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Top Venetian glassmaker first artist to feature at Soneva Fushi’s new glass studio

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Maldives.net.mv – Artist extraordinaire and master Venetian glassblower, Lino Tagliapietra, was the first artist to feature at the recently opened Glass Studio at Soneva Fushi last year from December 15-27.

Widely acknowledged as the best glass artist in the world, guests at the luxury resort got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch Maestro Tagliapietra create unique art pieces, learn the art of glass-blowing, and also purchase his fantastic creations.

Born on the Italian island of Murano, famed for its hand-blown artisanal glassware since the 13th century, Tagliapietra was apprenticed to master glassmaker Archimede Seguso at the age of 12, and by 21 had already earned the title of maestro himself. In 1979, he moved to the United States to teach at the Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle, which also marked the beginning of his international career and collaborations with other prominent glass artists.

Lino Tagliapietra

His stunning work, celebrated for its complexity, elegance, and visual poetry has earned him numerous awards such as the Glass Art Society Lifetime Achievement Award, election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has been exhibited at top galleries around the world, including the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery, Washington DC, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Victoria & Albert Museum, London and the Tokyo National Modern Art, as well as at the Venice Biennale.

Tagliapietra’s collaboration is just the beginning of Soneva Fushi’s plans to offer unique and rare experiences to their guests in the form of special courses and interactive events such as glass-blowing workshops. Several glass exhibitions are scheduled to be held every year in conjunction with a rotating programme of visiting artists. The Venetian maestro was followed by another well-known glass artist Dr Sunny Wang in February this year.

Born in Taiwan and educated in Australia, Wang, who is the Assistant Professor of Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University, contemplates the meaning of life through her colourful glass sculptures.

From March 13 to April 5, the Glass Studio will feature another internationally renowned artist, American Howard Ben Tré, who will create a series of works at the resort.

A pioneer in the use of cast glass as a sculptural medium, Ben Tre has won critical acclaim for his unique sculptures and large-scale works of art for public and private spaces. His works have been included in more than 101 museums and public collections worldwide, among them the Metropolitan Museum of Art; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY; the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution; the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Nice, among others.

Lino TagliapietraAmong his  public commissions are the award-winning installation of fountains and seating created for Post Office Square Park in Boston; the plaza and sculpture for BankBoston’s headquarters in downtown Providence; a sited sculpture for the plaza at the Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence; and an interactive fountain for the hall of the newly renovated Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston.

 “We are also hoping that our facility will stimulate the Maldivian art scene, as we aim to both nurture the talents of Maldivian artists and provide a platform for them to get recognition,” said Kevin Christison, Soneva’s Curator of Art.

“So far visitors to the island have been very fascinated by the glass facility and some of them have already had some glass-blowing training and have returned home with personally-designed pieces of art,” Christison concluded.

Soneva’s studio, which opened its doors in September last year year, was conceptualised as a state-of-the-art facility for resort guests to watch world-renowned glass artists create objects of art, and learn the art of glass blowing. It also includes a retail boutique and art gallery, designed to showcase the work of Maldivian and international glass artists.

The facility uses only waste glass materials used at Soneva resorts and other resorts in the Maldives. It is estimated that the resorts in the Baa Atoll alone produce more than five tonnes of glass waste, every month. “The idea behind this project is to turn the glass into something that is much more beautiful and valuable than it was in its previous state,” said Sonu Shivdasani, Founder and CEO of Soneva.

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Allure of Platinum Island at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives

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Across a glittering turquoise lagoon, far from the hum of everyday life, lies a destination crafted purely for togetherness. Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives is a slice of paradise where crystal-clear waters stretch endlessly into the horizon and island life flows to the rhythm of the tides. With its classic charm, two distinct islands, and an atmosphere of laid-back luxury, it’s a destination that invites guests to escape, unwind, and reconnect with nature.

Tucked just across the lagoon is the resort’s exclusive Platinum Island—an adults-only haven thoughtfully designed for couples seeking space, seclusion, and serenity. Accessible by a quick boat ride from the main island, this private retreat feels like a world apart. Here, time slows, the sea shimmers with every shade of blue, and every experience is built around connection.

Each bungalow offers direct beach access, stunning sea views, and open-air bathrooms where you can shower under the sky. Interiors are warm and airy, designed to blur the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor beauty. It’s not uncommon for couples to spend hours on their private deck—doing nothing but watching the changing colours of the sea, listening to the hush of the breeze, and simply being present with each other.

Dining, too, is elevated to something special. The island’s exclusive Manzaru Restaurant & Bar ensures that every meal is shared in serenity—whether it’s a slow breakfast by the pool, a romantic seafood dinner beneath the stars, or handcrafted cocktails that carry you from sunset to starlight. There’s a sense that nothing is rushed here, and every moment has room to unfold.

For couples seeking meaningful experiences, Platinum Island offers quiet luxury with a sense of purpose. Indulge in couples’ spa rituals at the overwater Mandara Spa, take a sunset cruise aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni, or surprise your partner with a curated private beach dinner. And if your idea of romance is simply doing nothing at all, there’s no better place to do just that.

And now, there’s even more reason to escape to this serene slice of paradise. With the Cinnamon DISCOVERY Member Rate, couples can enjoy an all-inclusive getaway that’s as effortless as it is indulgent. Book between 1st April and 31st October 2025 for stays from 1st May 2025 to 31st October 2026, and enjoy:

  • All Meals Included
  • FREE Return Speedboat Transfers
  • FREE Daily Snorkelling Sessions
  • 15% Off Food, Beverage & Excursions
  • Exclusive Cinnamon DISCOVERY Member Benefits

Whether it’s your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply time to reconnect, Platinum Island at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives is where romance isn’t just rekindled—it’s redefined. And with this exclusive offer, your dream escape feels even closer.

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Family

Fun Easter festivities for travellers of all ages at Fushifaru Maldives

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Fushifaru Maldives invites guests to embrace the spirit of Easter with an exciting lineup of family-friendly activities set against the breathtaking backdrop of this exquisite, little island. From delightful egg hunts to vibrant poolside celebrations, this Easter at Fushifaru promises unforgettable moments for guests of all ages.

The Easter celebrations will commence with a joyful Easter breakfast where guests can indulge in a delectable spread while welcoming the arrival of the Easter Bunny, bringing smiles to little ones. Children will have the chance to unleash their creativity with egg painting, crafting beautifully decorated Easter eggs as keepsakes from their island adventure.

A highlight of the festivities is the Easter Pool Party, where families can dive into fun with music, games, and refreshing treats by the infinity pool. Meanwhile, young guests can experience the ultimate pampering at the Egg-citing Kids’ Spa, designed to offer a playful yet relaxing wellness experience tailoured especially for them.

No Easter celebration is complete without an exciting Easter Egg Hunt. Little explorers will embark on an island-wide adventure in search of hidden treasures, promising surprises and rewards along the way. As the sun sets, families can gather under the stars for an enchanting Easter Movie Night, enjoying classic films with popcorn and cosy bean bag seating.

For those seeking to dance the night away – head over to Fanihandi Bar for the Easter Disco Party, where guests can bop to lively beats, bringing the Easter festivities to a joyful close.

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Family

Springtime sparkle: Magical unicorn-themed Easter celebration at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

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Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa has announced a magical, unicorn-themed Easter program that promises a week of enchanting activities and unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages. From April 14, 2025 to April 20, 2025, the resort will transform into a whimsical wonderland, celebrating the spirit of Easter with a touch of fantasy.

Family-friendly Discoveries

Children will be delighted with a range of fun and creative activities at the Krakengiri Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives. Art classes with a resident artist will inspire young minds, while a pirate cruise and family-friendly movie nights under the stars provide endless entertainment. Themed classes, such as rainbow unicorn workshops, pizza making, and clay art, will keep little hands busy. Additional activities include rainbow milkshake workshops, evening glow parties, a sundown art competition and Runway to Rainbowland, a kids’ fashion show.

Teens can look forward to exciting and engaging activities designed just for them. They can express their creativity in a tie dye t-shirt design class, challenge their friends during virtual games nights, or enjoy friendly competition with volleyball on the beach and beach fun challenges. A teens’ mixology class at the Cocktail Lab offers a unique opportunity to learn new skills and create zero-proof beverages.

Families can enjoy quality time together with a variety of outdoor activities, including the Rainbow Glow fun run across the island, sports skills challenges, dolphin cruises, turtle snorkeling, and pool parties.

Active holidaymakers can access the 24-hour fitness centre or explore the island on bicycles. A versatile outdoor court hosts fitness workouts, tennis clinics, and pickleball sessions, while padel tennis enthusiasts can explore the new state-of-the-art seaside padel court.

Easter Feasts

The resort offers a range of dining experiences to delight every palate. At Beach Shack, guests can indulge in the Beach Market Buffet, or participate in the more intimate and exclusive chef’s table dinners. Eden Champagne and Gin Bar hosts wine tasting experiences, while an Italian cooking class with Chef Dario Raia at Origin offers a hands-on culinary adventure.

Additionally, guests can partake in traditional Easter activities such as egg painting, Easter craft workshops, cookie and cupcake decoration, and an egg hunt and bunny parade. The festivities will culminate in an Easter Gala Dinner on the beach, followed by a Neon Unicorn after-party, ensuring a vibrant and unforgettable celebration.

Breathe, Balance and Bloom at Amingiri Spa & Hammam

Embark on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation with the resort’s carefully curated wellbeing experiences.

  • Joyful Renewal: A 90-minute session including a massage, refreshing facial, and soothing paraffin wax for the feet.
  • Mini-Unicorn Spa Escape: Designed for children and teens, the 45-minute session begins with a floral foot soak followed by a gentle arm and leg massage with pastel-colored oils. The experience ends with a pastel manicure and a refreshing smoothie named the Unicorn Elixir

Group activities include sunrise and sunset yoga, partner yoga for couples and families, pool workouts, floating sound meditation, glow in the dark aerial yoga, and candlelit meditation.

Guests seeking more specialized experiences can consult with visiting practitioner and certified Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis expert Lorelei Bulan. In residence at the resort throughout April, she offers a menu of holistic movement, meditation and breathing techniques.

Wellness enthusiasts can also experience the extensive Sleep Wellness menu, designed to ease the mind and body into a state of deep and rejuvenating slumber. Options include a calming signature massage on the spa’s Skye deck; an evening hammam ritual in the modern hammam room; or an in-villa session incorporating guided meditation, yoga and breathwork.

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