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Embracing life energy: Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar brings series of ‘Living Paintings’ to Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

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Patina Maldives, Fari Islands has unveiled its latest artistic collaboration, Life Energy, a body of ‘Living Paintings’ by renowned French-Iranian contemporary artist Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar. Conceived and commenced at the resort’s Fari Art Atelier earlier this year, the now-completed art series returned to the island that inspired it in July, unfolding through an exclusive event, exhibition and art sale celebrating the intersection of art, nature and sustainability.

Esteemed guests, including Sir Mo Farah, rapper and singer Little Sims and actress Kaya Scodelario, gathered at the resort’s Portico library to witness the official unveiling of Life, a large-scale, site-specific piece created in Sassan’s Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat atelier shortly after the artist returned from his first visit to the island. Representing the language of energy and nature, and referencing a prosperous way of life, this artwork was created using predominantly natural pigments sourced from minerals, wood, roots, flowers, rocks, soil, recycled pigments, and ground washed out shells and corals gathered from around the island. Ensuring the wood and linen used for his canvasses are sustainably sourced and naturally treated, Sassan pioneers a harmony between traditional art practices and nature, setting a precedent in the contemporary art world.treated, Sassan pioneers a harmony between traditional art practices and nature, setting a precedent in the contemporary art world.

This latest addition to Patina Maldives’ permanent art collection joins works by renowned artists such as James Turrell, Jose Dávila, Cassio Vasconcellos, Hongjie Yang, Hiroko Takeda, and FAHR 021.3.

An exhibition of Sassan’s series of miniature ‘Living Paintings’ opened, with 10 individual pieces available for purchase. Inspired by the traditional use of natural pigments and a commitment to sustainable creation, this collection comprises of 20cm x 20cm paintings made of mixed mediums, ground washed shells and corals on linen. The names of the paintings celebrate a profound connection with nature, the energy of the island and a conscious way of life; from Energy in Nature and Garden of Life, to Soleil Couchant and Essence of Life, they convey a sense of serenity, inspire intentionality and promote a kinder, more meaningful way of life. Delving into themes of eco-consciousness and sustainability, the series offers a captivating exploration that inspires reflection.

The ‘Life Energy’ events culminated with an engaging panel discussion moderated by Suzy Sikorski from Christie’s Middel East at the Fari Art Atelier. Speakers including Patina Maldives General Manager, Antonio Saponara and art collectors and patrons joined Sassan for an intimate exploration of the artist’s creative process, the inspiration he draws from the natural world, and his dedication to sustainable art practices. The series is also set to be displayed at a private gathering in London later in the year.

“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 destabilise 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 said.

‘Life Energy’ is the third major chapter of Pathways, a distinguished event series at Patina Maldives designed to stimulate lasting personal transformation. A visionary artist known for his innovative approach to contemporary art, Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar’s works often explore the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature, emphasising the importance of sustainability and natural harmony. Sassan’s art has been exhibited globally, earning acclaim for its profound impact and environmental consciousness.

Rates at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands start from USD2,054 (approx. GBP1,620) per night based on two adults sharing a One Bedroom Pool Villa including daily breakfast, complimentary Guest Benefits, tax, and service. For more information, please visit patinahotels.com/mal-dives-fari-islands/sassan_behnam_bakhtiar.

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Bohemian Reverie brings a new festive experience to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

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This festive season, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, the flagship resort within Sun Siyam’s Luxury Collection portfolio in the Maldives, has unveiled its 2026/27 festive programme, introducing a season inspired by ‘Bohemian Reverie’ that combines exceptional dining, immersive wellness experiences, family celebrations and curated island moments across one of the Maldives’ most established luxury resorts.

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Curated Culinary Journeys

While the atmosphere embraces a subtle, bohemian decorations, the palate is awakened by a sublime array of culinary experiences. Highlights include lobster and seafood nights, a four-course Chef’s Kaiseki dinner, a Grand Wine Soirée, La Festa in Cucina, the Islander’s Brunch, artisanal barbecue lunches, and a Royal Roast buffet. Guests are invited to enjoy guided wine tasting sessions with a resident sommelier or select from a curated list of 66 wine labels included in the 24-Hour Premium All-Inclusive Dine Around.

Each Moment, A Celebration

Breakfast becomes a creative ritual, whether enjoyed in the lagoon with plant-based menus and detox elixirs, or served as a generous Maldivian breakfast tray by the pool. As the sun sets, the golden hours’ rituals become truly magical with boho-inspired pool parties, curated floating aperitifs with caviar and champagne, or intimate, romantic cocktails in the sunken seating of the Sunset Horizon Water Villas with Pool – all complemented by the multilingual butler service, available in every villa to personalise each experience.

The festive calendar includes traditional Christmas carols on 24 December, a visit from Santa with gift distributions for little travellers on 25 December, and, for New Year’s Eve, sophisticated gala menus at each of the resort’s restaurants, followed by a luminous countdown party featuring a DJ, dance floor, and fireworks.

Wellness and Restoration

At the spa, the team honours the healing power of nature through treatments using organic, regionally sourced ingredients, from coconut and herbal spice scrubs to Himalayan salt therapies. Ayurvedic offerings are enhanced by traditional herbal leaf poultice massages and the transcendent practice of Shirodhara, a meditative technique using a continuous flow of warm, herb-infused oil.

Magic Beneath the Surface

Snorkelling in the Maldives is an essential experience. The “Blue Light Snorkelling” allows guests to explore the underwater world under the cover of darkness, revealing a peaceful, colourful perspective of the reef. Families may also enjoy vibrant experiences such as the family scooter snorkelling or the “Golden Hour Jet Car,” with the option to have this moment captured by drone.

For the Little Travellers

Children will engage in a programme inspired by craft, nature, and culture, featuring activities such as bohemian crown making, island perfume blending, coconut painting, jungle treasure hunts, family pool parties, henna tattoos, Bodu Beru music, and traditional Maldivian storytelling.

“For this year’s festive season, we are looking beyond the spectacle to honour the soul of the celebration. The traveller’s profile has evolved; our guests no longer seek performative excess, but rather the restorative power of space, stillness, and genuine human connection. It is a heartfelt homage to our island’s landscape and the sincerity of our people, a sanctuary where every detail is curated to ensure our guests are not merely observing the season, but deeply, purposefully experiencing it,” said Pasan Wijewardana, Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing.

Discover Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s festive brochure here.

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Cooking

Constance unveils Escapade Gourmande 2026 in Maldives with Michelin-starred chef and winemaker

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From 17 to 22 August 2026, Constance Hotels & Resorts invites you to the Maldives with Escapade Gourmande, a culinary journey unfolding between two islands that exist in dreamlike stillness: Constance Moofushi and Constance Halaveli.

Here, the ocean does not simply surround the experience; it becomes part of it. Salt air, warm sand, candlelight, and the quiet rhythm of waves set the stage for a celebration where gastronomy is not performed, but felt.

This year, Constance Hotels & Resorts has the pleasure of welcoming three remarkable artisans of taste: French three-Michelin-starred chef Jérôme Banctel, whose cuisine speaks in precision and emotion; South African winemaker Donovan Rall, whose wines carry the quiet intensity of landscapes and sun; and Italian pastry chef Cesare Murzilli, whose creations linger like soft memories at the end of a journey.

Together, they will compose moments rather than menus, an unfolding dialogue between fire, fruit, soil, and sea.

At Constance Moofushi, the atmosphere is unhurried, barefoot, almost whispered. On 17 August, guests drift into experiences shaped by light and ocean breeze with a sandbank tasting and aperitif cocktail around the wines from Donovan Rall, where the horizon dissolves into infinity.

The following evening, on 18 August, a wine dinner by Jérôme Banctel and Cesare Murzilli meets the expressive depth of Donovan Rall’s South African wines.

Then the journey deepens at Constance Halaveli, a setting where refinement takes centre stage on 21 August with a special breakfast imagined by Cesare Murzilli.

On 22 August, guests are invited to the exceptional wine pairing dinner, an elegant encounter between Banctel’s culinary precision, Murzilli’s delicate artistry, and Rall’s expressive wines.

Framed by Constance Halaveli’s extraordinary wine cellar, home to more than 22,500 bottles and over 1,600 references, the evening promises a celebration where gastronomy, wine, and island beauty meet in perfect harmony.

More than a programme, Escapade Gourmande becomes a fleeting island language, one spoken through textures, aromas, silence, and shared wonder. It is also a passing of knowledge, as Donovan Rall guides Constance sommeliers through masterclasses that refine not only technique, but sensibility.

In the end, it is not simply a celebration of food and wine. It is a moment where the Maldives feels less like a destination, and more like a state of taste, memory, and light.

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Awards

Grand Park Kodhipparu receives dual recognition at World Travel Awards 2026

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Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has been nominated in two prestigious categories at the 2026 World Travel Awards, receiving recognition for Maldives’ Leading Boutique Resort and Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort.

The nominations recognise the resort’s continued commitment to service excellence, guest satisfaction and innovative hospitality experiences, while highlighting the dedication of the team that has helped establish Grand Park Kodhipparu as one of the Maldives’ leading boutique resorts over the past nine years.

Located in North Malé Atoll, just twenty minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu combines contemporary design with authentic Maldivian hospitality, an award-winning house reef and a collection of personalised guest experiences that continue to attract travellers from around the world.

General Manager Raffaele Solferino said the nominations were a reflection of the people behind the resort.

“These nominations recognise the commitment, professionalism and passion shown every day by our team. Hospitality is ultimately about people, and this recognition belongs to every colleague who has contributed to the guest experience throughout the past nine years, as well as our loyal guests and valued industry partners,” he said.

The recognition follows another successful year for the resort, which has also received honours in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 and continues to strengthen its international reputation as one of the Maldives’ leading boutique private island destinations.

Grand Park Kodhipparu is part of Singapore-based Park Hotel Group and remains committed to supporting the Maldives’ tourism industry through sustainable practices, meaningful guest experiences and the ongoing development of local hospitality talent.

Voting for the 2026 World Travel Awards is now open, with travel professionals and guests invited to support the resort through the official World Travel Awards website.

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