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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.

Awards

Summer Island Maldives wins TUI Global Hotel Awards Quality 2025

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Summer Island Maldives has again been recognised as a TUI Global Hotel Awards Quality Winner, marking the second consecutive year the resort has received the prestigious accolade. The TUI Global Hotel Award is given to properties that receive exceptional guest feedback and hotel satisfaction scores from TUI travellers, underscoring Summer Island Maldives’ commitment to excellence in hospitality.

Nestled in the pristine waters of the Maldives, just a 45-minute speedboat ride or a 15-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, Summer Island Maldives is a barefoot luxury retreat renowned for its warm hospitality and exceptional service. The resort boasts two distinctive restaurants, offering an array of international cuisines, alongside three bars, including an overwater sunset bar and a beachfront tiki bar. The resort offers a host of curated experiences such as private beach dinners, sandbank picnics, and sunset sailboat cruises, making every stay truly unforgettable.

Summer Island Maldives has also established itself as a leader in sustainability. The resort has implemented several pioneering eco-friendly initiatives, including the elimination of single-use plastics, adoption of renewable energy, eco-friendly methods to eradicate mosquitoes, and the installation of a 3D-printed coral reef.

Expressing her gratitude in receiving the TUI award, Mariya Shareef, General Manager of Kaimoo Travels and Hotel Services Pvt Ltd, said: “Winning the TUI Global Hotel Quality Award for the second consecutive year is a testament to the dedication and passion of our incredible team. This award reaffirms the trust our guests place in us and reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service and memorable experiences.”

As one of TUI’s top-rated hotels, Summer Island Maldives continues to be a leading destination for travellers seeking a serene, luxurious, and environmentally conscious holiday in the Maldives.

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Cooking

Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

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Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.

A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.

During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.

At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.

While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.

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Family

Easter awakening at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: Celebration of spring, rejuvenation

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island This April, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island welcomes you to a colorful celebration of Easter and spring from the 13th to the 21st of April, 2025. During this period, Conrad Maldives is a festive haven on the beautiful islands of the Maldives that combines relaxation and excitement in the most beautiful way as a spring revival.

In the course of the week, guests can choose from a variety of themed dining experiences that will help to awaken their taste buds, such as Sakura Night at Koko Grill and an exclusive Antinori Wine Dinner in the resort’s Wine Cellar.

Easter Sunday is the centerpiece of our festivities with a lavish brunch at Vilu. Guests can savor a diverse menu featuring both international favorites and local delicacies, complemented by live music to enhance the festive atmosphere. The excitement extends to younger guests with an Easter Egg Hunt and the Bunny Arrival, promising delightful moments for families.

Our comprehensive activity schedule means that wellness enthusiasts can take part in our sunrise yoga at the Overwater Spa and tailored wellness workshops for a truly healthy holiday. For the active guest, there is a wide range of ocean excursions such as snorkeling with whale sharks and scuba diving to discover the beautiful underwater world of the Maldives.

Easter at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is more than just a holiday—it’s an immersive experience that celebrates new beginnings and the beauty of nature. The resort is looking forward to hosting the guests on the twin island paradise where luxury and adventure intertwine with the celebration of spring.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

For bookings, please email MLEHI.Experiences@conradhotels.com or to see the Easter programme, you may visit this link.

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