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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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Reiki Master Nikki begins August residency at Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa

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Amilla Maldives is hosting holistic wellness practitioner Nongluck Chuaychuang, known as Nikki, for a month-long residency at the resort’s Javvu Spa.

Running from 2 to 30 August 2026, the residency offers guests a collection of treatments focused on physical relaxation, energy alignment and mental wellbeing.

A Reiki Master and sound healing specialist, Nikki has practised at luxury wellness destinations around the world. During her residency at Amilla, she is offering treatments tailored to guests’ individual needs, with sessions designed to release physical tension, support energy flow and encourage relaxation.

“True healing begins when we give ourselves the space to slow down, listen within, and return to our natural rhythm,” Nikki said.

The programme includes The Nikki Essence, her signature holistic massage, as well as Reiki Energy Healing, which focuses on subtle body alignment.

Guests can also take part in sound bath journeys using Tibetan and crystal bowls, or book intuitive bodywork sessions designed to provide restorative release.

The residency forms part of Javvu Spa’s wellness programme, which incorporates treatments and practices intended to support physical and emotional balance.

Sessions are available at Javvu Spa throughout the residency, with advance reservations recommended.

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Reconnect with nature at Milaidhoo Maldives this World Wellness Weekend

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This September, Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to press pause and reconnect with what matters most. From 18th to 20th September, the boutique island retreat in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, will mark World Wellness Weekend with a thoughtfully curated programme of experiences celebrating movement, mindfulness and the simple joy of being immersed in nature.

At Milaidhoo, wellbeing isn’t centred on strict routines or quick fixes. It comes naturally through the island’s slower pace, the restorative power of the ocean, time spent outdoors and fresh, nourishing cuisine inspired by the Maldives. On the small island, guests are gently encouraged to switch off, breathe deeply and savour each moment.

This philosophy is reflected at Serenity Spa, where a dedicated team of therapists and wellness practitioners share a deeply personal approach to wellbeing. Every treatment is thoughtfully tailored, blending time-honoured healing traditions with genuine care to help guests relax and restore themselves.

To celebrate World Wellness Weekend, Milaidhoo has created a three-day programme of complimentary and signature experiences, from sunrise yoga and aqua meditation to aerial wellness sessions and a workshop on mental wellbeing led by visiting practitioner Dr Lim Xiang Jun, who combines traditional healing wisdom with modern medical knowledge. Guests and the Milaidhoo Family members will also come together for Moving Together, a relaxed community jog along the Water Villa Jetty, celebrating the wellbeing that comes from sharing experiences with others.

Programme of activities as follows for the World Wellness Weekend:

Friday, 18th September 2026

08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
Begin the day with a gentle yoga practice surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the ocean.

11.00 – Mental Wellbeing and Stress Management Workshop
Yoga Pavilion | Complimentary | 45 minutes
Led by Dr Lim Xiang Jun, visiting practitioner at Milaidhoo. A Modern Traditional Doctor, Dr. Lim combines traditional healing practices with modern medical knowledge, sharing practical approaches to managing stress and supporting mental wellbeing.

19.00 – Moonlit Sound Journey
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A calming evening experience using sound and vibration to encourage deep relaxation beneath the Maldivian night sky.

Saturday, 19th September 2026

08.00 – Complimentary Aqua Workout
Compass Pool
A refreshing water-based workout to energise the body and mind.

11.00 – Group Aerial Yoga Flow
$35++ per person (minimum 4 guests)
A guided aerial yoga session combining movement, balance and mindful breathing.

16:30 – Moving Together
Water Villa Jetty | Complimentary
A one-hour relaxed jog along the Water Villa jetty, open to all guests and Milaidhoo Family members, celebrating movement and connection.

Sunday, 20th September 2026

08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion

11.00 – Aqua Sonic Meditation
Compass Pool | Complimentary
A unique meditation experience combining the calming environment of water with soothing sounds.

15.00 – Aerial Thai Wellness
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A gentle wellness session inspired by Thai therapeutic movement techniques.

At Milaidhoo, wellbeing is not something to be added to island life, it is naturally part of it.

This World Wellness Weekend, guests are invited to take time for themselves, discover new ways to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of being fully present.

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Vakkaru Maldives elevates overwater luxury with new pool villas

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Vakkaru Maldives, the award-winning private island resort set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll, has revealed the launch of a new villa category: the Overwater Villa with Pool.

The new Overwater Villa with Pool is available to book now for stays from 22 October 2026 onwards. Combining the spacious, light-filled layout and direct lagoon access that define a stay at Vakkaru with the addition of a private pool suspended above the water, the new category offers an enhanced overwater experience. Each villa offers 165 sqm of villa space and a private pool of 23 sqm, creating an intimate sanctuary where the lagoon begins at the doorstep and the horizon stretches uninterrupted to the edge of the Indian Ocean.

Comprising odd-numbered villas 211 to 245, the new Overwater Villa with Pool category sits within Vakkaru’s carefully considered overwater collection, which also includes the resort’s signature Overwater Deluxe Pool Villa. The new category has been designed for guests who seek the freedom of private outdoor space alongside the calm and seclusion that only an overwater setting can offer.

Introductory rates for 2026 start from US$1,650++ per night in low season, with shoulder season rates from US$1,950++ and festive season rates from US$4,500++. All rates are combinable with current seasonal offers.

To better reflect the distinction within its overwater collection, Vakkaru Maldives will simultaneously rename the current Overwater Pool Villa category to Overwater Deluxe Pool Villa. This is a name change only, with no amendments to villa features, inventory or rates.

Vakkaru Maldives was recognised with one MICHELIN Key in the MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection 2025 and was recently ranked No. 9 among the Best Resorts in Asia in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026. The resort was also named World’s Leading Private Island Resort and Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort at the World Travel Awards 2025, marking its sixth consecutive year of recognition.

For reservations, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.

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