There’s bed decorating…and then there is bed artistry. Some of the duvet ovations at Velaa are worthy of a museum. Didn’t know whether to sleep in the bed or frame it. Anantara Kihavah is also executing similarly exquisite renditions, but I gave the nod to Velaa because I have come across more examples and their peacock above is simply masterful. I particularly like the use of blue flowers. Most bed pieces are red petals, increasingly green fronds, and sometimes yellow petals. But blue is sort of the Maldives national colour (if there was one).
Best of the Maldives: Sand Painting – JA Manafara
While the glitterati use sand to paint themselves, artist Ahmed Shahid of JA Manafaru uses paint to adorn sand. When he is not working in the resort boutique, he creates a variety of sand compositions, but his specialty is football motifs. The resort reports “He works at the boutique. He is a very good self taught artist who makes these designs. They are made for guests, when we are aware of a football team that they support.” His proudest moment was when one of his favourite players, Luis Figo, posed with one of his creations when visiting the resort (see above).
Best of the Maldives: Mixed Media Bed Decorating – Diamonds Thudufushi
Bedroom artistry in the Maldives has evolved from a few petals sprinkled on the pillow to elaborate constructions. A recent masterwork is Diamonds Thudufushi’s mixed media opulent opus – petals, towel sculpture, palm fronds, lettering.
Best of the Maldives: Towel Portraits – Atmosphere Kanifushi
One of the towel cuties belongs as much on the cover of Maldives Illustrated Swimsuit Edition is Atmosphere Kanifushi’s towel portraiture. Guest Lance Vickers tweeted…
“Early night tonight @atmosKANI but our room attendant Adhil brought a smile to our faces”
Best of the Maldives: Towel Animals – LUX South Ari Atoll
LUX South Ari Atoll has a different pageant of bathing cuties. I’ve seen a few towel art creatures at resorts, but LUX has produced an entire menagerie of them…
“The towel art done by Shareef and Ali. Started as a way to entertain children on the island and to surprise them with little towel toys upon their return to the villas. Based on our guests’ feedback, we came to know that those towel toys started to replace the children’s comfort toys (that in most case got left behind at home) making their time on the island more enjoyable. Shareef has been working in housekeeping since more than 13 years, 3 of which at LUX*. Towel art is now part of his daily routine, it takes an average of 15 minutes for him to create a little elephant, turtle or even a whale shark. He also takes persona responsibility in teaching this trick of the trade to the guests wanting to learn. Shareef did not learn how to make these great towel sculptures anywhere, he tries over and over again until he gets the perfect shape – it’s pure ‘learning by doing’.”
The line above pictured above includes…
- Rear row – penguin, swans, flower, elephant
- Front row – snake, lion, donkey, elephant seating, turtle
LUX’s creativity has inspired me to add a new board to the Maldives Complete Pinterest for “Maldives Towel Art”.
Best of the Maldives: Broom – Soneva Fushi
Another housekeeping implement with a brushing of local style was Soneva Fushi’s room broom with its quirky skew. Sort of Mary Poppins meets Swiss Family Robinson (“I choose me bristles with pride, yes, I do” – Bert)
Best of the Maldives: Housekeeping Trolley – Coco Bodu Hithi
At Coco Bodu Hithi, they might not deliver your morning breakfast in a dhoni (a la Belinda’s “haven’t seen yet”), but they do deliver your fresh linen each day in one. Making the ordinary extraordinary.
Best of the Maldives: Foot Washing – One & Only Reethi Rah
If there is anything that needs cleaning in the “no shoes” world of the Maldives and needs a bit of pampering after long haul travel, it is the piggy toes. Here Charmaine is treating Lori to a signature welcome by One & Only Reethi Rah. Foot washing is also a gesture of great respect and hospitality in many cultures with even Biblical references.
Best of the Maldives: Sunglass Cleaning – Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
International Workers Day today is a chance to celebrate the sterling work that the Maldives resort staff provide every day of the year. They do every thing from keep us safe on snorkel trips to making sure that every whim is catered for.
One of my favourite all time roles is Four Seasons Kuda Huraa “sunglasses cleaner” which we saw when we visited there (but didn’t get a picture). He even has a name a perfect as his role…“Dr. Shade”
“Mohamed Shareef, 28, has been working at the Four Seasons for almost seven years… I start work by 1:30 p.m., and I walk around and repair and clean guest sunglasses. Most people love to see Dr. Shade. I wear a stethoscope and a white coat. I have some tools. Mostly I just clean the glasses, but I can fix them if I need to.”
Workers of the World Unfog!
Best of the Maldives: Colourful Uniforms – W Retreat
London Fashion Week is in full sashay, but on the more tropical catwalk, the trend setting resort W Retreat is leading the way with a recent revamp of its own staff fashions. The colourful uniforms were designed by Tahir Sultan (thanks Paola)…
“The collection, named ‘Infinite days and Infinite nights”, featured Island-styled attire for both men and women, and the uniforms will certainly cause a surge of excitement as hotel staff roam around in couture designs. Sultan’s Kuwaiti and Indian heritage was seemingly apparent in his collection through traditional styles for both menswear and womenswear. His flair for the art fashion exuded through his heightened ability to aim for perfection which was carefully included in intricately designed pieces.”