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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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One&Only Reethi Rah unveils Jessie J as headliner for ‘Time as One’ festive season

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One&Only Reethi Rah, the Maldives’ iconic private island retreat, has announced the powerhouse singer-songwriter Jessie J as the headlining entertainer for its highly anticipated New Year’s Eve celebrations. The exclusive live performance, reserved solely for resort guests, continues One&Only Reethi Rah’s growing tradition of welcoming the New Year with some of the world’s most celebrated musical acts.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean, New Year’s Eve celebrations at One&Only Reethi Rah will culminate in the resort’s Gala Night on 31st December 2026. The highlight of the festive season, the evening will begin with an elegant beachside cocktail reception before unfolding into an exhilarating celebration of culinary theatre and captivating live performances. As 2026 draws to a close, Jessie J will take the stage, bringing the celebrations to electrifying heights with her powerhouse vocals, dynamic stage presence and chart-topping hits.

Known for her exceptional vocal range and unique musical style blending soul, pop, and contemporary R&B; her prolific ear for musical hooks and confident stage persona, her global singles including “Price Tag,” “Domino,” and “Bang Bang” have reached #1 in the world, garnering various accolades including the Critics’ Choice BRIT Award and a Grammy nomination. Throughout her career, Jessie J has also served as a coach on the renowned singing competition shows The Voice UK, The Voice Australia, and The Voice Kids UK.

“We are excited to welcome Jessie J to One&Only Reethi Rah for this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations,” said Jan Tibaldi, General Manager of the resort. “One&Only is all about creating unforgettable moments, and ringing in 2027 with an artist of Jessie J’s calibre promises to be a spectacular night that our guests will remember for years to come.”

This year’s festive season at One&Only Reethi Rah welcomes guests to explore unhurried moments of connection through the theme of Time as One, centred on sharing meaningful and liberating experiences. Guests of all ages are invited to discover unscripted memories through a season of family holiday traditions, divine culinary experiences, rejuvenating wellness treatments, and exhilarating activities on sand and in the sea. Jessie J’s performance at the end of the year is sure to embody the spirit of the season and ignite meaningful and special memories to welcome 2027.

The festive season at One&Only Reethi Rah commences on 20th December 2026 with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Cocktail and ends on 13th January 2026 with the resort’s Orthodox New Year Gala Dinner. Reservations and pre-bookings are recommended.

For inquiries and bookings, please contact the VIP Services team at reethirah.festive@oneandonlyreethirah.com. For more information about festive and the resort, please visit oneandonlyreethirah.com. For bookings, please call +960 664 8800 or contact the resort’s reservations team at reservations@oneandonlyreethirah.com.

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W Maldives to host neuroscientist Anne-Sophie Fluri for week-long ‘Restore Ritual’

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W Maldives, a luxury private-islandresort with one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, will welcome neuroscientist, meditation coach, and wellness innovator, and Brainwave founder Anne-Sophie Fluri for The Restore Ritual, taking place from September 14 to 20, 2026.

The week-long wellness residency will combine neuroscience, mindfulness, and immersive island experiences, offering guests a new perspective on mental well-being. Through a series of guided practices, Fluri will explore how mental fitness can be developed with the same intention as physical wellness.

The Restore Ritual is the latest installment of The Wavemaker Edit, W Maldives’ signature series featuring global innovators across culinary, mixology, music, art, design, sustainability, and wellness. Set against the natural beauty of the Maldives, the week-longresidency brings a science-led approach to mental well-beingthrough experiences designed to encourage curiosity, reflection, and meaningful connection.

For Fluri, well-beingbegins with understanding the mind. Her work is built on the belief that resilience, focus, and emotional well-beingare skills that can be strengthened through science-backed practices and daily rituals. Rather than treating wellness as an occasional escape, she encourages people to develop sustainable habits that support a calmer, more present way of living, combining neuroscience with mindfulness to make mental fitness both practical and accessible.

Her career spans neuroscience research, technology, and wellness. During her Master of Research in Experimental Neuroscience at Imperial College London, Fluri contributed to pioneering research in psychedelic science and migraine treatment. She later earned a scholarship to develop algorithms addressing motion sickness in virtual reality.

Fluri went on to serve as Head of Mindfulness at a mental fitness platform and Chief Science Officer at a sleep technologycompany. She now develops neuroscience-based products and leads Brainwave, a global platform delivering science-backed talks, workshops, coaching and events delivered by scientists and academics.

Throughout the residency, Fluri will personally lead every session, using the island’s natural surrounds as a setting for explorationand reflection. The program will include sunrise meditationoverlookingthe Indian Ocean, conscious breathwork and visualization, invigorating ice bath challenge, and restorative rituals held in selected locations across the island. Sessions will unfold at settings including Coral Terrace, surrounded by the resort’s award-winning house reef, and the secluded shores of Gaathafushi Private Island. Each location brings nature into the experience, creating moments where nature and neuroscience come together in harmony.

“The Wavemaker Edit was created to bring inspiring voices and fresh perspective to W Maldives,”said Amila Handunwala, General Managerof W Maldives. “Anne-Sophierepresents a new generation of wellness innovators who combine scientific knowledge with genuine human connection. The Restore Ritual offers our guests an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and discover that wellbeing extends far beyond the spa. It is about creating experiences that stay with you long after you leave the island.”

Guests interested in experiencing The Restore Ritual and the resort’s evolving calendar of cultural and wellness programming can book the Half Board Escape package, availableuntil August 31, 2026. This package includes a stay with daily buffet breakfast, a daily three-course dinner at selected dining venues, and an in-room W MixBar stocked with non-alcoholicbeverage.

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

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Joy Island Maldives expands guest activities with new Joy Arcade

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Joy Island Maldives, part of The Cocoon Collection, has expanded its leisure offering with the launch of Joy Arcade, the resort’s first dedicated gaming room.

The new facility has been introduced as an indoor entertainment space where guests can play individually or with friends and family, adding another activity to the resort’s programme beyond the beach, lagoon and outdoor experiences.

Joy Arcade features four gaming stations built around simulation and virtual reality technology. The line-up includes a three-screen racing car simulator, equipped with a force-feedback steering wheel and pedals; VR Moto, a motion-based motorcycle simulator that moves in response to the virtual terrain; a 9D VR Platform, featuring two motion pods and a selection of adventure, horror and flight experiences; and VR Gun Shooting, which combines a headset with a motion-tracked controller and an in-room leaderboard.

The racing simulator accommodates one player at a time and is recommended for guests aged eight and above, while VR Moto is recommended for those aged 10 and above. The 9D VR Platform can accommodate up to two players and is recommended for guests aged six and above, while VR Gun Shooting is designed for one player at a time and recommended for ages eight and above.

The arcade operates daily from 10am to noon, 2pm to 6pm and 9pm to 11pm. Walk-in guests do not need to make an advance booking, with passes available from the arcade desk during operating hours.

Guests can choose from one-, two-, three- and four-hour Play Passes, as well as an Unlimited Day Pass. Each pass provides access to all four gaming stations, with the duration determining the amount of playing time available. The resort advises guests to check with the arcade desk for current pricing and any rates linked to resort or stay packages.

Joy Arcade is open to guests of all ages, although younger players may require a parent or guardian when using motion-based equipment. Headsets, controllers and safety equipment are provided and sanitised between uses. The room can also be booked for birthday parties and other events, with private sessions, party host assistance and refreshments available for groups.

The addition expands the range of recreational facilities at Joy Island, which positions activities as a central part of its guest experience. The resort also offers tennis and padel, fitness and wellness sessions, excursions, diving and water sports, while its Kids’ Club, Kiddie Cove, provides supervised activities for children aged three to 12.

Its Dive & Water Sports Centre offers activities including scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding and waterskiing. Other experiences include dolphin cruises, fishing trips and marine excursions.

Joy Island is located in North Malé Atoll, around 40 kilometres from Velana International Airport and approximately 40 minutes away by speedboat. The resort has 151 villas, comprising 91 beach villas and 60 overwater villas, with accommodation options that include villas with private plunge pools. Interiors feature furnishings and design elements by Italian design company LAGO.

The resort also operates Oasis Spa, where treatments combine Eastern and Western wellness approaches, including Balinese massage, hot stone massage, aromatherapy and couples’ treatments. Its fitness programme includes yoga, Pilates, Zumba, aqua fitness, gym sessions, beach volleyball and racquet sports.

Joy Island’s food and beverage offering comprises three restaurants and a bar. The Market serves international cuisine through buffet and live cooking stations, while Il Basilico focuses on Italian dishes, including wood-fired pizza. Palm Beach offers beachfront dining, including seafood and grilled dishes, while Rainbow Bar, located beside the swimming pool, serves drinks throughout the day. The resort also offers destination dining experiences, including sandbank picnics, lagoon dinners, beach dinners and garden dining.

With Joy Arcade, the resort is adding an indoor gaming component to an activity programme that already spans water sports, diving, wellness, excursions, children’s activities and racquet sports, providing guests with an additional option for entertainment throughout their stay.

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