Atmosphere Core features RAAYA by Atmosphere, a stunning venue located in the beautiful Raa Atoll in the northern part of the Maldives, which was recently highlighted as the destination for an exclusive tourism experience for Maldivian media and tourism professionals.
RAAYA Island is a natural wonder in itself, and shares an intriguing backstory that will capture the hearts of intrepid travelers. RAAYA’s story begins with Cebu, an artistic sailor who washed up on the island’s shores after a violent storm. His ship veered off course and he was left stranded in this incredible natural paradise. Cebu adapted to life adrift and dedicated himself to learning from what Mother Nature had to offer. Today, Cebu’s adventurous spirit is reflected in every aspect of RAAYA’s extraordinary experience, from unique dining to artistic activities and creative adventures, all woven together with sensitive storytelling.
To share the story of RAAYA, our artistic hero’s epic journey and island life, Atmosphere Core recently invited local media and tourism representatives to experience RAAYA by Atmosphere first-hand. Distinguished attendees included representatives from the Maldives Tourism Industry Association (MATI), Maldives Insider, Hotels Maldives, Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), International Maldives Travel Market (IMTM Online), Maldives Halal Travel and Travelution Media.
The visit allowed Maldivian media and tourism marketers to experience the island’s unique features and reconnect with island life through Cebu’s art and installations. Particularly memorable was the dhoni building and painting workshop. This hands-on activity holds special meaning as it was born out of Cebu’s desire to preserve his memories through arts and crafts. While on the island, he photographed and documented his journey so others could empathize and understand his story. This meaningful activity was followed by the ceremony of Raya, a symbolic dhoni race that marks the beginning and end of Cebu’s extraordinary island journey.
Our dining experience together was extraordinary and deeply rooted in Cebuano’s sustainable practices, starting with seeds harvested from plants and growing his own food from scratch. This tradition continues, and the seeds he left behind are now available for anyone to use from his farm in Cebu, reflecting his enduring connection to the island.
A nature walk through the island’s lush mangrove forests offered a glimpse into the “circle of life” that Seb observed during his stay. This journey through nature was not just a stroll, but also a journey into the deep connection with the environment that nurtured him.
Finally, the group toured the watchtowers that Seb built around the island and that ultimately played a key role in his rescue. These towers are a testament to his resourcefulness and determination, and mark key points in his survival story.
Cebu’s installations are dotted around RAAYA, each revealing a part of his story for visitors to discover and explore, experiences that local representatives had throughout their stay. These experiences deepened their understanding of Cebu’s journey and the unique charm of RAAYA, making their visit enriching and memorable.
