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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.

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Ataraxis Grand & Spa hosts integrated work-and-dive corporate retreat in Fuvahmulah

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Ataraxis Grand & Spa recently hosted a week-long, closed corporate offsite in Fuvahmulah for a US-based artificial intelligence company, highlighting the island’s growing suitability for integrated work-and-experience retreats. The retreat brought a group of 36 international professionals to the property, which was reserved exclusively for the programme.

Designed as a private company offsite, the stay combined structured daily work sessions with guided diving and beginner-friendly surf experiences, creating a balanced format that blended focused collaboration with physical reset.

A notable component of the programme was dive training and certification. During the retreat, 17 participants completed their Open Water certification, while a further six undertook the Advanced Open Water course, with training and dives scheduled alongside work sessions as part of the integrated itinerary.

Throughout the week, participants worked on-site using dedicated shared spaces supported by reliable high-speed internet, allowing meetings, informal collaboration and scheduled activities to take place within a single, uninterrupted environment. This setup enabled teams to move seamlessly between work periods and organised ocean activities without leaving the property.

Fuvahmulah’s natural and operational advantages formed a key part of the retreat’s appeal. As one of the Maldives’ largest inhabited islands, it offers immediate access to pelagic dive sites, internationally recognised shark diving and surf breaks suitable for instruction, alongside the infrastructure required to support extended group stays.

The offsite reflects a growing preference among technology and knowledge-sector teams for small-scale retreats that prioritise concentrated work environments and team cohesion over traditional conference formats. Such programmes typically involve longer stays and higher per-capita spend, aligning with sustainable, quality-driven tourism models.

The retreat also demonstrates how locally operated properties such as Ataraxis Grand & Spa are supporting this shift by delivering unified environments where accommodation, workspaces, connectivity and curated experiences operate as a single programme rather than separate services.

As organisations continue to explore alternative formats for strategy sessions, team resets and creative offsites, Ataraxis Grand & Spa’s experience positions Fuvahmulah as an increasingly viable destination for integrated corporate retreats.

Ataraxis Grand & Spa offers work-and-dive retreat programmes in Fuvahmulah that combine accommodation, dedicated workspaces, high-speed connectivity and organised diving and surfing.

Further information on retreat formats and dive-inclusive stays is available via the Ataraxis Grand & Spa website.

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Love by the lagoon: Sheraton Maldives presents Valentine’s romantic journeys

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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites couples to celebrate love in its most enchanting form with a collection of thoughtfully curated Valentine’s Romantic Packages. Designed to transform meaningful moments into lifelong memories, these bespoke experiences artfully blend refined dining, serene wellness, marine discovery, and intimate island settings into journeys crafted exclusively for two.

For couples drawn to a timeless expression of romance, Crystal & Candlelight sets an elegant tone with a four-course candlelit dinner at Sea Salt, complemented by a printed keepsake photo and romantic turndown amenities. As gentle waves whisper along the shore and candlelight dances beneath the stars, the evening unfolds into a classic celebration of intimacy and grace.

Those wishing to intertwine wellness, nature, and romance may choose The Enchanted Escape. This beautifully paced experience begins with a rejuvenating couple’s massage at Shine Spa, followed by guided coral planting alongside the resort’s marine biologist. The day then flows into a sunset dolphin cruise, before culminating in a romantic beachfront dinner under the night sky.

For a day devoted entirely to togetherness, Cupid’s Delight offers an immersive journey from morning to evening. Couples awake to a romantic in-villa breakfast with sparkling wine, indulge in a soothing spa ritual, take part in coral restoration, witness dolphins at sunset, and conclude the day with a candlelit beach dinner enhanced by thoughtful romantic touches.

Elevating the celebration further, The Grand Romance introduces a series of refined indulgences. These include a floating breakfast, a hand-tied flower bouquet, a signature couple’s massage, coral planting, a dolphin cruise, and an exclusive five-course private beach dinner paired with sparkling wine. Elegant turndown décor and keepsake memories ensure every detail is orchestrated with care.

For the ultimate expression of love without limits, Endless Love presents the resort’s most luxurious romantic journey. From a Champagne floating breakfast and picturesque lagoon lunch to spa serenity, marine discovery, a dolphin cruise, and a five-course private beach dinner paired with Champagne, this experience is designed for couples seeking to celebrate their connection in the most extraordinary way.

Each package is thoughtfully crafted to combine privacy, luxury, and authentic island experiences, while reflecting the resort’s commitment to marine conservation through guided coral planting, allowing love to leave a lasting imprint.

For couples planning a Valentine’s romantic escape and beyond, the Endless Summer offer is available for booking through February 28, 2026. The offer includes up to USD 150 in resort credit, daily meals at selected restaurants, and special dining credits at signature venues Baan Thai and Sea Salt. Additional privileges include wellness savings at Shine Spa and a selection of recreational experiences, allowing each stay to be personalised with ease, comfort, and meaningful moments together.

At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, romance extends far beyond a single day. It is woven into every experience, every setting, and every memory waiting to be created.

For reservations and more information, email Sheraton.Maldives@sheraton.com or visit www.sheratonmaldives.com.

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JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites couples to a season of romance and refined indulgence

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From February 9 – 27, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents celebration of love, culture and togetherness a week-long seasonal programme combining Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year through immersive culinary, wellness, and cultural experiences. Set on the pristine shores of Vagaru Island in Shaviyani Atoll, the celebration is thoughtfully designed for couples and families to connect, celebrate, and create meaningful moments through refined luxury, cultural expression, and personalised service.

A stay at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is defined by intuitive island living, with a dedicated Thakuru (personal butler) attending to every detail. From private in-villa pool breakfasts to intimate beachfront dining at sunset, each moment unfolds as an effortlessly memorable escape. Here, personalised service and indulgent experiences set the stage for cherished moments, allowing guests to create memories that will last a lifetime. Guests are also invited to explore the natural beauty of the island by bicycle, encouraging unhurried discovery and meaningful moments across the island’s lush pathways.

Romantic moments

At the heart of the celebrations is A Day of Love, a bespoke Valentine’s experience created for couples seeking intimacy and indulgence. The journey begins with a floating breakfast served in the privacy of one’s villa, followed by a rejuvenating couples’ spa ritual at Spa by JW, offering pampering experiences like “The Power of Touch”—a unique, sensual journey designed to deepen connection through therapeutic touch. a unique, sensual journey designed to deepen connection through therapeutic touch. Couples can craft their own body scrubs, enjoy the process together, and conclude with a relaxing massage

For an extraordinary culinary journey, RIHA offers an unforgettable and romantic concept, promising a unique and private experience around a sunken outdoor Tandoor & Tawa. Here, personal Chef Rohit Agarwal crafts a private five-course menu upon the couple’s arrival. Each course brings together flavours and regional influences in a way that feels natural, layered, and quietly distinctive.

Culinary moments continue across the resort’s five dining venues, three full-service bars, and an intimate Wine Room housing more than 1,200 labels, complemented by bespoke destination dining experiences. Romance comes to life at Hashi Pier, where a candlelit setting overlooking the ocean frames an exclusive surf-and-turf menu, indulgent caviar, and perfectly paired Champagne. For a more intimate celebration, couples may retreat to the privacy of their villa for an elegant four-course dinner, crafted to celebrate romance through flavours and an intimate setting.

For couples seeking ultimate relaxation and privacy, Pool 18, the resort’s adults-only infinity pool, offers a tranquil sanctuary above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, provides an exclusive setting for sun-soaked afternoons or evening cocktails beneath the sky’s ever-changing hues.

Flavours of the Lunar New Year

Complementing the romance of Valentine’s Day, the resort transitions seamlessly into the vibrant spirit of Chinese New Year, as the island is animated with colour, rhythm, and time-honoured tradition. The celebrations commence with an auspicious lion dance, setting a tone of prosperity and renewal, and before unfolding into a thoughtfully curated Asian-inspired culinary week.

Throughout the Lunar New Year period, dining becomes a central expression of the season. Experiences range from Asian-inspired dinner buffets and festive breakfasts honouring cultural customs, to refined ocean selection celebrating the freshest seafood, and an elevated Asian fusion wine dinner that pairs nuanced flavours with carefully selected vintages. Each culinary moment is designed with intention, blending authentic heritage with JW Marriott’s craftsmanship to create meaningful dining experiences centred on togetherness, discovery, and mindful indulgence.

Premium villas with an azure view of the Indian Ocean

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa offers selections of private villas, including its most prestigious accommodation, the premium Duplex Villa, ideal for families seeking space and privacy. This two-storey sanctuary features expansive living areas, a private pool, direct lagoon access, and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. Elegant interiors are complemented by a master bedroom with a king-sized bed and a luxurious bathroom complete with a deep soaking tub, creating a refined retreat designed for effortless island living.

The resort also presents Overwater and Beach Pool Villas with sunrise or sunset views, modern design, and private pools. Beach Pool Villas offer secluded beachfront living amid lush greenery, while Overwater Pool Villas provide serene oceanfront settings with expansive decks and uninterrupted sea views.

The Endless Summer package elevates the stay with a USD 300 resort credit per stay, complemented by daily breakfast, a three-course lunch, and a three-course dinner for two at select restaurants. A one-time floating breakfast served in the privacy of the villa adds an indulgent highlight, while a 60% reduction on food at Hashi and Shio invites guests to explore the resort’s culinary offerings. Complimentary non-motorised watersports provide effortless enjoyment on the lagoon, alongside the attentive service of a dedicated Thakuru (personal butler), complimentary bicycles, and a one-time 30-minute photography session with one printed keepsake to preserve moments in paradise.

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