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Centara Grand Maldives awarded Green Fins certification for environmentally responsible diving

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Centara Grand

Maldives.net.mv – Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, which has always operated a strong policy on environmental protection and conservation, has become the first resort in the South Ari Atoll to receive Green Fins certification.

The certification confirms that the resort has participated in Green Fins training on environmentally friendly diving and snorkeling, and has undergone an assessment of compliance with the Green Fins Code of Conduct.

Green Fins is a programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Reef-World Foundation and is managed in Maldives by a national team led by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

“Environmental protection has always been a main policy of Centara in Maldives,” says
Voytek Klasicki, the resort’s general manager, and area manager for Centara in Maldives.

“Centara Grand Island was our first Maldives resort, and our first overseas property. We now have two resorts in Maldives and will shortly be opening a third. We have rigorously applied our conservation policies to all three properties.

“We are therefore delighted to be receiving the Green Fins certification, and special congratulations go to the dive specialists at our PADI dive center on the island.”

The certification was jointly presented by Jerker Tamelander, head of the Coral Reef Unit at the Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems Branch of the UNEP, and Ibrahim Naeem, director general of the Environmental Protection Agency at the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

Maldives is amongst the world’s premier scuba diving destinations, with an abundance of white sand beaches, coral reefs and clear warm waters, and many visitors to the islands are there specifically for the scuba diving and snorkeling.

“We have our own house reef and dedicated shipwreck, and this forms one of our outstanding attractions,” says Mr. Klasicki.

“We tend the reef very carefully and have this year embarked upon a programme to grow new coral in our lagoon to replace the coral on the reef that has died.”

Green Fins promotes environmental stewardship within the diving and snorkeling industry by providing incentives and guidance for businesses to comply with environmental standards. Green Fins believes that while diving does present a risk to the environment, if it is done responsibly it is an extremely powerful tool for environmental protection by educating and raising awareness to marine conservation.

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‘Around the World in Wonder’ brings culture, cuisine, celebration to Amilla Maldives

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The festive season is in full swing at Amilla Maldives, where the island has come alive with Around the World in Wonder, a journey through global cultures, flavours and traditions. Inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the celebration runs from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, inviting guests to explore the world without leaving the island.

A meaningful early highlight of the programme was Amilla’s 11th anniversary on 21 December, marked by a festive cocktail and cake-cutting ceremony, followed by a Maldivian Night with bodu beru performances. The celebrations continued with the Tree Lighting Ceremony, which formed the glowing centrepiece of an Italian-themed Masquerade Ball. The evening unfolded with Viennese waltz performances and a fire show, while carolers filled the air with gentle festive melodies.

Christmas Eve turned its focus to France, featuring the lively Dance of the Can-Can, a festive buffet and aerial hoop performances. On Christmas Day, Argentina took centre stage as Santa arrived by yacht and rolled into the festive train buggy, leading a joyful island parade and gift-giving moments. The day continued with a festive brunch celebrating flavour, fun and festive cheer.

Festivities will build towards New Year’s Eve, with the Around the World in a Cocktail party and Global Carnival Event, including live performances from the Hamilton Band, bongo beats, soaring saxophone, acrobats and fire dancers, culminating in a countdown to 2026 under the Maldivian night sky.

Every detail has been thoughtfully prepared by the Amilla Maldives team, allowing guests to relax, explore and celebrate in a setting shaped by nature, warmth and wonder.

Click here to explore the full festive programme at Amilla Maldives. For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com.

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Christmas at Fushifaru Maldives begins with tree lighting, Boduberu, kids’ activities

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Fushifaru Maldives welcomed the Christmas season in grand style, beginning with a mesmerising tree lighting ceremony on 20 December set against the serene sunset at Thundi, accompanied by live music and tantalising canapés to mark the start of the celebrations. The holiday season runs from 20 December to 6 January, offering a variety of family-friendly activities, including cupcake decorating, pool parties, Boduberu classes, sandcastle making, and tennis classes for the little ones.

On Christmas Eve, 24 December, guests enjoyed a truly unforgettable celebration. The evening began with Santa’s arrival and a sunset aperitif with kids’ gift-giving, followed by a Christmas Gala Dinner featuring an extensive selection of international cuisines. Seafood lovers delighted in a live grilled station featuring jumbo prawns, lobsters, fishes, clams, octopus, and many more, all beautifully displayed on the Maldivian Dhoni boat, alongside a dedicated Japanese corner offering fresh sashimi, oysters, and other delicacies.

For dessert, the chefs presented a heavenly assortment including mousses, crème brûlée, tiramisu, macarons, meringues, soufflés, and many more, ensuring every guest indulged in a sweet finale. The night culminated in a vibrant disco by DJ Elton and a breathtaking performance by Anastasia Gordienko, a talented hula hoops, LED, and aerial gymnastics performer, leaving guests in awe and perfectly closing the Christmas Eve celebration.

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Villa Nautica hosts Bollywood filmmaker Farah Khan for holiday stay

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Bollywood filmmaker and celebrated choreographer Farah Khan marked the festive season with a holiday escape to the Maldives, staying at Villa Nautica and experiencing the island’s signature mix of warmth, privacy, and ocean-side celebration.

A defining creative force in Indian entertainment, Farah Khan has shaped some of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable on-screen moments, from iconic dance sequences to blockbuster storytelling. Widely regarded as one of Bollywood’s most influential choreographers, she has worked across more than 80 films and received major recognition for her craft, including India’s National Film Award for Best Choreography and multiple Filmfare Awards.

Farah’s impact extends beyond choreography. As a director, she is known for beloved mainstream hits including Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om, and Happy New Year, bringing together spectacle, humour, and heart with a style that audiences instantly connect with. She is also a familiar face to viewers through television and entertainment formats, where her sharp wit and straightforward personality have made her a standout on screen.

Villa Nautica is located on Lankanfinolhu Island in the North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, making it an easy choice for travellers planning a festive season getaway in the Maldives. The resort is known for its yacht-life inspired spirit, shimmering lagoons, and a vibrant range of ocean experiences, including diving and watersports, paired with relaxed island luxury for all-day unwinding.

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