News
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Holds ‘Run to Give’ Charity Run
Maldives.net.mv – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific held its ‘Run to Give’ charity run in 105 locations across Asia Pacific. As part of this Asia Pacific-wide initiative, 2 Starwood Hotels in the Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa joined hands to support of Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo and and W Retreat & Spa – Maldives in support of Himandhoo School. Run to Give also marks the kick-off in Asia Pacific of Together As One (TAO), Starwood’s annual global volunteer campaign.
Now in its second year, Starwood has dedicated the entire month of October to TAO to encourage additional volunteer efforts and also celebrate its associates’ volunteer work that takes place year-round throughout the world, making a positive impact in their communities. Across Asia Pacific, Starwood associates have volunteered more than 6500 hours of community service in 2014 alone.
“Run to Give underscores Starwood’s commitment to drive meaningful impact to the local communities as we recognize that the vitality of our business is directly linked to the vitality of the places where we operate,” said Stephen Ho, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. “Last year was the first time we organized the charity run to immense response; this year with the continued support from our associates, we are confident that Run to Give will accomplish more than we ever could alone.”
The run at Sheraton Maldives participated by guests and associates started from one of the island at Arrival Pavilion with the route taking participants by the Shine Spa, Sheraton Club Lounge, Fitness Center and ending in Beach Bar. Maldives current national record holder in multiple categories and Dhiraagu brand ambassador Mr. Hassan Saaid also joined the participants in support of the cause. The event concluded with the entertainment of traditional Bodu Beru performances on the beach.
The race held at W Retreat & Spa – Maldives was divided into 2 KM race and 0.5KM swim. The route saw guests and W talents swimming and running across the island. Each participant mixed and mingled at FIRE Beach after the race to sip on bespoke cocktails while listening to the vibrant tunes curated by the new Music Curator, Erica Rhone.
Started in 2014 as Hotel Charity Run, the inaugural event saw an overwhelming response of over 20,000 runners take part in 92 locations across Asia Pacific; raising a total of close to USD 228,000. Associates from Starwood hotels all over the region organized these unique runs to raise funds for a local charity in which their hotels operated in. This year, the run took on the official event name‘Run to Give’ – chosen amongst close to 500 internal submission entries by Starwood associates, best representing the spirit of the charity event.
Run to Give expects to gather more than 75 Starwood associates, running enthusiasts and philanthropists. Funds raised through the charity run in the Maldives will go towards Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo and Himandhoo School to support education’s program for underprivileged children and help people with special needs.
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
Awards
Jalboot Group claims three honours at World Luxury Travel Awards 2026
Jalboot Group has won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, marking the second consecutive year the marine leisure and transport services provider has received recognition at the event.
The awards were presented during a gala ceremony held on 24 October at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Thailand.
Jalboot Group and its marine leisure brand, Koamas by Jalboot, received awards in three categories:
- Best Diving Experience in Maldives: Koamas by Jalboot
- Best Luxury Water Transfer in Indian Ocean: Jalboot Group
- Best Water Sport & Activities in Indian Ocean Islands: Koamas by Jalboot
The awards recognise the company’s operations across marine leisure and transport services in the Maldives, including watersports, resort-based recreational activities and inter-island water transfers.
RJ Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jalboot Group, said the recognition reflected the contributions of the company’s team across its operations.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised across three categories at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards. This milestone reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork of everyone at Jalboot. Our goal has always been to create experiences that reflect the essence of luxury and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, both on and beneath the water.”
Jalboot Group continues to expand its operations in the Maldives as a provider of integrated maritime solutions, including luxury yacht charters, marine transport and resort-based leisure services.
The three awards further recognise the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean’s marine tourism and transport sectors.
Action
Kandooma Maldives adds pickleball to recreational offerings
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
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