News
Oaga Art Resort Welcomes Creative Masterminds for Immersive Experiences
Oaga Art Resort, renowned for its artistic spirit and unique guest experiences, is thrilled to announce the upcoming visit of two renowned artists and a celebrated mixologist.
Master the Art of Mixology with Tao Zrafi (February 27 – March 10, 2024)
From February 27th to March 10th, 2024, Oaga Art Resort welcomes Tao Zrafi, a globally recognised Creative Consultant and Beverage Director. Guests staying at the resort during this period will have the exclusive opportunity to participate in a Masterclass on March 6th. This interactive session will delve into Tao’s signature cocktail-making techniques, offering valuable insights and the chance to learn from a master himself.
Tao was previously featured at Oaga’s “Kula Kula” festival, captivating guests with his themed cocktail apprentice sessions. The menu he created during that time remains a popular offering at Sobi Bar, the resort’s beer and gin garden.
Light Up Your Creativity with Karim Jabbari and Jaime Brown (February 23 – March 8, 2024)
From February 23rd to March 8th, 2024, renowned artists Karim Jabbari and Jaime Brown will grace Oaga Art Resort with their presence. During their stay, these talented individuals will be available to create personalised light portraits for interested guests. They will also collaborate with Oaga’s in-house artists, Mamdhu and Zaain, on a captivating wall mural and contribute to the resort’s Ramadan greeting light painting. Additionally, they will share their expertise by conducting engaging workshops on the art of light painting.
Karim, a world-renowned calligraphy and light artist, is sought after for his breathtaking live performances, art installations, and large-scale murals. He has delivered workshops and lectures globally, including prestigious universities like NYU and Yale.
Jaime, a public artist, painter, and media creative, seamlessly blends the worlds of fine art and digital expression. Her passion and creativity are evident in her captivating mural and digital projects worldwide.
Experience the Essence of Oaga
Oaga Art Resort is dedicated to fostering unique encounters with diverse artists and fostering creative exploration. These upcoming Masterclasses align perfectly with this vision, offering guests exclusive access to learn from renowned figures in their respective fields.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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