Connect with us

News

SLOW LIFE Symposium 2014 to be held in Maldives in November

Published

on

Soneva

Maldives.net.mv – It has been announced that the 2014 SLOW LIFE Symposium at Soneva Fushi will focus on the concept of Planetary Boundaries (as pioneered by the Stockholm Resilience Centre), exploring how we can accelerate and scale initiatives like “Natural Capital” and “Social Capital” to shape the ground rules for tomorrow’s capitalism.

Now in its fifth year, the conference brings together a group of 30 eminent representatives from the global world of business, science, travel and education for a four day symposium (November 13-16) and promises to, once again, provide an inspiring environment for collaboration with some of the world’s most influential minds.

Organised by the SLOW LIFE Foundation and hosted by the Soneva Group, the symposium’s express aim is to forge new partnerships and collaborations for the year ahead. The event acts as a hub where business leaders, scientists, NGOs, academics and policy makers discuss key issues. This year these issues will include food, farming, fishing, the health of the oceans and the role of finance and philanthropy in scaling solutions globally.

During the event, attendees will look to explore the following important questions: How can financial and economic systems place our world on a more sustainable footing? How do we balance the often-competing needs of different stakeholders when it comes to land use? How can innovation in governance and investment improve and cement our oceans’ long-term health? How can we promote sustainable fisheries and reef restoration in the Maldives? How can we increase the proportion of philanthropic funds dedicated to environmental causes?

For the second time, the event will be chaired by Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director of Forum for the Future and an original pioneer of sustainable business, who said:

“This unique event brings together an extraordinary group of people who believe in the necessity of action, and it’s an absolute privilege to have been asked to host again this year, particularly as last year was such an inspiration. The incredible investment by the SLOW LIFE Foundation allows us maximum opportunity to have essential conversations that will, and have, lead directly to positive change.”

All the Symposium participants are known champions of environmental causes and each share an unshakeable belief that when we join forces, it is possible to make a big impact on environmental problems in a shorter period of time and bring about transformational change.

This change is tangible, proven through the successful initiatives established as a direct result of past symposiums, such as WHOLE WORLD Water which takes the Soneva model of filtering and bottling drinking water on site and extends it to the whole of the hospitality industry. With members contributing 10% of water revenues, this initiative has the potential to raise $1bn to provide safe drinking water and basic sanitation services globally.

The event will take place at the resort Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, a Biosphere UNESCO protected jewel of biodiversity with a vibrant reef, a colony of nesting turtles, and a world-class observatory.

Soneva Fushi has a 70KW solar photovoltaic system and is in the process of installing a further 700KW, champions the use of natural building materials, eschews the use of plastic, produces its own drinking water, and recycles 80% of solid waste in a nation with no such municipal facilities.

Awards

SO/ Maldives shines bright with 3 wins at 2025 Global Awards Season

Published

on

The spotlight is on SO/ Maldives as the avant-garde island resort celebrates an extraordinary hat-trick of achievements, reinforcing its position as one of the Maldives’ most stylish and forward-thinking luxury destinations. In a year marked by innovation and excellence, SO/ Maldives proudly announces three major international accolades that highlight its design leadership, sustainable vision, and culinary artistry.

The resort has been named the Best Luxury Private Beach Resort in the Maldives by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2025, recognizing its bold approach to redefining modern island luxury. Set within the contemporary playground of Maldives, SO/ Maldives has captivated global travelers with its fusion of fashion-forward design, avant-garde architecture, and seamless connection to nature an experience where couture meets coastline.

In a testament to its commitment to a greener future, the resort also clinched the International Sustainability Award 2025, honoring SO/ Maldives’ efforts to lead the way in eco-conscious hospitality across the Indian Ocean. From mindful design and locally inspired architecture to eco-driven dining and renewable practices, the award celebrates the resort’s ongoing mission to blend style with sustainability.

Adding to its growing legacy of excellence, Hadaba at SO/ Maldives was crowned Maldives’ Best Hotel Restaurant 2025 at the 6th Annual World Culinary Awards. Known for its authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, breathtaking oceanfront setting, and immersive dining experience, Hadaba continues to elevate the culinary scene in the Maldives with artistry, elegance, and soulful flavor.

“These awards are not just milestones they are a reflection of the creativity, passion, and dedication of our entire team,” said Olivier MOIES-DELVAL, General Manager of SO/ Maldives. “From design to sustainability and gastronomy, every aspect of SO/ Maldives is crafted to inspire to offer experiences that are as meaningful as they are memorable.”

Since its debut, SO/ Maldives has redefined the rhythm of Maldivian luxury effortlessly fusing bold aesthetics with island soul. These prestigious recognitions reaffirm the resort’s vision to continue leading with purpose, innovation, and SO/ flair.

Continue Reading

Awards

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru celebrated as a top 4 resort in Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveler 2025

Published

on

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has announced its recognition as one of the Top 4 Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. The accolade serves as a meaningful tribute to the resort’s 30th anniversary — celebrating three decades of barefoot eco-luxury, sustainability, and heartfelt hospitality, values that remain at the core of Banyan Tree’s philosophy of a Sanctuary for the Senses.

Since 1995, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has defined the essence of the Original Maldives — a serene haven where turquoise waters meet soft white sands and architecture breathes in harmony with nature. Each of its 48 all-pool villas is a reflection of the island’s deep connection to local culture and sense of place, thoughtfully crafted with eco-conscious, sustainable design that celebrates the natural beauty of the Maldives. More than a destination, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is a barefoot sanctuary for the senses, rooted in sustainability and local heritage — a place where nature, culture, and a deep sense of belonging come together to craft an unforgettable Maldivian journey.

This recognition follows the resort’s recent success at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, where it was named Leading Eco-Friendly Resort — reaffirming its unwavering commitment to sustainability from design to daily operations. From renewable-energy practices and eco-conscious, sustainable architecture to its pioneering Marine Lab, the first resort-based facility of its kind in the Maldives, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru remains a symbol of environmental stewardship and dedication to marine conservation across the region.

Together with its award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, recognised by Travel + Leisure Asia Awards 2025, the resort continues to champion holistic wellbeing — weaving mindfulness, nature, and Maldivian heritage into every guest experience.

As the resort marks this significant milestone, the honour stands as a celebration of its people, its purpose, and its promise — a living legacy of sanctuary, sustainability, and belonging that has defined Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru for 30 years.

For more information about the resort, explore here.

Continue Reading

News

Avani+ Fares Maldives invites guests to celebrate ‘Tales of the Maldives’ this festive season

Published

on

As the festive season approaches, Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the rhythm and heritage of island life through “Tales of the Maldives”, a celebration of local traditions forming part of Avani Hotels & Resorts’ global “Travelling Traditions” campaign.

The initiative encourages travellers to celebrate the holidays through the customs and rituals unique to each Avani destination. Across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Indian Ocean, guests are invited to exchange familiar festive routines for authentic cultural encounters — and in the Maldives, Avani+ Fares transforms the season into an island story woven with rhythm, flavour and craftsmanship.

At Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, “Tales of the Maldives” highlights the country’s deep-rooted artistic and communal heritage. Guests can join traditional Boduberu drumming circles on the beach, participate in storytelling sessions under starlit skies, and discover the legends that have shaped island life for generations.

Culinary experiences take centre stage, featuring Maldivian dishes cooked over coconut husks — a nod to the traditional island kitchen — while local artisans host hands-on workshops in lacquer work and weaving, offering guests a chance to learn the crafts that define Maldivian creativity.

Avani+ Fares extends the celebration to younger guests through AvaniKids and Teens Club, where children can take part in foam parties and learn how to build miniature dhonis, the traditional Maldivian fishing boat. These activities not only entertain but also help instil an appreciation for local heritage in the next generation of travellers.

Recently recognised as the Best Beach Resort at the TTM Awards, Avani+ Fares Maldives continues to blend relaxation with cultural engagement. Surrounded by a vibrant house reef teeming with parrotfish, rays and turtles, the resort embodies the natural beauty and community spirit that the Maldives is known for.

The “Travelling Traditions” programme reinforces Avani’s philosophy of balance — connecting modern travellers with the timeless customs that bring destinations to life. In the Maldives, that connection is found in the beat of Boduberu, the scent of coconut smoke, and the stories shared beneath a canopy of stars.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.