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Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa switches to biodegradable coffee capsules
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa continuously strives to reduce its impact on the environment and consciously discover alternative eco-friendly measures to put into practice. Many changes have been implemented through the years, including the use of paper straws and glass bottles in lieu of plastic, an in-villa tablet as a room compendium instead of the traditional printed folder and now the utilization of 100% biodegradable coffee capsules.
Coffee appreciation has been on the rise, especially since the introduction of coffee capsules to meet the needs of the modern day consumer. Millions of aluminium coffee capsules are disposed of in landfills every day. These capsules take 150 to 500 years to break down and it is heavily impacting the environment.
Standing by its environmental and social sustainability policy, the resort collaborated with Ethical Coffee Company (ECC) to replace the use of aluminium packaged coffee capsules. ECC capsules are made from 100% bio-sourced plant-based fibres and degrade within six months, while the choices of coffee selected are also bio-sourced and meet Fair Trade standards. All villa coffee machines were replaced with customised versions fabricated by ECC. This was to ensure that the right machines were used to maintain extraction techniques, releasing the unique flavors of authentic Italian-style espresso. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is proud to be the first resort in Maldives to lead the way in offering guests eco-friendly coffee.
“Recycling aluminium coffee capsules would actually create a larger carbon footprint as recycling plants are located outside of the Maldives. So the decision to start using 100% biodegradable coffee capsules was relatively easy as environmental stewardship has always played an important role for the resort. We acknowledge that our presence in this atoll affects the fragile ecosystem and we are committed to reducing our impact, both environmentally and culturally,” commented resort General Manager Mariano Silvestri.
Ethical Coffee Company (ECC) is a Swiss company, founded in April 2008 by its Chairman, Jean-Paul Gaillard. By introducing a new generation of fully biodegradable capsules, ECC offers a sustainable and economical alternative to current consumer practices but also enables consumers to continue enjoying an authentic cup of Italian espresso in the comfort of their home.
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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