News
Maldives opens world’s first fully solar powered resort
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.
Lifestyle
Niva Kuramathi Maldives welcomes artist Sarah Smart for island residency
Renowned British illustrator Sarah Smart will be at Niva Kuramathi Maldives from 22 – 24 May 2026, offering live portrait sessions. Internationally recognised for her expertise in live painting, product illustration, packaging and luxury brand art projects, Sarah is set to deliver a truly unique experience for art lovers.
During her tranquil island residency, Sarah will conduct two exclusive live portrait sessions per day over three days. Guests will have the unique opportunity to have their portraits captured in her signature style, observe her illustrative techniques up close, and receive a postcard or A5- sized original artwork to cherish as a memento of their experience.
Young artists are invited to join Sarah for an enchanting interactive workshop at the Bageecha Kids Club. This special session is designed to spark creativity and ignite young imaginations, guiding children on a journey of artistic discovery. It’s a wonderful opportunity for budding painters to express themselves through art, creating magical memories of their time on the island.
Sarah’s diverse portfolio spans painting live illustrations for international brands, such as a private gathering at the Oliver Peoples Boutique store in Madrid where guests received personalised tote bags capturing themselves in the new collection. She also creates live fashion illustrations of guests at elegant private parties, like a James Bond-themed soirée at The Arts Club in Mayfair. Her brand collaborations include crafting personalised tote bags for Sunglass Hut in Dublin and Copenhagen and designing illustrations for an Advent Calendar for Hill St., an artisan bean-to-bar UK chocolate brand. Her wider client list includes Tory Burch, Chanel, Gucci and Miu Miu. Additionally, Sarah has designed stationery for Jumeirah Carlton Tower’s Chelsea Dog Day and new menu design for The Doyle Collection.
News
Meyyafushi Maldives opens with focus on premium all-inclusive travel
Meyyafushi Maldives by BeKind Hospitality Group is now officially open, welcoming guests to a new island escape designed around premium all-inclusive comfort, personalised service, and unrivalled facility offerings.
Designed as a sanctuary to connect within and beyond, Meyyafushi Maldives brings together contemporary design, curated experiences, and exceptional culinary journeys across a naturally breathtaking island setting. With all dining concepts, facilities and signature experiences now fully realised, the resort invites guests to discover a seamless blend of indulgence, adventure, and tranquillity.

At the heart of the experience is a collection of 94 elegantly appointed villas and suites, each with a private pool, offering both beachfront serenity and overwater escapism. Elevated design meets effortless comfort, creating spaces that are both refined and deeply connected to the surrounding nature.
Meyyafushi’s culinary landscape is a defining highlight, featuring a diverse portfolio of dining venues led by an expert culinary team. From authentic Asian flavours and refined Chinese cuisine to international favourites, each concept is thoughtfully curated to deliver a dynamic and elevated dining journey. The recent opening of Raa, the resort’s dedicated overwater wine cellar, introduces a sophisticated space for curated tastings and premium pairings, further enhancing the gastronomic offering.

Signature experiences set Meyyafushi apart on the global stage. Guests can dine beneath the ocean at the striking Bubble Underwater Restaurant, play on the world’s first fixed overwater padel tennis court, or unwind at the adults-only Sky Bar and Sunken Lounge, complete with a glass-bottom infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. Each experience has been designed to be both distinctive and unforgettable, offering moments that linger long after departure.

Beyond its standout features, Meyyafushi delivers a truly seamless island experience. From natural beach landscapes to fully curated excursions and activity programmes, every element has been carefully refined to ensure a fruitful and intuitive guest journey.
Underpinning the experience is a strong commitment to service excellence, delivered by a diverse and highly trained international team. With multilingual expertise and a focus on intuitive, personalised service, Meyyafushi ensures that every guest feels both understood and effortlessly cared for throughout their stay.

“We are proud to present the fully realised vision of Meyyafushi Maldives,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager. “Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to offer a refined island experience, where guests can truly disconnect from the world and reconnect with what matters most.”
Just a 35-minute scenic seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, Meyyafushi Maldives offers a new perspective on premium all-inclusive travel — where bold experiences, elevated design, and genuine Maldivian hospitality come together in perfect harmony.
Featured
Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa presents May–July guest experience calendar
Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa has introduced a series of guest experiences scheduled from May to July 2026, combining wellness, cultural activities, dining and entertainment across the island.
The programme is structured to offer a mix of daytime and evening activities, with each month featuring a different focus aligned with seasonal events and international observances.
In May, the programme begins with Full Moon Celebrations on 1 May 2026, including beachside dining alongside yoga and sound healing sessions. This is followed by Mother’s Day on 10 May 2026, with activities such as a Mother and Daughter Retreat and spa experiences designed for shared participation.
Later in the month, World Whisky Day on 16 May 2026 will be marked with a single malt tasting session. Activities for younger guests will include a Kids Fashion and Talent Show, providing a platform for participation and entertainment.
In June, the focus shifts towards wellness and cultural engagement. Global Wellness Day on 13 June 2026 will include guided sessions and ocean-based activities. The Dragon Boat Festival on 21 June 2026 will be marked with a themed dining experience.
The resort will also host World Cup live screenings throughout June and July, creating a social viewing environment for guests. International Yoga Day on 21 June 2026 will be observed with a sunrise beach session.
In July, World Chocolate Day on 7 July 2026 will be marked with themed culinary experiences. Maldives Independence Day on 26 July 2026 will be observed through a Maldivian night buffet and Boduberu performances.
Full Moon Night will return on 29 July 2026 with beach dining and wellness sessions, while the Sun and Splash Pool Party on 22 July 2026 will bring together music, dining and poolside activities.
Through this three-month programme, Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa is offering a mix of wellness, cultural and social experiences designed to provide guests with a range of activities during their stay.
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