News
Maldives Chaaya hotels pledge “I will be Green”
Maldives.net.mv – The Maldives are home to a small group of Elite Green Globe Members, renowned to lead by example: The Chaaya Island Dhonveli, the Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo, and the Chaaya Lagoon Hakuura Huraa. All three properties have been enthusiastically involved in environmental protection activities for years – to live by the John Keells Group pledge “I will be Green.” In observance of World Tourism Day 2013, all three Chaaya Resorts organized a series of events under the motto “Tourism and Water.”
September 27 marked the United Nations’ calendar day, highlighting tourism – a sector that is driving socio-economic growth and development all over the world. This year’s World Tourism Day was held under the theme of “Tourism and Water – Protecting our Common Future.” The Republic of Maldives, one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries, and a major tourist destination, was hosting the official celebrations.
A special VCD was produced for each resort, capturing major water related activities and marine life around the resort. In addition, an information leaflet was provided, giving insights on sustainability and conservation of the environment, biodiversity and climate change – with respect to the tourism industry. More than 400 VCD’s and leaflets were handed out to in-house guests during their breakfast, and everybody was invited to participate in the special seminar on marine life around the Maldives. A special proposal on coral reef restoration project was submitted by the Dive Center Manager at the Chaaya Dhonveli.
Participating guests, students and teachers from nearby island schools appraised the efforts of the Resort Management and Dive Center staff, in celebration of this special event. The students were also given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the hotel operations. A delicious lunch concluded the morning activities for the students.
“We are delighted to host the celebrations of World Tourism Day and support this important and timely initiative here in the Maldives,” said Mr. Kumar Prem, General Manager at the Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo Resort. “The Maldives is a paradigm of well-managed and sustainable water use in developing island states, where the availability of fresh water and the level of water consumption have become a particular concern. Our commitment is reflected in our management principles and daily practices, which aim at building a sustainable future for the generations to come. Chaaya Resorts in the Maldives have reduced their water consumption by 31.1%. The current water footprint of the sector is 543 liters per guest.”
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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