News

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

Published

1 year ago

May 1, 2025

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.

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Awards

The Nautilus Maldives recognised among Indian Ocean’s leading resorts by Condé Nast Traveller

Published

50 minutes ago

October 8, 2026

m@ldives

The most memorable stays leave a feeling that endures beyond the journey home. At The Nautilus Maldives, it is the ease of being understood, the warmth of a familiar welcome and the freedom to spend each day entirely as you please. This personal connection has earned the island renewed recognition in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, with the magazine’s readers placing The Nautilus sixth among the best resorts in the Indian Ocean.

Set within Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Nautilus is an intimate collection of 26 beach and ocean houses and residences. Its bohemian spirit finds expression in inviting spaces, thoughtful details and a philosophy that gives guests room to be themselves. A dedicated House Master comes to understand each guest’s preferences, allowing the experience to evolve naturally throughout their stay.

“This recognition is particularly meaningful because it comes from the people who have experienced The Nautilus for themselves,” says Philippe Cavory, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives. “We want every guest to feel at home here, with the freedom to express their wishes and the confidence that we will listen. Being chosen by Condé Nast Traveller’s readers is a wonderful tribute to the relationships our team builds and the care they bring to island life each day.”

The accolade joins a significant year of recognition for The Nautilus, which was also awarded Two MICHELIN Keys and included in Condé Nast Traveler’s The Gold List 2026. Together, these honours celebrate the character of the island and the dedication of the people who make each stay personal.

The annual Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards recognise the destinations and travel experiences most cherished by the magazine’s readers. For The Nautilus, this latest honour carries a special significance: a place in the memories of those who have made the island their own.

To book your stay, visit the resort’s website.

Awards

JOALI Maldives named Indian Ocean’s best resort as Maldives claims 20 of top 25

Published

9 hours ago

October 7, 2026

m@ldives

The Maldives has secured 20 of the 25 places in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards ranking of the best resorts in the Indian Ocean, with JOALI Maldives taking the top position in the region.

Published on 6 October, the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards are based on votes from Condé Nast Traveller readers, with the scores representing the overall average level of satisfaction reported by respondents. JOALI Maldives was ranked the best resort in the Indian Ocean with a score of 99.83.

The Maldives accounted for 80 per cent of the 25 resorts included in the Indian Ocean category. Maldivian properties also occupied seven of the top eight positions and eight of the top 10, underlining the destination’s strong showing in this year’s awards.

Following JOALI Maldives in first place, COMO Cocoa Island was ranked third with a score of 99.35, while Soneva Secret placed fourth with 99.21. One&Only Reethi Rah took fifth place with 99.18, The Nautilus was sixth with 99.06, Soneva Fushi seventh with 99.01, and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru eighth with 98.89.

Constance Halaveli completed the Maldives representation in the top 10, ranking 10th with a score of 98.59. Madagascar’s Miavana by Time + Tide was the only property to separate the Maldives resorts at the top of the ranking, taking second place with 99.59, while Mauritius’ The St Regis Le Morne Resort placed ninth.

The Maldivian resorts featured in the 2026 Indian Ocean ranking are:

JOALI Maldives — 99.83
COMO Cocoa Island — 99.35
Soneva Secret — 99.21
One&Only Reethi Rah — 99.18
The Nautilus Maldives — 99.06
Soneva Fushi — 99.01
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru — 98.89
Constance Halaveli Maldives — 98.59
Dhigali Maldives — 98.48
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island — 98.24
SO/ Maldives — 98.18
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands — 98.08
LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives — 97.84
Six Senses Kanuhura, Maldives — 97.33
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi — 96.50
Niyama Private Islands Maldives — 96.38
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives — 95.84
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands — 95.52
Amilla Maldives — 93.64
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island — 93.24

The other five places in the Indian Ocean category went to resorts in Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar. The ranking included Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa and The Oberoi Beach Resort in Mauritius, Six Senses Zil Pasyon in Seychelles, The St Regis Le Morne Resort in Mauritius, and Miavana by Time + Tide in Madagascar.

The Readers’ Choice Awards recognise destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines and other travel experiences selected by Condé Nast Traveller readers. In its overall list of 2026 winners, the publication separately confirmed JOALI Maldives as the Indian Ocean resort category winner.

The results mark another strong international showing for the Maldives, with properties ranging from established private-island resorts to newer luxury developments represented across almost every level of the Indian Ocean top 25.

News

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives plans Christmas and New Year celebrations under ‘Season of Light’

Published

18 hours ago

October 7, 2026

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This festive season, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites guests to come together beneath the Maldivian sun and stars with Season of Light, a festive journey unfolding from 23 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.

Inspired by the warmth of the season and the natural beauty of light in the Maldives, the programme is centred around the moments that make this time of year meaningful: shared celebrations, unhurried time with loved ones, new experiences and memories made together. From Christmas traditions and festive dining to days spent on the ocean, family adventures and a sparkling welcome to the New Year, guests are invited to experience the season at their own pace.

Season of Light arrives at the close of a milestone year for Kuda Villingili, with the resort recognised in the MICHELIN Guide 2026 Hotel Selection. The recognition reflects the resort’s distinctive sense of place, thoughtful design, quality of service and connection to its Maldivian surroundings — qualities that continue through the festive season, where each experience is designed to bring guests closer to the island and to one another.

Gastronomy takes centre stage throughout Season of Light, following a year of international recognition for Kuda Villingili’s culinary offering. Named Best Gastronomic Retreat in the Maldives at the Global Destination Awards 2026, the resort also celebrates its third consecutive year of Wine Spectator recognition, with Mar-Umi receiving the 2026 Award of Excellence. Across the festive season, guests can experience this passion for food and wine through Nikkei Nights at Mar-Umi, barbecue evenings, Steak & Wine Night, the intimate WINE-DOWN Wednesday seafood dinner, and A Journey Through India & Arabia at Spice. From thoughtfully curated wine pairings to evenings shaped around live music and shared tables, the programme brings together the resort’s diverse culinary experiences and celebrated wine collection.

The celebrations begin on 23 December as the island comes aglow with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festive Carols, setting the tone for the days ahead. Christmas Eve brings sunset cocktails at Raalhu Bar before an elegant Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at The Restaurant, with festive flavours and live entertainment carrying the celebrations into the evening. On Christmas morning, younger guests can look forward to a little island magic as Santa makes his much-awaited arrival on the beach.

Beyond the season’s main celebrations, island days are filled with opportunities to experience the Maldives from a different perspective. Guests can start the morning with Ocean Breeze Yoga over the water, head out in search of marine life on Echoes of the Reef and dolphin voyages, or discover the underwater world through snorkelling, scuba diving and wreck dives. Sunset brings its own rhythm, from Golden Hour Glide and secluded sandbank escapes to fishing beneath the stars, while Fun Ride Fest and the Water Scooter experience add a playful dose of adventure throughout the festive season.

Families have their own festive world to discover at Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, with a programme designed around creativity, play and shared discovery. Across the season, children can take part in festive arts and crafts, culinary workshops, treasure hunts, beach games, science activities, themed challenges and special Christmas and New Year moments. A team of children’s animators will also be on the island, bringing an additional programme of interactive games, creative sessions and entertainment for young guests and families throughout the festivities.

On 27 December, the celebrations spill poolside for the Season of Light Pool Party, bringing together music, tropical sunshine and a relaxed afternoon atmosphere around Kuda Villingili’s 150-metre pool.

The season reaches its crescendo on New Year’s Eve, beginning with cocktails and live music at Hawkers before the Season of Light: New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at The Restaurant. Guests are invited to dress in white for a radiant final evening of 2026, accompanied by live entertainment before gathering on The Restaurant Beach for the Countdown to 2027 beneath the Maldivian night sky.

As the first light of 2027 reaches the island, celebrations continue with First Light Breakfast at The Restaurant, where guests can welcome the year over a leisurely breakfast and sparkling wine. The festive journey then continues into January with more time for ocean adventures, wellness, dining and relaxed island days before Season of Light draws to a close on 7 January.

“Season of Light is ultimately about giving our guests time to be together and the freedom to celebrate in a way that feels meaningful to them,” says Deepa Manuel, General Manager of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives. “Whether that is gathering around the table, discovering the ocean, watching children experience the magic of Christmas or simply slowing down with the people they love, we hope the season becomes part of the memories they take home from Kuda Villingili.”

Located in North Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives is home to 75 spacious villas and residences, all with private pools, eight distinctive restaurants, an overwater spa, a 150-metre pool, Kuda Fiyo Kids Club and extensive sports, recreation, watersports and diving experiences. With space for couples, families, friends and multi-generational travellers to shape each day around what matters most to them, the five star luxury resort in Maldives continues to bring its philosophy of Time and Space Redefined to life.

Discover the Season of Light Festive Programme here. For more information about Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, please visit the official website.