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Maldives opens world’s first fully solar powered resort

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Maldives.net.mv – Gasfinolhu Island is officially raising the bar for green tourism all around the world. It has become switched off all diesel power generators and switched on to solar power to become the world’s first ever 100 percent solar powered resort.

Gasfinolhu located 40 minutes from Malé, which will be operated by Club Med, feature solar panels capable of producing up to 1100 Kilowatts at power peak when the island really only needs around 600 Kilowatts at peak load.

“The happiest moments are when I can see that the lights are still functioning after all the diesel generators have been switched off,” said ‘Champa’ Hussain Afeef, Gasfinolhu’s owner.

Known as one of the pioneers of tourism in the Maldives, Afeef first thought of the project in 2009 when Maldives announced it would become the planet’s first carbon neutral country by 2020.

“We wanted to do something different. I believe renewable energy is not just the future for tourism, but for all other industries as well,” he said.

The resort’s power system is completely programmed and includes computers that switch systems between direct solar power, battery power, or diesel generators, as required.

Surplus power created in the daytime is stored in a large-scale battery system, which then in turn can power the resort throughout the night. As backup, the site includes three diesel generators in case there are consecutive days of rain and the batteries run out.

Gasfinolhu also counts on a centralized “chiller system” that uses cold water to cool air for air-conditioning purposes. In addition, a zero waste management system will also be established on the island in the coming years, Environmental Consultant Ahmed Shaig said.

Ibrahim Nashid, the chairman of Renewable Energy Maldives Pvt Ltd, said Gasfinolhu exhibits that “it is possible to provide power from indigenous energy sources without compromising luxury comfort.”

He added, “They also say that it would deter from aesthetics on a luxury resort, but Gasfinolhu destroys all of these myths. Its architecture is beautiful, some have said it’s the solar paneled spaces on the island that are the most beautiful.”

The resort is expected to open its doors by January 2015 and cost $8 million to build; according to Afeef, however, all money spent on the environmental system will be recovered within six to seven years.

“I hope this initiative will turn out to be a success. And I hope to see more and more resort developers employing such technologies in the future,” Afeef said.

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JEN Maldives Malé celebrates Eid with traditional breakfast and rooftop offering

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Eid is a time of connection, tradition, and shared moments, and at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La, the occasion is marked with a thoughtfully curated breakfast experience designed to bring people together in a setting that feels both refined and welcoming.

The highlight of the morning is a carefully prepared breakfast spread that leans into local tradition. The Maldivian corner brings forward familiar favorites, with both classic and Barabo Mashuni adding a comforting authentic touch. But it is the Kulhi Boakiba that truly stands out rich, flavorful, and unmistakably tied to Eid. It is the kind of dish that instantly feels like home for some, and a memorable discovery for others.

Beyond the local classics, there is plenty to explore. The live cooking stations add a sense of theatre to the experience, where dishes are prepared fresh and just the way you like them. From Fathu Bisgandu and perfectly prepared Egg Benedict to a choice of eggs made to order, every plate is served with care. Guests can also enjoy a selection of freshly made dosa, pancakes, crepes, and waffles, paired with a variety of preserves and nuts, bringing a delightful mix of comfort and indulgence to the table.

Lighter options such as fresh fruits, yogurts, and wholesome selections offer a refreshing balance, making it easy to take your time and enjoy the morning at your own pace.

And just when you think the experience ends at breakfast, it gently continues at Azur rooftop.

For those looking to stretch out the celebration, the rooftop pool offers a completely different mood calm, open, and unhurried. With the pool package, guests can spend relaxed hours by the water, enjoying a brunch menu and a glass of iced lemon tea while taking in views over Malé and the ocean beyond. Perfect for kids and families, it creates a space where everyone can unwind and enjoy the day at their own pace. It is easy, it is laid-back, and it feels exactly like how Eid afternoons should be.

If you are looking to spend Eid in a way that feels both familiar and thoughtfully elevated, this is an experience worth gathering for.

For both pool package and breakfast reservations, guests can WhatsApp +960 779 9323 or call 3300888.

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort launches immersive experiences to enhance meaningful travel

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites travellers to experience the Maldives with greater intention through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™, Marriott International’s enhanced guest experience program across Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC). Spanning almost 100 experiences across nearly 80 hotels in 12 APEC markets, the program enables guests to forge deeper connections with the destinations they visit, encouraging cultural discovery, community connection, and meaningful impact.

Rooted in Westin’s wellbeing philosophy, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort brings together restorative experiences and thoughtful hospitality through three immersive journeys that celebrate Maldivian heritage, everyday island life, and the resort’s natural environment.

The Lost Art of Lacquer

An invitation to preserve one of the Maldives’ most treasured cultural crafts, The Lost Art of Lacquer spotlights Liyelaa Jehun, an age-old lacquer handicraft tradition now at risk of disappearing. Once practiced across the islands, this intricate wood-carving and lacquer artistry survives primarily in Thulhaadhoo, where only a small number of craftsmen continue the practice today.

In partnership with local artisans, guests are welcomed to observe the delicate process firsthand and participate in a hands-on workshop from some of the last remaining lacquerware craftsmen in the Maldives. Available every Friday, the experience culminates in guests creating their own lacquerware piece, while also playing a direct role in supporting local craftsmen and keeping this important cultural heritage alive.

Immerse in the Maldivian Way of Living – A Local Island Excursion

Created in partnership with the resort’s Dive Center partners, AQUA, this local island excursion offers guests a thoughtful opportunity to experience the Maldives beyond the luxury resort setting. By visiting cultural and historical landmarks, family-run small businesses, local markets, community institutions, and educational centers, guests gain a more authentic understanding of daily life, traditions, beliefs, crafts, and culture.

Designed to move beyond touristy highlights, the excursion fosters meaningful connections, allowing guests to engage with local communities and discover a richer, more realistic perspective on the Maldivian way of life, while contributing positively to the places they visit.

Discover Miriandhoo – An Island Tour

Set amid the tranquil beauty of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers an enriching island tour that reveals the ecology, cultural heritage, and environmental significance of the island. Guests explore shaded coastal paths and learn about indigenous plants and local wildlife, while also going behind the scenes to understand the resort’s sustainability systems. From visits to the resort’s renewable energy system, water bottling plant, and composting system, this experience offers practical insight into how everyday actions and responsible systems can protect fragile island environments.

To learn more about Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™ experiences at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, or plan a restorative island getaway, visit westin-maldives.com.

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BBM renews as Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards under multi-year agreement

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Hotelier Maldives has announced Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) as the Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 under a multi-year agreement, reaffirming one of the longest-standing partnerships behind the publication’s flagship hospitality recognition platform.

The 2026 edition marks the third consecutive year that BBM has served as Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards, having supported the event in the same capacity since its launch in 2024. BBM has also backed Hotelier Maldives’ second flagship event, GM Forum, every year since 2023, with 2026 set to mark its fourth year as a Silver Partner of the forum.

The continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to recognising the people behind the Maldives’ tourism industry while supporting platforms that encourage industry dialogue, leadership and professional development.

Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 entered its public voting phase on 15 March 2026, with voting set to remain open for one month. Winners will be announced at the gala ceremony on 26 April 2026 at NIVA Kurumba Maldives.

Commenting on the partnership, Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, said: “BBM has been a valued partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards since the very beginning, and we are pleased to formalise this continued support through a multi-year agreement. Their decision to return as Title Partner for a third consecutive year reflects not only the strength of our relationship, but also a shared belief in the importance of recognising the people who drive excellence across the Maldives’ hospitality industry.

“BBM has also consistently supported GM Forum over the years, making them one of the most committed partners across our event platforms. We are proud to continue working together as we strengthen both Hotelier Maldives Awards and GM Forum as annual fixtures for the industry.”

AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of BBM, said: “At BBM, we have always believed that a strong hospitality industry is built by strong people, and Hotelier Maldives Awards provides an important national platform to recognise the professionals whose work often takes place behind the scenes. We are pleased to continue as Title Partner of the awards under this multi-year agreement, while also extending our support to GM Forum for a fourth consecutive year.

“As a company that has grown alongside the Maldives’ hospitality sector, we value opportunities that celebrate talent, encourage professional pride and contribute to the long-term development of the industry. Our continued partnership with Hotelier Maldives reflects that commitment.”

Bestbuy Maldives is one of the country’s leading importers and distributors, serving the hospitality, HORECA and retail sectors with a broad portfolio of international brands. The company positions itself as a partner to the Maldivian hospitality industry, supplying products from around the world across key business verticals including resorts, foodservice and retail.

Hotelier Maldives Awards continues to recognise the contributions of resort-based hospitality professionals across the Maldives, highlighting both individual excellence and team performance. The awards programme remains the country’s only dedicated recognition platform focused on professionals working in resort operations. The current public voting round allows industry stakeholders, colleagues, guests and the wider public to take part in selecting this year’s winners.

The growing list of confirmed partners for Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 includes Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) as Title Partner, Dhiraagu as Platinum Partner, Storm Events as Organising Partner, NIVA, Kurumba Maldives as Host Partner, Souvenir Marine as Transport Partner, ALIA as Associate Sponsor, and Lightsout Studios as Associate Partner. More partners and sponsors will be announced soon.

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