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Maldivian Artist Community, Manta Air unveil ‘Youniverse’ art exhibition at Angsana Velavaru
Maldivian Artist Community (MAC), in collaboration with Manta Air, has unveiled an exhibition by talented Maldivian artist Samiyya ‘Sam’ Shehenaaz at Angsana Velavaru.
Sam, mostly known for her warm and dreamy turtle subjects painted in sundry tropical hues, has introduced her debut solo exhibition, titled “Youniverse”, to the guests of Angsana Velavaru.
After exhibiting her pieces at ‘Unveiling Visions’ exhibition held in 2017 by MAC, Sam stepped into the field as a professional artist. Her first solo exhibition, the “Ocean Eyes” was recently held at the Lecute store in capital Male and has since drawn a lot of attention, with Sam’s paintings shared all across social media.
“I love to create meaningful art pieces that speak to people. Most of my work often has a message or a hidden meaning behind it. I love using the ocean as a way of delivering these messages to people. Mother nature often has her own way of explaining situations and life itself, which happens to capture my attention a lot. Everyone sees the world in their own perspective and I do my best to show people what I see through my eyes and my heart, make people move with just colours laid next to each other,” Sam said.
Dr Steve Newman, Banyan Tree’s Group Sustainability Director and Coordinating Director of Banyan Tree Global Foundation, said that supporting long-term societal prosperity is central to Banyan Tree’s ability to create value for local communities. This is achieved by empowering them through job creation, education, supporting artisanal cooperatives, community impact initiatives, humanitarian relief and connecting travellers to local culture and heritage, he added.
The exhibition is generously supported by Manta Air, a local airline known for its ground-breaking entry into the local aviation sector with scheduled domestic and seaplane service.
The new collaboration between Angsana Velavaru and MAC, a local non-profit that supports local talent by finding and offering free platforms to showcase their work, further enhances the local cultural experience offered by Angsana Velavaru and brings an array of art events such as painting classes and art workshops to the resort.
With MAC’s permanent art exhibition at Kuredhi bar, guests will have the opportunity to purchase artworks, and with their contribution, support the local artist community.
Velavaru or ‘Turtle Island’ is located in the pristine Dhaalu atoll, and accessible by a 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. This 113-villa resort offers 79 island villas and 34 InOcean Villas, revealing spectacular views and direct access to the Indian Ocean.
Angsana Velavaru is renowned for its myriad of beach activities as well as groundbreaking initiatives focused on giving back to the community. These programmes are organised by Angsana Velavaru’s Marine Conservation Lab where guests can participate in unique experiences including coral planting to replenish damaged reefs and snorkelling trips to learn about the abundant marine ecosystem and coral gardens found in and around the lagoon.
Guests looking for an adrenaline rush can choose from a wide range of motorised and non-motorised sports. With more than 100 activities available to bring out the intrepid explorer in you, you are likely to be busy enjoying yourself so much that a return trip is inevitable.
With its proximity to more than 30 vibrant dive sites, Angsana Velavaru is the ideal location for novice to experienced divers. Certified instructors at the PADI Gold Palm Five-Star dive centre offer an ensemble of courses and excursions to explore the pristine waters of South Nilandhe Atoll. Divers can choose to get up close and personal with white tip reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles and whale sharks, amongst other exotic species.
Couples looking to tie the knot at Angsana Velavaru can choose from five different wedding themes that showcase the natural beauty of the destination. Saying “I Do” has never been more romantic or unforgettable with various venues available: at sunset on the beach, on a nearby uninhabited island, at the beach pavilion that carries the shape of the traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat, under the full moon, and even underwater.
Angsana Velavaru’s kids club offers child-friendly activities such as Easter egg hunts, craft workshops, Olympic-themed games, and more. Diving lessons, supervised by certified instructors, take place in the lagoon and are a great way to help kids experience their first underwater breath.
Angsana Spa’s revitalising treatments place special emphasis on the use of natural elements such as native flowers and fruits. Therapies are based on the use of aromatherapy, therapeutic touch and a fusion of techniques from East and West to revive and nourish.
Coco Bodu Hithi, part of Coco Collection, has been named Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort at the World Travel Awards 2026, marking its third consecutive win in the category.
The recognition highlights the resort’s appeal to couples, with its combination of private accommodation, personalised experiences and natural surroundings offering opportunities for romantic getaways in the Maldives.
Located approximately 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Coco Bodu Hithi combines accessibility with the privacy of an island resort. Surrounded by turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and tropical vegetation, the property features villas equipped with private pools, providing couples with secluded accommodation.
The resort offers a range of experiences designed for couples, including private beachfront dining, sunset cruises and couples’ treatments at Coco Spa. Guests can also explore the island’s house reef, enjoy dining experiences and take part in activities that showcase the surrounding marine environment.
In addition to its regional award, Coco Collection and Coco Bodu Hithi have received two global nominations at the World Travel Awards 2026. Coco Collection has been nominated for World’s Leading Boutique Hotel Brand, while Coco Bodu Hithi is competing for the title of World’s Most Romantic Resort.
The resort attributed its achievements to the efforts of Coco Collection’s team, comprising employees from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Their contribution to guest services, attention to detail and personalised hospitality has played a role in maintaining the resort’s standards and guest experiences.
Meanwhile, Coco Bodu Hithi is preparing to host its festive programme, Island Glow: Moments Made to Remember, from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The programme will feature festive dining, live entertainment, ocean activities and wellness experiences, catering to couples, families and groups of friends spending the Christmas and New Year holidays in the Maldives.
The resort’s latest recognition adds to its achievements at the World Travel Awards and reinforces its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector, particularly in the romantic travel segment.
Heritance Aarah has been named Indian Ocean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026 at the World Travel Awards, recognising the resort’s Premium All-Inclusive offering in the Maldives.
The award was announced at the World Travel Awards Indian Ocean ceremony in the Maldives. The World Travel Awards recognises achievements across the global travel and tourism industry, including hotels, resorts and destinations, with regional awards acknowledging hospitality offerings across established tourism markets.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 40 minutes from Malé by seaplane, Heritance Aarah offers a Premium All-Inclusive experience encompassing personalised service, dining, wellness, marine activities and cultural experiences.
Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotels, said: “Being recognised as the Indian Ocean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort is a significant achievement for Heritance Aarah and a proud moment for the entire Aitken Spence Hotels team. This recognition reflects the dedication of our colleagues in delivering a Premium All-Inclusive stay that combines thoughtful service, distinctive moments and a strong connection to the destination. It is particularly rewarding to see Heritance Aarah recognised within the Indian Ocean, and we remain committed to continually elevating what we offer our guests.”
Heritance Aarah features seven restaurants and five bars, offering a selection of international and regional cuisines. Among its dining venues is the Ambula Overwater Restaurant, which combines Sri Lankan and Maldivian flavours through an eight-course tasting menu accompanied by wine pairings.
The resort also offers activities that allow guests to explore the marine environment and cultural heritage of Raa Atoll. These include guided house-reef snorkelling, diving, water sports and excursions. Its IASO Spa provides wellness treatments, while the Maldivian Village introduces guests to aspects of local culture and island life.
The Premium All-Inclusive concept incorporates these experiences alongside personalised butler service and a range of inclusions designed to provide guests with flexibility during their stay.
The recognition at the World Travel Awards adds to Heritance Aarah’s international accolades and highlights Heritance Hotels and Resorts’ continued focus on developing its hospitality offerings across its destinations.
Barceló Nasandhura Malé has partnered with internationally recognised chef and restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa to host a two-night culinary pop-up at B.Heaven Rooftop on 13 and 14 November 2026.
Chef Dharshan, the founder of Nihonbashi and Ministry of Crab, both of which have been featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, will present a selection of mud crab and freshwater prawn dishes during the event. He is also behind Carne Diem Grill at CROSSROADS Maldives, which has been featured in 50 Best Discovery this year.
The collaboration will bring Ministry of Crab’s approach to seafood preparation to Malé, with an emphasis on ingredient freshness and quality. The restaurant follows a strict no-freezer policy, and the two-day event will feature export-quality mud crabs and freshwater prawns flown in fresh for the occasion.
The dining experience will take place at B.Heaven Rooftop, offering guests views of the surrounding ocean while introducing a selection of dishes associated with Ministry of Crab.
“We are honoured to welcome a culinary maestro of Chef Dharshan’s global calibre to Barceló Nasandhura Malé this November,” said Enric Reina, Hotel Manager at Barceló Nasandhura Malé.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone for both our hotel and the capital’s dining scene as we elevate the local epicurean landscape, offering our resident guests and Malé’s culinary connoisseurs a rare opportunity to experience award-winning gastronomy.”
Commenting on the collaboration, Chef Dharshan highlighted the Maldives’ connection to his culinary work and the opportunity to introduce Ministry of Crab’s signature preparations to diners in Malé.
“Maldives holds a special place in the regional food landscape, surrounded by the same pristine Indian Ocean waters that inspire much of my culinary work. Partnering with Barceló Nasandhura allows us to showcase our iconic Ministry of Crab signature dishes—from our Garlic Chili Crab to our hand-crushed Pepper Crab—alongside exclusive preparations crafted specifically for B.Heaven Rooftop,” he said.
The two-night event will feature a curated menu showcasing Ministry of Crab’s signature preparations, including Garlic Chili Crab and Pepper Crab, alongside dishes developed specifically for the collaboration.
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