News
Coco Bodu Hithi Maldives achieves Travelife Gold certification

Maldives.net.mv – Coco Bodu Hithi is delighted to announce the achievement of the prestigious Travelife Gold certification. In line with one of the core values of Coco Collection, Coco Bodu Hithi shares a sustainable outlook by supporting the fragile environment and the local community. Travelife is an international certification system, promoting sustainability within the tourism industry by monitoring social and environmental impacts.
During the process that led up to this achievement, the operations of the island were carefully assessed by the Travelife team, taking into account 150 sustainability criteria. These included environmental policies to minimize waste, energy and water consumption. To become more energy efficient, Coco Bodu Hithi has replaced incandescent bulbs with LED lights and controlled public area and pathway lights with photocell and timers. The amount of waste produced has been controlled by creating natural compost for the lush gardens around the island. Additionally, the resort utilizes various water-saving methods; including collecting rainwater to underground tanks and re-using treated non-toxic sewerage water for gardening purposes.
Coco Bodu Hithi came up strong with further measures to protect the marine environment through the initiatives of a dedicated marine biology team. Contribution to several key projects such as the sea turtle and manta ray identification project has put the island at the top of the list of research submitters identifying the behavioral patterns of these fragile species. Furthermore, Coco Bodu Hithi is very keen on communicating the environmental policies and the conservation initiatives. Citizen science projects have become a norm on the island with the contribution of guests, either by submitting identification pictures of marine life, planting coral nurseries, or taking part in the reef cleaning activities.
One of the most important partnerships that Coco Collection is a part of is the Olive Ridley Project, where both parties have teamed up to reduce the effects of ghost nets on marine life. Phase 1 includes a turtle rescue centre at Coco Palm, the portfolio’s property in Baa atoll, with phase 2 seeing the construction of another centre at Coco Bodu Hithi. Through generous contributions from the purchase of plush turtle toys and by direct donations, guests have played a tremendous role in supporting this initiative.
“This achievement is celebrated by each and every associate on our team! Coco Bodu Hithi is the ideal retreat for the romantics looking to get away from the hassle of it all.” comments General Manager, Georgios Papazoglou. “At the same time, it is a haven for the conscious travellers seeking to make their holiday matter. This certification puts us on the map with islands that are committed to making holidays greener.”
Among other recent developments in the green arena, both Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu have been hand-picked by Green Pearls, a portfolio of sustainable and unique places worldwide. The members of the portfolio show a large diversity of different approaches to sustainability. But they all have one thing in common: they guarantee a dedication to the social balance of their respective vacation area, and both Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu are proud to be associated with this.
Cooking
VARU by Atmosphere celebrates Maldivian cuisine with new Kaagé cookbook
VARU by Atmosphere has unveiled the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook, bringing the flavours and culinary heritage of the Maldives to life through an immersive new experience. As part of the island experience, guests can enjoy private cooking masterclasses, offering a hands-on connection to authentic local flavours and the opportunity to take home the beautiful cookbook as a memento.
At Kaagé, the award-winning speciality restaurant, guests embark on a culinary journey through the history and traditions of the Maldivian islands. Time-honoured local recipes are paired with modern culinary techniques, allowing the distinctive flavours of the Maldives to be recreated in kitchens around the world.

Held on 20th August, the exclusive cookbook launch event brought together journalists, culinary influencers and resort guests, who joined the resort’s chef team for an interactive masterclass. The session explored local ingredients including skipjack tuna, coconut and fiery Scotch bonnet chillies, offering participants an authentic taste of Maldivian culinary traditions.

“These immersive cooking classes are now a permanent part of your resort experience. Kaagé is a tribute to the vibrant culinary identity of the Maldives,” says Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere. “Through our cookbook and masterclasses, we invite you to connect deeply with island culture. We look forward to sharing these traditions with you.”

VARU by Atmosphere is a naturally Maldivian island escape in North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat journey from Malé. Blending authentic Maldivian culture with contemporary elegance, the resort offers an intimate island experience centred around warm hospitality, vibrant dining, wellness and immersive experiences. From its distinctive overwater villas and unique overwater cellar to its island-inspired cuisine and commitment to sustainability, VARU by Atmosphere celebrates the essence of the Maldives while offering a refined and relaxed tropical retreat.

The Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook is available exclusively to participants of cooking masterclass. To discover more or reserve your spot, visit www.varu-atmosphere.com or contact reservations@varu-atmosphere.com.
Business
BBM Hulhumalé Phase 2 opening promotion winner receives Honda Airblade
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has presented a brand-new Honda Airblade motorbike to the winner of a lucky draw held to mark the opening of its newest wholesale outlet in Hulhumalé Phase 2.
The outlet, located at Lot 20286 on Nirolhu Magu, opened on 16 February 2026 as part of BBM’s expansion of its wholesale operations.
To celebrate the opening and thank customers for their continued support, BBM introduced a special lucky draw exclusively for customers who made purchases from the new outlet on its opening day.

Customers who purchased products during the opening were eligible to enter the draw, with a Honda Airblade motorbike offered as the grand prize.
The lucky draw was conducted on 13 August 2026, with Ibrahim Shifaz of Vagthun Vaguthah outlet selected as the winner.
Shifaz was recently presented with the ceremonial key to the Honda Airblade by AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives.

The promotion formed part of BBM’s activities surrounding the opening of its Hulhumalé Phase 2 outlet, which provides customers with access to the company’s range of wholesale products from the growing residential and commercial area.
Bestbuy Maldives is a supplier and distributor serving businesses across the Maldives, including customers in the hospitality, food service and retail sectors.
Drink
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes SUSHISAMBA Dubai for exclusive pop-up
SUSHISAMBA Dubai, the multi-award-winning dining destination perched 51 floors above The Palm Jumeirah, is taking its renowned energy to the shores of the Indian Ocean. From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 September 2026, SUSHISAMBA Dubai arrives at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for an exclusive three-night pop-up at EAU Bar, spotlighting Dubai’s thriving hospitality scene on an international stage.
Highlighting Dubai’s status as a global dining capital, this island takeover brings together two powerhouses of luxury hospitality. Running nightly from 7PM to 10PM with two dinner seatings, the pop-up features a curated dining experience led by Brand Chef Kitak Lee, brought to life by live performances from SUSHISAMBA’s iconic samba dancers, a signature element that made the venue one of Dubai’s most sought-after spots, for an unforgettable celebration by the sea.

Set against the pristine oceanfront backdrop of EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a ultra-luxury resort known for its legendary Aris Meeha service, immersive Maldivian traditions, and world-class epicurean offerings across its island destinations, guests will experience SUSHISAMBA’s signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culture. The exclusive pop-up will feature a bespoke menu of signature dishes crafted with the highest standards of culinary artistry, complemented by SUSHISAMBA’s bar team serving craft cocktails infused with exotic ingredients.

“This collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we take the electric spirit and culinary excellence of SUSHISAMBA Dubai to one of the world’s most spectacular luxury destinations,” said Brand Chef Kitak Lee. “We look forward to bringing our signature blend of flavours, theatrical energy, and world- class hospitality to EAU Bar for three unforgettable nights.”

Whether dining under the stars or enjoying inventive mixology by the ocean, guests can expect an immersive journey defined by elevated dining, dynamic entertainment, and the unmistakable SUSHISAMBA spirit.

Event Details:
Venue: EAU Bar, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Dates: September 25–27 2026
Seating Schedule:
Friday, September 25:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM
Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM

For bookings and more information, please contact the reservations team at +960 400 0999 or maldives.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands website here.
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