News
Leading in conservation, Taj Exotica becomes the first resort in Maldives to receive the EarthCheck Gold certification
Maldives.net.mv – A Member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa recently had the honor of being certified “EarthCheck Gold”, making them the first resort to receive the gold certification in Maldives. The multi-award winning resort has been recognized for the many conservations projects they undertake; their community initiatives are to be applauded as well.
EarthCheck is considered to be the world’s most credible environmental benchmarking and certification program for the travel and tourism sector. Using a science-based approach, EarthCheck helps the world’s leading companies to address risk, deliver bottom line efficiencies, maximize guest experience and minimize their environmental footprints.
One of the conservation initiatives adopted by the resort since 2011 is Reef Recharge (reefrecharge.com) – an artificial coral propagation and conservation project. Coral frames are planted in the name of guests who contribute to the project, which in turn increases coral growth near the resort and bio-diversity on the local reefs. During the course of this program, other activities such as turtle rescues also take place.
Among the initiatives to reduce their carbon foot print, Taj Exotica has its own water bottling plant allowing the resort to use reusable glass bottles, and saving on the usage of tens of thousands of plastic bottles each year. Additional practices include the use of energy efficient light fittings and flushing systems. Mr. Ranjit Phillipose, the General Manager of Taj Exotica, says that the resort practices these initiatives on a scale where they are taken in to the guest areas and not just confined to the back of the house.
Taj Exotica is also closely involved in contributing time and resources to Maafushi Island Orphanage Education Training Center (ETCC) as part of giving back to the community. Mr. Phillipose says the management and staff of the resort makes it a point to visit the center at least twice a year to spend some time with the children. At the same time, supplies that consist mainly of food items are sent to the orphanage on a monthly basis. Mr. Phillipose went on to say that, “Time is important for us, but I don’t mind taking that time to invest in the future but spending some time with the under privileged children.”
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
Awards
Jalboot Group claims three honours at World Luxury Travel Awards 2026
Jalboot Group has won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, marking the second consecutive year the marine leisure and transport services provider has received recognition at the event.
The awards were presented during a gala ceremony held on 24 October at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Thailand.
Jalboot Group and its marine leisure brand, Koamas by Jalboot, received awards in three categories:
- Best Diving Experience in Maldives: Koamas by Jalboot
- Best Luxury Water Transfer in Indian Ocean: Jalboot Group
- Best Water Sport & Activities in Indian Ocean Islands: Koamas by Jalboot
The awards recognise the company’s operations across marine leisure and transport services in the Maldives, including watersports, resort-based recreational activities and inter-island water transfers.
RJ Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jalboot Group, said the recognition reflected the contributions of the company’s team across its operations.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised across three categories at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards. This milestone reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork of everyone at Jalboot. Our goal has always been to create experiences that reflect the essence of luxury and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, both on and beneath the water.”
Jalboot Group continues to expand its operations in the Maldives as a provider of integrated maritime solutions, including luxury yacht charters, marine transport and resort-based leisure services.
The three awards further recognise the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean’s marine tourism and transport sectors.
Action
Kandooma Maldives adds pickleball to recreational offerings
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
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