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.”

News

Glamping by beach this Eid at Sirru Fen Fushi Maldives

Published

6 hours ago

May 16, 2025

m@ldives

This Eid, experience a one-of-a-kind beachfront and/or jungle glamping escape at Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, home to the Maldives’ only Safari Tented Villas with Pool. Tailored for families and couples from the GCC seeking novelty, privacy, intuitive service and Maldivian quintessential experience, this secluded sanctuary blends nature-inspired experience with curated comforts.

Nestled within one of the Maldives’ most untouched atolls, Shaviyani Atoll, Sirru Fen Fushi stands apart as a resort of firsts, featuring the nation’s one of the longest infinity pools, its only Coralarium Coralarium, the world’s first semi-submerged art gallery, rises as a powerful symbol of ocean awareness and marine life regeneration, and the Maldives’ one of the first safari-style tented villas. Perfect for those craving space, halal dining, and their own private pool, it’s a destination that goes beyond the overwater cliché.

A Rare Glamping Experience

Sirru Fen Fushi’s Safari Tented Villas are thoughtfully designed for larger groups and families looking for something offbeat yet refined. Shaded by banyan trees and lush foliage, these villas feature natural textures, freestanding outdoor bathtubs, and translucent walls that invite the jungle in. Inside, guests will find underfloor air conditioning, Each villa has its own sun deck and plunge pool for total privacy under the canopy.

The Ideal Eid Getaway for Middle Eastern Travellers

With direct flights from the Gulf and a bucket-list-worthy scenic seaplane transfer over turquoise atolls, Sirru Fen Fushi offers GCC families effortless access to one of the Maldives’ most extraordinary and secluded escapes. From halal dinings and spacious one-bedroom and multi-bedroom villas to women-only wellness offerings and private experiences, the island speaks to the cultural preferences of Middle Eastern guests. Add to that an engaging Kids’ Club, marine explorations, and full-family stargazing experiences, and you have an Eid break that’s both meaningful and magical.

Eid 3-Night Package Highlights (Starting from USD 2,000 per night):

Return seaplane transfers for two adults
A Jet Lag Recovery massage (30 minutes)
Two à la carte dinners (three courses)
A Beach BBQ dinner: sandpit-cooked delicacies wrapped in banana leaves
A Maroshi Island Expedition with local guide Fazir: mangrove walk, beachfront picnic, and coconut class
A private Jungle Cinema night under the stars, with snacks and custom movie set-up
A traditional Dhoni fishing cruise at sunset, with drinks and snacks
A Stargazing Spectacle on the Sustainability Lab rooftop with telescope, constellation guide, and family-friendly Q&A

Reconnect With Nature, Rediscover Wonder

Beyond its eco-chic villas and immersive experiences, the nine-kilometre house reef which is one of the largest in the Maldives offers world-class snorkelling and diving. When night falls, the island’s remote northern location transforms into a natural planetarium, free from light pollution and full of awe.

This Eid, leave the ordinary behind and embrace an extraordinary escape marked by true exclusivity and purpose.

Awards

Machchafushi, Centara Ras Fushi win top 10% in Tripadvisor’s 2025 awards

Published

7 hours ago

May 16, 2025

m@ldives

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, The Centara Collection and Centara Ras Fushi Island Resort & Spa have been recognised as winners in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025, earning a prestigious place in the top 10% of hospitality destinations worldwide.

A scenic seaplane journey from Malé, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, formerly known as Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, offers a truly authentic Maldivian experience. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery, the island is famed for its award-winning house reef and shipwreck dive site. Guests can choose from a variety of beachfront and overwater villas, indulge in flexible meal plans, and experience on a culinary journey across six distinct dining venues. For those seeking elevated privacy and comfort, The Club offers an exclusive; resort within a resort’ experience, complete with a private lounge, beach, and pool access.

A short 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé brings you to the adults-only Centara Ras Fushi Island Resort & Spa, an intimate sanctuary designed for honeymooners, couples, empty nesters and groups of friends. Here, serenity meets sophistication in a collection of romantic beachfront and overwater villas, offering both seclusion and privacy. Guests can savour global flavours across seven signature dining venues or opt for bespoke private beach dinners under the stars.

News

Summer of connection, discovery at Jumeirah Olhahali Island

Published

22 hours ago

May 15, 2025

m@ldives

Jumeirah Olhahali Island invites guests to experience a summer unlike any other – one that celebrates connection, creativity, and discovery across the shores of North Malé Atoll in the Maldives. From May through August, the all-villa retreat introduces an inspired seasonal programme where every generation can create lasting memories through immersive dining, shared adventures, and revitalising wellness rituals.

A Season of Flavour

A highlight of the summer season, the resort will host an exclusive culinary residency from 7 to 12 June in collaboration with restaurant Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, the celebrated Indian dining destination from Jumeirah Al Qasr in Dubai. For six evenings, 35 guests can enjoy an intimate, flavour-rich tasting experience spotlighting both beloved and lesser-known regional Indian dishes, reimagined with a modern twist.

The summer calendar continues with vibrant dining occasions, including the Eid International Market Night on 6 June and an Omakase Coffee Series from 6 to 10 June.

Beyond these highlights, guests can also embrace the island’s broader dining journey, whether savouring wood-fired pizzas with toes in the sand at Shimmers, discovering Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei plates at Kayto, or indulging in destination dining with beach barbecues, floating breakfasts, and private sandbank picnics.

Adventures for Every Generation

Families are at the heart of the island’s summer programming with a joyful mix of opportunities to reconnect through movement, exploration, and play. Returning favourites include the Olhahali kite festival (9 June, 15 July, 6 August), which fills the skies with colour and delight, and Kids’ Summer Olympics (6 June, 4 July, 21 July, 11 August), adding a playful sense of camaraderie with water polo in the Shimmers pool. New additions like the mini badminton tournament (3 June, 18 June, 8 July, 20 August) and weekly penalty shoot-outs (Tuesdays in June) bring plenty of friendly competition.

Younger guests can take part in lifeguard-led swimming classes throughout August from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, providing a fun way to build confidence and skills in the water. Meanwhile, teens and adults can opt for guided watersport camps led by seasoned instructors, mastering the waves with knee boarding, water skiing, and wakeboarding lessons.

Evenings unfold under the stars with beach cinema nights, where families gather for outdoor movies, camp-style snacks, and laughter shared on the shores of the island’s pristine beaches.

Wellness in Rhythm with Nature

From sunrise yoga to curated spa journeys, the season also offers a renewed focus on well-being at the resort’s Talise Spa. From 16 May to 30 June, visiting practitioner Dr. Aradhana offers therapies rooted in naturopathy, including Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage, shamanic cleansing, yogic detox, and therapeutic sound healing. Her approach blends ancient practices with modern healing techniques, guiding guests into deeper awareness and balance.

Daily movement is encouraged with 1-hour Technogym Bootcamps on Mondays and Thursdays, where panoramic views energise high-impact sessions.

Artful Moments Inspired by the Sea

At MURACA Art Studio, named after the Maldivian word for coral, families are invited to express their creativity in a wide collection of immersive art sessions. In August, a resident ceramicist will lead hands-on pottery workshops, inspiring creativity and mindfulness through tactile expression.

Bringing added ease to summer travels, the resort offers a collection of tailored savings and privileges for villa stays. The Jumeirah Escapes Offer includes up to 20% off private villas, with an additional 5% savings for Jumeirah One members, plus a perk of added benefits. For larger families, the Jumeirah Signature Escapes Offer features hotel credit of USD 200 or USD 400 when booking the resort’s two- or three-bedroom retreats. For more information or to reserve a summer escape, visit here.