News

Turtles in Laamu – safe and protected

Published

9 years ago

May 16, 2016

Maldives.net.mv – The first ever Laamu Atoll interisland “Save the Sea Turtles” Festival took place on the local island of Maavah on April 30, 2016 and began as a partnership between Six Senses Laamu and the South Central Division of the Maldives Police Service. With the theme “Turtles in Laam (Laamu) – Safe and Protected” the aim of the all-day festival was to unite the islands of the atoll while raising awareness and providing education about the importance of turtle conservation.

Sea turtles are an integral part of the fragile marine ecosystem and they play vital roles in maintaining the health of the ocean. These roles range from balancing productive coral reef ecosystems to transporting essential nutrients from the oceans to beaches and coastal areas. Unfortunately, worldwide, six of the seven sea turtle species are classified as threatened or endangered due to human actions and lifestyles. Poaching and illegal trade of eggs, meat, and shells, commercial fishing, loss of nesting habitat and ocean pollution are among the human-caused threats pushing sea turtles towards extinction. As sea turtle populations decline, so does their ability to fulfill vital functions in ocean ecosystems. Through education and awareness, we hope to help further conserve the important turtle population in the Laamu Atoll.

The festival had over 600 attendees throughout the day including students, parents, resort hosts, community organizations, local officials and residents of the various atoll islands and the Laamu Project Manta Trust team. Five main schools, students, parents and faculty participated in this important event namely the Maavashu School, the L. Maamendhoo School, the Laamu Hithadhoo School, the Laamu Atoll Education Centre and the Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani School.

We were honored to have United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative to the Maldives, Shoko Noda, and Ministry of Environment and Energy Senior Policy Executive, Dr. Abdulla Naseer, as chief guests.

Dr. Abdulla Naseer said, “It was an unforgettable experience which symbolizes the environmental standards that we wish to send in the country. I wish to note the high level of attendance to the Festival from all sectors and agencies active in Laamu. This is the type of commitment and awareness we wish to raise in all the atolls. The leadership Six Senses Laamu has shown in accomplishing this is commendable. The relationship the resort maintains with communities through its hosts was particularly noteworthy and that is the secret of its success.”

Shoko Noda added, “Six Senses Laamu, in organizing the first Sea Turtle Protection & Awareness Festival in the Maldives, has demonstrated industry leadership in advancing conservation in Laamu Atoll. The festival has been a great step to raise community awareness, so that people can care enough to trigger meaningful change. Collective efforts from partners are vital to ensure this magnificent creature continues to grace our world. We are heartened by such efforts that share in the UN’s vision to sustain healthier and more resilient marine and coastal ecosystems in the Maldives.”

The day included various contests, games and educational booths surrounding the importance of sea turtles. Events leading up to the final day included a t-shirt design contest and a drawing competition. Beach and reef cleans took place prior to the event to educate students on the importance of keeping waste out of the ocean. The collected waste was used in a large turtle display to demonstrate that if we do not keep waste out of the oceans, it becomes life-threatening to sea turtles. The most popular event proved to be the turtle-themed sand sculpture competition between the schools, judged by Shoko Noda, which brought incredibly creative designs by all students.

Superintendent Ahmed Shakir, commander of South Central Police Division of the Maldives, said, “As per the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (4/93), all marine turtles, their eggs and habitats are declared protected. We will do everything possible to create awareness among the local communities, as any act of violation is punishable under the Environment Liability Regulation. We advise the local community to protect and preserve the marine turtles and take pride in saying Turtles in Laam – safe and protected.”

Marteyne van Well, general manager, and Megan Latta, sustainability officer of Six Senses Laamu shared, “We pride ourselves on being a sustainable resort and this day is a perfect embodiment of what this means; multiple groups from different parts of the community coming together to do something positive for the environment. We hope this is the first step of many in the continued efforts of this atoll, not only around environmental awareness, but also around unique and important ways of educating our students. Students truly are the future and we must do our best to engage and support everyone to make sure that we set the right path towards a very bright and positive future.”

Drink

Kandolhu Maldives introduces new villas and gastronomic journeys

Published

5 hours ago

August 31, 2025

m@ldives

Kandolhu Maldives has announced a new season of island experiences, highlighting the resort’s refurbished Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas and a series of exclusive dining collaborations with internationally acclaimed chefs. The resort aims to offer guests opportunities to rediscover its intimate setting through refreshed accommodation and elevated culinary events.

The newly enhanced Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas, each spanning 120 sqm, have been designed with relaxation and comfort in mind. The villas now feature a spacious bedroom, a light-filled bathroom with a deep oval bathtub overlooking the Indian Ocean, and a private deck furnished with sun loungers and a sun umbrella. A new 23 sqm private pool has also been added, alongside a hammock suspended above the water, offering uninterrupted ocean views.

The resort has also introduced a line-up of exclusive dining events, bringing together Michelin-starred chefs and distinguished winemakers. These collaborations, hosted at Olive restaurant, combine fine cuisine with curated wine pairings, promising immersive gastronomic experiences.

3 October 2025: Chef Bernd Bachofer will present a degustation menu combining Japanese, Southeast Asian, and French haute cuisine. The evening will be paired with vintages from New Zealand’s Schubert Wines, led by winemaker Kai Schubert. Chef Bachofer, awarded a Michelin star in 2015, brings decades of expertise from renowned kitchens in Germany and Switzerland.
23 November 2025: The Kandolhu culinary team, headed by Chef Justin, will prepare a five-course Mediterranean dinner paired with Stonefish wines. Wine expert Peter Papanikitas will guide guests through each course, providing insights into the pairings.
3 December 2025: Michelin-starred Chef Theodor Falser will craft contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine in a five-course dinner for just 14 guests. Each course will be paired with fine Italian wines, offering an intimate dining experience.

Kandolhu’s Island Hosts, Claudio Stupan and Luciana Codiferro, commented, “Our vision has always been to create a space where guests feel both completely relaxed and deeply inspired. With refreshed villas and new culinary journeys ahead, we are proud to offer an experience that truly reflects the spirit of Kandolhu.”

Featured

Bavarian traditions meet island living at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Oktoberfest

Published

1 day ago

August 30, 2025

m@ldives

Sun Siyam Olhuveli has announced that it will host its own take on Oktoberfest from 1 to 5 October 2025, bringing one of the world’s most recognised celebrations to a tropical island setting. The resort will combine Bavarian traditions with Maldivian hospitality, offering guests a week-long programme of music, food, and festivities.

A highlight of the event will be a performance by international DJ twins Kristina and Anna Grushina. With a strong global following of more than two million on social media and chart-topping success on Spotify, the sisters are renowned for their high-energy sets that transform any stage into a vibrant dance floor. Their performance on the resort’s beachfront is expected to be a key feature of this year’s festival.

Alongside live music, the festival will present German brews and themed culinary experiences inspired by Oktoberfest. Guests will be able to enjoy Bavarian-style dishes alongside a selection of hops and lagers served beachside. To add to the atmosphere, family-friendly activities and games will be organised throughout the resort, creating a spirit of connection and celebration in an island environment.

“We are excited to bring together international music talent, authentic gastronomy, and our island’s natural beauty in this celebration,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Every year, Oktoberfest and many other celebrations at Sun Siyam Olhuveli continue to highlight culture, community, and entertainment in a way that is unique to our resort and to the Maldives.”

The five-day festival will not only celebrate Oktoberfest but also demonstrate Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s ability to host immersive experiences that blend international entertainment with the relaxed lifestyle of the Maldives. Guests staying at the resort during this period will experience a beachfront festival of music, cuisine, and festivities designed to leave a lasting impression.

Local

MU Maniku, key architect of Maldives tourism industry, dies

Published

1 day ago

August 30, 2025

m@ldives

Mohamed Umar Maniku (MU Maniku), a key figure in the establishment and growth of the Maldives tourism industry, has died in Singapore. He passed away on Saturday while in intensive care at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment for about a month.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Universal Enterprises announced:

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mohamed Umar ‘M.U.’ Maniku on 30th August 2025 at 0630 hrs Singapore time in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore. As Chairman of Universal Enterprises, he will forever be remembered as a pioneer whose vision, loyalty and integrity were felt by generations of industry professionals, who will remember him with deep affection and respect. He had been an integral part of the inception and growth of the tourism industry in the Maldives. We remember a man whose legacy cannot be confined to a date or a place.”

“To those close to him, M.U. Maniku was a guiding light. He was the steady hand that led Universal Enterprises through decades of change, and a mentor for many. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all who have offered support and condolences during this difficult time.”

Maniku was part of the group that opened Kurumba Maldives in 1972, the country’s first resort, widely regarded as the starting point of the modern tourism industry in the Maldives.

As Chairman and a principal shareholder of Universal Enterprises/Universal Resorts, Maniku oversaw the development of a portfolio that has included properties such as Kurumba, Kuramathi, Baros, Velassaru, Kandolhu, Milaidhoo and Huvafen Fushi.

Beyond the Maldives, he also served as Chairman of Mahaweli Reach Hotels PLC in Sri Lanka from 2012, reflecting the group’s cross-border hospitality interests.

Maniku chaired the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), which was formed in 1982 to represent resort owners and operators and to engage with government on policy and sector development. Under his leadership, MATI became a key platform for industry coordination and dialogue.

Contributions and legacy:

Pioneering market entry (1972): Helped establish Kurumba and proved the commercial viability of resort tourism in the country.
Resort development: Guided Universal’s expansion into multiple resort segments, supporting destination diversification and supply growth.
Institution-building: Long-time chairmanship of MATI, fostering private-sector collaboration on standards, training and policy.
Regional footprint: Leadership roles in hospitality ventures beyond the Maldives, including Mahaweli Reach Hotels.

Maniku had been hospitalised in Singapore for several weeks prior to his passing; local media had reported his transfer to intensive care at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.