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‘A Moment in Time’ festivities for Christmas, New Year at Oaga Art Resort
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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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives receives Wellness Heaven Award 2026 nominations
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced its nomination for the prestigious Wellness Heaven Award 2026 in the Wellness & Spa category with an outstanding score of 9.59 points in the Wellness & Spa Ranking.
Recently recognised as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the resort delivers exceptional guest experiences and achieved an outstanding overall rating of 9.41 points on the German hotel rating portal Wellness-Heaven.de, cementing its status as a leader in luxury wellness tourism.
Voting for the Wellness Heaven Awards is now open and will continue until 30 September 2025. Guests and wellness enthusiasts are encouraged to participate by sharing their favourite travel stories and photos. By voting, participants will also have the chance to win hotel vouchers worth a total of €27,500.
This nomination highlights Kuda Villingili’s commitment to creating a tranquil oasis where guests can rejuvenate amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives.
At the heart of this recognition lies The Spa, a sanctuary of rejuvenation and relaxation set on a private island accessible via a picturesque overwater bridge. The Spa offers an unparalleled experience with eight overwater suites featuring outdoor bathtubs and a dedicated Ayurvedic treatment room. Nestled above the tranquil lagoon, each suite provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the ocean, where the only music you’ll need to unwind is the soothing sound of the waves.
Guests can indulge in an exquisite treatment program inspired by the rich wellness traditions of South Asia. Signature therapies include the soothing touch of lava shell and raw baby coconut massages, as well as transformative Ayurvedic treatments like Shirodhara and Prishta Abhyanga with Kizhi.
The Wellness Heaven Award is a prestigious accolade honouring the finest luxury wellness and spa hotels across Europe and beyond. For the first time the Wellness Heaven Award 2026 also includes international resorts. Established to recognise exceptional standards in hospitality, wellness, and relaxation, the award evaluates hotels based on categories like spa, cuisine, rooms, and service. Winners are selected through meticulous reviews conducted by professional testers and feedback from discerning guests. The award is a hallmark of excellence, guiding travellers to outstanding wellness destinations.
Vote here for Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives and support its journey to the top. The winners will be decided by public vote and announced at the end of the voting period.
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Dream island getaway at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives to locals, expats
This December, immerse yourself at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, where the turquoise lagoon and white sandy beaches create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable escape. Designed exclusively for locals and expats, this special offer is your chance to indulge in the ultimate tropical getaway at an unbeatable value.
Imagine booking a Beach Bungalow and starting your day along the shoreline, then ending it in the luxury of a stunning Water Bungalow—all at no extra cost. This complimentary upgrade ensures that you wake up to the soothing sounds of waves beneath your private deck, making your stay even more magical. Families are in for a treat too, as children aged 2-11 can stay at an incredible 75% discount on double rates, making it the ideal holiday for loved ones of all ages.
Every moment at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives is designed to delight. Dive into the crystal-clear waters with complimentary snorkeling equipment and uncover a vibrant underwater world. Our twice-daily snorkeling shuttle service ensures you’ll have easy access to some of the most breathtaking marine ecosystems in the area. For those seeking additional indulgence, enjoy 20% off dining experiences that tantalise your taste buds and spa treatments that rejuvenate your senses.
Available exclusively from 1st to 20th December 2024, this offer is your gateway to crafting a personalised paradise. Reserve your stay by contacting fom.hakuraa@cinnamonhotels.com or calling +960 333 6000 / +960 7415 495 for reservations and transfer details. Whether you envision a romantic retreat, quality family time, or serene moments of solitude, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives will bring your dream escape to life.
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JOALI BEING hosts inspirational tennis workshops with Sascha Zverev, Alexander Zverev Foundation
JOALI BEING, the luxury wellness retreat in the Maldives, hosted a tennis workshop on November 25, 2024, in partnership with the Alexander Zverev Foundation, dedicated to supporting children with diabetes. The event featured world number 2 tennis player Sascha Zverev and welcomed young Maldivian students, including teenagers living with diabetes, from the neighbouring island of R. Fainu.
The workshop offered an opportunity for the students, accompanied by their teachers and the principal of R. Fainu School, to learn and enhance their tennis skills under the guidance of Sascha Zverev. The session also featured Fathih Mohamed, Young Leader in Diabetes and Regional Representative for the Maldives at the International Diabetes Federation. Fathih and the tennis stars shared messages of encouragement and inspiration, leaving a lasting impression on the young participants.
The celebration of tennis continued on November 29, 2024, as JOALI BEING hosted an engaging community event open to guests of all ages. Attendees enjoyed interactive workshops and a spirited game led by Sascha Zverev and his team, creating a memorable evening of friendly competition and camaraderie.
Throughout the period from November 20 to 30, 2024, JOALI BEING guests had the exclusive chance to receive personalised tennis coaching from Sascha Zverev, his brother Mischa Zverev, and Marcelo Melo. These private sessions, conducted on the island’s scenic tennis court, offered invaluable expert guidance and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants.
This series of tennis events not only showcased JOALI BEING’s commitment to wellness and community but also highlighted the power of sports in bringing people together and promoting meaningful causes.
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