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.
Featured
‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.
The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.
During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.
“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.
“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”
The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.
The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.
Awards
Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards
Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.
Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.
The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.
This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.
The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.
“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.
News
Rishtha Shuja to share surfing journey at COMO Maalifushi’s ‘The Wave is Hers’
On September 15th 2026, COMO Maalifushi will welcome Maldivian surfer Rishtha Shuja for COMO Conversation: The Wave is Hers, an intimate conversation about her surfing journey, her connection to the sport, and the growing surf culture in the Maldives. Held in collaboration with Tropicsurf, the conversation will take place at Thila bar beach and is exclusively available to in-house guests.
Introduced to surfing by her late father, a respected Maldivian surfer, Rishtha began bodyboarding in 2019 before moving into competitive surfing in 2021. She has since competed nationally and internationally, including placing third at the 2024 Rannamaari Challenge and representing the Maldives at an Asian Games qualifying event in India. During The Wave is Hers, she will share her experiences, inspirations and aspirations with guests.

“We wanted ‘The Wave is Hers’ to embody our deep connection to this place. Surfing is a vital part of Maldivian culture, and Maalifushi provides our guests with a unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in that experience. Rishtha’s story beautifully highlights this connection, along with the incredible surfing available right at our doorstep,” said Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Resorts, Maldives.
World-Class Surfing in Thaa Atoll
Located in Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi is positioned centrally between Dhaalu and Laamu Atolls, giving guests access to an exceptional range of surf spots across the region. Maalifushi offers access to 14 recognised waves, providing a variety of breaks and conditions throughout the surf season.

Running from April through October, the season brings consistent southwest swells and favourable winds, creating world-class conditions for surfers of different abilities. Farms, one of the most versatile breaks, offers forgiving conditions for beginners and intermediates before developing into a longer, more powerful right-hander for advanced surfers. Nearby Chambers and Shipwrecks can pick up larger swells, adding to the range of experiences available.
The diversity of surf spots lets guests choose the ideal breaks based on the swell, tide, wind, and their skill level. Accessible waves help beginners build confidence, while more challenging reef breaks suit experienced surfers. With warm, clear conditions and uncrowded lineups, COMO Maalifushi is an exceptional base for enjoying the Maldives’ world- class surfing.

Set in untouched Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi is a private island resort surrounded by turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and uninhabited islands. The resort offers beach and overwater villas, COMO Shambhala wellness, dining, and a range of experiences, including surfing, freediving, flyfishing and marine exploration. Its location provides access to some of the Maldives’ most rewarding surf breaks and an immersive way to experience the destination’s natural beauty and ocean culture.
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