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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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Reethi Faru Resort awarded Green Globe certification

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Reethi Faru Resort has received Green Globe certification, recognising its compliance with international standards for sustainable tourism.

The certification reflects the resort’s stated commitment to responsible hospitality, with a focus on environmental management, social responsibility and operational practices across the property.

Green Globe certification is awarded following an assessment based on established sustainability criteria and verified through independent third-party audits. The standard reviews performance in areas including environmental management, energy efficiency, resource conservation, community engagement and sustainable operations.

With the certification, Reethi Faru Resort joins a group of hospitality operators worldwide that have met Green Globe’s sustainability requirements and demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improvement in tourism practices.

In a statement, the management of Reethi Faru Resort said the recognition reflects the resort’s continued focus on preserving the natural environment of the Maldives while maintaining the guest experience. The management added that sustainability forms part of the resort’s daily operations.

The Green Globe standard includes more than 40 core criteria supported by over 380 compliance indicators, providing a framework for assessing sustainability performance in the hospitality sector.

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort marks loyalty week with member and staff recognition

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is marking IHG Global Loyalty Week 2026, a group-wide initiative recognising IHG One Rewards members and the employees who contribute to guest experiences across the brand.

The observance will take place from 11 to 17 May 2026 and is aligned with IHG’s wider theme of “bringing loyalty to life”, focusing on guest recognition and service-led engagement.

As the Maldives’ first all-Club InterContinental resort, InterContinental Maldives is using the occasion to highlight its emphasis on personalised service and guest recognition. During the week, the resort will present a series of experiences and gestures intended to acknowledge IHG One Rewards members through tailored hospitality touches.

A central feature of the programme will be “Member Moments”, which are designed to reflect guest preferences, milestones and individual travel experiences. These will include personalised welcome arrangements, selected in-room amenities, culinary offerings and family-focused gestures.

The resort will also use the week to recognise its employees, whose service contributes to guest loyalty and repeat visits. Under its “Inspire Incredible” service culture, InterContinental Maldives will hold staff appreciation activities and internal recognition initiatives during the week.

Commenting on the occasion, General Manager Reinhold Johann said the initiative highlights the importance of making guests feel recognised and welcomed, while also acknowledging the role of employees in delivering those experiences.

Through IHG One Rewards, members have access to benefits and travel privileges across more than 6,800 hotels worldwide. At InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, these benefits are integrated into the resort’s all-Club InterContinental offering, which combines personalised service with resort-based experiences in Raa Atoll.

Through its participation in IHG Global Loyalty Week 2026, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is positioning guest recognition and service culture as key elements of its hospitality approach.

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands marks five years with wellness, mixology and sustainability events

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands marks its fifth anniversary in paradise, celebrating its internationally acclaimed service excellence which defines its place among the world’s most distinguished luxury resorts. This June, a month-long programme will showcase the property’s signature approach to guest experiences celebrating the pinnacle of transformative travel and the evolution of this unique resort destination in the crystal clear waters of the Maldives. A series of exclusive events will invite guests to explore progressive mixology, masters in regenerative wellness, and environmental stewardship with inspired ambassadors.

Since its debut in 2021, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has earned global recognition for its elevated standards, visionary programming, and Indian Ocean firsts. Its culinary programme has welcomed internationally acclaimed chefs representing more than 16 Michelin stars, alongside over 20 leading mixologists of The World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars distinction. The resort also celebrates the second year of its Maldives-first concept Fari Islands Festival, in 2026, and a thriving wellness initiative in its Deep Blue philosophy. Beyond gastronomy, curated partnerships have bridged the worlds of art and flavour, while impactful environmental initiatives continue to shape its legacy. Notably, the team’s innovative “Eye in the Sky” drone project has supported the rescue of more than 40 endangered turtles to date.

A thoughtfully curated calendar begins on June 1, the resort’s official anniversary, echoing the historic opening date of the Ritz Paris in 1898, a symbolic connection to The Ritz-Carlton’s heritage of timeless hospitality. Throughout the month, guests will be invited by the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, to engage in dynamic moments designed to inspire connection to self, nature, and culture.

Behind the Bar Highlights

From June 6 to 8, the resort will host a series of its signature Behind the Bar evenings, featuring three internationally acclaimed venues from Marriott International properties, all ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025.

The St. Regis Bar, The St. Regis Jakarta (#22), Punch Room Tokyo, The Tokyo EDITION Ginza (#36) and Bar Sathorn, W Bangkok (#48) will take centre stage, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience world-class mixology in an island setting. Venues will include the Maldives’ outpost of Singapore’s Summer Pavilion, the signature Japanese restaurant IWAU – transforming into an intimate speakeasy, and the design masterpiece circular EAU Bar, with serves enjoyed at the breathtaking sunset Defining Moment ritual to the sounds of bodu beru drummers. A beach party with DJ and collaborative bar takeover brings the celebrations to a crescendo at Beach Shack.

Wellness & Deep Blue Philosophy

Rooted in the resort’s signature Deep Blue philosophy and leaning into the healing power of the ocean, June’s wellness programming emphasises mindfulness, balance, and connection.

Key highlights will include:

  • Global Wellness Day (June 13): A day of immersive wellness activations under the 2026 Joy Magenta theme, focusing on cultivating joy as a conscious daily practice for mental and physical well- being. Live yoga sessions connecting eight Marriott properties across the Maldives will promote joy as a resilient healing and accessible force, symbolised by the vibrant colour magenta, aiming to reduce stress and foster connection.
  • International Yoga Day (June 21): A full-day showcase led by the resort’s Ladies & Gentlemen, each presenting unique yoga styles and practices from Vinyasa to Yoga Nidra with cocooning sound baths.
  • Masters of Crafts Series (June 20–22): As part of the resort’s established Masters of Crafts and Essence of Balance programme, a three-day yoga retreat will be led by renowned practitioner and ALO Wellness Club ambassador Anabella Landa, @annie.moves, celebrating the resort’s Deep Blue philosophy through a Blue thematic journey.

Environmental Programming & Naturalist Initiatives

Honouring its commitment to sustainability and conservation, the resort will elevate its Naturalist Programme with dedicated experiences aligned with global environmental observances:

  • Reef Awareness Day—June 1
  • World Environment Day—June 5
  • World Oceans Day—June 8
  • World Sea Turtle Day—June 16

Guests will have the opportunity to participate in educational and hands-on activities guided by the resort’s expert Naturalists. Furthering its work with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), an enhanced partnership will also launch June 1, supporting the protection of vulnerable sea turtles and their habitats though rescue, rehabilitation, education and research. The next phase of this initiative will also enable visitors to sponsor sea turtles under observation.

As part of the Masters of Crafts and Visiting Hero series, British environmental journalist, author, presenter, and wildlife conservation storyteller Sarah Roberts, @sarahsrealjob, will host intimate workshops, guided dives and snorkelling from June 10-14. Guests will gain exclusive insights into Sarah’s work in the field, raising awareness of biodiversity loss, marine ecosystems, and human–wildlife conflict through her immersive storytelling.

This fifth anniversary marks not only a celebration of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ journey but also a reaffirmation of its dedication to crafting transformative guest experiences. By blending epicurean innovation, immersive wellness, and environmental stewardship, the resort continues to define modern luxury in harmony with nature.

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