffa – Fitness Expert from TfG, and Ask a PT and Physio sessions with Yoosuf as the Personal Trainer Consultant.
The second edition celebrated movement in all its forms, combining physical activity with recovery, mindfulness, and connection with nature. From the energy of the starting line to restorative wellness experiences, the event brought guests and participants together through a shared appreciation for healthier living.

Following another successful edition, the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run continues to build its identity as a unique resort island running and wellness experience, bringing together sport, community and the beauty of the Maldives at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
The initiative is endorsed by Visit Maldives and delivered in partnership with TFG as race partner, with race consultation, registration, timing, and bib services powered by TFG Races. Maldivian joins as transport partner, Coral Glass as content partner, and Sporting Vacanze as agent partner. This partnership reflects continued collaboration between tourism, aviation, media, sports, and lifestyle stakeholders in supporting wellness tourism in the Maldives.
Participants received a race timing bib powered by TfG Races, a partner goodie bag compiled of little treats by the partners, and the official Flora & Fauna Greenery Run T-shirt. Trophies were awarded to the top three male and female finishers in both the 5K and 10K categories. And the esteemed 1st place winners all received a scaled Maldivian Flight model kit by Maldivian Airways.

“Following the success of the historic inaugural edition in 2025, we are delighted to run the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run in 2026,” said Mohamed Muzaffar Ahmed, Business Development Manager of Lily Hotels. “With the continued endorsement of Visit Maldives and the support of our partners, this event reflects the growing opportunity to position the Maldives as a destination for luxury wellness, sports, and active travel. Our ambition is to develop the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run into one of the country’s and inevitably the world’s leading luxury destination running events, offering participants an experience that is truly unique to the Maldives. I am proud of the fact that we are the first luxury running event focused on the sporting tourism niche which has trophies, timing, and medals making Lily Hotels yet another pioneer in experiences in the tourism sector.”

Maldives Hideaway Resort Run – The 2nd Edition might be over, but its revelry carries on with celebrating the runners on social media. In addition to that the resort is looking to clear the remaining stock of the runner’s kit which consists of a goodie bag, t-shirt, and medal via any resort guest running at least a 5k in the official mhrr2026 route at the resort during this year. More details will be available on their social media.

As an intended annual event after celebrating sunrise in the original run in 2025 and flora and fauna in this year, the resort aims to launch its theme for Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2027 – Visit Maldives Year Edition in February next year so stay tuned for any teasers about what they have got in store for the next edition of this spectacular destination running event with amazing views to be experienced by being there and experiencing running in a destination like no other.
Awards
The Nautilus Maldives earns Two MICHELIN Keys in first year of inclusion
The Nautilus Maldives has announced its debut in The MICHELIN Guide’s global hotel selection with Two MICHELIN Keys, earning Two MICHELIN Keys in its first year of inclusion.
This remarkable achievement places The Nautilus among the world’s most exceptional hotels and represents a defining milestone for the independently spirited Maldivian hideaway. Described by The MICHELIN Guide as representing “an exceptional stay,” Two MICHELIN Keys recognise hotels that are truly unique, memorable and distinguished by their character, sense of place and consistently outstanding hospitality.
For The Nautilus, entering the MICHELIN Key selection with Two Keys is a powerful affirmation of the philosophy that has shaped the island since its inception: that true luxury is not defined by convention, but by liberation.
Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Nautilus is an intimate collection of just 26 immensely private beach and ocean Houses and Residences. Conceived as a world of one’s own making, it offers the exclusivity of a private-island experience without requiring an island buyout. Here, every guest is invited to live entirely according to their own rhythm. There are no fixed check-in or check-out times, no prescribed schedules and no expectations of where—or when—anything should happen. Breakfast may be enjoyed at sunset, dinner can unfold on a deserted sandbank, and deeply personal experiences are created in the moment rather than selected from a predefined itinerary.
“To receive Two MICHELIN Keys in our first year of inclusion is an extraordinary honour for The Nautilus. It affirms the vision on which our island was founded: that true luxury is deeply personal and that the greatest privilege we can offer our guests is the freedom to live entirely on their own terms. This distinction is a reflection of our team who bring that vision to life each day. It is their genuine warmth, intuition and unwavering care that transform our philosophy of unscripted hospitality into something guests can truly feel. We are immensely proud of this milestone, and we will continue creating a world where time stands still, nothing is fixed and every guest is free to simply be,” said Philippe Cavory, General Manager, The Nautilus Maldives.
The MICHELIN Key distinction recognises hotels according to five universal criteria: excellence in architecture and interior design; quality and consistency of service; overall personality and character; value in relation to the experience; and a meaningful contribution to their setting.
At The Nautilus, these qualities take shape through an experience built around absolute freedom. Its spacious, bohemian-inspired Houses and Residences are conceived as personal sanctuaries, each with a separate living room, private pool and uninterrupted connection to the ocean. Dining is completely unscripted, allowing guests to enjoy what they wish, wherever and whenever they choose. Wellness journeys are shaped around individual needs, while encounters with Baa Atoll’s extraordinary marine environment foster a deeper appreciation of the natural world surrounding the island. More than a recognition of exceptional accommodation, the award celebrates a distinctive vision of hospitality, one that replaces formality with warmth, schedules with spontaneity and traditional service with something more instinctive, personal and human.
With Two MICHELIN Keys, The Nautilus joins a distinguished collection of hotels recognised by The MICHELIN Guide for delivering exceptional stays. Yet the spirit of the island remains beautifully unchanged: a private world where nothing is fixed, anything is possible and every moment belongs entirely to the guest.
To book, contact The Nautilus at hello@thenautilusmaldives.com or visit the resort’s website.
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The Westin Maldives installs 100 Reef Stars, 1,500 coral fragments in house reef
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has marked a new chapter in its marine conservation journey with the successful completion of Coral RISE (Coral Restoration Initiatives for Sustainable Ecosystems), an initiative created in collaboration with MARS Sustainable Solutions. From September 18 to 20, 2026, the resort installed 100 Reef Stars and 1,500 coral fragments in its house reef.

Reef Stars are sand-coated, hexagonal steel structures that provide a stable foundation for coral fragments in damaged or degraded reef areas. Installed underwater and connected to form a supportive reef framework, they help coral fragments establish and grow while creating habitat for fish and other marine life.

The restoration work follows MARS Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS), a science-based method developed by MARS Sustainable Solutions. The approach combines trained restoration teams, locally sourced coral fragments, Reef Stars, and ongoing maintenance and monitoring. Over time, the structures are designed to integrate into the reef environment and support the recovery of a more diverse marine habitat.

“Coral RISE demonstrates how a focused first step can develop into a lasting commitment to reef restoration,” said Kate Janetski, Marine Program Lead for Maldives & Caribbean and Global Training Manager at MARS Sustainable Solutions. “The 100 Reef Stars installed at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort provide a practical foundation for coral growth, while continued monitoring and care will be essential to the project’s long-term progress. We are pleased to support the resort in bringing science-based restoration closer to its guests and associates.”
“Completing the first phase of Coral RISE is an important milestone for The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort,” said Harish Gopalakrishnan, General Manager of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. “The ocean surrounding our island is central to the Maldivian experience, and protecting it is a responsibility we take seriously. By making the restoration area accessible to guests for snorkelling, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the reef and inspire more people to care for the natural environment.”

The initiative was introduced during World Wellness Weekend, reflecting Westin’s belief that well-being extends beyond the individual. As part of the weekend’s activities, guests joined the resort team and MARS Sustainable Solutions in building and preparing the Reef Stars before they were installed in the reef.
Located within an area accessible for snorkelling, the restoration site will allow guests to observe the Reef Stars and monitor coral development over time. Ongoing marine education will also help raise awareness of coral ecosystems and the importance of reef conservation in the Maldives.

Coral RISE also complements the resort’s broader sustainability journey, including its Green Globe certification and continued efforts to embed responsible practices into its operations and guest experience. Situated in Baa Atoll, a region known for its rich marine biodiversity, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort’s coral restoration initiative creates a visible local contribution to the health of the atoll’s reef ecosystem. The certification provides a framework for the resort’s sustainability work, while Coral RISE brings that commitment to life through direct action to support the marine environment.

For more information, visit westin-maldives.com.
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