In a vibrant celebration of wellness, sustainability, and mindful living, SO/ Maldives unveils an inspiring new initiative “Ignite Your Power: 120 Days Fitness Challenge” launched in harmony with the global movement of Earth Hour.

Blending high-energy fitness with conscious living, the resort invites both guests and team members to embark on a transformative 120-day journey where personal strength meets planetary care. Under the empowering theme “Stronger Earth. Stronger You.”, this initiative reflects SO/ Maldives’ commitment to holistic wellbeing and environmental responsibility.

The launch day, set for Saturday, 28 March 2026, unfolds as a vibrant, full-day wellness immersion. Guests will awaken with invigorating sunrise workouts at the Yoga Deck, including HIIT sessions, Primal Strength Flow yoga, and the dynamic WakeFit 45. The energy continues throughout the day with Aqua Gym sessions and personalised Health & Wellness Assessments, designed to inspire long-term lifestyle changes.

Complementing the fitness journey, SO/ Maldives introduces a thoughtfully curated healthy menu, designed to nourish and energise the body. Each dish is carefully crafted with balanced nutrition in mind and features Klimato calorie-counted options, allowing guests to make informed choices while enjoying vibrant, flavourful cuisine that supports their wellness goals without compromise.

As the sun sets, the heaven changes into a moment of reflection and connection. The resort will dim its lights in tribute to Earth Hour, inviting guests to gather at Lazuli Beach for a magical, candlelit celebration under the Maldivian sky, honouring the planet through unity, mindfulness, and intention.

Further elevating the wellness experience, SO/ Maldives proudly introduces a new line of spa products through an exclusive collaboration with Comfort Zone, a science-led Italian wellness brand, and Dhiyoadhee, a Maldivian brand by Cosmerc. Rooted in innovation and sustainability, these thoughtfully curated products enhance the resort’s spa offerings, delivering transformative treatments that nurture both body and mind while celebrating both global expertise and local heritage.

This multi-dimensional initiative is more than a program, it is a movement. By integrating fitness, sustainability, and luxury lifestyle experiences, SO/ Maldives continues to redefine modern island living, inspiring a community that is stronger, more conscious, and deeply connected to the world around them.

With this launch, SO/ Maldives invites guests to not only transform their bodies, but to be part of a larger purpose, where every movement contributes to a stronger self and a healthier planet.

For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com or call +960 664-9100.

Canareef Resort Maldives has once again strengthened its position as a preferred destination for European travellers, earning the prestigious Top Hotel Partner 2026 recognition from Schauinsland Reisen, one of Germany’s leading tour operators.

This latest accolade reflects the resort’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, particularly among the German market, where Schauinsland Reisen holds a strong presence. The recognition is awarded to top-performing hotel partners who consistently maintain high standards in service quality, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence.

This achievement follows a successful partnership history between the two brands. In 2023, Canareef was honoured with both the Top Hotel Partner award and the distinguished Partner of Excellence title by Schauinsland Reisen. These recognitions highlighted the resort’s dedication to exceeding guest expectations and its strong collaboration with international travel partners.

Nestled in the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, Canareef offers a unique blend of untouched natural beauty, spacious beachfront villas, and authentic Maldivian experiences. Its tranquil setting, combined with diverse leisure activities and warm hospitality, has made it a favored choice among European travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

The continued recognition from Schauinsland Reisen underscores the resort’s ability to maintain consistency in quality while evolving to meet the expectations of global travelers. It also reflects the growing demand for the Maldives as a premier long-haul destination in the German-speaking market.

Speaking on the achievement, the management of Canareef expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership and trust placed by Schauinsland Reisen and its valued guests. The resort remains committed to enhancing its offerings and delivering memorable stays that resonate with travellers worldwide.

As Canareef celebrates this milestone, it reaffirms its position as a leading hospitality provider in the Maldives, dedicated to excellence, sustainability, and authentic island experiences.

Earlier this month, in celebration of Global Recycling Day, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives brought sustainability to life through a vibrant, team-driven initiative that transformed everyday waste into creative works of art.

Centred around the theme “Don’t Think Waste – Think Opportunity”, the resort invited colleagues from across all departments to participate in a Sculpture Competition designed to reimagine discarded materials and give them new purpose. The result was a showcase of ingenuity, collaboration and environmental awareness, demonstrating that sustainability can be both impactful and inspiring.

The winning entry, Waste to Wonder, was created by the resort’s Front Office team using bottle tops and recycled glass to form a striking framed mosaic, bound together with discarded wire.

Second place was awarded to the Recreation team for Varah Majaa, a playful yet purposeful installation featuring broken fins reimagined as turtle flippers, combined with old fishing nets and aluminium cans. The piece delivers a clear visual message on the impact of marine pollution and the importance of protecting our oceans and marine-life.

The team from Kandooma Spa secured third place with Tanya, a thoughtful creation crafted from old magazines, egg trays and discarded paper waste. Inspired by the work of marine veterinarians dedicated to sea turtle conservation, the piece also celebrates female leadership in science and environmental protection.

The quality of the entries are a powerful reminder that innovation and creativity thrive across every area of the resort, not only within traditional creative roles such as marketing and design.

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), which encourages waste reduction through reuse, recycling and responsible resource management. It also supports IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Journey to Tomorrow, the company’s commitment to drive positive change for people, communities and the planet.

Commenting on the initiative, Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said: “This Global Recycling Day, we turned waste into something worth celebrating. Our teams came together for our creative sculpture challenge with one brief: transform what would have been discarded into something meaningful. Every department brought their ideas to life, and the energy, craft and care on display made judging no easy task.”

“The array of entries and their themes was inspiring, while our Front Office team won with their recycled glass mosaic, I was personally drawn to the Engineering team’s entry made from recycled mechanical bits and pieces to resemble a Heron. It is now in pride of place in our Chef’s Garden called Magey Bageecha for all to see.”

Sharon reinforced that for Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, sustainability is not another marketing gimmick or campaign.

“Sustainable practices are ingrained in our Kandooma culture and special calendar days like Global Recycling Day enable us to inspire and show that we are building that culture together and that it’s an ongoing commitment requiring focus and fun,” she added.

The resort’s General Manager Mark Eletr, Sustainability Officer Krisel Magallon and the Sustainability ‘EcoAction’ Team led the initiative, creating an engaging platform that encouraged participation, collaboration and awareness with prizes. A panel of judges, including resort guests, added a unique and inclusive perspective to the event.

In addition, the resort’s Sustainability Officer, Krisel Magallon, hosted a Recycling Workshop that covered the dos and don’ts of waste segregation, how to identify recyclable materials, and the environmental and economic benefits. The workshop included valuable interactive discussions among participants on the best recycling practices in the Maldives, together with practical recycling solutions that could be implemented at Kandooma.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives continues to embed sustainability into its daily operations, from reef conservation and responsible waste management to community engagement and guest education. Initiatives such as the Sculpture Competition and the Recycling Workshop reinforce the resort’s commitment to fostering a culture where sustainability is lived, shared and celebrated.

Located in the South Malé Atoll, just 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a lively island resort known for its excellent diving, surfing and family-friendly experiences. With a range of villas, multiple dining venues, a dedicated kids’ club, and the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, the resort offers a relaxed and accessible private-island Maldivian escape.

Guests and partners are invited to learn more about the resort’s sustainability initiatives in the Kandooma Green Book, available here.