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Nika Island writes new chapter of ‘Nostalgia’ with traditional poetry, music

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Since the inception, Nika Island Resort and Spa has focused on creating a unique destination. It has remained as the place to be, a place where local heritage meets Italian lifestyle and culture.

Nika is the island where nothing has changed. An everlasting thing of beauty that is not subject to the impact of the ever-expanding hospitality industry that is shaping the country. Nika represents “the Maldives that used to be”, an ‘idyll’ in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

An island with strong personality, Nika has a spirit, a soul and a mood of its own. You feel it while walking around the manicured gardens surrounding the coral-stone villas. You perceive it while sipping an espresso while watching neighbouring local islands pop up from the shades of blue at the horizon.

Nika turned into a resort back in 1983. Since its inception, the philosophy and values that shaped this unique boutique resort have remained the same: privacy, natural sophistication, and good taste and culture.

Nika wrote a new chapter in the history of the Maldives hospitality industry, and today, after 35 years of operation, it’s working on spreading the concepts of Maldivian beauty and Italian lifestyle that are part of Nika’s DNA.

As part of this initiative, a project called “Nostalgia” was born. It’s a mix of values and ideas that are the natural extension of the soul of Nika island.

“The etymology of the word nostalgia derives from Classic Greek consisting of ‘nóstos’ meaning ‘homecoming’, and ‘álgos’ meaning ‘pain’ or ‘ache’. Literally, Nostalgia is associated with a yearning for the past, its lost traditions and events, especially the ‘good old days’ or a ‘warm childhood’,” Edoardo Caccin, the resort’s External Director, said.

“It’s the perfect title for Nika’s project: culture and local heritage are components on which Nika has been building its reputation. It’s a moral obligation to preserve and revamp all the elements that make Nika – and the Maldives – a unique destination in the world.”

Heritage, culture and creativity are the main pillars of the project.

The first edition of Nostalgia focused on the almost lost tradition of stone carving, which is seen from the old Friday Mosque in capital Male.

Mohamed Imran, the founder of Gadheemee Collection, is becoming a familiar face at Nika. During Nostalgia events, Imran always shares with the curious crowd of guests and locals the importance of this art for the country and what he is currently doing to revamp local heritage.

For the latest chapter of Nostalgia, the Maldivian sculptor carved few tritons (known as Sangu in local Dhivehi language) out of a block of sandstone (locally known as veligaa). Nika’s community was invited to reproduce the pattern on the sculptures of these iconic Maldivian shells using Italian espresso.

“This is a beautiful metaphor. Maldives and Italy merged together in a piece of art; two cultures mix their values and tell a new story. This is Nika island and this is Nostalgia,” Edoardo said.

The second chapter of Nostalgia focused on poetry and music.

“Storytelling is the backbone of this initiative,” explained Edoardo. “That’s why for the second chapter of Nostalgia we opened the doors of Nika to the traditional band of Vajidhudoo. I think that before being musicians, they are storytellers. We invited them to sing their stories and music with Nika’s community.”

The group bases its entire musical production on traditional stories that belong to the culture of the people of the Maldives.

Music and poetry have the power to express ideas, feelings and culture by the use of style and rhythm. Vajidhudoo succeeded in this goal, playing both local and international instruments while singing songs related to local traditions.

With a night show, Nika along with Gadheemee Collection and Vajidhudoo managed to bring back memories of local traditions, to entertain the community and to instil awareness about Maldivian heritage; “the Maldives that used to be”.

What will the next theme of Nostalgia be?

Located in North Ari Atoll, Nika is is a milestone of the Maldives hospitality industry.

The deserted island of Kudafolhudhu turned into a resort back in 1983. Since its inception, the philosophy and values that shaped this unique boutique resort are the same: privacy, natural sophistication and local heritage.

All of its 43 villas have been built according to the traditional Maldivian architectural style. Being one of the first resorts built in the country, everything on the island has been built using coral blocks, coconut palm trunks and palm leaves. A collection of antiques and unique Maldivian pieces of art decorate the interiors of all the villas.

Nika is a perfect example of a boutique hotel that breaks the dynamics of big international brands that are reshaping the Maldivian hospitality industry. Nika is a heady mix of Italian lifestyle and Maldivian traditions; a unique platform where heritage and natural beauty meet together.

Culture

Sirru Fen Fushi celebrates Eid with focus on heritage and guest experiences

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Eid at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort unfolded this year as a heartfelt celebration of connection, reflection, and Maldivian heritage, bringing guests together through two days of meaningful experiences designed to honour the spirit of the holiday.

From the first morning of Eid, families gathered over generous breakfast spreads and continued to reconnect throughout the day with celebratory dining offerings that wove together shared traditions and island flavours. As evening arrived, the resort invited guests to slow down under the open sky–stargazing by the shoreline, floating sound- healing sessions by the lagoon, and gentle sunrise and sunset yoga created quiet spaces for gratitude and presence.

The festivities continued across the island with immersive activities for all ages. Guests joined friendly football matches and a junior football camp, explored new skills in hands-on cooking classes, centred mind and body through Muay Thai practice, and took part in light-hearted competitions such as kayaking and archery. Beyond the resort, those eager to discover local life ventured on guided island visits, while evenings resonated with Maldivian folklore storytelling and the rhythm of the traditional Boduberu performance, bringing the cultural heartbeat of Eid to life.

Honouring Maldivian Heritage

A highlight of this year’s celebrations was the Eid cultural showcase at Raha Market on the 20th of March. The space was transformed into a traditional Fange, a handcrafted palm-thatched hut, where guests could explore skills and tools that once formed the backbone of daily life across the Maldives.

Artisans demonstrated Hanu lathe, how it is used in the sharpening of the Kathivalhi chopping blade, and the versatile Furoa axe, offering insight into craftsmanship passed down through generations. Guests observed the intricate Roanu Veshun technique of coir rope braiding and the delicate Fangi Vinun craft of weaving coconut fronds into kajan roofing, a once-essential, fully renewable building material.

The experience continued with traditional hand-milling of grains–wheat, finger millet, and rice, recalling a time before modern conveniences. The hut glowed with the warm flicker of Faanoozu oil lamps, a reminder of the simplicity of island life before the arrival of electricity.

No Maldivian celebration is complete without hedhika, and guests enjoyed freshly prepared favourites such as gulha, bajiya, masroshi, and keemiya, each carrying the flavours of home kitchens and long-held family recipes.

A Night to Remember

Children brought joyful energy to the festivities with a special Eid parade, filling the island with colour and excitement. As the evening closed, guests gathered along the shoreline to watch the Eid moon rise over the ocean–a quiet, luminous moment that captured the essence of the celebration: gratitude, unity and the timeless beauty of island life.

This year’s Eid at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort was more than an event, it was a shared experience woven from culture, community, and the simple joy of being together. The resort looks forward to welcoming guests again next year to continue this cherished tradition.

For further information and reservations, please visit https://sirrufenfushi.com/ or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.

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Culture

Sun Siyam Olhuveli celebrates Eid with beach fiesta and cultural performances

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli marked the joyous occasion of Eid Al Fitr on 20th March 2026 with a spirited celebration that brought team members together in a lively showcase of unity, culture, and camaraderie. Set against the backdrop of the resort’s sun-drenched shores, the Eid Beach Fiesta transformed the Water Sports Beach into a lively hub of laughter, friendly competition, and shared moments, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines the resort.

The celebration featured a series of engaging activities including classic beach games such as the wheelbarrow race, three-legged race, water bucket challenge, and the playful “Kukudu Koo” catch-the-chicken challenge, as highlighted in the event programme. These light-hearted competitions encouraged collaboration across departments, breaking routines and fostering meaningful connections beyond the workplace.

Eid in the Maldives is a time of togetherness and celebration, marked by communal prayers, festive meals, and gatherings with family and friends. Inspired by these traditions, Sun Siyam Olhuveli embraced the spirit of Eid through shared joy, cultural moments, and meaningful connections.

As part of the evening festivities, key team members took to the stage at the Lagoon to perform traditional Boduberu, offering guests an authentic cultural experience and marking the celebration with rhythm, energy, and island spirit.

“At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Celebrations like Eid Al Fitr are not only about honoring tradition but also about nurturing the connections that make our workplace feel like a community,” said Ahmed Shazeen, Director of Human Resource at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “It is these shared experiences that elevate team spirit and create a positive environment where everyone thrives.”

As part of the Lifestyle Collection under the House of Siyam, Sun Siyam Olhuveli continues to champion a culture where meaningful experiences extend beyond guests to include its dedicated team members. The Eid celebration stands as a reflection of this ethos, where culture, connection, and a touch of playful energy come together seamlessly on island time.

To discover more upcoming events and experiences at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, please visit the resort’s website.

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Culture

Fushifaru Maldives showcases Maldivian culture through Eid celebrations

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Fushifaru Maldives marked Eid al-Fitr with a series of cultural experiences aimed at showcasing Maldivian heritage and community values, as part of its “Moments of Kindness” initiative.

The resort organised activities designed to reconnect guests with traditional island life, placing a focus on cultural authenticity and community engagement. According to the resort, the initiative sought to revive elements of Maldivian traditions and present them in an interactive format for both international visitors and the local community.

A key highlight of the celebrations was a dedicated Maldivian Night, which featured a live demonstration of Malayfaiy, a traditional communal cooking practice. The experience was complemented by shisha offerings and cooking demonstrations, providing guests with insight into historical culinary techniques and social customs in the Maldives.

The evening also included a Maldivian buffet showcasing a range of local dishes, giving guests the opportunity to experience traditional flavours in a curated setting.

Fushifaru Maldives stated that the programme aimed to create meaningful connections through shared cultural experiences, while preserving and promoting local traditions within a resort environment.

The Eid celebrations form part of the resort’s broader efforts to incorporate elements of Maldivian identity into guest experiences, aligning with growing industry emphasis on cultural sustainability and community-oriented tourism.

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