Featured
Komandoo, Kuredu and Meeru win TUI Environmental Champion Award for third year
Leading tour operator TUI has awarded Komandoo Island Resort and Spa, Kuredu Island Resort and Spa, and Meeru Island Resort and Spa with the coveted TUI Environmental Champion Award 2017 for the third consecutive year.
“These awards honour the extraordinary guest satisfaction and exemplary sustainable tourism enjoyed by all our guests,” a statement issued by Crown and Champa Resorts, which manages the three resorts, read.
“It is an awareness and commitment towards preserving the Maldives environment that Crown and Champa Resorts uses various green and sustainable operations. These resorts consistently ensure efficiency in energy and water consumption.”
TUI, one of the largest tour operators globally, is a keen enthusiast for environmentally responsible hotels, and its Environmental Champion Award is limited to a select group of TUI Germany Hotels and Resorts, worldwide, whose performance achieves exemplary sustainable tourism.
To qualify for the award, TUI Germany guests must rate a resort more than eight out of 10 in the environment section. The hotel or resort must also hold a certificate recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council such as Travelife.
All resorts run by Crown and Champa Resorts hold the Travelife Gold certification.
Located in Lhaviyani atoll, Komandoo offers 65 villas in three categories; 14 Beach Villas along the western beach of the island, 36 Jacuzzi Beach Villas on the eastern beach and a part on the western beach, 15 Jacuzzi Water Villas arching around the southern end of the island. Each of them is independent well-appointed villas spaced adequately to provide privacy. The resort also features a range of dining venues and other world-class facilities such as an infinity pool, a spa and water sports activities.
Located on a 1,800 metre by 325 metre remote island in the northern atoll of Lhaviyani, Kuredu is accessible by a 40-minute scenic seaplane flight from the main airport. This 4.5-star resort has 383 rooms, including beach and water villas, making it the second largest resort in the Maldives.
Meeru is one of the largest resorts in the Maldives, offering its guests a variety of facilities and affordable to superior accommodation. With five types of room categories to offer, Meeru counts more than 280 rooms, five restaurants, five bars, a renowned spa featuring treatment rooms both overwater and on land, and a wide range of sports and other recreation facilities.
In addition to Komandoo, Kuredu and Meeru, Crown and Champa Resorts, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Maldives, owns and runs four resorts in the Maldives, including Veligandu Island Resort and Spa, Vilamendhoo Island Resort and Spa, Hurawalhi Maldives, and the upcoming Kudadoo Private Island by Hurawalhi. The company also manages the Champa Central Hotel in capital Male.
Featured
AIDA brings over 2,000 tourists to Maldives in major economic boost
Maldives recently welcomed the Italian-flagged cruise ship AIDA, carrying 2,139 tourists. Operated primarily for Swiss, Austrian, and German visitors, the ship arrived on December 8, 2024, from Muscat, Oman. This visit marks the first cruise ship arrival since regulatory changes were implemented at the request of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA).
The AIDA’s stopover is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists is likely to benefit various businesses, including restaurants, souvenir shops, local dhonis, guesthouses, and retail outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé. This surge in activity is anticipated to further solidify the Maldives’ position as a leading cruise destination in the region.
This milestone underscores the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings. Beyond its economic impact, the AIDA’s visit is expected to enhance foreign reserves and contribute to broader national economic growth. The vessel is scheduled to depart the Maldives on December 9, 2024, at 6 PM, after a brief yet impactful visit.
The Maldivian tourism industry continues to thrive despite global challenges. This achievement follows recent accolades, including being named the World Travel Awards’ (WTA) World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and earning the title of World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time. The successful introduction of cruise tourism marks the beginning of a promising new chapter, with future visits poised to further invigorate the industry and local economy.
Celebration
A Soaring Festive: celebrate the season in style at Ifuru Island Maldives
This festive season, Ifuru Island Maldives invites guests to a tropical paradise celebration under the theme ‘A Soaring Festive.’ Taking place from December 21, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the event promises a vibrant, entertainment-filled program designed to create joy, excitement, and lasting memories.
Catering to diverse preferences, A Soaring Festive offers an array of experiences, from dynamic nightlife and unique performances to relaxed island vibes, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Renowned DJ Rawlo will headline the nightly entertainment, captivating audiences with high-energy performances and dynamic beats. Breaking away from conventional DJ stereotypes, Rawlo’s electrifying sets promise to keep guests dancing under the stars until late into the night.
Adding to the festive lineup, the talented duo Synthetic Seduction—comprising Evgeniya and Olcay—will deliver versatile performances, including soulful saxophone melodies, lively DJ sets, and engaging duo band shows. Whether guests are enjoying cocktails by the pool or dancing on the sand, this duo creates the perfect ambiance for both relaxation and high-energy fun.
For those seeking visual artistry, Jonas and Aygul will dazzle with awe-inspiring fire shows, mesmerising LED displays, skillful juggling acts, and elegant belly dancing. Their multi-faceted performances promise to light up the island with unforgettable entertainment.
Complementing the headline acts, ‘A Soaring Festive’ features a variety of activities designed to enhance the holiday experience. Guests can participate in beach games, competitions, and themed culinary events that celebrate the flavors of the season, ensuring a celebration filled with joy and excitement.
Featured
New deep-sea fish species discovered in Maldives: Chromis Abadhah
In a breakthrough for marine science, a new species of fish has been discovered in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Named Chromis Abadhah, the species derives its name from the Maldivian Dhivehi word Abadhah, meaning perpetual, symbolising the ongoing commitment to planetary conservation. The name also acknowledges the support of the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, which funded the research.
The fish was first spotted near Maafilaafushi in the Kaafu Atoll. Subsequent studies revealed that the species inhabits multiple regions of the Maldives, ranging from Lhaviyani Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll. Researchers documented the fish in eight distinct locations, indicating that it may be distributed across various parts of the country.
Chromis Abadhah resides at depths between 95 and 110 metres, in the mesophotic zone, where sunlight begins to fade. This habitat sets it apart from other species in its family, which are typically found in shallower waters of around 30 meters.
The new species belongs to the ‘Dan’ba’ family, a group of damselfish commonly found in Maldivian seas. However, Chromis Abadhah is distinct from its relatives in several ways:
- Unlike other Chromis species, it lacks the characteristic black cross line near the neck.
- Its upper shell comprises 14 bones, compared to the typical 13 seen in related species.
While other Chromis species, such as Chromis axillaris, Chromis pelora, and Chromis woodsi, are found in various parts of the world, Chromis Abadhah appears to be endemic to the Maldives, making it a unique addition to the region’s biodiversity.
The study was a collaborative effort involving Maldivian experts and international scientists. To better understand the species, researchers captured four specimens using a specialised net. Their findings, published in a scientific paper, highlight the importance of deep-sea exploration in uncovering hidden marine treasures.
The identification of Chromis Abadhah underscores the Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity and the critical role of research in its preservation. This discovery also emphasises the importance of protecting deep-sea habitats, which often harbour unique and endemic species.
-
Lifestyle1 week ago
Maldives: The new haven for over-55 travelers
-
News6 days ago
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives receives Wellness Heaven Award 2026 nominations
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Kurumba Maldives, Marvin Humes ring in 2025 with exclusive beachfront DJ set
-
Featured1 week ago
Villa Resorts partners with Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy to expand GCC presence
-
Action1 week ago
JOALI BEING hosts inspirational tennis workshops with Sascha Zverev, Alexander Zverev Foundation
-
Business1 week ago
BBM, Lifebuoy empowers hygiene practices among Maldivian children
-
News1 week ago
Dream island getaway at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives to locals, expats
-
Action1 week ago
Denise Hoefer brings world-class Padel to The Nautilus Maldives