News
Turtles in Laamu – safe and protected
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.”
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, a newly-opened sanctuary in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, has introduced Caravela, an immersive culinary journey inspired by the great maritime expeditions that shaped global gastronomy.
Blending Spanish culinary heritage with Maldivian provenance, Caravela offers a multi-sensory journey where each course unfolds as a chapter in the story of exploration, trade and cultural exchange. The concept takes its name from the caravel, the agile Portuguese vessel that enabled pioneering voyages between the 14th and 17th centuries.
Designed as an intimate, dinner-only experience for up to 12 guests, Caravela centres around a communal table, fostering connection and shared discovery. The inaugural menu, The Atlantic Voyage of 1487, traces the route of early explorers who sailed from Iberia along the African coast towards the Cape of Storms in search of a sea passage to India.
The five-course menu opens with First Light of the Atlantic, crispy King Crab fritters with ikura and lime-yuzu vinaigrette, before moving into Winds of the Cantabrian Sea, a torched Maldivian tuna loin with escabeche and subtle Moroccan spices. Crossing the Madeira Currents follows with local job fish, confit plantain purée and a prawn coral tuile. A green apple sorbet, inspired by the Wambugu Apples of western Africa, serves as a palate cleanser before the main course, Benguela Shores at Dusk: a 12-hour sous vide pork belly glazed with smoky chilli and Spanish chorizo jus. The voyage closes with Triumphant Return to Iberian Coast, an olive oil cake with port wine and blood orange gel, encased in a sugar sphere inspired by the Armillary Sphere, a symbol of Portuguese navigation.
Petit fours of caramelised torrija, coffee chocolate bonbon and South African milk tart complete the evening, alluding to the upcoming voyage that discovered the Americas.
Caravela’s narrative-driven approach will continue to evolve as future voyages launch, including The Pacific Voyage of 1492 and The Indian Ocean Voyage of 1498. Each new menu will introduce a distinct flavour map, encouraging guests to return and explore the histories that shape modern cuisine.
The concept was created under the direction of Resort Manager Melroy Fernandes, in collaboration with the resort’s culinary team, drawing on a deep appreciation for the Age of Discovery. Fernandes, a Master Sommelier, has also curated a thoughtful wine pairing experience alongside the resort’s sommelier team to complement each course.
On the launch of Caravela, Fernandes said, “NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is designed for travellers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences. Whether exploring the natural wonders of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and nearby Hanifaru Bay or embracing the tranquillity of our island, Caravela offers a journey of a different kind, one that connects history, culture and cuisine in a truly immersive way.”
Caravela completes NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort’s diverse dining portfolio, spanning all-day dining at Jumla, signature restaurants Alifaan and Kaiyo, beverage-led experiences at Atardecer, Handhuvaru, Madumaithiri and Splash Bar, and the Adrift destination dining concept.
The Atlantic Voyage tasting menu with wine pairings is priced at USD 190++ per guest and is available by prior reservation. For more information or to book, visit the resort’s website.
W Maldives has introduced the FIT Padel Court, a dynamic open-air sporting space that brings one of the world’s fastest-growingsports to the island in signature W style.
Set within the resort’s lush greenery, the FIT Padel Court is more than just a game. Designed as both a sporting arena and social hub, it welcomes beginners and seasoned players alike to rally, connect, and compete in an effortlessly vibrant setting. Open daily and availablefor private bookings, the court brings a fresh rhythm to island days, blending movement with moments that matter.
Elevating the experience further, the resort’s FIT team completed an intensive training with the Asia Pacific Padel Academy (APPA), the region’s leading institution for padel education and coach development. Designed to sharpen both technical precision and on-court strategy, the program ensures that every guest interaction is guided by knowledge, confidence, and an intuitive understanding of the game.
Led by a certified coach and national athlete, Karyn Emeralda, the training immersed the team in the fundamentals of technique, tactical play, and smart positioning, equipping them to deliver engaging, high-quality sessions tailored to every level. From first-time players discovering the sport to those looking to refine their edge, guests can now tap into beginner-friendly sessions and social matches designed to spark both skill and connection.
“Padel is more than a sport, it is a social movement, and we are excited to bring that energy to the island,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “With the launch of the FIT Padel Court and a team trained to guide and inspire, we are creating an experience that is equal parts playful, dynamic, and elevated. It is about giving our guests new ways to move, connect and feel the pulse of the destination.”
As part of W Maldives’ ever-evolvingapproach to fitness and lifestyle, the FIT Padel Court reflects a broader commitment to experiences that are immersive, social, and distinctly of the moment. Here, every serve is set against a soundtrack of ocean waves, every match unfolds under Maldivianskies, and every guest is invited to play their way.
For those looking to extend the experience, the Original Wave maker package offers the perfect invitation to stay longer and dive deeper. With a minimum stay of four nights, the package includes seaplane transfers and a half-board meal plan for two adults, ensuring a seamless and elevated island getaway.
For more information, visit www.wmaldives.com or connect with the resort’s team at reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives marks its ninth anniversary with the launch of Summer Lagoon Living—a new seasonal campaign inspired by longer stays, meaningful connection, vibrant marine life and a slower rhythm of island living.
Designed to celebrate the soulful side of summer in the Maldives, the campaign repositions the season as a time for deeper experiences, restorative travel and immersive island living.
The celebration is intentionally timed to include World Oceans Day, as the campaign also reflects the resort’s continued commitment to ocean conservation and the protection of the house reef that has become central to the guest experience over the past nine years. Throughout the campaign, guests will also be encouraged to engage more consciously with the marine world surrounding the island, reinforcing the importance of protecting fragile reef ecosystems for future generations.
Summer Lagoon Living introduces a special anniversary stay featuring the ‘Every Third Night OnUs’offer, inviting both returning guests and first-time visitors to spend more time immersed in the lagoon lifestyle that defines the resort experience. Valid for new bookings with stays through to the end of October 2026, the offer has been intentionally designed to encourage greater flexibility for travellers seeking either shorter regional escapes or longer, more restorative island journeys.
Set just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has evolved over the past nine years into one of the Maldives’ most recognised boutique island resorts—known for its contemporary overwater villas, award-nominated spa and restaurants, vibrant house reef and thoughtful approach to modern luxury hospitality.
The anniversary season also arrives as the resort awaits the results of multiple international travel award nominations recognising its boutique resort experience, vibrant house reef, award-nominated spa and restaurants, water villa stays and evolving philosophy of Connected Island Luxury.
“Our ninth anniversary feels especially meaningful because we are not only celebrating the journey of the resort itself, but also how luxury travel has evolved over that same time,” says General Manager, Raffaele Solferino.
“I have had the privilege of being part of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives since before the island welcomed its very first guests in 2017. Over the years, we have seen travellers increasingly seek something more intentional—experiences that create emotional value, genuine connection and a sense of wellbeing, rather than luxury defined purely by excess. Today, our vision of Connected Island Luxury reflects that evolution. It is about helping guests leave feeling better than when they arrived, while remaining deeply connected to the extraordinary natural environment surrounding the island—especially the ocean and house reef that make this destination so special.”
Throughout the Summer Lagoon Living season, guests will discover curated experiences inspired by island life at its most relaxed and immersive—from reef snorkelling and ocean adventures to sunset dining, wellness rituals, beach cinema evenings and moments designed to reconnect guests with both themselves and the natural beauty of the Maldives.
The resort’s house reef continues to play a central role within the campaign narrative, particularly as summer months in the Maldives are often associated with richer marine encounters, including turtles, reef sharks and stingrays frequently spotted close to shore and directly from many of the villas.
Flexible Island Escapes Through October 2026
“As travel patterns continue to evolve, we wanted to create an offer that provides guests with greater flexibility around how they choose to experience the Maldives,” says Director of Marketing Liz Smailes.
“The structure of the offer allows guests to extend their stay in a way that feels natural and rewarding. Because the offer can be repeated throughout the same reservation, it works equally well for both short-haul breaks and long-haul travel over six nights or more.”
As summer unfolds across the Maldives, Summer Lagoon Living positions the season not as an off-peak alternative, but as one of the most visually cinematic, emotionally restorative and naturally vibrant times to experience island life—where slower days, richer marine encounters and meaningful moments take centre stage.
Celebrate Summer in the Maldives
Designed for forward planning, Every Third Night On Us provides both immediate value and future flexibility, allowing travellers to secure more time, more experiences and a slower rhythm of island living well in advance.
For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s website.
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