If you have had the delight of visiting the Maldives, then you know that most resorts have a similar vibe. Picture: all white everything. White crisp bed linen awaiting a peaceful night’s sleep, white sheer curtains looking out to the crystal clear ocean and even the whitest of powder-soft sand, which stretches the entire island. Paradise, for some. Absolutely. But, what about those who want to add a ‘little spice’ as TikTok would have us saying?
Oaga Art Resort has taught me what I need in a holiday, and that is soul. From the moment I stepped from the boat, across the clearest ocean I’d ever seen in my life, to the island which had me singing Moana’s ‘Where You Are’ in my head for the entirety of my stay, I felt at home. For someone who gets a little anxious (at many things truthfully) but especially while travelling, simply being looked after by staff who treat you, almost like family, is the perfect remedy.
One thing Oaga doesn’t lack, which I think seems to be rare in the Maldives, is colour. I don’t know about you, but colour just lifts my spirits. I need it around me to feel good, even if I am in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Inspired by the captivating history and mesmerising folklore of the Maldives, Oaga’s walls are covered in colourful art created by local artists and craftsmen. They’ve taken the tropical oasis that everyone knows the Maldives to be, and married it with a more contemporary feel, overflowing with Maldivian culture. My idea of paradise.
What different types of accommodation do they offer?
When you say ‘The Maldives’ to most people, I guarantee you they picture the stunning villas which sit on pillars above the sea. I did, before visiting Oaga. Don’t get me wrong, they do have amazing Water Villas with brightly coloured slides aiming straight into the ocean, but I was won over by the resort’s Haruge Beach Villa, where I made a home out of for the duration of my stay. They pitch the triangular hut-like villas as the selling point for honeymooners, and I have to say, I couldn’t agree more. With its own small private circular pool and an ocean sunset view, these delightful high-ceiling houses are perfect for anyone celebrating their big day.
Romance has also been injected into their Voyoge Gallery Pool Villas, which have been inspired by a tale of two star-crossed lovers who jumped into the waters of a lake to reach each other, even though they were forbidden. Discovering the ‘Veyo Garden Stream’ which leads into each of the pools in the Voyoge Gallery Villas was just, mesmerising. It’s a little hidden away, so I’ll let you in on exactly how to find the secret haven. Head towards the water villas and you’ll find the Sobi Bar, which has an inviting swimming pool with a deceiving section which leads to the river-shaped oasis. Once you’ve found it you’ll likely be on your own and surrounded by luscious green foliage, vibrant tropical flowers and the melodious sound of the Island’s birds singing their favourite tune. Bliss.
