Celebration

Six Senses Laamu leads sustainable tourism in Maldives with BlueGreen360 award

Published

8 years ago

April 18, 2017

Six Senses Laamu has received the highest honour in a global recognition for sustainable tourism.

The resort received the BlueGreen360 Resort of the Year Award at the recently concluded Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) in Singapore. General Manager Marteyne Van Well was in Singapore to receive the award on behalf of the resort.

Six Senses Laamu is the only resort located in the Laamu Atoll, which lies in the southern part of the Maldives. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the resort prides itself on its commitment to sustainable operations and development as outlined by Agenda 21 and Green Globe Benchmarking.

Some of the key initiatives created by the resort include:

Six Senses Laamu has laid the foundation to be the first plastic-free atoll in the Maldives by 2020.
Creation of an Earth Lab; a centralised hub of recycling and innovative ideas. Glass is recycled into pots, vegetable waste becomes compost, and wood into charcoal. For example 660kg of recycled glass light covers were produced in the Earth Lab.
The resort enforces a strict “no-take” stance on the purchase of endangered or vulnerable fish from local fishermen.
The resort funded and created the first Turtle Festival in Laamu, “Turtles in Laamu, Safe and Protected,” which had more than 600 attendees.
In 2014, they created and distributed the country’s first ever Dolphin Watching Code of Conduct as well as a turtle interaction code of conduct.
Six Senses Laamu partners with international NGOs such as the Manta Trust, the Blue Marine Foundation, and the Olive Ridley Project.
Reef Check, Fish Watch, Shark Watch, barnacle studies and biodiversity surveys are conducted year round with data submitted to the IUCN, Marine Research Centre, and the Olive Ridley Project.
Their reusable bag initiative teaches local women to make bags from old clothes, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bags.
The resort provides marine education to local youth in all 13 schools in Laamu.
Bi-monthly community meetings are held about waste management, marine reserves, and internship/employment opportunities.
Designated plastic, metal, paper, glass bins are constant reminders to guests about the importance of waste segregation. Guests are encouraged to bring batteries, lighters, and plastic back to their respective countries for recycling.
Bicycles are provided for transportation around the island.
Suppliers are asked to reduce any necessary packaging in all deliveries.
The resort conducts beach and reef clean-ups, tree-planting sessions, local community visits, and turtle and manta naming.

Planters made from recycled glass at the Six Senses Earth Lab. PHOTO/ JOANNA LENTINI

The BlueGreen360 Awards celebrates businesses and individuals in the ocean tourism industry that have proven their dedication to sustainable tourism within the communities they operate. The award programme focuses on liveaboards, resorts, dive operations, and cruises in the Asia Pacific region with winners announced at the ADEX fair.

In addition to Six Senses Laamu, the recognition was accorded to Scuba Junkie of Malaysia (Dive Operator of the Year), AB Wonderdive of Philippines (Green Fins Award), and Dennis Bait-it of Philippines (Personality of the Year).

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Celebration

Dhigali Maldives lights up the holidays with festive cheer and tropical magic

Published

23 hours ago

December 24, 2024

m@ldives

Dhigali Maldives has officially commenced its festive season in grand style, highlighted by the lighting of its sustainable driftwood Christmas trees—a cherished tradition that combines creativity with environmental awareness. Enhancing the evening’s charm, the resort’s Christmas carollers surprised guests with a lively dance performance, spreading festive cheer and excitement.

This year, the resort unveiled a captivating Christmas train, designed to transport guests around the island with a delightful touch of holiday magic. To celebrate the season’s arrival, a vibrant street market was organised, offering an array of cuisines prepared by the resort’s skilled chefs. The market created an authentic and lively atmosphere, bringing guests together in celebration.

The festivities continue with a dynamic lineup of events, including a Classic Christmas celebration and a Tropical Carnival-themed New Year’s party. Guests can anticipate live entertainment, mesmerising fire and samba dancers, and a cultural highlight with the Dhigali Island Fire Ritual, which blends tradition with dazzling performances to create unforgettable experiences.

This holiday season at Dhigali Maldives promises to deliver a truly magical experience, where the tropical allure of the island meets the joy of the holidays.

Celebration

Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s spiraling Christmas Tree kicks off AstroFest

Published

24 hours ago

December 24, 2024

m@ldives

Sun Siyam Olhuveli inaugurated the highly anticipated AstroFest 2024-2025 with a spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 21, 2024. The event showcased a unique, spiral-designed Christmas tree constructed from sustainable materials, symbolising the solar system and emphasising the resort’s dedication to sustainability and creativity.

Inspired by the elliptical patterns of the solar system, the tree’s design quickly became a focal point of the celebration. Guests participated in decorating the tree, adding a personal touch that embodied the spirit of unity and the festive season. This collaborative effort marked a memorable beginning to AstroFest, a celebration of the cosmos, innovation, and togetherness.

Mohamed Ali, Director of Operations at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “The elliptical design of our tree represents not just the beauty of the cosmos but also our dedication to sustainability and guest engagement. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our guests to become a part of our festive story while creating lasting memories.”

The ceremony set the tone for a season of celestial wonder, with AstroFest featuring stargazing sessions, cosmic-themed events, and interactive activities designed to celebrate the mysteries of the universe during the festive season.

As the festive lights illuminated the island, the resort embraced a joyful atmosphere, blending tradition with innovation to offer guests an enchanting holiday experience at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Celebration

Ring in 2025 with spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2024

m@ldives

As the countdown to 2025 approaches, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to celebrate the New Year with a festive feast and a toast to new beginnings. This unforgettable evening promises an array of culinary delights, live music, and exciting giveaways.

On 31st December 2024, guests can indulge in an exquisite buffet at Azur Restaurant, featuring a wide variety of flavours, including a selection of tapas, live grills, and decadent desserts. The festive ambiance will be enhanced by live music, setting the perfect tone to welcome the New Year. In addition to the celebration, JEN Maldives will offer exclusive giveaways, providing guests with the opportunity to win amazing prizes.

“We are delighted to end the year on a high note by expressing our gratitude to our valued guests,” said Manisha Chhetri, F&B Manager at JEN Maldives Malé. “This New Year’s Eve, we aim to create an evening filled with joy, delicious food, and exciting surprises as we welcome 2025 together.”

Guests attending the New Year’s Eve gala dinner will have the chance to win one of the following prizes:

A 3-day, 2-night stay in a deluxe room at Shangri-La Singapore, including daily breakfast for 2 adults
An exclusive Pool Brunch experience for 2 people at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
A 1-hour Balinese massage for 1 person at Aristo Spa

The winners will be selected and announced on the same night, following the countdown celebration at Azur Restaurant. JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to join this unforgettable evening, with gala dinner tickets available for purchase directly at the hotel.