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Anantara Veli Maldives Resort launches artist in residence programme with Cambodia-based artist FONKi

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The endless blue horizon, sun-kissed shores and kaleidoscopic underwater world at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort sparked a creative awakening for Cambodian-based artist, FONKi as the adult-only resort hosts its first Artist in Residence.

Born in Paris to Khmer refugee parents and raised in Montreal, FONKi is a dynamic artist renowned for blending contemporary street art with traditional Cambodian influences. He is also the curator and owner of FT Gallery in Phnom Penh and the founder of Murals for Cambodia Festival, fostering local talents and elevating Phnom Penh as a thriving art hub in Southeast Asia.

As an avid comic book and graphic novel fan, FONKi started his artistic journey in graffiti at age 15. “I remember in school, I would volunteer to do murals around the school grounds in hopes of getting the funds to buy the best spray paints to practice and get better,” FONKi reminisces.

A turning point in his artistic approach happened in 2012, when then a film student FONKi embarked on the making of an award-winning documentary ‘The Roots Remain’, which follows his journey back to Cambodia to paint a mural honouring his relatives killed in the genocide. This experience led to an immersion in his heritage and the discovery of an artistic renaissance happening in post-genocide Cambodia.

From walls to canvas, FONKi has produced over a hundred creative projects, including murals admired across America, Europe and Asia. At Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, he transformed the guest lounge into his creative space for a week, where he created an exclusive artwork titled ‘Enlightenment’ as a tribute to ancient Maldivian relics and nature. The artwork is part of a diptych inspired by a 10th-century Buddha statue made of coral stone, excavated in Thodoo Island in North Ari Atoll.

Statues have been a significant subject in FONKi’s body of work, he regards them as opening doors to the complex history and culture of the place. “Statues are testimony to time. I resonate with the story of the artifact that even destroyed, its energy still endures, and I wanted to represent that,” explained FONKi.

Titled ‘Enlightenment’, one side of the painting features half of the statue’s face, while the other captures the vibrant hues of the coral reefs, expressed in a burst of colours and fluid lines inspired by the lively underwater ecosystem.

“I’ve filtered my experience here in paradise and translated the colours into my piece. During my time here, I learned about the sustainable practices to rehabilitate the coral reefs, and in some ways, the artwork talks about the revival of nature to its true form after it’s been destroyed.”

“It’s been six years since I last painted for myself. In terms of art therapy, I’m more relaxed here and it’s influenced by the brush strokes, colour choices, movement, and it all feels organic. I was able to explore a watercolour effect in my piece and created a scene like that of a dreamscape,” he reflects.

Committed to paying it forward, full proceeds from the sale of ‘Enlightenment’ will benefit the Granny Programme of the Cambodia Children’s Fund (CCF), a non-profit organisation that provides education, safe housing and care to vulnerable communities. The support towards the Granny Programme is a continuation of his previous project, ‘Apsara Grannies’, where he collaborated with photographer, Raphaël Pech and fellow artist, TONES, featuring a mural of the grannies dressed in traditional Apsara attire. This was commissioned by the Royal Government of Cambodia last New Year.

In addition to his original masterpiece, FONKi also featured his limited-edition art prints ‘Behind The Smile’ and ‘King Creator’ from a triptych series he created in 2019 based on King Jayavaraman VII one of the powerful monarchs of the Khmer empire, whose serene face is seen around Bayon Temple in Angkor. During the residency, guests not only had the opportunity to witness FONKi’s creative process up close, but they also collaborated with him by embellishing the prints with their personal touch before bringing the limited edition prints home.

FONKi’s exhibition is open to view from today until 31 December at Anantara Veli. The Artist in Residence programme of Anantara Veli Maldives Resort adds another artistic dimension to the adults-only hideaway, gathering talents around the world to express their creativity and channel inspiration in a surreal setting.

Cooking

International Chefs’ Day: Kabita Singh to cook live at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will welcome award-winning food creator Kabita Singh, the personality behind Kabita’s Kitchen, for a special culinary residency in October to mark International Chefs’ Day on 20 October 2026.

Known for making everyday Indian cooking accessible to a wide audience, Singh will move from her digital kitchen to the Maldives, joining the resort’s culinary team for a live cooking experience created for guests.

The collaboration will bring together Singh’s approach to Indian cuisine — centred on familiar flavours, accessible recipes and an increasing focus on wholesome cooking — with Sun Siyam’s Plant Based Bliss philosophy, which promotes the nutritional and holistic benefits of plant-forward dining.

As part of the International Chefs’ Day celebrations, Singh will cook alongside Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s culinary team during a live session in front of resort guests. The experience will feature a specially curated selection of vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious dishes developed in collaboration with the resort’s chefs and inspired by Singh’s own cooking philosophy.

Guests will have the opportunity to watch Singh prepare the dishes, learn about the techniques and stories behind them, and sample her interpretation of plant-forward Indian cuisine in a Maldivian island setting.

Kabita’s Kitchen has grown from a home-cooking channel into one of India’s most widely followed food platforms, with approximately 14.6 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Singh has built her audience through content ranging from regional favourites and vegetarian staples to festive dishes, street-food classics and everyday family recipes.

Her influence within India’s food and digital content sector was recognised at the inaugural National Creators Award in 2024, where she received the Best Creator in Food Category award, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We are really excited to welcome Kabita to Olhuveli and bring a taste of Kabita’s Kitchen to the Maldives,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

“Food is such an important part of the way people connect, and this is about bringing our guests closer to the experience, watching Kabita cook, discovering the flavours and stories behind her dishes, and of course tasting them together. Her fresh, approachable style is a great match for our Plant Based Bliss philosophy, and celebrating International Chefs’ Day together with our own culinary team makes it even more special. We want dining at Olhuveli to be fun, social and full of moments that guests remember long after they leave the island.”

Located in South Malé Atoll, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection. The resort combines beach experiences, dining, entertainment, wellness and other activities within its broader island offering.

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Awards

Madifushi Private Island wins ‘Sensation of the Year’ at Global Destination Awards

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Madifushi Private Island has been named “Sensation of the Year” at the Global Destination Awards 2026, marking a proud milestone for the resort and its team. The award was presented during a gala ceremony held in Moscow, bringing together leading hospitality professionals, international brands, travel experts, celebrities, and media representatives.

Established by World Fashion Channel and Global Destination Group, the awards recognise achievements across the luxury travel and hospitality industry, with a focus on service, innovation, architecture, and distinctive guest experiences. This year’s ceremony honoured winners across 33 categories, spanning Russian and international hotels, resorts, destinations, and tourism businesses.

The evening provided Madifushi Private Island with an opportunity to showcase its identity and guest experiences to an audience of industry leaders and travel and lifestyle media.

“Anyone who has experienced Madifushi Private Island will understand why ‘Sensation of the Year’ feels so fitting,” said Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island. “There is something truly special about the island—the colours of the lagoon, the beauty of its beaches, and the sense of tranquility that invites you to slow down and take it all in. The island leaves an impression that stays with you long after you leave, and we are delighted to see it recognised in this way.”

For Madifushi Private Island, the award is a moment to celebrate the people behind the guest experience, from the teams welcoming visitors to those working behind the scenes. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen connections with travel partners and introduce the resort to travellers seeking their next true Maldivian escape.

Madifushi Private Island extends its appreciation to the award organisers, its guests, travel partners, and colleagues for their continued support. As the resort celebrates this achievement, its focus remains on thoughtful hospitality and creating memorable island experiences for every guest.

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Awards

JOALI BEING elevates to Three MICHELIN Keys for its island-wide well-living experience

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JOALI BEING, the transformative well-living island in the Maldives, celebrates a defining milestone as it is awarded Three MICHELIN Keys, progressing from Two Keys to the MICHELIN Guide’s highest hotel distinction.

The recognition marks an important moment in the evolution of JOALI BEING and celebrates its distinctive philosophy of the Joy of Well-Living, an invitation to experience wellbeing not as a temporary retreat, but as a more joyful, conscious and meaningful way of living.

More than a resort with a wellness offering, JOALI BEING was conceived as an entire island dedicated to well-living. Ancient wisdom and modern science, nature and biophilic design, nourishment, movement, mindfulness and meaningful connection come together to create an immersive environment where guests are invited to reconnect, discover and build a more conscious relationship with themselves.

At the heart of this journey is the pursuit of Weightlessness – a sense of freedom, lightness, energy and wonder – with experiences designed not only for the time spent on the island, but to inspire positive and sustainable changes that can continue beyond it.

A singular approach to the Joy of Well-Living

JOALI BEING approaches wellbeing as something deeply personal and interconnected. Its philosophy is centred around Four Pillars – Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy – creating a framework through which guests can explore their individual needs and aspirations.

Rather than following a predetermined definition of wellness, each journey is shaped around the individual. Personalised wellbeing programmes bring together expert guidance, ancient healing traditions and modern science, spanning movement, nutrition, mindfulness, restoration and holistic therapies. This integrative approach encourages guests to understand themselves more deeply, explore new practices and discover what well-living can mean within their own lives.

An entire island designed around transformation

At JOALI BEING, wellbeing extends far beyond the traditional boundaries of a spa. It is embedded into the architecture, landscape and rhythm of the island, with dedicated Transformational Spaces offering different pathways towards discovery and reconnection.

AREKA, the island’s wellbeing centre, brings together personalised experiences and specialised therapies. KAASHI Hydrotherapy Hall explores the restorative qualities of water and heat, while AKTAR, the herbology centre, invites guests to discover the properties and uses of herbs and essential oils. Sound becomes another pathway through SEDA and the Discovery Sound Path, while CORE creates an energising environment for fitness and movement.

Together, these spaces create a complete ecosystem for well-living, transforming the island itself into part of the guest’s personal journey of renewal and transformation.

Where nature and design become part of wellbeing

Nature is fundamental to the JOALI BEING experience. Conceived according to biophilic design principles, the island creates a continuous relationship between architecture and the natural environment. Across its 68 beachfront and overwater villas, wellbeing spaces and pathways, indoor and outdoor environments flow together with tropical greenery, water, light and open horizons.

Here, nature is not simply a backdrop. It becomes an active part of the journey, creating opportunities to slow down, reconnect and experience a deeper sense of presence.

Nourishment with joy at its heart

The philosophy of the Joy of Well-Living extends naturally to gastronomy, where mindful cuisine brings together nourishment, creativity and pleasure. Connected to the Microbiome pillar, the culinary experience encourages a greater understanding of the relationship between food and wellbeing while preserving the flavour, craftsmanship and social connection that make dining joyful.

Rather than defining wellbeing through restriction, JOALI BEING celebrates nourishment as a source of discovery and pleasure – reflecting the belief that meaningful change becomes more sustainable when joy remains at its centre.

Well-living for every generation

At JOALI BEING, wellbeing also unfolds through connection, curiosity, movement and play. B’Kidult welcomes younger guests and families with meaningful experiences that encourage shared well-living, allowing children and adults to explore nature, creativity, movement and discovery together.

This multigenerational approach expands the traditional idea of a wellbeing destination, creating an environment where the Joy of Well-Living can be explored at every stage of life.

From Two to Three MICHELIN Keys

The progression from Two to Three MICHELIN Keys represents a defining milestone in the journey of JOALI BEING and its continued evolution as a transformative well-living destination.

From its Four Pillars and personalised wellbeing journeys to its Transformational Spaces, biophilic design, mindful cuisine and multigenerational experiences, every dimension of JOALI BEING contributes to an environment where wellbeing is not treated as one element of the stay – it is the experience itself.

The achievement celebrates a philosophy that has guided JOALI BEING from the beginning: that well-living should feel inspiring rather than prescriptive, personal rather than predetermined, and joyful rather than restrictive.

Through the Joy of Well-Living, JOALI BEING continues to create a place where guests can feel lighter, happier and more energised, returning home with renewed perspective and meaningful practices to carry into everyday life.

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