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Torsten Richter becomes Ironman of the Maldives 2014, striving for the community

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Torsten at IronMan MalaysiaMaldives.net.mv – Anantara and Naladhu Maldives Cluster General Manager Torsten Richter has successfully completed the IronMan Malaysia challenge, with a personal best time of 12:47 hrs and raising USD 10,000+ for a Maldivian cause.

“I worked with a personal trainer from the UK, who sent me my training schedule every week and provides online support and dietary recommendations. Some days it’s hard to motivate myself at 10.30pm to sit on a stationary bike and give the training session all my energy, but once I get into it the initial exhaustion of the day filters away,” says Torsten.

Living in paradise and training for a physically demanding IronMan race is no easy combination. 10:30 pm on the idyllic resort islands of Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli and Naladhu Maldives and most guests are enjoying their last glass of wine for the day or have already descended into a slumber of dreams. For Cluster General Manager Torsten Richter, it’s the time he enters the gym with an hour on the bicycle ahead of him, and at 5:00am his alarm wakes him for another gym session before his work day begins around 7:15 am.

Ironman challenges comprise a 3.8km swim, followed by a 180km bike ride and a 42.2km marathon run, all in within the cut-off time of 18 hours. Training for an Ironman race on a Maldivian island with no roads, just a 20m lap pool in addition to the ocean to swim and no wide and well paved roads to cycle along isn’t the most obvious choice location. Instead of measured tracks for running, Torsten run on sandy paths under tropical palm trees across the two of the three island resorts he manages.

“I participate in half-marathon races in Male and we organise an island run a couple of times a year at our resorts, just 35 minutes by speedboat from Male. Outside of the gym, Kayaking, swimming and running around the resorts on my day off, as well as  during the week before the guests wake up, keeps me fit and on track. It’s far from the ideal training conditions for the endurance challenge of an Ironman, but I’m not looking to be the first across the finishing line, I just want to complete it within my personal best time.”

Having previously completed Ironman challenges in Zurich in just over 13 hours, and Ironman 70.3 (half distances) in Phuket and Bintan, the Langkawi challenge on September 27th was the second such title Torsten accomplished, but the first in a tropical climate and still managing to beat his personal best time. Along the way, he has raised USD 10,000 to contribute towards new facilities for the Home for People with Special Needs on Guraidoo island.

 “The race itself was a personal goal I wanted to fulfill, but to be able to raise money and really make a difference to people’s lives in the process makes it all the more meaningful. The Home for People with Special Needs was brought to my attention originally through one of our associates, who was previously a patient there for a short while. After visiting the home I was inspired to do more to help and this was an obvious choice.”

To learn more about the Home for People with Special Needs from their website www.homeforspecialneeds.com

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W Maldives sets coral restoration benchmark with Sea of Stars activation

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Following the launch of SEA OF STARS, W Maldives has successfully concluded a landmark week of sustainability-driven experiences that brought guests, marine experts, and the resort team together in celebration of ocean conservation and creativity.

The event kicked off on 26 October with an exclusive screening of Peixinho (Little Fish) at FIRE, hosted by award-winning wildlife filmmaker and conservation biologist, Kaushiik Subramaniam. The film, a moving story of ocean stewardship and intergenerational change, was followed by a mix-and-mingle session where guests connected with Kaushiik to discuss the power of storytelling in inspiring environmental action, along with the MARS Sustainable Solutions team on the reef restoration project.

The momentum carried into the following days as the W Maldives team, led by the resort’s Sustainability Manager, Harald Schaller, together with MARS Sustainable Solutions, completed the installation of 400 Reef Stars and 6,000 coral fragments across the resort’s house reef on 28 and 29 October. Guests joined the marine biologists in assembling and deploying the hexagonal reef structures, turning collaboration into tangible impact. The two-day reef star creation and installation marked a key milestone in one of the Maldives’ largest coral restoration projects.

“With all Reef Stars successfully installed, we’re excited to see this restored reef become a thriving ecosystem,” says Kate Janetski, Marine Program Lead for Maldives & Caribbean and Global Training Manager at MARS Sustainable Solutions. “The partnership with W Maldives shows what can happen when science, hospitality, and community come together for a shared purpose. Seeing guests and the resort team work side by side to restore this reef is a powerful reminder that protecting our oceans can be a collective and inspiring experience.”

With the success of SEA OF STARS, W Maldives is setting its sights even higher, Under the vision of Amila Handunwala, the resort’s General Manager and Chair of the Marriott Maldives Business Council, this activation marks just the beginning of a wider movement to make W Maldives, and eventually, Marriott International properties in the Maldives, a driving force in coral restoration across the archipelago.

“Our reef has always been the heart of W Maldives,” says Amila Handunwala. “SEA OF STARS is more than a single event, it’s the spark of a long-term journey. Our goal is to strengthen W Maldives’ stance as a leader in marine restoration and to extend this initiative to other Marriott resorts in the Maldives. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and set a new benchmark for sustainability in hospitality.”

The W Maldives team will continue to collaborate with MARS Sustainable Solutions to monitor coral growth and reef resilience in the coming months and years. Guests are also invited to be part of this journey by joining guided house reef snorkeling sessions with the resort’s marine biologist to learn more about the ongoing coral restoration program.

This initiative is part of W Maldives’ evolving and growing sustainability strategy, which extends beyond its reef restoration work. The resort continues to enhance its biogas plat, waste management system, and solar energy operations, building a more self-sustaining and environmentally conscious island ecosystem. Each initiative reflects the resort’s approach to modern luxury, one that connects guests to nature through innovation, community, and car.

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives launches biggest Black Friday sale with up to 80% off, free transfers

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Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Maldives has launched its most significant Black Friday offer to date, giving travellers the chance to experience the Maldives with exceptional value. With up to 80% off stays and complimentary round trip transfers, the promotion brings the beauty of the Maldives within closer reach for guests seeking turquoise lagoons, soft white sands, and the signature warmth of the brand’s hospitality.

This year’s Black Friday promotion also includes a selection of Book Direct Benefits available once during the stay. Guests may choose from exclusive dining experiences, spa treatments, marine excursions, or resort credits depending on the property, enabling them to personalise their island holiday with added value.

Set in the sparsely populated Vaavu Atoll, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives offers guests uninterrupted access to abundant marine life, a wide lagoon, and expansive ocean views. Its contemporary overwater villas and strong culinary positioning, including the acclaimed Marlin Restaurant, make it ideal for travellers seeking tranquillity with a touch of adventure. Guests booking direct can further enhance their stay with experiences such as a dolphin watching excursion, one of the resort’s available Book Direct Benefits, offering the chance to witness pods of spinner dolphins in their natural habitat. View offer.

Spanning a spacious island, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is ideal for families and travellers seeking a lively atmosphere, offering a range of activities for both adults and children, from water sports to guided excursions. Its close proximity to Malé makes it a convenient choice for both long and short stays. Guests booking direct can enhance their experience with a swim and snorkel excursion, one of the available Book Direct Benefits, providing the chance to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life. View offer.

Now elevated as a five star adults only island, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a peaceful escape shaped by expansive white sand banks and a distinctive split island concept. Designed for travellers seeking quiet seclusion and an unhurried pace, it is an ideal choice for couples. Guests booking direct can indulge in a 45 minute spa treatment, one of the available Book Direct Benefits, for a rejuvenating experience that blends traditional techniques with ocean view serenity. View offer.

Recognised for its easily accessible house reef, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is well suited for divers and snorkellers eager to explore marine life directly from the resort. Its strong diving heritage and intimate island layout make it a favourite among underwater enthusiasts. Guests booking direct can enjoy a sunset fishing excursion, one of the available Book Direct Benefits, offering the chance to experience Maldivian waters as the sun sets over the horizon. View offer.

The Black Friday offer applies to a minimum stay of four nights. Booking is valid from 18 November to 4 December 2025 and stay dates run from 18 November 2025 to 30 November 2026. At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, stay dates are available until 31 March 2026 due to renovation schedules.

Travellers seeking more information or wishing to make a reservation may visit the dedicated Black Friday page here

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Milaidhoo introduces new spa menu featuring exclusive, innovative treatments

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Milaidhoo Maldives has announced the launch of its new Serenity Spa menu, introducing a collection of therapies designed to support physical and mental wellbeing. The refreshed menu encourages guests to relax, reconnect and experience moments of calm on the boutique island.

Set above the turquoise waters of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers an elevated setting for rest and renewal. With four overwater treatment suites and an oceanfront yoga pavilion, the spa provides an environment where guests can slow down and unwind. From facials and body treatments to massages, each experience is crafted to guide guests towards a sense of inner peace.

Wellbeing at Milaidhoo follows a holistic philosophy, drawing on natural elements and time-honoured healing traditions. The new therapies reflect this approach, offering intuitive, personalised care that aims to restore balance. Each treatment is designed with the understanding that wellness is individual, and the spa team tailors every session to meet the guest’s specific needs.

A highlight of the new menu is the LYMA Laser, a skin treatment available exclusively at Milaidhoo in the Maldives. Using advanced technology, the LYMA Laser promotes skin regeneration, reduces fine lines and improves overall tone, providing visible results without invasive procedures. Guests can enjoy the treatment while taking in the soothing atmosphere of the island.

The updated spa menu also features treatments using premium products from Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates and Obsidian Skincare for Men, selected for their quality and effectiveness. Locally inspired remedies, informed by island traditions, complement the offering, bringing together authenticity and contemporary wellbeing. Milaidhoo has also partnered with Margaret Dabbs London to introduce its globally recognised nail and grooming services to the resort.

Personalisation remains central to Milaidhoo’s approach to wellbeing. This extends beyond the spa to include nourishing cuisine and opportunities for digital disconnection, encouraging guests to experience the island at an unhurried pace. The aim is to create an atmosphere where relaxation emerges naturally.

Serenity Spa is positioned not only as a place for pampering but as a refuge for reflection and reconnection. It offers guests the chance to engage with the island’s calming environment and rediscover a sense of equilibrium.

Guests wishing to explore the full menu of treatments can download the new Serenity Spa brochure, which outlines the complete range of offerings available at the spa.

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