I've just returned home from the most magical two weeks in the Maldives, and I can now easily see why people fall in love with this country of scattered turquoise atolls. The first part of my trip was the week long art retreat I hosted with Blue Ocean Maldives - I have so much to fill you in on when it comes to the incredible marine megafauna encounters we had. It was a week of non stop snorkelling action, so when the opportunity arose to spend the next week painting and relaxing at two luxury resorts in the Lhaviyani atoll I couldn't think of a better way to end my trip.
The adventure started with a seaplane ride to Fushifaru. We were greeted at the airport by the BeKind team who showed us to the lounge, we were spoiled from the off with food and drinks while we waited for our flight to depart. Seaplanes are very small and can usually own fit about 15 passengers, they are the primary mode of transport to reach the remote resorts in the Maldives, and landing on the water is an adventure in itself. The views from the sky are incredible, seeing the islands, sand bars and reefs below. Our journey took about 45 minutes, and I definitely recommend ear plugs and a fan if you are travelling on a seaplane!
We were greeted by beautiful white sand beaches and traditional Maldivian drumming. Our host Mizy showed us to our villa, sat over the water with a ladder straight into the ocean we knew we had arrived in paradise. Though it wasn't time to settle into the room just yet as sunset was my first live painting session. As part of Fushifaru's International Women's Day programme I had been invited to the resort to do a live painting session during cocktail hour. With live acoustic music and the setting sun over the Indian ocean this was one of the most beautiful places I have ever worked.
I started this piece back in Scotland, researching the Lhaviyani atoll as inspiration. The Maldives is a marine paradise, home to the world's largest population of reef manta rays. The reef manta, mobula alfredi, is one of the most graceful ocean giants. These incredibly intelligent animals play an essential role in coral reef ecosystems by nutrient cycling. They also play a role of transport, food and shelter for other fish. The Lhaviyani atoll is known for its healthy hard coral gardens and an identified population of 370 reef manta rays. The manta became the obvious choice for me for the hero of this image.
I then began building a thriving coral reef with turtles, trevally, tuna and sharks, as well as all the tiny reef fish and corals that bring a coral reef city to life. I spent the first live painting session blocking in the first layer of colour with watercolour. It was great to chat to guests at the resort about my work and show them a closer look at the details.
The next day we awoke to the turquoise waters surrounding our tranquil bungalow. It was the best nights sleep after being at sea for 8 days. We headed for breakfast looking out over the sea with the most abundant selection of fresh fruits, coffee and just about anything you could wish for. As a coeliac I was well looked after, everything was really clearly labelled with allergens and I was brought gluten free bread with my avocados and poached eggs. I would fully recommend Fushifaru to anyone with coeliac disease, and as we know finding the resorts that just get it isn't easy!
After breakfast we explored the island, before being whisked away on a private sandbar picnic. The island itself is only small, and you can probably walk around the whole place in about 20 minutes, but with beautiful gardens shading the paths and stunning views at every point you could easily find yourself meandering round here for days on end.
We were dropped off by boat at the sand bar where we found a picnic waiting for us under the canopy, along with drinks, towels and umbrellas (which were very much needed when you come from the Scottish Highlands). The water surrounding the sandbar was an unreal shade of blue, and it was so peaceful spending the afternoon alone here.
After a mini feast, swim and relax in the hammock we were picked up by boat to get ready for the Women's Day party. A cocktail hour was planned with an impressive fire show afterwards. The staff had been working hard to set up the most beautifully pink beach set up, make special cocktails and cakes and surprises for the girls! It was the perfect way to spend our last evening at Fushifaru, we felt so at home here, the staff were so warm and welcoming and I hope to visit again one day.
Part 2: Meyyafushi
In the morning we took a boat over to Meyyafushi, a brand new resort opened by the same team behind Fushifaru. This island was much bigger and the two resorts have a totally different feel, whilst maintaining the same luxury and incredible service. We were still greeted by the warm Maldivian hospitality, drumming and a fresh pineapple drink. We had four nights to spend here, plenty of time to unwind before my next painting session. We had a game of bowling when we arrived and went snorkelling on the house reef to meet some of the marine life inspiring my painting. But with the most incredible room, with its own pool on the balcony and the biggest bathrooms i've ever seen, just staying here was the real treat. We watched dolphins from the balcony, with young sting rays and juvenile black tip reef sharks learning to hunt in the shallows beneath us.
The Maldives really has water that is a blue not quite seen anywhere else. It was the perfect place to work on my painting, with the sound of gentle waves lapping beneath the villa. The vibrancy of the water and life here reflected in the colour palette of this painting.
The days flew by and for our last morning on the island we were treated to the most incredible breakfast i've ever had. A floating breakfast brought to our pool, with coffee, fresh juices, fruit, gluten free bakes and pancakes, eggs and a whole boat of food. It was the most amazing experience with the rising sun and the most delicious fresh food whilst floating in a pool overlooking the Indian ocean.
The treats continued as we had a spa treatment booked for the afternoon, a shoulder, neck and back massage was selected for us. The treatment rooms overlook the water with a cut out in the massage beds so you can watch the marine life below. There was juvenile eagle rays cruising by in the shallows which made it one of the most special spa experiences.
I had my final sunset painting session to finish the art work. There was live music in the background with yet another beautiful view. Finishing the original art work in the place that both inspired it and will become its home.
After a week in paradise it was time to start the long journey back to the Highlands, but the Maldives has definitely stolen a place in my heart. There is something so special about these atolls, and the marine life that calls them home. We are so grateful to Fushifaru and Meyyafushi for gifting us this once in a lifetime experience, and I don't think my studio will ever feel quite the same after painting in a place like this!
My finished work, that I have entitled 'Madi' which is the Dhivehi word for manta ray is now available as a limited edition print. On beautifully textured Hahnemühle German Etching paper this print is as vibrant as the place that inspired it. Limited edition prints available here.
