News
Oaga Art Resort draws on Maldivian sun and moon stories for festive season
There is a brief moment in the Maldives that is easy to miss. The Sun is on its way down, the Moon is just beginning to appear, and for a few minutes the sea turns a shade of silver blue. The island gets quieter. You might still feel the warmth of the day, but somehow, the night has already begun.
This is Hayeh, the blue hour. Neither day nor night, but somewhere beautifully in between. It is this feeling that sits at the heart of Oaga Art Resort’s upcoming festive season.
For Christmas and New Year 2026/2027, Oaga Art Resort presents Between Two Lights, a Maldivian journey through the moments where worlds meet. Inspired by the ancient connection between Sun and Moon, the season brings together island stories, Maldivian culture, local artists, contemporary creativity, food, music, ocean journeys, wellness, storytelling and live performance.
At Oaga, it is not about choosing between the Sun and the Moon. It is having somewhere to be in between.

A Story Written in Sun & Moon
This story begins long before Oaga. The Maldives has always been shaped by movement: people arriving by sea, fishing its waters, trading across the Indian Ocean and carrying stories from one island to another. Kula Sudha Ira, the descendants of Sun and Moon, echoes this history through a story of ancient kingdoms, connection and two worlds coming together.
This festive season, Oaga brings that story into its own evolving landscape. From November, the new Avi Water Villa joins the island’s accommodation collection, drawing inspiration from the warmth and energy of the Sun and facing the sunrise. Odi Water Villa, already part of Oaga’s sunset facing collection, returns with additional villas and a renewed expression inspired by the quiet serenity of the Moon.
Across the island, the story continues through Suvāsthi’s programme of Maldivian artists, musicians, performers and makers, moving between tradition and contemporary expression. From Boduberu Fusion Nights and live mural art to storytelling, digital art, movement and original performances, there will be plenty to discover. Some moments will be planned, some will happen only once, and some may simply be waiting to be stumbled upon.

From Fire to Tide
The festive dining experience follows the changing light. Kaa Kada moves from the bright, energetic world of the Sun by day into a warmer, more atmospheric Moonlit setting by evening.
At the heartof this festive season are two distinct dining experiences: Iru Meyzu, the Sun Table, a generous Maldivian feast inspired by fishermen returning from the sea, with fresh catch, local produce, island spices and open fire; and Handhu Meyzu, the Moon Table, a slower, more intimate evening of candlelight, storytelling and flavours inspired by night fishing.
Across the season, guests can also discover the flavours of the islands through interactive food and drink experiences, from traditional spice making and local ingredient tastings to cocktail creations.

Finding Your Way Through the Island
The festive journey makes space for every kind of discovery. At Hoba Spa, Hayeh, the space between Sun and Moon, becomes a moment to slow down and return to yourself, with festive wellness experiences centred around four pathways: Energize, Grounding, Nurture and Recover.
Beyond the shore,Hoara Xfollows the movement of the frigatebird between sky and sea, taking guests into the waters through traditional fishing, sunset journeys, Boduberu at sea and moonlit ocean experiences. Highlights include Iruvai Foarion National Fisherman’s Day and a special Full Moon healing journey on Christmas Eve.
For younger guests, Fiyoh Club offers its own island of discovery, with traditional Maldivian games, natureactivities, local crafts, sand art and ocean exploration, encouraging children to experience the island with curiosity and wonder.

One Light, Many Moments
Christmas brings the story together around the simple act of gathering. Rather than recreating a Christmas fantasy from other corners of the world, Oaga draws from something deeply familiar to island communities: coming together around one shared light, one long table, with food, stories, music and new faces becoming familiar ones.
New Year’s Eve begins in the quieter world of the Moon, making space to reflect on the year gone by and what we choose to leave behind. As midnight approaches, The Blue Hour unfolds through live music, performance, movement, visual art and Maldivian creative voices, carrying the island from stillness into celebration. The Moon gives way to fire, and with the first light of the new year, the party begins.
For one day, the story stretches beyond the island to a nearby sandbank with the Deserted Day Club. Music, movement, food, drinks and ocean set the scene for an unhurried island day with no real need for an itinerary. Just sea, sky, sand and the freedom to lose track of time.

The Space Between
Between Two Lights is about noticing the moments in between: the first light of morning, the last fire of sunset, the blue hour, the Moon over the lagoon, a story shared over dinner, a drum heard somewhere across the island, the stillness before midnight and the first light of a new year.
This festive season, Oaga brings these moments together through the things that make the island what it is: Maldivian culture, local artists, contemporary creativity, nature, ocean experiences, food, wellness, storytelling and live performance. Much like Oaga itself, the season is not meant to be experienced from a distance. It is something to wander into, discover and become part of.
Come curious. Follow the light. See where it takes you.
This festive season, come experience the space between at Oaga Art Resort.

Nestled in North Malé Atoll, Oaga Art Resort is a homegrown Maldivian hospitality brand where art, culture and storytelling shape the guest experience. Just a 45-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, the resortis home to vibrant beach and overwater villas, creative dining experiences, Hoba Spa and a programme of art, culture and island experiences curated with local artists and cultural practitioners.
Oaga Art Resort stands as a creative hub, offering sensory-rich experiences thoughtfully curated by both local and visiting Maldivian artists and craftspeople. Guests seeking complete indulgence can enjoy the Greatest All Inclusive Plan, with moments designed to inspire from free-flow art sessions and dance experiences to floating meals, island excursions, and watersports. Through its creative brand, Suvāsthi , Oaga supports local artists and arts while offering guests meaningful opportunities to engage with authentic Maldivian culture.
Discover your next inspiration at www.oagaresorts.com and book your stay; an unforgettable artistic journey awaits!
News
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives to introduce refreshed villas, dining and wellness facilities
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, by Hyatt bringing The Standard’s signature spirit to Hyatt, is getting ready for its next chapter with a series of enhancements designed to bring even more colour, character and ways to experience island life to the resort. Combining The Standard’s signature playful spirit with Hyatt’s renowned hospitality expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional luxury resort experiences, the resort is introducing refreshed villa interiors, new dining concepts, expanded family programming, upgraded recreational facilities and enhanced wellness offerings. Together, these developments reinforce a guest experience that is both unmistakably The Standard and elevated through Hyatt’s global standards of service and operational excellence.
Set on Huruvalhi Island in the Raa Atoll, the award-winning resort pairs bold design and an easy-going island energy with a thriving house reef, turquoise lagoons and plenty of reasons to get out on the water. Recognised with accolades including Best Beach Resort at the TTM Awards 2026 and Best Family Resort at the Global Destination Awards 2026, the upcoming enhancements build on that spirit, giving guests more ways to make the island their own — whether that means chasing the next adventure, lingering over a long lunch, getting creative with the kids or switching off somewhere above the lagoon.

A Fresh Look for the Villas
The resort’s beach and overwater villas will receive refreshed interiors, bringing a brighter, more contemporary feel while keeping the playful personality that makes The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives distinctly its own. Thoughtful design updates will create a renewed sense of comfort and connection to the island, with interiors that open naturally onto the surrounding blues, palms and tropical landscape. The result is less about traditional island luxury and more about having your own colourful, comfortable hideaway — somewhere to sleep, swim, play and, ideally, stay a little longer than planned.

More Ways for Little VIPs to Play
There will be even more for younger guests to discover, with expanded programming at Lil’ Shark Kids Club, an enhanced Art Hut, a new Outdoor Adventure Zone and a dedicated Teen Lounge game room. Designed with curiosity and creativity in mind, the new additions will give little travellers more opportunities to get hands-on with island life, from making and creating to getting outside and exploring. It is The Standard’s take on a kids’ club: playful rather than prescriptive, with plenty of room for young guests to make new friends, try something different and come home with stories of their own.
And while the kids are busy, parents can make the most of the resort’s restaurants, bars, beach, wellness experiences and everything else that makes spending a week on a private island feel like a very good idea.

A New Kind of Reset at The Standard Spa
Wellness at The Standard Spa is getting a little more interesting. The experience takes guests through a considered circuit of hydrotherapy, steam, infrared sauna, cold plunge and infinity pool, creating a personalised journey to reset, recharge and restore balance. Rather than simply adding new facilities, the enhanced concept brings them together as part of an immersive wellness experience designed to help guests move, pause, recharge and feel good.
Alongside the circuit, three personalised wellness journeys — Healing & Relaxation, Recovery & Reset, and Movement & Balance — give guests the freedom to choose what they need from their time at the spa. Whether it is slowing down, recovering after a day in the sun, getting the body moving or simply finding a better balance, each journey is designed around the experience rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment menu.
And because wellness at The Standard has never been about taking things too seriously, guests can embrace it in their own way. Start the day with sunrise yoga, enjoy an ocean-facing treatment, brave the cold plunge, move through the contrast circuit or simply spend a long afternoon doing absolutely nothing.
Set above the Indian Ocean, The Standard Spa is evolving into an overwater wellness centre where facilities, movement and personalised experiences come together — creating a new way to reconnect, recharge and, most importantly, feel good.

New Drink and Dine Venues
Expanding the resort’s culinary experiences, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives will introduce an exclusive Chef’s Table dining experience, offering guests a more intimate and immersive way to connect with the destination through food. Set in a refined and interactive setting, the experience will showcase thoughtfully curated menus, seasonal ingredients, and creative culinary techniques, allowing guests to engage directly with the chefs while enjoying a personalised journey designed to celebrate flavour, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Adding to the resort’s social scene, the all-new Castaway Bar, located on the picturesque standalone Baby Island in the middle of the Maldives ocean, will serve as a relaxed gathering spot ideal for enjoying spectacular sunsets or lingering over an after-dinner nightcap. Surrounded by pristine beaches and panoramic lagoon views, the venue will offer handcrafted cocktails, light bites and a laid-back atmosphere that celebrates the carefree spirit of island living. Meanwhile, the resort’s beloved beachfront dining venue, currently known as BBQ Shak, will be reintroduced as The Beach Grill. The refreshed concept will continue to showcase grilled specialities and fresh seafood while delivering an enhanced beachfront dining experience inspired by the beauty and flavours of the Maldives.

Pickleball, Anyone?
Adding another reason to get moving, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives will introduce its first pickleball court, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to the island. Whether guests are seasoned players or picking up a paddle for the first time, the new court offers an easy-going way to stay active, rally with friends and embrace a little friendly competition — all with a tropical island backdrop. The addition complements the resort’s existing tennis court, giving racket sports enthusiasts even more ways to stay active during their island escape. Because at The Standard, working up a sweat can be just as much fun as cooling off afterwards.
“Great hotels should never stand still. The enhancements at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives are about evolving the experience while keeping the personality that makes the resort unmistakably The Standard. From refreshed villa interiors and new ways to play and unwind, to expanded programming for families and new wellness experiences, we’re creating more reasons for guests to connect with the island and with each other. It’s an exciting next chapter for Huruvalhi — one that brings a fresh sense of energy to the resort while staying true to its playful, social and wonderfully unconventional spirit,” said Amar Lalvani, President & Creative Director, Hyatt Lifestyle Group.
Set to launch in Q4 2026, the enhancements mark an exciting new chapter for the resort, bringing fresh energy, experiences and reasons to return to Huruvalhi while staying true to the playful, social spirit and distinctive island character of The Standard. Explore the resort and plan a stay for your family.
Click here to explore exclusive offers & plan your stay now.
News
Sheraton Maldives launches festive offer with up to 20% savings on stays
This festive season, trade winter’s chill for sunlit shores, turquoise waters, and celebrations surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives. Set on the lush tropical island of Furanafushi, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites guests to embrace the holidays through its Festive Special Offer, a thoughtfully curated escape where exceptional dining, island adventures, and meaningful moments come together in paradise.

Available for stays from December 20, 2026, to January 10, 2027, the offer brings together the pleasures of a tropical getaway with the warmth of festive celebrations. Guests can enjoy up to 20% savings on room rates, full-board dining, complimentary shared speedboat transfers, and special privileges designed to make every moment of the holiday feel effortless.
Families can also enjoy added value, with children aged 11 and under staying and dining for free when sharing accommodation with their parents.

A Culinary Journey for Every Occasion
At Sheraton Maldives, the festive experience unfolds one memorable meal at a time. Mornings begin at Feast, where a generous buffet breakfast, freshly prepared juices, aromatic coffee, and a selection of teas set the tone for the day ahead. Lunch invites guests to explore a three- course à la carte selection at selected restaurants, with an enticing variety of Mediterranean, Indian, Mexican, and Asian-inspired flavors.

As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, evenings offer a choice between a vibrant buffet dinner at Feast and a three-course à la carte experience at selected dining venues. To make the occasion even more special, adults receive up to USD 45 dining credit to discover the authentic Thai cuisine of Baan Thai or the refined seafood creations and ocean-to-table flavors of Sea Salt.

Island Adventures, Balanced with Moments of Indulgence
From the moment guests arrive, the holiday unfolds at an unhurried island pace. Complimentary shared speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport ensure a seamless journey to the resort, where days can be spent discovering the island’s natural beauty and embracing the spirit of adventure.

Guests can take to the lagoon on a kayak or paddleboard, explore vibrant marine life while snorkeling, or enjoy a friendly match on the tennis court. For moments of pure relaxation, Shine Spa for Sheraton offers 15% savings on selected treatments, inviting guests to slow down, recharge, and find their own sense of tropical tranquility.
Whether it is a family gathering beneath the palms, a romantic sunset shared over exceptional cuisine, or the simple pleasure of waking up to the ocean, every experience offers an opportunity to make the season truly personal.

Make This Festive Season Your Own
At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, the holidays are more than a change of scenery. They are an invitation to reconnect, discover new experiences, and create traditions in a setting where the natural beauty of the Maldives meets the warmth of genuine hospitality.
Guests are invited to book their festive escape by November 15, 2026, and celebrate the season with sun-drenched days, memorable dining, and moments to treasure long after the holidays have passed.

For reservations and further information, email Sheraton.Maldives@sheraton.com or discover the offer here.
Awards
ELE|NA recognised for excellence in wellness hospitality at SATA 2026
ELE|NA has been named Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the Maldives-based wellness brand’s contributions to the hospitality and wellness industry across the region.
The recognition comes as wellness continues to become an integral part of luxury hospitality, with ELE|NA working alongside resort partners to develop and operate wellness facilities that combine therapeutic experiences, trained professionals and operational expertise.
Guided by its Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, ELE|NA incorporates wellness into different aspects of the guest experience. Its six Pillars of Vitality – TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight – encompass therapeutic treatments, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, restorative sleep and nutrition. The framework allows individual resorts to develop wellness programmes tailored to their locations and guest preferences.
In addition to providing wellness experiences, ELE|NA works with hospitality partners on concept development, spa operations, therapist training and service delivery. Its operational model combines the individual characteristics of each resort with standardised systems and procedures aimed at maintaining service consistency across its properties.
Sustainability also forms part of the brand’s operations. All ELE|NA properties in the Maldives have received Platinum Sustainable Wellness Accreditation, recognising their approach to responsible spa operations, environmental management and community wellbeing.
The brand also invests in professional development through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, which provides training programmes for therapists and wellness professionals. The academy combines traditional therapeutic practices, practical training and contemporary wellness knowledge to support professional development and strengthen service standards across the industry.
The recognition at SATA 2026 comes as ELE|NA continues to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, extending its wellness concepts and services into India, Nepal and other emerging hospitality destinations.
With wellness increasingly influencing travellers’ accommodation choices and holiday experiences, ELE|NA continues to focus on integrating wellness services into resort operations while supporting the development of trained professionals and sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.
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