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Anantara Veli Maldives Resort launches artist in residence programme with Cambodia-based artist FONKi
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.
Ifuru Island Maldives is welcoming Dr Shakkeel AM as a Visiting Wellness Practitioner, marking a step in the resort’s plans to develop a curated Visiting Practitioner programme.
Dr Shakkeel, a CIDESCO-certified naturopath and acupuncturist, will be in residence at the resort from 28 January to 30 March. The residency forms part of Ifuru Island Maldives’ strategy to introduce rotating international wellness specialists and expand its holistic wellbeing offering.
With more than ten years of experience in luxury wellness hospitality across the Maldives, India and Bahrain, Dr Shakkeel brings a personalised and integrative approach to wellbeing. His practice is influenced by classical Ayurveda and modern therapeutic methods, drawing inspiration from his grandfather, an Ayurvedic healer.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences and advanced acupuncture training from the Jing Well Academy. Each guest programme begins with a comprehensive consultation, including Tridosha assessment, tongue diagnosis and pulse analysis, to tailor treatments to individual needs.
During his residency, guests will have access to a range of therapies, including therapeutic and cosmetic acupuncture, Kalari Marma therapy, sleep-enhancing treatments, detoxification programmes, posture alignment therapy, immersive Ayurvedic rituals, restorative bodywork and guided meditation sessions.
Ifuru Island Maldives said the residency supports its long-term plan to establish a rotating Visiting Practitioner programme, aimed at offering guests access to internationally experienced wellness experts and structured, results-driven wellness journeys.
Guests will be able to begin their experience with a complimentary Ayurveda or wellness consultation during the residency period.
This February, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites guests to welcome Lunar New Year 2026 with a vibrant island celebration honouring the Year of the Fire Horse. Running from 16 to 21 February, the programme blends festive dining, restorative wellness, and family-friendly fun set against the breathtaking natural beauty and stunning sunsets of the Maldives.
In Chinese culture, the Horse symbolises energy, confidence, freedom and forward momentum, qualities intensified by the Fire element, which represents passion, renewal and bold new beginnings. At Kandooma, this spirit comes to life through a thoughtfully prepared celebration that balances relaxation with movement, and time-honoured traditions with the freedom of a private island escape.
Festive dining sits at the heart of the celebrations. Guests are invited to share in a Prosperity Yu Sheng (Lo Hei) experience, where fresh fish, vibrant shredded vegetables and condiments are tossed together to invite abundance, unity and good fortune. Traditionally, the higher the toss, the greater the luck. Interactive Hot Pot evenings at The Asian Kitchen on the beach include the Yu Sheng set, a choice of two savoury broths, fresh vegetables, chewy noodles, premium Angus beef slices, juicy Tiger prawns, pork belly and an assortment of tasty fish balls. (US$99++ per person available 16-21 February except 19 February). Seafood lovers will be delighted with the Seafood Fiesta at The Asian Kitchen on 19 February where an indulgent spread will welcome guests, including fresh sushi and sashimi, sand lobster, Norwegian salmon and more. Meat lovers are catered for too, with a choice of grass-fed beef sirloin, succulent lamb cutlets, roasted Beijing Duck, crispy pork belly and more. (US$99++ per person).
The Lunar New Year also invites renewal and reflection. Throughout the week (16-21 February), guests can unwind with special offers on spa rituals focused on balance and gentle rejuvenation. Refresh the skin and spirit with the Kandooma Spa’s Express Facial using SUNDARI skincare products (US$45, normally $70). Rejuvenate the body with a gentle Full-body Exfoliation (US$40, normally US$80). Beyond signature treatments at Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, a programme of wellness and movement activities encourages reconnection and vitality, including sunrise and sunset yoga, ‘Float & Flow’ SUP yoga, and the immersive new ‘Salt & Sound’ healing sessions, ensuring you begin the year feeling refreshed and aligned.
Designed as a family-friendly celebration, Lunar New Year at Kandooma offers added value with IHG’s Kids Eat & Stay Free (for up to two children under 13). On Lunar New Year’s Day, 17 February, younger guests are welcomed at Kandoo Kids’ Club for hands-on festivities including wishing tree creations, red-envelope treasure hunts, crafts and festive games, creating fun memories for the whole family.
Surrounded by turquoise waters, vibrant marine life and white-sand beaches fringed with palms, guests are free to shape their celebration their own way. For some, the New Year begins with adventure: snorkelling, jet-ski safaris, scuba diving and ocean excursions. For others, it’s about slowing down and simple pleasures: spa time, hammock lounging with a good book, or a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.
Accommodation options cater to couples and families alike, from lush garden villas and beachfront villas to the resort’s popular two-storey beach houses. Among the most sought-after are the spacious overwater villas featuring a signature hammock suspended above the lagoon and direct ladder access into the water below, presenting an array of opportunities for the perfect selfie.
Throughout the festive period, guests are supported by Chinese-language menus and the resort’s multilingual team, with Mandarin-speaking colleagues available to ensure comfort, ease and a seamless stay.
Welcome Lunar New Year 2026 at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, where island beauty, meaningful traditions and fun for all ages come together to usher in the Year of the Fire Horse. The resort’s Lunar New Year programme is available here. For getaways to the Maldives please contact your travel agent or visit www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com.
Love doesn’t arrive loudly at SO/ Maldives, it drifts in with the tide, glows at sunset, and lingers long after the last note of music fades. This Valentine’s Day, the island invites couples to slow down, lean in, and write their own love story in paradise with Rosé All the Way, an intimate beachfront celebration at Lazuli Beach on 14 February 2026.
As the sky blushes pink and the lagoon mirrors the stars, Lazuli Beach transforms into a romantic sanctuary. Soft candlelight flickers, a soulful live band sets the rhythm of the evening, and the gentle sound of waves becomes part of the melody. Here, time feels suspended just two hearts, one island, and a moment that belongs only to you.
Couples are treated to a thoughtfully curated four-course dining experience, paired with a bottle of rosé champagne, designed to be savoured slowly, sip by sip, course by course. Every detail is intentional, every moment effortless romance without rules, elegance without pretense.
Celebrate love starting on The Citronee Club Beach with Rosé All the Way, an exclusive Valentine’s Day dining experience:
- USD 380++ per couple for Bed & Breakfast guests
- USD 240++ per couple for Half Board, Full Board and All Inclusive guests
Valentine’s Day is not confined to a single setting it’s a feeling that can unfold anywhere. From quiet moments on your private villa deck to laughter by the pool or barefoot walks along the shore, the island becomes a canvas for love, painted in your own style.
And for those who dream beyond the expected, romance takes on new dimensions. Drift across the lagoon aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni, or descend beneath the surface for an underwater celebration, where silence speaks louder than words and love knows no boundaries.
This Valentine’s Day, forget the clichés. Follow the feeling. Paint your story in paradise Rosé All the Way, only at SO/ Maldives.
For more information or to book your perfect festive getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com.
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