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Starwood Hotels bans shark fin in all hotels

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Maldives.net.mv – As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announced that, beginning July 2014, it will no longer procure shark fin in any of its nearly 1,200 hotels or 1,300 restaurants around the world.  The company has committed to completely eliminating the consumption of shark fin, without exception, in all restaurants and food and beverage services across its global portfolio by year-end.  Starwood is the first global hotel operator to take this strong stand and commit to banning the ingredient across its entire portfolio.

Frits van Paasschen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Starwood, said: “At Starwood, we believe economic growth and the well-being of society are inextricably tied to the health of the environment, including the health of the world’s oceans and its inhabitants.  Our worldwide ban on shark fin represents an important, environmentally responsible step to aid in the collective goal of marine preservation.  As a company with a collection of hotels that span the globe, Starwood has a unique opportunity to influence travelers and guests worldwide, and to underline the importance of good stewardship of our planet.”

“This is tremendously good news and a beacon of corporate leadership in ocean health,” said Peter Seligmann, CEO, Chairman and co-founder of Conservation International, a global partner of Starwood’s since 2009.  “As apex predators, sharks serve a critical role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, which directly support our fisheries, economies, culture and health. Their value to human well-being is so much greater than the misguided worth of their severed fins. Starwood’s company-wide ban on shark fin in each and every one of their properties sends a powerful signal that businesses can be positive change agents in the effort to ensure the responsible use of our planet’s natural capital.”

The world’s shark population is in severe crisis, with an estimated 100 million sharks lost each year to illegal hunting and poaching, primarily for use in traditional luxury dishes throughout Asia, often at weddings.  Some shark species have suffered population declines of as much as 90 to 99 percent in recent decades.

Since first removing shark fin from its public menus in 2012, Starwood has worked diligently with hotel owners and partners around the world to institute an outright ban on the dish, and has already reduced overall purchases of shark fin within the company’s portfolio by 79% in the past two years.

In addition to prohibiting the procurement and consumption of shark fin, Starwood has also banned whale and sea turtle, globally, from all of its menus.  The exclusion of threatened seafood species from the company’s food and beverage venues is an important component of Starwood’s Sustainable Food & Beverage Policy.  Initially published in 2012, the “Eat Local, Think Global” program is a collection of principles that guides sustainable food and beverage sourcing, production, consumption and disposal within and across Starwood properties worldwide.

“As one of the leading global hospitality companies, Starwood is committed to reducing our impact on the environment in every aspect of our business, including in our kitchens, which, in turn, shapes the sustainability practices of our diners and guests,” said Ken Siegel, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of Starwood. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve our operations to reflect our commitment to sustainable food and beverage, ocean conservation and sustainable communities, and we believe that steps like banning shark fin or other endangered species bring us closer to our goal.”

Importantly, Starwood’s “Eat Local, Think Global” Sustainable Food & Beverage Policy is only one pillar of Starwood’s overarching corporate responsibility strategy. Further information on the company’s policies and initiatives will be outlined in Starwood’s Global Citizenship Report, expected to be published later this spring.

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli marks end of 2025 with sustainability-led programmes

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As the year draws to a close, Sun Siyam Olhuveli marked the transition into the New Year with a series of meaningful sustainability experiences that reflect the resort’s lifestyle philosophy, where effortless island living, community connection, and environmental care naturally coexist.

On 31st December 2025, guests and team members came together at Milano Beach on Dream Island for a Coral Planting Experience, transforming the final moments of the year into a shared act of sustainable marine practices. Guided by the resort’s marine biologist and Sun Diving experts, participants collectively placed coral fragments onto one large coral frame, which was then submerged and planted within the resort’s designated coral garden. The experience invited everyone to take part in a single, symbolic act of renewal, deepening their connection to the vibrant marine ecosystem that surrounds the island. Framed as “A New Reef for the New Year,” the initiative reflected unity, continuity, and a shared commitment to protecting the marine environment.

Earlier in the month, on 21st December 2025, the spirit of sustainability travelled beyond the resort to the local island of K. Guraidhoo, where Sun Siyam Olhuveli joined hands with the Guraidhoo Island Council and the local community for a purposeful tree planting initiative rooted in connection and care. Working side by side, participants planted 300 young trees across the island, turning the activity into a shared moment of unity and environmental responsibility. More than enhancing green spaces, the initiative strengthened community bonds and reflected the resort’s belief that sustainability flourishes when communities lead and actions are guided with heart.

Commenting on the initiatives, Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, said: “At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, sustainability is not a separate initiative—it is embedded in how we live, host, and connect. Closing the year by giving back to both the ocean we care, and our neighbouring community reflects our belief that meaningful hospitality should leave a positive footprint. These experiences bring people together with a shared purpose and create impact that lasts well beyond the festive season.”

Closing the year with purpose, Sun Siyam Olhuveli reaffirmed its long-term commitment to responsible hospitality by inviting guests to engage in experiences that go beyond leisure and contribute to lasting positive change. These initiatives form part of Sun Siyam Cares, the group-wide sustainability and social responsibility platform dedicated to environmental conservation, community empowerment, and conscious tourism across all Sun Siyam Resorts.

Through Sun Siyam Cares, Sun Siyam Olhuveli continues to translate intention into action by nurturing new reefs beneath the surrounding waters, planting roots on land, and shaping a more sustainable future for the destinations it calls home.

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef brings ‘Ocean Odyssey’ to life this festive season

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, celebrates a captivating festive season themed “Ocean Odyssey” this festive season. From December 21st, 2025 – 5th January 2026 the festive calendar blends sparkling beachfront moments with curated LED dancers and fire show for entertainment, with fun activities and exclusive raffle giveaways that capture the magic of the season in the heart of Dhaalu Atoll.

Festivities commenced on 21st December with an elegant Tree-Lighting Ceremony and a joyful cocktail gathering. On Christmas Eve, the celebrations continue with our Christmas Eve Gala Dinner. Christmas Day marks a highlight for our younger guests as we welcome the grand arrival of Santa Claus on our shores for a warm and festive meet-and-greet. The cultural journey continues 26th December with “Eveylaa Zamaan” Maldivian Showcase, authentic Grand Maldivian Cuisine and “Boduberu” show, followed by a relaxed evening of water sports and fun with Beach Vibes on 29th December. The season reaches its crescendo on 31st December with the New Year Odyssey Gala Dinner, an evening of exquisite dining accompanied by live music and world-class entertainment.

A curated selection of spa treatments and a variety of complimentary activities offer the perfect parity to our evenings of celebration. This season, spa presents an opportunity for indulgence through our Festive Spa Raffle. Every treatment booked includes a complimentary spa voucher and automatic entry into the Grand New Year’s Eve raffle giveaway on 31st December.

Throughout the holidays, the resort is infused with an enchanting ambience. Guests are invited to venture out on unforgettable excursions to explore an underwater world teeming with marine life, or paddle leisurely on complimentary ocean kayaks, beautifully complementing the “Ocean Odyssey” theme.

The resort’s distinctive restaurants and bars will host a series of themed nights, each showcasing fresh, vibrant flavours and thoughtful pairings. Whether gathering for a sparkling cocktail at sunset or an intimate dinner under the stars, guests will discover a season of connection and well-being, wrapped in the tropical warmth of Maldivian nights.

From the first light of dawn until the stars emerge, experience a holiday meticulously centred on connection. To ensure a seamless start to the New Year, guests can indulge in exclusive wellness packages and bespoke excursions. To guarantee availability for our most exquisite experiences, guests can pre-book their chosen rituals and adventures in advance.

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives wraps Christmas celebrations, prepares NY 2026 line-up

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The festive season has unfolded across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ Maldives properties with a series of Christmas celebrations that brought together guests, island communities and resort teams, setting the tone for a vibrant transition into the New Year. Across all four resorts, the season has been marked by shared moments, seasonal traditions and relaxed island celebrations, with attention now turning to New Year’s Eve experiences planned to welcome 2026.

Christmas at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives was celebrated with a consistent yet thoughtfully curated programme across the islands. Festivities included traditional carol singing, festive dinners, Santa’s arrival, beach barbecues and a range of children’s activities, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for families, couples and groups spending the holidays in the Maldives.

The celebrations reflected the resorts’ approach to festive programming, blending familiar seasonal traditions with the natural rhythm of island life. Guests were invited to experience Christmas in an unhurried setting, with beachfront gatherings, open-air dining and activities designed to encourage togetherness while embracing the surrounding ocean landscapes.

As the festive period continues, the focus now shifts to upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations, which will be marked across all four resorts with gala dinners, beach parties, live DJs and bands, fireworks displays and countdown celebrations by the shore. Each resort will ring in the New Year against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, offering guests a celebratory yet relaxed setting to mark the transition into the year ahead.

The New Year’s Eve programmes are designed to complement the Christmas festivities, extending the seasonal experience while allowing each resort to reflect its own character from lively beachfront gatherings to more laid-back island celebrations, all centred around open-air venues and shared moments under the night sky.

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