The art piece will weave a cross-cultural narrative that connects the UAE and the Maldives through art and sustainability During her residency, resort guests will also have the opportunity to watch the artist in action with live art sessions and take part in complimentary art workshops
Maldives (10 March 2025): InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is bringing its passion for world-class hospitality and nature to life through a special collaboration with renowned Dubai-based artist Kristel Bechara. As part of the collab, Kristel will start creating the piece at her Dubai studio, using her creative imagination of the resort, and from April 5th, she’ll immerse herself in the island’s beauty, adding the final touches to the painting, inspired by the resort’s wildlife and conservation efforts. Guests can delve into Kristel’s mesmerising artistry and experience art beyond borders that she will bring to life on a canvas, as well as take part in her exclusive workshops before the masterpiece is unveiled on April 9th.
This collaboration with Kristel Bechara is a true celebration of the Maldives’ natural beauty and a reflection of InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort’s deep connection to its surroundings. The residency creates a cultural bridge between the UAE and the Maldives, culminating in an exclusive unveiling on April 9th, where guests can engage with the artist whilst appreciating the art piece and the inspiration behind it. Through such immersive experiences that inspire, educate, and engage, the resort continues to redefine luxury hospitality in a way that honours its delicate ecosystem.
Exclusive Workshops & Live Art Sessions
Guests can make the most of Kristel’s exclusive residency by joining a complimentary workshop where she shares insight into her distinctive style and creative process. Held within the resort, this hands-on session invites participants to unleash their inner artist as Kristel guides them through her techniques to create a personal masterpiece; it’s a chance to learn from the best, let creativity flow, and take home a unique souvenir from their stay. For those who prefer to watch the magic unfold, Kristel will also host live art sessions throughout her residency, offering a rare glimpse into her creative process.
When: Between April 5th and 10th, 2025
Kristel’s art will be a celebration of life and beauty in all its forms, making her the perfect artist to capture the breathtaking wildlife of InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. Known for her bold patterns and expressive colours set against striking monochromatic backgrounds, her work is known to be both vivid and thought-provoking, working across both traditional canvas and digital mediums.
For over a decade, award-winning contemporary artist Kristel Bechara has built an impressive career in the UAE and took her creativity to a global level, by exhibiting her vibrant collections at galleries across Tokyo, Milan, London, Côte d’Azur, Miami, and Brussels. Her artistic vision has led to collaborations with global brands like TEDx, Lenovo, and Samsung, showcasing her profound influence in the art world. She also made headlines as the first Middle Eastern artist to launch paintings through blockchain, redefining the intersection of art and technology.
Sitting on the idyllic Southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and near a juvenile manta ray aggregation spot, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort uses its unique location near a juvenile manta feeding ground to support vital research while giving guests the chance to learn about these incredible creatures through expert-led talks and eco-conscious excursions. The resort takes a thoughtful approach to island living, using solar power, minimising waste, sourcing local produce, and restoring coral reefs to protect the environment it calls home. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, guests are truly offered with indulgent complimentary benefits alongside luxurious five-star Maldivian facilities such as overwater villas, an adults-only area and a tranquil spa.
*For reservations and more information, please visit www.maldives.