BY SARA DARLING
ISLAND LIFE JUST GOT BETTER
You may not expect the Maldives, with its five star resorts and barefoot honeymoon reputation to be home to some of the coolest artists in the world. But, Patina in the Fari Islands is a little different from its contemporaries, and this October is hosting an immersive fashion, art and wellness event, which promises the cream of exciting international talent.
MUSIC
Taking place between 26 – 29 October 2023, the ‘Cosmopolitan Ocean’ festival will open with a party featuring Welsh electronic musician and producer Kelly Lee Owens (below) who is renowned for creating pure, laid back grooves along with techno bangers and collaborations with St Vincent, Bjork, John Cale, Jon Hopkins and Jenny Hval. Her versatility means that guests can dip into her varied soundtrack throughout the duration of their stay.
WELLNESS
The event, aimed at building bridges between today’s globalised communities and the future of the ecosystem of Indian Ocean, boasts a programme to stimulate guests and develop new skills so they will depart with new life habits; these range from healing arts workshops led by practitioner and Experience as Healing alumnus, Avery Whitmore and include sound healing, breathwork and meditation sessions. Guests can enjoy group sessions or bespoke one on ones.
ART
Day two is the unveiling of a large-scale, oceans-plastics artwork, created by Pamela
Longobardi, Oceanic Society’s Artist-in-Nature. Titled ‘Ocean Archaeology of Our Time’ this
promises to be a thought-provoking instalment and comment on the future of the planet. As
a conceptual artist and art activist whose work calls attention to the environmental crisis of
marine plastic pollution, Pamela works with non-degradable plastic trash dumped into our
waterways and beaches, and reinterprets the debris through abstract paintings,
documentary photography, intricate assemblages, and large-scale installations.
FASHION
Visitors will also be the first to set eyes on the exclusive LA-based streetwear label Stampd Founded in 2011 by Chris Stamp, this ‘avantstreet’ lifestyle brand has an affinity with the ocean, and when Chris visited Patina Maldives in November 2022, he was inspired to create a limited capsule collection; he will also be exhibiting hundreds of Polaroids that documented the people and the island energy that represent Patina and Stampd’s laid back style.
COLLABORATIONS
Other treats in store are a brand new scent from Margate’s Haeckel’s brand which is pioneered by the company. The ocean-safe Mycelium-packaged ‘Cosmopolitan Ocean’ parfum has been commissioned for the hotel and promises a true holiday reminder.
INFO
For further information and updates on Cosmopolitan Ocean at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands/cosmopolitan-ocean.
Rates at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands during Cosmopolitan Ocean start from USD3,200++ (approx GBP 2537++) per night based on two adults sharing a One Bedroom Pool Villa on a half board (breakfast and dinner) basis, including all-access to theCosmopolitan Ocean programme, nightly cocktails and return airport boat transfers for stays of four consecutive nights or more, plus complimentary Guest Benefits. Price excludes tax and service.
To book visit Patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands,
email reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com or tel. +960 4000 555.