1. Was there a defining moment or personal experience that sparked your vision for Oaga as a brand?

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It wasn't a single 'aha!' moment that sparked Oaga. It was more of a collective awakening within our family. Oaga was, from its inception, a deeply collaborative passion project. It stemmed from countless late-night discussions, from sharing cherished childhood memories – the warmth of our grandmothers' cooking, the joy of neighborhood traditions – all these vibrant experiences that felt so uniquely ours. There was a profound sense that we had something special to offer, something beyond the typical tourist experience. 

We saw how visitors experienced the Maldives, often in a superficial way, and it didn't align with the authentic connection we felt to our home. As a locally owned, family business, we felt a responsibility, a calling, to create something that truly represented us, a brand that celebrated what it really means to be Maldivian. 

This wasn't just a business idea; it was a way to share the Maldives we knew and loved. We understood the unique challenge of our geography – 1200 scattered islands, each with its own distinct flavor. It's impossible to experience it all in one trip. So, Oaga became a carefully curated experience, a way to capture the essence of the Maldives, the highlights delivered in small, potent doses. Thus, it was envisioned as an ART resort to cohesively narrate the Maldivian story through different art forms and as a collaborative project from local creatives - spanning from architects, musicians, performance and visual artists, culinary artists to traditional healers, etc., who all worked alongside us to bring this vision to life.

Oaga, in essence, is a family's love letter to the Maldives. Faudii, my cousin brother is a notable catalyst who helped lay the foundation of this project along with my sister and husband. A lot of local artists and other key players also joined in to contribute in different capacities at very early stages of this project. Consequently, Oaga is a storyteller, weaving the narrative of our people through a rich tapestry of art, from our intricate design and architecture to our murals, from our welcome amenities to our greetings, 'Aanlheoa' to 'Hiy Huba’. It's a curated product, born from our shared memories and passion, designed to offer guests a genuine glimpse into the soul of our islands.

2. Creating something as unique as Oaga requires courage and conviction. What kept you motivated during the challenging moments of bringing this vision to life? 

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During the challenging moments, what truly fueled my conviction was a deep sense of personal responsibility. As a completely locally owned family business, we felt a profound need to honor our heritage and ancestors. We were driven to create a brand that not only reflected our values but also served as a legacy, something we could proudly say was built from the heart of our community. It always felt way beyond a hospitality venture, but a mission to uphold what’s truly ours. 

On a deeply personal level, my ambition is significantly rooted in the unwavering support of my parents. My father's enduring belief in our vision served as a powerful motivator throughout this journey. It required immense trust for him to entrust a project of this magnitude to us, his children. He has always been an ambitious and innovative leader, forging his own path over the past four decades. I draw considerable strength from his example, and the desire to honor his legacy by creating a brand for the next generation has been a constant driving force.

3. When a guest steps into Oaga, what feelings or experiences do you hope they take away? 

Every villa, every space at Oaga, is a chapter in the grand narrative of the Maldives. The design and architecture are not just aesthetically pleasing; they are storytellers. 

Our Odi Water Villas, for instance, are imbued with the legendary tales of Koimala and the Deyvis tribe, a documented glimpse into the very origins of Maldivian history. The story continues throughout the resort, each space revealing a different facet of our culture. The A frames of our Haruge villas, artistically hinting the traditional boat building structures, speak of our seafaring heritage. Throughout Oaga, over 350 murals adorn the walls and pools, showcase diverse Maldivian narratives, as interpreted by local artists. Each mural reveals hidden stories for guests to uncover. For instance, the streetstyle cats and roosters graffitied on the walls of our bathrooms, is a playful and whimsical nod to the animals that once roamed freely in traditional Gifili bathrooms. 

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From the very foundation of our architecture to the minutest detail of our interior design, Oaga encapsulates the rich tapestry of the Maldivian people – our stories, our traditions, our very soul. Each element and space on this island holds a narrative, an avenue for guests to engage in a conversation about our heritage. 

We want our guests to leave Oaga not just with memories, but with a newfound understanding of the Maldives. We want them to be intrigued, to be curious, to delve deeper into the unique stories that make us who we are. We want them to forge a genuine connection with our island home, to feel the warmth of our hospitality, the rhythm of our music, the vibrancy of our art. We want them to leave with a memory that is not just authentic, but transformative, a memory that resonates long after they've returned home.

4. Oaga’s connection to Maldivian culture feels authentic and heartfelt. How has your personal relationship with local heritage shaped the way culture is expressed throughout the resort? 

Growing up in Malé, I've witnessed firsthand the rapid transformation of our islands. The simple, interconnected life I knew as a child, where I was able to run on the roads of male’ from one grandparent’s house to the other fearlessly - feels almost like a dream now. The pace of change, the influx of modern influences, has undeniably altered our landscape and, in many ways, our cultural fabric. 

As a Generation Z Maldivian, I stand at a unique point in our history. I've seen the incredible development our nation has undergone, but I've also felt immense loss of some of the very things that made us distinctly Maldivian – our 'Amihlavanthakan,' our individuality. Some of the stories that my parents, and my grandparents told me about their childhood and livelihood here – is sadly, completely unrecognizable to me. While embracing progress is essential, I believe we have a responsibility to preserve the essence of who we are. 

Oaga was never about recreating a lost past; it's about celebrating the enduring spirit of Maldivian culture, the stories that connect us to our roots, and the values that define us. It's about finding a balance between honoring our heritage and embracing the future, ensuring that our unique identity continues to thrive – through different art forms. 

Take traditional medicine, for example. My great-grandmother was a traditional healer, and those practices are sadly lost with her. But until the introduction of modern medicine couple decades ago – our forefathers completely relied on it for their survival. Of course advancements in healthcare is undoubted fully progress, and it will be impossible to bring the art of traditional healing completely – So, our Hoba Spa, is a creative space where we can tell those stories of age-old local practices and keep that legacy alive, completely reimagined as a modern, luxury spa concept. 

Our spa is dedicated to Maldivian traditional healing, featuring our own 'Atharuge' for Maldivian alchemy. We've even developed a one of its kind hydrotherapy concept, with elements like traditional well incorporated into the journey - inspired by our childhood memories of the unbeatable refreshing showers from the well. This is the kind of individual, authentic experience we want our guests to have at Oaga, something they'll remember long after they've returned home – individualism, served to them in small authentic doses. 

5. Oaga’s vibrant creative energy is fueled by its artists, storytellers, and staff. How did you go about building a team that could bring your vision to life — and what qualities were most important to you in finding the right people to shape Oaga’s character? 

Oaga isn't a static thing. It's a living, breathing story that's constantly being written, and the team is a huge part of that. It's not about me hand-picking individuals to fit a mold; it's about creating an environment where the right people naturally gravitate towards the vision and contribute their unique talents. 

From the beginning, we saw Oaga as a collaborative project, a canvas where artists, storytellers, and passionate individuals from all backgrounds could come together and paint their own strokes. Everyone who has contributed, in whatever capacity, has added a layer to Oaga’s story. I strongly believe the team's dynamic has to be organic - It's about the energy they bring, the way they connect, and how their individual contributions weave together to create something truly special. 

Of course, we looked for certain qualities: a genuine passionate individual, a creative spirit, and their willingness to embrace our unconventional approach. But more than anything, it was about finding people who resonated with the soul of Oaga. People who understood that this wasn't just a job, but a chance to be part of something meaningful, something that impacted our individuality, our heritage and community. 

6. Looking back on the journey of building Oaga, what moment made you feel most certain that you were creating something truly special?

Creating Oaga was a real leap of faith. We had this vision, this dream, to create a product that was authentically ours, at the same time we were completely new to the industry and were unsure how this would take off in the market. 

Our vision for Oaga remained somewhat uncertain until we actually opened our doors in December 2022. It was a euphoric dream we held in our heads, a vision we shared internally. But it wasn't until others saw what we were trying to do here, we felt validated and truly felt we were onto something. The genuine connection our guests felt when they came on the island, it confirmed that all the love we poured into Oaga had truly made an impact.

7. What was the most unexpected lesson you learned while transforming your vision for Oaga into reality?

It's difficult to pinpoint one 'most unexpected' lesson; the entire Oaga journey has been an ongoing learning curve. 

However, if I had to choose, it would be the profound challenge of navigating the human element. Understanding and aligning diverse perspectives, shaped by individual experiences, proved far more complex than I anticipated. 

While we have encouraged creative freedom in interpreting the vision, achieving true synergy has been a continuous process. This aspect, more than any other, has been the most demanding, and I don't necessarily view it as a singular 'lesson learned' but rather an ongoing evolution. 

8. As you look to the future, what excites you most about Oaga’s next chapter, and what lasting impact do you hope it will have for future generations? 

Looking ahead, what truly excites me is Oaga's evolution into a vibrant cultural hub, where creativity thrives and cultural exchange flourishes. It's not just about preserving our heritage; it's about creating a living space where our art, music, and stories are actively celebrated, shared, and exchanged with the rest of the world. Our art residencies, for instance, are already fostering powerful exchanges, leading to impactful projects and connections. 

I envision Oaga as a beacon of hope for local creatives, and a source of inspiration for visiting artists. Currently, boasting the largest art collection in the Maldives, we aim to continue expanding this collection, making Oaga a must-see destination and a hub for creative dialogue. The launch of our 'Beykaaru Vaahaka' podcast, through our Suvaasthi Gallery brand, is just the beginning of creating a space for artists to connect, collaborate, and share their work. 

Ultimately, I hope Oaga inspires a shift in how luxury is perceived. We want to be a catalyst brand that redefines luxury with authenticity, embracing the vibrant colors of our culture and encouraging boldness and bravery. We want to show the world that true luxury is found in genuine connection, in celebrating our unique identity, and in empowering future generations to do the same. We want Oaga to be, not just as a resort, but as a place where creativity thrives, where cultures meet, and where the enduring spirit of the Maldives is celebrated and shared with the world.

9. If Oaga were a piece of art, what emotions or story would you want it to convey — and how does that reflect your own creative inspirations? 

Oaga wouldn't be a single, defined image, but a vibrant tapestry of emotions and stories, constantly shifting and evolving with each person's interpretation. To me, that's the true beauty of art … it's always subjective – and that is exactly its allure. 

But if I had to pin it to one word, I'd say Oaga embodies resilience. It's a story woven into the very fabric of the resort, born after many years of struggle and taking form in the middle of the pandemic. This brand, marked by its unwavering strength, has navigated numerous struggles and challenges, boldly defying conditioned norms, and persists to do so. And I also think it's a story that echoes the spirit of the Maldivian people, who have thrived for generations despite the many limitations on these islands. 

My own creative inspiration has always been rooted in that same sense of resilience. It's about finding beauty and possibility within constraints, about transforming limitations into opportunities for creative expression. Oaga is a testament to that spirit, a place where resilience and resourcefulness are celebrated.