At just a short flight from GCC cities, the Maldives proves a perpetually popular destination for those searching for peace, relaxation and connecting with loved ones. Providing the hallmarks of the idyllic Indian Ocean archipelago but with a unique character and soul is JOALI Maldives, the first and only art-immersive, ultra-luxury resort in the Maldives.

Nestled on Muravandhoo Island in the unspoilt northern Raa Atoll, JOALI Maldives transforms the traditional Maldives getaway with a focus on art, culture, and immersive travel, elevating the traditional island experience by bringing the resort to life with creativity. This Eid, and beyond, the striking resort is inviting guests to tap into their creative side as a means to relax and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit, with the launch of a new art festival and immersive activities like painting, pottery and sculpture.

Creating art has been proven to positively impact an individual’s mental state, and guests are invited to unwind and embrace creativity this Eid at JOALI Maldives’ exclusive Art Studio. Studies show that people feel more involved and less anxious when being actively creative, and at the dreamy escape, guests are encouraged to slow down and embrace island life – getting to know themselves alongside nature with imaginative events and workshops. This year, the ultra-luxury resort has partnered with renowned Austrian-born art consultant and curator Tatiana Gecmen-Waldek to bring a collection of experiences for guests to enjoy, including an art festival.

Bringing her artistic flair to the resort, as well as a strong network of galleries, collectors, auction houses and contemporary artists, Gecmen-Waldek – who has worked with the likes of Giorgio Armani, Etro, Roger Vivier, Cartier, Maison Kitsuné and Tods - will be discovering, presenting, and commissioning contemporary artists over the year. Artists will bring their work to the island at regular intervals in the form of exhibitions, limited editions, or permanent installations, with a special arts festival also debuting this month.

Showcasing their commitment to art and sustainability, JOALI Maldives and Gecmen-Waldek will host the inaugural Imagi-Nature Art Festival from 14 to 18 April and invite guests to get creative and participate in a wide range of activities. The festival begins on 15 April, known globally as World Art Day, where a line-up of sustainability- and conservation-oriented artists will create bespoke pieces inspired by the surrounding nature, with each immersive artwork created to engage, ignite, and free the imagination.

The immersive exhibitions and creations will live on long beyond the festival, delighting and inspiring guests for the Eid period and remainder of 2023. Each one-of-a-kind installation will be spread across the island, with JOALI Maldives believing art is meant to be experienced, not just seen. The island itself is currently home to unique pieces from past exhibitions and commissioned artists, with each iconic piece made with recycled materials, natural or local materials, complementing the island’s natural beauty. The awe-inspiring Manta Ray Treehouse is just one of the unique pieces that guests are invited to experience, along with vernacular architecture, as well as the playful adaptation of materials with terra cotta furniture, mini ceramic stools, Maldivian heron, an evolution chair, and much more.

For more information on embracing creativity with JOALI this Eid, and beyond, please visit