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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.

Cooking

Michelin-starred Chef Fabrice Rosso brings Masters of Food & Wine to Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

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Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has announced an exclusive culinary collaboration with MICHELIN-Starred Executive Chef Fabrice Rosso of IDAM by Alain Ducasse, Doha, presenting two exceptional dining experiences on 17 and 20 July 2026. Set amidst the pristine beauty of one of the Maldives’ most untouched island sanctuaries, the events promise an immersive gastronomic journey celebrating contemporary French cuisine, Mediterranean influences, and world-class wine pairings.

A signature initiative of the Park Hyatt brand, Masters of Food & Wine is a global series of sophisticated culinary and beverage experiences that brings together award-winning chefs, sommeliers, and masters of their craft. Since its inception in Carmel in 2003, the program has celebrated Park Hyatt’s passion for exceptional food and beverage through immersive experiences that connect guests with culinary artistry, wine culture, and meaningful destination-driven storytelling. Each event is designed to showcase both world-class expertise and the unique character of its host destination.

Renowned for its pristine natural beauty and understated luxury, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa provides the perfect backdrop for two immersive gastronomic experiences that celebrate the connection between destination and cuisine. Through menus inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean and the French Riviera, Chef Rosso will present dishes that reflect his contemporary culinary philosophy while embracing the exceptional ingredients found in and around the Maldives.

Chef Rosso, Executive Chef of IDAM by Alain Ducasse in Doha, has built an impressive career spanning more than fifteen years, working alongside some of the world’s most respected culinary figures, including Joël Robuchon, Yannick Alléno, Jacob Jan Boerma, and Ronan Kervarrec. Under his leadership, IDAM by Alain Ducasse was awarded a MICHELIN Star for two consecutive years since the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Qatar 2025 ceremony. Celebrated for his ingredient-driven approach and refined creativity, Chef Rosso brings a distinctive blend of technique, innovation, and respect for seasonality to every dining experience.

The culinary journey begins on 17 July 2026 with “A Taste of the Mediterranean from the French Riviera,” an exclusive MICHELIN-Starred Wine Pairing Dinner at The Island Grill. The six-course menu will showcase contemporary cuisine infused with Mediterranean influences, featuring dishes inspired by the bounty of the island and surrounding waters, complemented by premium wines from France and Italy.

On 20 July 2026, guests will experience the resort’s first-ever MICHELIN-Starred Four Hands Wine Dinner, a collaborative culinary showcase between Executive Chef Fabrice Rosso and Executive Chef Davide Allievi of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. Bringing together French and Italian culinary traditions, the six-course menu celebrates Mediterranean heritage while highlighting seasonal ingredients and authentic flavors that reflect the natural rhythms of the island.

Executive Chef Davide Allievi brings more than fifteen years of international culinary experience across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Maldives. Inspired by authenticity, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for ingredients, his culinary style reflects both his Italian roots and the unique character of Hadahaa.

A curated wine pairing will elevate both evenings, guiding guests through an exceptional journey of distinguished wines from France and Italy. Enhancing the 20 July event is Harsh P. S. Chauhan, a WSET-certified sommelier and wine educator from Grape Expectations whose expertise spans wineries, luxury hospitality, wine importation, and retail. His handpicked selections and engaging storytelling will offer an exclusive, deeply immersive experience for the night.

“At Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, we are committed to creating experiences that are deeply connected to our destination,” said Anshul Sharma, General Manager of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. “We are delighted to welcome MICHELIN-starred Executive Chef Fabrice Rosso for this exclusive culinary collaboration, bringing his world-class expertise to the extraordinary natural setting and rich culinary bounty of Hadahaa. As part of the Masters of Food & Wine program, these dining experiences bring together exceptional talent, remarkable ingredients, and the unique spirit of our island, offering guests a truly memorable culinary journey.”

“Whenever I cook in a new destination, I seek inspiration from the ingredients and environment that make it unique,” said Fabrice Rosso, Executive Chef of IDAM by Alain Ducasse, Doha. “For these dinners at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, I wanted to bring the spirit of the Mediterranean while embracing the remarkable seafood, herbs, and flavors found in the Maldives. The result is a menu that reflects both my culinary roots and the character of this extraordinary island.”

“It is a privilege to welcome Executive Chef Fabrice Rosso to Hadahaa for this unique culinary collaboration,” said Davide Allievi, Executive Chef of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. “Our shared passion for authenticity, craftsmanship, and respect for ingredients has inspired a menu that reflects both our individual backgrounds and the spirit of the island. Together, we have created a dining experience that celebrates Mediterranean flavors while highlighting the purity and beauty of the Maldives.”

EVENT DETAILS

A Taste of the Mediterranean from the French Riviera | Michelin-Starred Wine Pairing Dinner

  • Date: 17 July 2026
  • Time: 7:30 PM onwards
  • Venue: Island Grill
  • Price: USD 249++ per person

The Harmony of French & Italian Delights | Michelin-Starred Four Hands Wine Dinner

  • Date: 20 July 2026
  • Time: 7:30 PM onwards
  • Venue: Island Grill
  • Price: USD 249++ per person

Reservations are now open, with limited seating available for both events. For reservations and further information, please visit the resort’s website or contact +960 682 1234, maldives.parkhadahaa@hyatt.com. 

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Love

dusitD2 Feydhoo brings wedding industry together for inaugural showcase

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dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, in collaboration with Bespoke Events Maldives, has hosted the inaugural Maldives Wedding Showcase 2026, bringing together engaged couples, wedding professionals, and leading lifestyle brands for an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating love, creativity, and unforgettable occasions.

Held at the resort’s elegant Feydhoo Hall, the showcase marked an exciting milestone for both the resort and the Maldives’ wedding industry. Guests explored beautifully curated vendor displays, connected with industry experts, and discovered the endless possibilities for creating bespoke celebrations in one of the Maldives’ newest lifestyle destinations.

The event featured an impressive collection of carefully selected local partners, including wedding planners, bridal fashion specialists, photographers, videographers, florists, jewellery designers, entertainers, beauty professionals, decorators, stationery providers, and luxury service experts. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed live entertainment, culinary tastings prepared by the resort’s talented culinary team, interactive experiences, and exclusive offers available only to Wedding Showcase attendees.

Located just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is redefining destination celebrations by combining contemporary island living with stylish accommodation, exceptional dining experiences, and one of the Maldives’ most versatile event venues, Feydhoo Hall.

“The success of our first Maldives Wedding Showcase marks an exciting milestone for dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives,” said Yogeswaran Veerasamy, General Manager of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives. “Seeing so many couples, families, and industry partners come together to celebrate love and creativity was truly rewarding. Together with Bespoke Events Maldives, we wanted to create more than just an exhibition—we wanted to inspire future celebrations and demonstrate what is possible when exceptional venues, talented local partners, and genuine hospitality come together. The overwhelming response has been incredibly encouraging, and we look forward to making the Maldives Wedding Showcase a signature annual event while creating unforgettable celebrations for years to come.”

As the Maldives continues to evolve as a destination for more than just beach weddings, the event highlighted the growing demand for stylish, purpose-built venues capable of hosting intimate ceremonies, grand receptions, multicultural weddings, corporate gatherings, exhibitions, gala dinners, and private celebrations.

With its contemporary design, flexible event spaces, and convenient location close to Malé, Feydhoo Hall offers one of the Maldives’ largest purpose-built function venues, providing an ideal setting for celebrations of every scale.

The success of the inaugural Maldives Wedding Showcase reflects dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives’ commitment to supporting the local events industry while creating a platform that connects couples with trusted suppliers, innovative ideas, and exceptional experiences. Following the overwhelmingly positive response from guests and exhibitors alike, the resort looks forward to building on this success and establishing the Maldives Wedding Showcase as an annual celebration of love, collaboration, and creativity.

For more information about weddings and events at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, please visit the resort’s website.

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Culture

Oaga Art Resort showcases Maldivian art on international stage

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Oaga Art Resort has successfully concluded The Shape of Return, a contemporary Maldivian art exhibition presented in collaboration with Oevaali Art Gallery, Singapore. Running from 21 June to 5 July 2026, the exhibition brought together the works of 15 Maldivian artists, introducing international audiences to stories of identity, memory, belonging and cultural heritage through contemporary visual art.

The collaboration between Oaga Art Resort and Oevaali Art Gallery reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful platforms for Maldivian artists beyond the country’s shores. Housed within Oevaali Art Gallery’s intimate space dedicated to Maldivian fine art, The Shape of Return transformed the gallery into a window into the Maldives, inviting visitors to experience narratives that extend far beyond the destination’s familiar image of turquoise waters and white sand beaches.

Originally commissioned as part of Maldives; A Simple Story, the artworks were first created as individual installations within Oaga Art Resort’s Veyoge Gallery Villas, where each space was designed as a living narrative inspired by Maldivian culture and everyday life. Their presentation in Singapore brought these dispersed works together for the first time, forming a collective archive of contemporary Maldivian artistic expression within an international gallery setting.

The exhibition formed part of Oaga Art Resort’s broader engagement at ILTM Asia Pacific Singapore, where the resort representatives connected with luxury travel advisors and industry partners from across the region. Extending beyond the trade environment, Oaga hosted private viewings at Oevaali Art Gallery, offering selected partners a deeper cultural context to the resort’s creative philosophy and hospitality narrative. These sessions created a more immersive layer of engagement, bridging conversations initiated at ILTM with the artistic foundations of the resort experience.

Alongside the exhibition, visitors also experienced a miniature installation inspired by Oaga’s Veyoge Gallery Villas, offering visitors a scaled glimpse into the environments where the artworks originate. Guests were also invited to participate in a Veyoge giveaway, extending the exhibition beyond the gallery space while introducing audiences to the artistic experiences that await at Oaga Art Resort.

Bringing together artists from diverse creative disciplines, The Shape of Return showcased painting, mixed media, illustration and visual storytelling that explored the connections between people, place and memory while celebrating the evolving narratives of contemporary Maldivian creators.

“We have always envisioned Oaga as more than just a beach resort – it is an art platform; a destination where people can connect with the Maldives through creative and whimsical storytelling. It has been a joy to bring a glimpse of this to a global stage through the work of 15 local artists, and deeply moving to witness the connections formed through this exhibition. This is a milestone not just for Oaga, but for Maldivian contemporary art.” said Nawaila Nashid, Director of Brand Experience of Oaga Art Resort.

Featured Maldivian artists include Alwan Ibrahim, Hawwa Lahfa, Hidhana Latheef, Zifla Ibrahim, Zuha Bari, Hassan Niyaz, Aishath Shuaila, Mariyam Halym, Baburu Akuru x Jille, Dhyna Shaheem, Emaz Shakoor, Aminath Fathina, Afzal Shaafiu (Afu), Mohamed Hisan and Aima Musthafa.

Concluding on 5 July 2026, The Shape of Return marks another milestone in Oaga Art Resort’s continued mission to create meaningful opportunities for Maldivian artists while fostering international appreciation for the country’s contemporary creative voices through art, storytelling and cultural exchange.

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