News
SLOW LIFE Symposium 2014 delegates commit to immediate actions to secure the future of sustainable fishing in the Maldives

Maldives.net.mv – Delegates at the fifth SLOW LIFE Symposium, hosted at Soneva Fushi today pledged their immediate and continued support to secure the future of sustainable fishing in the Maldives. Responding to a direct request from the Maldivian Minister for Fisheries, Mohamed Shainee, to make the country’s existing sustainable fishing practices viable long-term, delegates have agreed to ongoing actions to realise this vision.
Strategies outlined for development include a unique programme to explore the finance required to support the future conservation of the waters of Baa Atoll, which is the only UNESCO World Biosphere reserve in the Maldives and home to some of the world’s richest coral reefs and marine ecosystems. They also included exploratory discussions around the viability of ‘debt for nature swaps’ in the Maldives. The actions come as pressure grows on the Maldives to continue supporting their net-free and shark-free fishing practices, in light of competition from unsustainable fisheries, who can operate more cheaply.
Speaking at the conference, Chairman and CEO, Soneva Group and Founder of the SLOW LIFE Symposium Sonu Shivdasani also announced the creation of a $100,000 investment fund to ensure that early stage initiatives can be given the finance required to succeed. He said: “At every SLOW LIFE Symposium we have made a commitment to deliver results based actions, but now we are going one step further, by providing financial impetus for launch and potentially longer-term support for the initiatives and social enterprises that result from this unique event.”
The commitments to support sustainable fisheries in the Maldives, come on the last day of the three-day annual event, which is the world’s only bare-foot symposium. This year’s gathering, chaired by Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director of Forum for the Future, has focused on the theme of ‘capitalism within planetary boundaries’ looking at new models of finance that can help to secure a sustainable world. Eminent speakers at this year’s event have included Pavan Sukhdev, Gist Advisory, Jamie Arbib, Tellus Mater, Chris West, Shell Foundation, Jean Oelwang, CEO Virgin Unite and Peter Wheeler, The Nature Conservancy.
In addition to the commitments around fisheries, delegates also committed to developing eight other post Symposium actions, including building a sustainable Maldives fish brand, developing an ‘Oceans Lab’ to foster cross organisation collaboration on the future of the oceans and scaling existing sustainable rice production practices that reduce waste.
Speaking at the event, Jamie Arbib, Venture Investor and Founder of Tellus Mater said: “The role of philanthropy is to break down silos. Too often we focus on one issue but we must start to bear the bigger picture in mind.” He was supported by Jean Oelwang who spoke plainly about the need to stop duplication in philanthropy, due to activity happening in isolation, and her efforts to “convene cross sector partnerships that focus on the root causes of issues and turn them into solutions”.
The Symposium was sponsored by the Soneva Group, a world-leading sustainability resort group. Other topics explored this year include food, farming and sustainable land use, the future of the oceans and the future of philanthropy.
Honeymoon
Sun, sand, searches: Maldives tops charts for 2025 newlyweds

In an era where the quest for the perfect “romantic getaway” has surged by 83% in global Google searches year-on-year, the Maldives has been unequivocally named the top destination for newlyweds. According to new UK search and booking data from travel experts Travelbag, the island nation remains the most coveted long-haul honeymoon spot for 2025.
To determine where couples are heading to celebrate their nuptials, Travelbag’s specialists analyzed average UK Google search volumes alongside year-on-year booking trends from April 2024 to April 2025. The results highlight a clear winner, with the Maldives’ enduring popularity shining through.
Despite fierce competition from other idyllic locations, the Maldives holds the top rank with a staggering 19,200 average UK annual searches and a steady 5% year-on-year growth in bookings. This demonstrates the nation’s unshakable position as the quintessential honeymoon paradise in the minds of couples.
Here are the top long-haul honeymoon destinations according to Travelbag’s data:
- Maldives: 19,200 annual searches; 5% booking change
- Seychelles: 10,560 annual searches; 50% booking change
- Bali: 12,000 annual searches; 0% booking change
- Zanzibar: 8,640 annual searches; 86% booking change
- Costa Rica: 5,760 annual searches; 10% booking change
- St Lucia: 5,760 annual searches; -20% booking change
- Dubai: 3,840 annual searches; 30% booking change
- Antigua and Barbuda: 2,040 annual searches; 75% booking change
- Banff: 360 annual searches; 100% booking change
- Kyoto: 240 annual searches; 400% booking change
While destinations like Kyoto and Banff show remarkable growth in booking percentages, their search volumes indicate they remain niche choices compared to the mainstream appeal of the Maldives.
Danny Hugill, the designated Maldives destination expert at Travelbag, shared his advice for couples planning their romantic escape.
“The Maldives is the ultimate honeymoon destination, offering a mix of luxury, seclusion, and natural beauty,” he stated. “For a truly romantic and peaceful honeymoon, consider visiting between December and April, when there is plenty of sunshine and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxing on white-sand beaches and exploring vibrant coral reefs. At this time of year, temperatures range between 24°C and 31°C, so you’ll need to make sure you pack your sunscreen.”
Hugill also highlighted the diverse activities that await newlyweds: “Relaxation and romance take centre stage here. You can enjoy day-diving trips or head out on a glass-bottomed kayak together. But if you’re looking for something more exciting, there are plenty of watersports available on the islands, including water skiing and parasailing. You could even try a Maldivian cooking class to take some culinary skills back home with you.”
This latest data from Travelbag solidifies the Maldives’ esteemed status, proving that its unique blend of breathtaking scenery and luxurious intimacy continues to capture the hearts of couples worldwide, setting the standard for honeymoon destinations in 2025 and beyond.
Awards
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s spa secures top 3 spot in Travel + Leisure Asia’s 2025 Luxury Awards for Maldives

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has been recognised as the #3 Best Spa in the Maldives in the Travel + Leisure Asia Luxury Awards 2025, reaffirming its place as a refined, award-winning sanctuary that embodies Banyan Tree’s timeless promise – a Sanctuary for the Senses.
Tucked within the picturesque, lush surrounds of North Malé Atoll, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites travellers to rediscover the romance of travel and experience the Original Maldives—a place where time slows, nature heals, and presence is restored.
Pioneering the spa movement in the Maldives, Banyan Tree Spa was established in 1995 as the first international luxury resort-based spa in the Maldives. Guided by a vision to offer holistic, intuitive healing in harmony with nature, the spa continues to lead as an icon of tropical wellness and quiet rejuvenation.
At the heart of this distinction is the resort’s reimagined Banyan Tree Spa & Wellbeing (https://www.banyantree.com/maldives/vabbinfaru/spa/banyan-tree-spa-vabbinfaru ) philosophy – a holistic refuge where the rhythms of island life restore the senses, and each ritual is intuitively crafted to align mind, body, and soul. Treatments are delivered by therapists who undergo more than 600 hours of dedicated training at the Banyan Tree Spa & Wellbeing Academy, where the wisdom of ancient Asian healing is honoured and preserved.
Signature Spa Journeys combine locally grown botanicals, intuitive touch, and the soothing cadence of the ocean to awaken stillness and presence. The renowned Banyan Tree Spa Signature experience is at once enchanting and rejuvenating, designed for complete physical, mental, and spiritual renewal – an oasis for those seeking more than rest: a return to self.
Banyan Tree’s wellbeing philosophy embraces the belief that everyone aspires—and deserves – to live well. At its core is a dedication to purposeful, regenerative living, where personal and environmental wellbeing are deeply intertwined. Through healing in harmony with nature – one is gently invited to reconnect with self, others, and the natural world.
“As we celebrate 30 years of barefoot eco-luxury at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru this year, this recognition is a tribute to our passionate therapists and reflects the essence of what we offer – a sacred place for renewal, reconnection, and a return to inner calm.”
— Elias Pertoft, General Manager, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru
This accolade arrives as the resort deepens its commitment to sustainability, local culture, and community empowerment. The recently launched Banyan Tree Connections programme furthers this mission, offering intuitive, regenerative experiences for those seeking grounding, growth, and greater meaning through intentional travel. (https://www.banyantree.com/maldives/vabbinfaru/offers/banyan-tree-connections )
Whether arriving in search of stillness or awakening, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru remains an inviting, tranquil haven – a place to reignite the senses, honour ancient traditions, and rediscover what it means to feel whole.
Awards
Minor Hotels’ Maldives resorts sweep Travel + Leisure accolades for unrivalled luxury

Minor Hotels has prominently showcased its strength in the Maldivian luxury resort market, securing a remarkable number of accolades at the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. The group’s resorts in the Maldives were highly celebrated, reinforcing their position as leaders in the nation’s competitive hospitality landscape.
Leading the charge was Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, which achieved recognition across five distinct categories. The Baa Atoll resort was ranked among the best in the region, securing the #5 spot for ‘Best Resorts’ and the #4 position for its vibrant ‘Best House Reefs’. Its pool was named the 5th ‘Best Resort Pool’, and its Anantara Spa was listed as the 5th ‘Best Resort Spa’. The resort also earned a place for its luxurious accommodations, with its villas ranked #6 in the ‘Most Outrageous Villas’ category.
The recognition for Minor Hotels extended to its other properties in the archipelago. Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort was also lauded as one of the top resorts in the region, placing at #8 in the ‘Best Resorts’ category.
Spa and wellness, a key pillar of the Maldivian tourism offering, saw further wins for the group. The Anantara Spa at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort was distinguished as the #4 ‘Best Resort Spa’ in the Asia Pacific, highlighting its excellence in providing world-class wellness experiences.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives also received significant praise. The resort’s exclusive ‘The Crescent’ was ranked #10 in the ‘Most Outrageous Villas’ category. Furthermore, the property’s leadership was celebrated, with General Manager Hafidh Al Busaidy being named the 5th ‘Best General Manager’ in the Maldives, a testament to the high standards of service and management at the resort.
These numerous awards, voted for by Travel + Leisure’s discerning global readership, underscore the strong appeal and exceptional quality of Minor Hotels’ portfolio in the Maldives, celebrating their commitment to luxury, service, and unique guest experiences.
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