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OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli installs sculptures representing ‘Nakaiy’

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Sculptures at Oblu Helengeli

Maldives.net.mv – In line with the commitment from the OBLU Management to encourage local artisans and promote Maldivian architecture, OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli has just installed sculptures created by Maldivian artist, Umair Badheeu.

As per Mr. Rein van Zandvoort, General Manager – OBLU at Helengeli, the idea is to connect the foreign guests with the culture & traditions of Maldives. Mr.Rein said “Being creative is a way of life, at OBLU. We wish to showcase to our guests, the Maldivian way of life through arts & creativity”. He also added that “This platform offers the Maldivian artists a golden opportunity to express & showcase their creativity & designs to the foreign tourists. Unfortunately, there are not many forums available in the Maldives to showcase such creativity and we are proud to be part of this process.”

The sculpture installations at OBLU are based on the Maldivian weather calendar system, Nakaiy. The year is divided into 27 Nakaiys, wherein each Nakaiy is a 13-14 day period. Every Nakaiy has subtle changes in the weather. This system is derived from the Indian Nakshatra system.

For this series of installations, each sculpture derives qualities and designs based on the characteristics and meanings corresponding to the individual Nakaiy. For instance, the form of the first installation (Between 26.40°(in Mesha/Aries) and 10° (Vrishabha/Taurus)), is derived from the shape of the presiding deity according to Hindu astrology. The title refers to the space this Nakaiy takes in the sky.

3 Divers and coral

Most of the pre-fabrication and design elements for these pieces, were created whilst living on an uninhabited island and all the materials used are locally acquired. For the first piece, Vaa Dhiggaa (wood of a Sea Hibiscus), coconut husk and a synthetic rope was used. The wood was treated in the sea for 10 days, which is a traditional method that is usually employed for protection against insects. The husks were initially burnt as a mosquito repellent, but when half-way burnt, the husks stay without decaying for a longer time. Eventually these husks were used as a material for the first piece to represent the Fire and Agricultural activity during Kethi Nakaiy.

Once prepared, all the materials were transported to Helengeli Island, where the installation began for the first time based on a previously scaled model. Each installation is done on site and environmental conditions on site with changes in design, for the formalization of the work.

Helengeli Island, located in North Male Atoll, renowned for its exotic house reef, was re-launched in November 2015 as OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli. As part of the core philosophy of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, every resort within their portfolio, will always strive to create locally enriching experience whereby the discerning customer will always be able to enjoy & appreciate the Indian Ocean culture & artisanship.

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St. Regis Maldives expands and upgrades Two-Bedroom Family Villa

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has introduced its newly reimagined Two-Bedroom Family Villa, thoughtfully redesigned to offer an elevated experience for families looking to balance privacy with shared time together in a pristine natural island setting.

Now expanded from 334 square metres to an impressive 380 metres meters, the villa features an additional 66 square metres of refined indoor living space. This enhancement creates a more generous environment for families to gather, relax, and spend time together in comfort.

The layout has also been thoughtfully arranged, with a master bedroom located on the ground floor offering direct ocean views, while the second bedroom is positioned on the upper level and features two beds—ideal for children or friends travelling together.

Seamlessly blending contemporary design with the surrounding environment, the villa is fully equipped with intuitive iPad controls, allowing guests to personalise lighting, climate, and entertainment at the touch of a button.

At the heart of the transformation is the villa’s outdoor experience. The private pool, previously 15 square metres, has been re-envisioned as a striking 30-square-metre infinity pool, seamlessly extending toward the horizon and framing expansive views of the Indian Ocean. The beachfront has also been enhanced, offering a wider, softer stretch of pristine sand that flows effortlessly from the villa’s deck to the turquoise lagoon beyond.

True to the St. Regis legacy, guests will also enjoy the signature St. Regis Butler Service, ensuring that every detail of their stay is thoughtfully anticipated and effortlessly delivered—from personalised dining arrangements to bespoke island experiences.

Spacious, elegant, and serene, the redesigned Two-Bedroom Ocean Villa with Pool, offers a comfortable and well-balanced setting for families and friends to relax and reconnect, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives.

For more information and details, please visit www.stregismaldives.com.

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Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé

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JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.

The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.

Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.

The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.

JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.

Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.

The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.

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Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.

The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.

The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.

Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.

The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.

Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.

Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.

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