As part of this year’s Maldives National Day festivities, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is honoring the cultural legacy and artistic brilliance of the Maldives with a vibrant program that highlights the essence of local creativity, marine heritage, and traditional culinary experiences. This exclusive celebration taking place on August 24 forms part of the resort’s continued efforts to promote authentic cultural engagement for international visitors in a refined and immersive setting.
Showcasing Marine Beauty through Art
The highlight of the celebration will be a special exhibition featuring the work of Maldivian watercolor artist Shimha Shakeeb. Recognized as the resort’s “Artist in House” throughout 2025, Shimha has earned national acclaim for her delicate and vivid representations of Maldivian marine life. Her latest collection, a series of 40 meticulously hand-painted fish illustrations — captures the ecological richness of the Maldives’ coral reefs and lagoons with scientific accuracy and artistic grace.
These illustrations are being curated into a bespoke Fish Card, a beautifully designed identification guide for guests eager to explore the resort’s surrounding reef and lagoons. This personalized touch enables travelers to deepen their understanding of the marine ecosystem in a visually engaging way, making the underwater experience more educational and memorable.
Intimate Artistic Encounter at the Beach Shack
The exhibition will be hosted at the resort’s Beach Shack, a beachfront venue known for its relaxed elegance and stunning sunset views. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Shimha in person, engage in conversations about her artistic journey, and observe her live painting demonstrations, offering a rare window into the creative process behind her celebrated works. Through this interaction, visitors are invited to experience the soul of Maldivian artistry in an intimate, beachfront setting.
A Night of Music, Flavors, and Island Market
The evening will continue with a Maldivian Night celebration featuring an engaging mix of traditional music, culturally inspired culinary offerings, and a curated island market. Guests can savor a selection of local dishes crafted with regional ingredients, experience rhythmic performances that reflect the country’s rich heritage, and browse through stalls by island artisans showcasing handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Set against the pristine backdrop of the Indian Ocean, this cultural gathering not only entertains but also connects travelers with the living traditions of the Maldives, transforming a luxury stay into a meaningful journey into local life.
Empowering Female Creativity and Cultural Preservation
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, remains committed to preserving the country’s heritage and promoting local talent, with a strong focus on empowering women in the arts. By spotlighting Shimha Shakeeb and supporting her work, the resort underscores its dedication to nurturing female creatives and ensuring that Maldivian stories continue to be shared through diverse artistic expressions.
This initiative reflects the resort’s broader sustainability and community engagement ethos, where tourism serves as a platform for cultural preservation, education, and empowerment.
Plan Your Cultural Getaway
Located within the Fari Islands archipelago, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives offers travelers a seamless blend of island luxury and authentic experiences. With curated events like these, the resort invites guests not only to relax in paradise but also to connect deeply with the Maldives’ cultural and natural heritage.
To explore upcoming events and plan your stay, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives. Follow @ritzcarltonmaldives on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the celebrations.
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