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Painting with Purpose: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands Presents Life Energy, an Ongoing Collaborative Project with Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar

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The latest visionary artist to complete a residency at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, master painter Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar is set to unveil Life Energy – a new body of miniature ‘Living Paintings’ created during his time in the resort’s creatively fertile Fari Art Atelier. The series will be showcased at private gatherings in Doha and London over the coming months, culminating in an exhibition and art sale at Patina Maldives in July – with sales proceeds donated to funding local marine conservation.

Life Energy is the third major chapter of Pathways, a distinguished event series at Patina Maldives designed to stimulate enduring personal transformations, introduce New Life Habits, and inspire creativity, growth, rest, and connection in guests’ lives. The series debuted last year with Experience as Healing, an event bringing together wellness, ancient spiritual practices, and the frontier of biohacking to inspire guests; and Cosmopolitan Ocean, an immersive festival and collaboration with West Coast fashion label STAMPD that redefined the ocean as a cross-cultural nexus for human connection.

Merging artistry with sustainability and meditation in search of a deep connection with nature and a true understanding of energy and human evolution, French-Iranian artist Behnam-Bakhtiar’s creative practice has gone through a transformation over the past few years. Committed to the preservation of the planet, Sassan now predominantly uses natural pigments sourced mainly from minerals, wood, roots, flowers, rocks, and soil, while the wood and linen used for his chassis are sustainably sourced and naturally treated – a true commitment to creating art in harmony with nature, and a first for any contemporary artist painter today. Sassan’s recent Fari Art Atelier residency focused on sustainable creation and honouring nature. Inspired by the old masters’ traditional use of natural pigments, the resulting series of 20cm x 20cm miniature ‘Living Paintings’ was created using sustainably sourced and natural materials, including ground washed out shells and corals gathered from around the island – a reminder to the art world of a necessary alternative method to creating meaningful art.

As Life Energy returns to its origins at Patina Maldives in July, a select panel of key speakers and leaders from the contemporary art and sustainable development worlds will gather to open an exclusive exhibition and art sale – with 50 percent of the proceeds donated to a local marine conservation NGO to fund research on how better to protect reefs and expand coral restoration efforts. The event will also include the unveiling of a large scale, site-specific ‘Living Painting’, created behind closed doors in Sassan’s Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat atelier, as the latest addition to Patina Maldives’ permanent art collection – joining the likes of James Turrell, Jose Dávila, Cassio Vasconcellos, Hongjie Yang, Hiroko Takeda, and FAHR 021.3.

“This new series focuses on enhancing the connection with the Self, mind, body, and soul, and bringing our energies, consciousness, and life perspectives together as one – a true step towards a necessary human evolution, and a shared core value between Patina’s ideology and the philosophy behind my own creative practice. Life energy is the secret behind human health. Only by feeling the energy are we able to understand the connection between our mind, body, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. When I paint using only natural and sustainably sourced material from our planet, my soul feels truly alive and connected.

As beings living in a modern yet destructive world, we cannot hope to create a sustainable culture for the next generation without a shift in our approach. Without this necessary change, we continue to destabilize the planetary system we rely on as human beings. The damage to our blue home mirrors that in our societies. As a creative human being, it is my duty today to push forth via my work the understanding that humanity, nature, and progress should and can coexist together.” – Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar

Rates at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands start from USD 2,054 (approx. GBP 1,620) per night based on two adults sharing a One Bedroom Pool Villa including daily breakfast, complimentary Guest Benefits, tax, and service. Terms and conditions apply. For more information and reservations, please visit their website or contact reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com.

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NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort opens final days to book Endless Horizon Maldives Escape offer

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With limited time remaining, NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort is encouraging guests to take advantage of its seasonal “Endless Horizon, Maldives Escape” offer before the booking window closes on 31 August 2025. Originally launched in July, the promotion remains available for stays from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026, targeting guests seeking value-driven peak season travel.

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a long-overdue family holiday, this offer gives you more time on the island with fewer add-ons to worry about. Reef restaurant brings the ease of daily dining with global flavors and Maldivian touches, while the destination dining experience adds something personal and memorable. The spa credit invites guests to slow down and reconnect in a natural setting, while the transfer discount ensures that longer stays bring even greater value. Every detail is designed to create a seamless and enriching experience from arrival to farewel

Positioned in the secluded Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, NH Collection Maldives Havodda blends pristine beaches, spacious villas, and thoughtful service in a natural island setting. The journey begins with a one-hour domestic flight to Kaadedhdhoo, followed by a short speedboat ride to the resort.

Offer Inclusions

  • 30% savings on accommodation
  • Daily breakfast and dinner at Reef
  • One destination dining experience per stay
  • USD 30 spa credit per person
  • 50% off roundtrip transfers to and from Malé for stays of six nights or more

“This campaign delivers real value during our most popular travel window,” said Ibrahim Sifaah, Assistant Marketing Manager. “With limited time left, we’re making one final push to ensure our partners and future guests don’t miss out.”

Guests are invited to book directly via the offer page before 31 August here

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Milaidhoo Maldives presents ‘Reef Stories’ in celebration of World Photo Day

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This World Photo Day, Milaidhoo Maldives opens a compelling new chapter in ocean storytelling with the launch of “Reef Stories”, a digital gallery dedicated to showcasing the breathtaking marine life flourishing around our island sanctuary, through the unique eyes and artistry of our guests.

Tucked within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo is more than just paradise, it’s a living masterpiece painted with dazzling coral reefs, crystal-clear waters and gentle giants like manta rays and sea turtles. Every wave, every current, every splash holds a story waiting to be captured.

“Reef Stories” invites guests to share their unforgettable encounters beneath the waves, each image a work of art that reflects personal perspective, emotion and the intimate connection between photographer and ocean. From shy sea turtles weaving through coral gardens to magical moments swimming alongside majestic manta rays, these photographs weave together a collective tapestry celebrating the beauty and fragility of our underwater world.

At the heart of this initiative is Ocean Stories, Milaidhoo’s aquatic discovery centre led by expert PADI 5-star dive instructors and a resident marine biologist. Guests deepen their connection to the ocean through guided snorkelling, diving, citizen science projects and educational talks, designed to inspire stewardship of this precious ecosystem.

True to Milaidhoo’s commitment to sustainability, we prioritise non-motorised water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing, ensuring guests experience the lagoon’s magic with minimal impact.

As Abdulla Mufeed, Base Leader, puts it: “Reef Stories is more than a collection of images; it’s a celebration of our guests’ personal perspectives and deep connection to the ocean. By sharing these moments, we hope to inspire greater care and conservation as well as to encourage those less familiar with the water to discover the magic beneath the surface.”

This World Photo Day, Milaidhoo invites you to become part of the story by uploading your Milaidhoo Moments in sharing your Reef Story. 

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Sirru Fen Fushi welcomes Anastasia Yatsenko for 3-day Pilates escape

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, a distinguished member of the prestigious The Leading Hotels of the World collection, has announced an exclusive 3-day wellness experience, Pilates Escape in Paradise. Led by certified Pilates instructor Anastasia Yatsenko, artistic director of a renowned contemporary dance company, celebrated choreographer, Honored Artist of Russia, and former ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre, the retreat promises a transformative journey of grace, strength, and mindful movement.

From September 19 to 21, 2025, guests of the resort will embark on a unique journey toward harmony of body and mind. Anastasia Yatsenko brings to each session grace, precision, and mindfulness, shaped by years of performing on the world’s leading stages.

Each day of the retreat features two signature sessions, morning and evening, designed to follow the natural rhythm of the day and aimed at improving posture, flexibility, strength, and inner balance. Participants will discover the capabilities of their bodies through a free movement practice, release tension with specialized stretches that realign the entire body and correct posture, and enjoy sunset sessions focused on breathing and emotional relaxation. These practices are suitable for both experienced participants and beginners.

The Pilates Escape retreat with Anastasia Yatsenko at Sirru Fen Fushi offers a chance to restore energy, achieve inner balance, and spend time in the secluded atmosphere of a paradise island surrounded by breathtaking Maldivian scenery.

To book your stay and participate in The Pilates Escape with Anastasia Yatsenko, please visit www.sirrufenfushi.com or email reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.

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