Oaga Art Resort’s Remarkable First Year: Local Talent Flourishes in the Maldives

In January 2023, Oaga Art Resort, a locally-owned brand in the Maldives, made a bold move by opening its doors to the world. This unique resort aims to redefine luxury and has quickly gained recognition in the hospitality industry. Recently, Oaga Art Resort was honored with two awards at the Maldives Tourism Awards 2023, an event organized by the Maldives Tourism Ministry to celebrate National Tourism Day. The resort received recognition for having the highest number of Maldivian employees among tourist resorts in the Maldives, as well as for its efforts in promoting local visual artists.

The success of Oaga in providing authentic local experiences in the Maldives is a testament to their vision and commitment to showcasing the heritage and culture of the Maldivian society. In just a few months, Oaga has managed to create a platform where local islanders can share their stories, artistry, and hospitality with travelers. This concept not only provides unique experiences for guests but also preserves the traditions and practices that have been a part of Maldivian society for centuries.

The Maldives is known for its warm and welcoming hospitality, a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Historians have documented the friendly nature of the local community towards travelers, and this spirit of hospitality continues to thrive in the Maldives today. Oaga, a company that values and respects the local culture, prioritizes hiring Maldivian staff to ensure an authentic and immersive experience for visitors. In fact, 91% of the team at Oaga are Maldivian, further highlighting their commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Maldives.

Oaga is a unique community in the Maldives where employees are considered part of a group called 'Rahvehin'. This community values mindfulness, openness, creativity, and empathy towards each other and the travelers who visit. This creates a more meaningful experience for travelers, as they can form deeper connections with the local culture and heritage through the stories shared by the islanders and the infrastructure itself.

Oaga is a concept that represents the evolving identity of being 'Maldivian' and celebrates the creativity of local artists and craft makers. As a way to showcase traditional Maldivian folklore, murals created by local artists have been integrated into the walls of the Haruge Villas, each artist expressing their own unique style and approach. This incorporation of art and storytelling adds depth and richness to the cultural experience of the Maldives.

At the Suvasthi Art & Retail Gallery, you will find a wide range of products that showcase the unique beauty of the Maldives. From small-scale businesses to well-established brands, all of the products are created by Maldivian artisans who draw inspiration from the country's flora, fauna, and cultural traditions. Whether you're looking for artwork, fashion, or home decor, you'll find it all at this gallery.

Suvasthi Art & Retail Gallery is known for curating the largest local art collection at Oaga, a resort in Maldives. The gallery showcases these artworks in a tasteful manner, adorning the walls of the resort's Veyoge Garden Villas. This provides travelers with an immersive and intimate artistic experience during their stay.

Oaga is a groundbreaking initiative that allows people from around the world to engage with and potentially own genuine local artwork. It has created a new avenue for local artists to showcase their talent, and for each artwork displayed, Oaga donates $1 for every night that the Veyoge Garden Villas are occupied. Notably, this marks the first instance in Maldivian history where local art has been insured, highlighting the significance and value placed on these artistic creations.

According to the management, when they decided to enter the tourism industry in the Maldives, they noticed that most hotels in the area had a similar concept and were owned by large global hotel chains. They wanted to differentiate themselves and create a local brand amidst these giants. Their main focus was to highlight the valuable contributions of local creative’s, musicians, and craftsmen who were already making a significant impact in the industry.

If you're a fan of the Maldives and looking for an all-inclusive vacation, Oaga Art Resort offers a unique and expansive all-inclusive plan. Their Greatest All-Inclusive package goes beyond the traditional offerings and includes free-flowing art classes, immersive music experiences, in-villa dining options, floating meals, a variety of excursions, and even motorized water sports. To book your stay at the resort, visit website www.maldives-times.com. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Located in the North Malé Atoll, Oaga Art Resort is a picturesque island that can be reached by a 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. The resort features 60 villas, both on the beach and over the water, as well as five dining options and a spa that draws inspiration from traditional Maldivian healing practices. What sets Oaga Art Resort apart is its commitment to art and creativity, with various spaces on the island curated by local and visiting artists and craftsmen from the Maldives, providing guests with an immersive artistic experience.