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‘A Moment in Time’ festivities for Christmas, New Year at Oaga Art Resort

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In a blend of artistic talent and tropical splendour, Oaga Art Resort, located in the heart of the Maldives, is gearing up to host a series of festive activities under the theme “A Moment in Time.” It promises a celebration that transcends the ordinary, offering guests an immersive experience that combines the beauty of the Maldives with the allure of art.

Warming up to Christmas Eve

As the sun sets over turquoise waters, the festivities kick off with the Liquid Groove DJ Pool Party on the 20th of December. The Christmas spirit continues to infuse the atmosphere with the Christmas Tree Toast on the 21st, marked by a Tree Lighting Ceremony to the serene sound of the harp played by Saif, and followed by live music at Raa Baa, the main bar, courtesy of the local talent named Naail Trio. The 22nd of December brings a flurry of activities, starting with the Merry Market opening at the main restaurant, Kaa Kada, followed by the Garden of Gingerbread, where guests can display their creativity in decorating gingerbread men. The night concludes with the Mix & Mingle Soiree at Sobi Bar, the beer and gin garden, featuring live music by our very own Vibe Director, Shiuz.

Artistic Vibes and Christmas Feasts

On Christmas Eve, from noon onwards, Raa Baa transforms into a local artist pop-up exhibition. From the 24th to the 29th, this Veyoge Caravan exhibition by Suvāsthi will feature “Of the Palm”, a selection of artwork that explore the sacred language between man and craft by local artist Hassan Niyaz. The evening continues with a festive feast later on in the night at Kaa Kada, followed by a Christmas Movie Night and live music by the talented local artist Shiuz.

Christmas Day itself promises a cheery brunch at Kaa Kada, complemented later on by the arrival of Santa Claus to Oaga. The festivities continue with live music by Dupa Trio during Christmas brunch, a Christmas show by Valerie Sealey (Solstix), and a beach party with DJ Afruh.

The last Full Moon of the Year

As the year draws to a close, the resort’s vibrant energy continues. On the 26th of December, guests can enjoy sun-kissed beats with DJ Afruh, live music by Naffah, and an O-Fire bonfire with live music by Zaki at Raa Baa Beach. The 27th brings the full moon ritual with Hoba Spa to celebrate the final full moon of the year, followed by a Handhuvaru Sound Healing Concert at Hoba Deck beach and culminating in a Moonlit full moon afterparty.

Warming up for New Year’s Eve

Jewellery-making sessions with the multi-talented Cinta Damerell will be held from the 27th to the 29th. On the 28th, guests can savour Maldivian cuisine at Kaa Kada, followed by live music by Dupa Trio at Raa Baa. On the 29th, the golden hour evening cocktail party is to be made extra special accompanied with flyboard performances, with the local talent Amruh serenading with the violin later on in the night.

New Year’s Eve – A Moment to Ash

New Year’s Eve at Oaga Art Resort promises to be an unforgettable night of cherished moments. The evening begins with a gala dinner at Kaa Kada, followed by a DJ party at Raa Baa Beach featuring DJ Afruh. As the clock strikes 11:45 PM, travellers will participate in the “Moment to Ash” ceremony, symbolising the burning away of the past year’s moments with fireworks lighting up the sky afterwards in celebration.

Welcoming the New Year 2024

The first day of 2024 begins with a rejuvenating New Year’s brunch, followed by a New Year ritual at Hoba Deck, live music by Dupa Trio and an outdoor movie night at Raa Baa. The festivities continue in the days that follow with a sculpting workshop by Cinta Damerell alongside a pool party, live music by local duo Something Lovely, a Boduberu pool party with Harubee, and a bonfire art exhibition with live music at Raa Baa.

On the 5th of January, guests can experience a Galactic Gallery – a bonfire art exhibition at night with live music at Raa Baa. Simultaneously, an immersive sound installation inside Samaasaa, based on the Maldivian musical giant Zero Degree Atoll’s “Dhoni” Album, awaits at the other end of the island.

The celebration comes to a grand finale on the 6th of January with live music by local talents Yani & Iqyan, followed by the Wave Rave – a beach party with DJ Afruh.

Featured artists at a glance:

  • Hassan Niyaz: A graphic designer and self-taught artist from Male’, Maldives. His debut solo exhibition was recently showcased at Art Gallery Male’, and is now exploring new terrain with his second solo showcase ‘Of the Palm’ at Oaga Art Resort.
  • Dupa Trio: A unique jazz band creating a dynamic and colourful musical environment reminiscent of the golden age of jazz music.
  • Valery Sealey (Solstix): A highly skilled circus and fire performer, specialising in object manipulation and captivating audiences with staff manipulation, fire spinning, and contact juggling.
  • Cinta Damerell: A multi-disciplinary creative whose aim is to create art and experience which encourages a utopian paradise, whether this be through film, exploring the wonders of the natural world or creating safe communities for arts to thrive.
  • Alikko (Aleef): A curious creative exploring the vast world of art. With experience in music, design and performance arts, he loves to find the connections between these different forms and combine them. You will be seeing him play various instruments in his musical showcases aside from his fire poi and other object manipulation performances.
  • DJ Afruh (Ali Afruh): A processional DJ / musician and multi-instrumentalist with influences rooted in blues, jazz, reggae, and world music.
  • Ismail Affan: A talented musician and a performer famously known for his unique voice and vocal range.
  • Something Lovely: An acoustic duo from the Maldives comprising childhood friends and musicians Shafyau Rameez (Thappu) and Dhifla Ahmed (Dhifoo).
  • Harubee Boduberu Group: A group of young men passionate about traditional Maldivian music, Boduberu, who have won the hearts of Maldivians with their beats.
  • Yani & Iqyan: two passionate musicians on a lifelong journey with music. As a dynamic duo, they bring a harmonious fusion of talent, creativity, and a shared dream to blossom into full-fledged musicians.
  • Naail Trio: Naail Trio unites three prominent music talents from the Maldives, Naanu, Amir and Inan coming together to present an assorted blend of music deeply rooted in Jazz and Maldivian traditions.
  • Shiuz: Oaga’s irreplaceable Director for all things vibe, a powerhouse performer with a charismatic career spotlighting the best of the Maldives’ musical arts.
  • Naffah: An in-house musician, a soul-soothing busker, and a solo artist extraordinaire capable of serenading troubles away with his soothing voice.
  • Zaki: A musician, singer, entertainer, host, surfer, and more, contributing to the Maldivian tourism industry with creativity and talent.
  • Dumb & Dumber: An in-house collaboration of musicians Naffah and Humam, providing a perfect fusion of acoustic soulful music.
  • Special features by local talents: Samooh Thaufeeq the saxophonist, Amru on violin, Husen Thaufeeq on keys & saxophone, Saif the harpist, Shaman the magician and more.

Oaga invites you to join in this momentous celebration with an unbeatable offer, where time stands still and memories are etched in the heart forever.

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, In-Villa Dining to floating meal, choices of excursions, motorised watersports and many more.

Situated in North Malé Atoll, Oaga Art Resort is 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport. A small island with 60 villas with beach and over water options, 5 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 local and visiting artists, and craftsmen from the Maldives.

Guests looking to book the resort can visit the website, www.oagaresorts.com to book your stay, don’t miss out!

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Marriott Bonvoy announces ‘Endless Summer’ promotion for Maldives stays in 2027

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Summer need not end with a change of season. In the Maldives, warm turquoise waters, palm-fringed shores, and life lived outdoors invite travellers to follow their own calendar. For those planning the year ahead, Marriott Bonvoy’s Endless Summer campaign brings that invitation to four natural private-island resorts: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa and The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection.

Endless Summer Offer at a Glance:

  • Booking window: November 15-December 31, 2026
  • Stay window: January 10-December 15, 2027
  • Dining plans: From daily breakfast to all-inclusive, depending on the resort
  • Children’s dining: Complimentary for children under 12
  • Additional benefits: Dining privileges and resort credits toward eligible meals, spa treatments, and island activities, depending on the resort
  • Minimum stay: Four nights

Here, an island holiday can take many forms, with each resort bringing a different perspective to the Maldives. Just 10 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Sheraton Maldives occupies Furanafushi Island in North Malé Atoll, where tropical gardens and a sheltered lagoon set an easygoing pace. The Westin Maldives, a wellness-focused retreat in Baa Atoll, and Le Méridien Maldives, a chic, eco-conscious hideaway on Thilamaafushi Island in Lhaviyani Atoll, are each a scenic 35-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport. The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives spans two islands in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, reachable by a 90-minute seaplane journey or a domestic flight followed by a speedboat transfer.

Discover Maldivian Culture Through Its People

At Sheraton Maldives, a coconut palm becomes the starting point for a lesson in island ingenuity. During Maldivian Journey, a weekly gathering on Kakuni Beach, guests discover how climbing, grating, and weaving turn an everyday part of the landscape into food, shelter, and craft. For a different view of the country, the resort can arrange a visit to Malé, taking in the capital’s fish market, Presidential Palace, museum, and shops. From The Westin Maldives, a boat trip to Eydhafushi introduces guests to the rhythms of a local island beyond the resort’s shores.

Food and music continue the conversation. Weekly Maldivian-themed evenings at Sheraton Maldives and The Westin Maldives pair local cooking with the drumbeats of bodu beru. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, culinary classes, and experiences inspired by explorer H.C.P. Bell connect guests with the heritage and rhythms of the far south. Traditional handline fishing connects guests to the sea through patience and knowledge passed down through generations of Maldivian fishermen.

Marine Discovery Beyond the Beach

A dhoni ride may reveal spinner dolphins leaping above the waves. Beneath the water, each island has its own story. From Sheraton Maldives, snorkelling excursions to Shark Point bring guests alongside nurse sharks. Le Méridien Maldives’ house reef invites exploration, with hawksbill turtles spotted year-round. Within Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives opens a window onto marine life, including seasonal manta ray encounters and occasional whale shark sightings at Hanifaru Bay. Marine biologist sessions, coral planting, and turtle identification deepen the connection. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, explore two house reefs with private Marine Butlers, spotting resident sea turtles and nurse sharks, or venture farther on the signature Journey to the Equator for an open-water swim near the equatorial line.

Shared Island Discoveries for Families

At Le Méridien Maldives, families join the resident horticulturist for foraging and a closer look at soil-free cultivation in one of the Maldives’ largest hydroponic greenhouses. Sheraton Maldives takes the classroom outdoors with a guided botanical and wildlife walk led by the resort botanist. At The Westin Maldives, mothers and daughters unwind together at the spa and learn to make a natural face scrub to recreate at home. Dedicated kids’ clubs give younger travelers their own space for play and learning, leaving adults free to linger over lunch, head to the spa, or enjoy a quiet hour beside the water.

From Morning Movement to Evenings by the Ocean

Togetherness need not mean following the same schedule. The pleasure lies in coming back together with something to share. For travellers who like to begin the day in motion, The Westin Maldives’ Move Well philosophy brings together workouts at the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, tennis, swimming, and island runs, alongside guided yoga and meditation. A friendly padel match at Le Méridien Maldives brings out a competitive streak before guided stargazing turns attention skyward, where the island’s near-equatorial setting reveals constellations from both hemispheres. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, guests can alternate between a lively match on the padel court and floating yoga in the lagoon. At Sheraton Maldives, guests gather on Kakuni Beach for bocce ball and beach table tennis, joining in a little lighthearted competition.

A private sandbank picnic or a destination dining experience in a secluded island setting creates room for honeymoons, anniversaries, or family celebrations. International all-day dining sits alongside specialty restaurants drawing on Japanese, pan-Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, and Maldivian flavours to suit every palate.

Villas and Rooms for Every Generation

Across these resorts, accommodations make room for romantic escapes, vacations with friends, and multigenerational gatherings. Sheraton Maldives’ 176 rooms and villas range from interconnecting guest rooms to beachfront and overwater retreats. Le Méridien Maldives’ 134 beach and overwater villas include the 280-square-meter Three-Bedroom Thilamaafushi Villa, ideal for family celebrations. The Westin Maldives’ 69 pool villas include one- and two-bedroom beach and overwater options, with the 194-square-meter Two-Bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence providing space for generations to gather. At The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, 38 beachfront and overwater pool villas span two private islands, each with personalised butler service, while the 1,250-square-metre Halcyon Grand Estate provides added space and privacy for families and friends.

Click here to book your Endless Summer vacation, or visit marriott.com/maldives to explore Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives.

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Secret Paradise Maldives secures Travelife Partner Award renewal

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Maldivian tour operator Secret Paradise Maldives has successfully renewed its Travelife Partner Award, recognising the company’s continued commitment to responsible tourism, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The renewal acknowledges Secret Paradise’s progress in implementing responsible tourism practices and integrating sustainability across its business operations.

The Travelife Partner standard requires tour operators to meet more than 100 sustainability criteria covering office management, business operations, product development, international business partners and customer information. Based on the ISO 26000 guidelines on corporate social responsibility, the criteria address areas including environmental protection, biodiversity, human rights and labour relations.

Since its establishment in 2012, Secret Paradise has focused on demonstrating how tourism can generate positive outcomes for local communities and the environment. The company’s approach includes supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for communities, promoting responsible marine encounters and encouraging visitors to develop a greater understanding of Maldivian culture and the natural environment.

Commenting on the renewal, Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives, said: “Sustainability is an ongoing journey, one that requires continuous commitment, reflection and a willingness to evolve. There is always more we can do.

“We have always believed that tourism should benefit the people and places that make the Maldives so special. This means looking beyond the experiences we deliver to consider how we operate, the partners we work with and the impact our activities have on local communities and the environment. We are proud of the progress we have made and remain committed to doing more.”

Naut Kusters, Manager of Travelife for Tour Operators, welcomed the renewal, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability within the tourism industry.

“I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operator sector is obtaining momentum. The Partner renewal award of Secret Paradise will continue to inspire other companies in Maldives to follow the same path,” he said.

Travelife is an international sustainability certification programme for tour operators and travel agents, supported by more than 35 national travel associations worldwide, including ABTA in the United Kingdom, ANVR in the Netherlands and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

The programme comprises three stages: Travelife Engaged, Travelife Partner and Travelife Certified.

Following the successful renewal of its Travelife Partner status, Secret Paradise Maldives intends to further strengthen its sustainability practices as it works towards achieving Travelife Certified status.

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Finolhu Maldives to welcome artist Araceli Adams for ceramics masterclasses

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Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is set to welcome contemporary artist Araceli Adams for an exclusive festive residency from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Bringing together art, nature and the joy of creative expression, the residency invites guests to discover the world of ceramics through immersive workshops inspired by the extraordinary marine life and natural beauty of the Maldives.

Known for her distinctive artistic interpretations of marine life on ceramics, Adams draws inspiration from the natural world, transforming everyday objects into expressive works of art. Through Araceli Adams, her creative practice celebrates the beauty and diversity of ocean life, making her residency a natural fit for Finolhu’s spectacular setting within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.

Throughout the festive season, guests will have the opportunity to explore their artistic side under Adams’ guidance, discovering the pleasures of working with ceramics in a relaxed and inspiring island environment. Designed for both beginners and those with a passion for art, the experiences encourage creativity, personal expression and a deeper appreciation of the marine world.

The residency begins with a meet-and-greet at Finolhu’s cocktail party on 21 December, offering guests an opportunity to meet the artist and discover the inspiration behind her work. An introductory pottery experience on 24 December will set the tone for a series of intimate creative sessions, followed by group masterclasses taking place between Christmas Day and 3 January.

Limited to just six participants per session, the masterclasses offer a more personal and engaging opportunity to learn from Adams while creating individual pieces inspired by the colours, textures and marine surroundings of the island. For guests seeking a more tailored experience, private pottery sessions will also be available, providing an intimate setting for individuals, couples and families to explore their creativity together.

The residency forms part of Finolhu’s festive celebrations, Magic by the Sea, bringing an artistic dimension to the resort’s seasonal programme. Beyond the traditional festivities, the collaboration offers guests an opportunity to slow down, discover a new creative pursuit and create meaningful memories through hands-on experiences.

The collaboration with Araceli Adams continues Finolhu’s commitment to bringing international creative talent to the island. Earlier in 2026, the resort welcomed celebrated British designer Matthew Williamson for an exclusive October residency, introducing guests to his distinctive world of colour, pattern and design through creative masterclasses and personalised experiences. In November, contemporary artist and photographer Yakov Khomich brought his artistic perspective to Finolhu’s Art Lab, further enriching the resort’s programme of immersive creative encounters. Together, these residencies reflect Finolhu’s growing reputation as a destination where art, design and island living come together.

Art and creativity have long been part of Finolhu’s distinctive island identity. With its contemporary design, vibrant atmosphere and dedicated Art Lab, the resort embraces creative expression as an integral part of the guest experience. The collaboration with Araceli Adams further reflects this philosophy, connecting guests with the island’s remarkable natural surroundings through art.

Set against the backdrop of Finolhu’s turquoise lagoon, pristine beaches and iconic two-kilometre sandbank, the residency offers a refreshing way to experience the festive season. Whether discovering ceramics for the first time or simply enjoying a shared creative moment with loved ones, guests are invited to embrace the freedom of artistic expression in one of the world’s most beautiful island settings.

Araceli Adams’ residency at Finolhu will take place from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, with group masterclasses scheduled between 25 December and 3 January and private pottery sessions available from 24 December to 2 January. Advance reservations are recommended due to limited availability.

For further information and reservations, visit www.finolhu.com or contact stay@finolhu.com.

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