News
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.
News
Hulhule Island Hotel marks World Coconut Day with culture and cuisine
Hulhule Island Hotel celebrated World Coconut Day with a lively programmes highlighting the coconut’s deep cultural significance, versatility and enduring place in Maldivian life.
Guests were welcomed with beautifully woven coconut-leaf creations, including traditional birds and other handcrafted pieces. Throughout the day, an assortment of coconut-based specialities and delicacies was served, offering guests an authentic taste of this treasured island ingredient.
The celebrations also featured a dedicated cultural display showcasing traditional practices associated with the coconut palm. Guests had the opportunity to discover how different parts of the coconut and its tree have long been transformed into food, household items, decorative crafts and other useful products within Maldivian communities.
Adding a spirited and interactive element to the occasion, team members participated in a coconut mocktail-making competition, presenting creative and refreshing beverages inspired by tropical flavors. A traditional coconut-scraping competition brought further excitement, celebrating a familiar skill that remains an important part of Maldivian culinary heritage.
The day concluded with a special dinner buffet featuring an extensive selection of coconut-inspired specialties and delicacies, thoughtfully prepared for guests to enjoy.
Through the celebration, Hulhule Island Hotel offered guests an engaging glimpse into Maldivian culture while recognizing the coconut palm as one of the country’s most cherished and versatile natural treasures.
News
Kuda Villingili marks Golden Week with Dragon Buffet, hot pot and family activities
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives will celebrate Chinese Golden Week from 1–8 October 2026 with an eight-day programme of festive dining, cultural activities and family experiences. Coinciding with China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, the programme brings touches of Chinese tradition to the island while giving families time and space to reconnect in the Maldives.
At the heart of the celebrations is a series of specially curated dining experiences. On 3 October, The Restaurant will host a Dragon Buffet, bringing together Chinese dishes, live entertainment and a festive evening designed for families to enjoy together. Throughout the week, guests can also experience the resort’s signature Chinese Roast Duck and interactive Hot Pot Experience at East, alongside oceanfront Teppanyaki at Mar-Umi. Special Golden Week cocktails and mocktails will complement the celebrations across selected dining venues.

For younger guests, Kuda Fiyo Kids Club will host a dedicated eight-day programme inspired by the season. Through creative workshops, cultural activities, games and culinary experiences, children can discover elements of Chinese tradition while enjoying the outdoor adventures and island experiences that are part of life at Kuda Villingili.
“Golden Week is a special time for families to come together, and we wanted to create a celebration that feels both familiar and distinctly Maldivian. From shared dining experiences and cultural activities to simply having time together by the ocean, our programme is designed to allow families to celebrate traditions while creating new memories at Kuda Villingili,” said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives.

Beyond the scheduled celebrations, families can make the most of the resort’s wide range of experiences. Days can be spent around the 150-metre pool, exploring the lagoon through watersports, surfing at the nearby Chickens Break, or enjoying tennis, padel, pickleball and other recreational activities. For those seeking a slower pace, the resort’s private-island spa offers a peaceful retreat, while the beach and ocean provide plenty of space to simply spend time together.
Kuda Villingili’s collection of 75 private pool villas and residences offers a choice of spacious accommodation for couples, families and larger multi-generational groups seeking a luxury holiday in the Maldives. The resort’s diverse dining collection gives guests the flexibility to enjoy familiar favourites alongside new culinary experiences throughout their stay.
Guests can discover Chinese and Asian favourites at East, gather around the interactive Wan Suk Hot Pot, experience Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and Teppanyaki at Mar-Umi, or opt for a private destination dining experience on the beach. Together with the resort’s wider international dining selection, the variety allows families and groups to experience something different throughout their Golden Week holiday.

Located in the North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili is a five-star luxury resort in the Maldives offering private villas, family experiences, diverse dining and island activities.
This Golden Week, Kuda Villingili invites families to celebrate familiar traditions in a different setting — sharing meals, discovering new experiences and, above all, making time for one another.
View Kuda Villingili’s Golden Week Programme 2026 here. For more information and reservations, visit www.kudavillingili.com or contact reservations@kudavillingili.com
Awards
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa named Best Beach Villa, Culinary Resort at TTM Awards 2026
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa has been recognised with two TTM Awards 2026, receiving Best Beach Villa Resort 2026 and Best Culinary Resort 2026. The recognition highlights two important parts of the Kuredhivaru experience, from its beachfront villas and natural surroundings to its diverse culinary offering.
The TTM Awards 2026, organised by Travel Trade Maldives, recognise outstanding resorts and tourism businesses across the Maldives. The awards celebrate excellence across categories including villas, dining, wellness and guest experiences, bringing together recognition from the Maldives travel and hospitality industry.

The Best Culinary Resort 2026 award recognises the variety and care behind Kuredhivaru’s dining experiences. Across the resort, guests can explore different cuisines, flavours and settings, from fresh seafood and Japanese-inspired dishes to international favourites, wine pairings and personalised destination dining.

Each dining experience has its own character, with a focus on quality ingredients and considered menus. Together, they make food an important part of the Kuredhivaru stay and offer guests different ways to experience the flavours of the Maldives and beyond.

The Best Beach Villa Resort 2026 recognition reflects Kuredhivaru’s approach to creating private and comfortable beachfront stays. Set along the white-sand shores of Noonu Atoll, the resort’s beach villas offer private pools, direct access to the beach and views across the IndianOcean. The experience brings together space, privacy and the natural beauty of the island, supported by attentive service. Set along the white-sand shores of Noonu Atoll, the villas offer direct beach access and private pools, bringing the natural beauty of the island into everyday resort living.
The latest recognition builds on Kuredhivaru’s previous TTM achievements, including Best Culinary Resort 2024 and Best Beach Resort 2023, reflecting the continued work of the teams across the resort.

Together, Best Culinary Resort 2026 and Best Beach Villa Resort 2026 capture two defining sides of Kuredhivaru: dining that turns every meal into part of the island experience, and beachfront villas that put the Indian Ocean at the heart of the stay. It is a proud recognition of the team behind both, and of the guests and travel partners who continue to choose Kuredhivaru.
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