Nestled in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldivian archipelago, where turquoise waters meet pristine sands, Patina Maldives stands as a beacon of art, culture, and sustainability.
This October, the resort hosted its first Cosmopolitan Ocean festival, a four-day immersive experience that celebrates the legacy and future of oceanic cosmopolitanism.
Cosmopolitan Ocean weaves a tapestry of art, music, and knowledge, bringing together artists, healing practitioners, and entertainers to reinterpret the story of cross-cultural exchange.
The festival builds a symbolic bridge between the globalized communities of today and the ancient Indian Ocean, a region that’s historically been a focal point for human interaction.
Art & Culture Connect
The experience kicked off with a collaboration that seamlessly blends art with fashion. Patina Maldives partnered with Los Angeles streetwear designer Chris Stamp of Stampd to create an exclusive capsule collection made entirely of sustainable and ethically-sourced materials.
The collection features brand staples like its camp collar button-up, swim trunks, and relaxed tees with exclusive graphics and images inspired by the beauty of the Fari Islands — all captured on-location by Stamp from his iPhone.
“The way in which Patina brings art and hospitality together is the future of resort living,” Stamp says. “I’m excited to continue their story, alongside mine, to further create an on-island experience like no other, for the modern traveler.”
What sets Patina apart is its embrace of artists and culture. The resort houses a collection of works by some of the world's foremost contemporary artists, including James Turrell, Hiroko Takeda, and Cássio Vasconcellos.
But these pieces aren’t simply displayed in galleries; they’re integrated into the very fabric of the resort, inviting guests to interact with them in unexpected and inspiring ways. For example, Amarta, one of Turrell’s signature skyspace structures, is built in the heart of the island.
Ever the master of light and perception, his immersive installations challenge our understanding of space and reality — inviting us to slow down and contemplate the nature of light and its transformative power.
Oceanic Inspirations
Building on Patina's commitment to the arts and social responsibility, the festival delved into the realm of environmental consciousness with the unveiling of an installation by conceptual artist and activist Pam Longobardi. Longobardi's work, made entirely of ocean plastics, highlights the marine plastic pollution crisis and serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's impact on the planet.
Comprising nearly 1,000 pieces of ocean plastic, this collaborative work uses recovered plastic washed ashore on the Fari Islands. In the environmentally vulnerable Maldives where it’s at the forefront of climate change challenges, she forces us to confront the reality of our actions and imagine a different future.
The Power of Sound, Smell & Spirit
For those seeking alternative healing practices, LA-based sound meditation and breathwork practitioner Avery Whitmore guided visitors on a journey of self-discovery. Patina was the perfect backdrop for his residency to harness the power of sound and promote well-being.
As twilight approached the first night, Whitmore orchestrated an oceanic prelude on the beach that set the tone for the week to come. The ceremony blended a transcendent performance by electronic musician Kelly Lee Owens, whose atmospheric soundscapes served as the festival’s soundtrack throughout the weekend.
Capturing the essence of these shores wasn't easy, but Patina asked its official amenities partner, Haeckels, an all-natural skincare brand from the UK, to create a plastic-free fragrance inspired by the island as a parting gift for guests. The roll-on scent was a fitting tribute that transported guests back to paradise.
Celebrating Natural Beauty
The festivities culminated in a grand finale where a friendly sailing race showcased the stunning beauty of the Fari Islands. Guests were whisked away aboard three luxury catamarans to bask in the azure seas of the Indian Ocean, where the weight of the world was gently lifted, if only for a moment.
It's an experience that stays with you long after departing the idyllic shores of Patina Maldives — it certainly will for me.
