Using Art As Therapy For Mental Wellbeing In Kandima Maldives

Maldives is an island nation located in Southern Asia, surrounded by the Indian Ocean

Well before humans had diagnosed mental health issues or sought to find treatment for them, art in its varying forms had provided succour to those who suffered. However, art is not limited in scope to being only a medium of therapy, as even the happiest people can attest to its calming and restorative powers. These powers are further enhanced when art is created in beautiful environs where nature provides both inspiration and a scenic setting. I can personally attest to this concept, having recently had an amazing experience during my stay at Kandima Maldives.

Maldives is an island nation located in Southern Asia, surrounded by the Indian Ocean. It consists of a chain of 26 atolls made up of numerous islands. People who are active on social media will know of this celebrity-favourite holiday destination with its pristine white sandy beaches offset by calm waters in varying shades of blue and green – an effect of the coral reefs beneath – and the lovely, warm hospitality its island resorts are known for. I stayed at the Kandima Maldives, as it was a premier holiday destination for families, and what I truly appreciated about my stay there was the focus on overall wellbeing.

Kandima Maldives is a one island resort with a vibrant and technology-first stance to appeal to clients. Their USP is to curate a ‘reimagined lifestyle’ for every guest, and this attention to detail makes Kandima Maldives a wonderful holiday experience for families, couples, groups of friends and all kinds of travellers. Right from the time one arrives at the resort on a seaplane from Male, flying low above stunning reefs and lagoons of the Indian Ocean, Kandima Maldives envelops you into a lifestyle experience that focusses on wellness, adventure, culinary surprises and relaxation.

During a stay at Kandima Maldives, one can choose from a host of indulgent experiences based on their unique lifestyle preferences. These include exploring hidden gems in and around the island, staying active by working out in their gym or playing tennis, walking or bicycling around the 3km long island stretch, taking painting lessons with resident artists, snorkelling in the open sea to explore the colourful reefs, practicing wellness, or choosing exciting activities like learning how to dive.

Though I participated in many of these wonderful experiences, the one that really made a mark on me and inspired me to write this article, was the art class I took at KULA Art Studio – Kandima’s in-house art studio located on the property. Placed over a beautiful lake surrounded by lush green trees, the studio itself is enough to bring forth the artist in anyone. However, for people who may be hesitant to try their hand at actually creating the art, Kandima’s resident artists, who are locals from the area, conduct painting and craft lessons with patience and detail.

As a newbie to this field, I never believed it possible that I too could paint something which looked half decent. Yet, under the skilled guidance of Zima, Kandima’s resident artist, I made a lovely painting, which was therapeutic through its creative process and confidence-boosting through its result. She first asked me to pick a landscape that I liked from a selection of pictures she had at hand. Then she painstakingly guided me through the drawing, mixing of paints, application of paint to paper, focus on tiny but intricate details and the completion of the work so that it could be taken back to India with me to adorn my home. My six-year-old son gave me company through the class but he was left to his own devices, as the Kandima team considers it wise to let a child’s artistic endeavours flourish on their own.

Through that entire process which lasted a little over an hour, I went from a giggly sceptic to a firm believer in the power of art as therapy for mental wellbeing. Not only was I feeling calmer and more at peace than I had in many days, but I had also learnt a new skill for the first time. While I was painting, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful artworks on display at the studio. On probing, I learnt these were all done by local Maldivian artists and proceeds from sales of these artworks would go directly to them as part of Kandima’s CSR initiative.

This sweet little travel experience may not seem impactful on the face of it, but it made a huge impact on me. I now know that when I’m feeling blue for any reason whatsoever, I can paint my feelings on paper. And I’m truly grateful to Kandima Maldives for teaching me this lesson.