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Velaa Private Island’s coral restoration project achieves milestone with 1K coral transplants
Velaa Private Island’s Marine Biology Team has transplanted 1,000 nursery grown corals back to the resort’s house reef.
In an announcement, Velaa said these corals will provide food and shelter to many fish and invertebrate species, and are already helping to increase the health of the reef.
“Come snorkel our house reef to see these new corals or even transplant a few yourself,” the announcement read.

Velaa Private Island’s Marine Biology Team at work. PHOTO/ VELAA
Coral restoration is a widely practiced field in the Maldives. Both local and resort islands employ strategies to preserve remaining coral cover and restore the abundance and diversity of corals that previously surrounded islands.
As part of its environmental commitment and social responsibility, Velaa has implemented a highly successful coral restoration project based on the method of using large-scale nurseries.

A three spot dsacyllus in nursery coral fragment. PHOTO/ VELAA
The aim of this restoration project is to increase the abundance and diversity of coral colonies on the reef to promote a more self-sustaining ecosystem and increase overall reef biodiversity. The emphasis is on holistic restoration by using a variety of coral genotypes and morphologies to maintain the structural integrity and genetic diversity of the reef.
This project consists of two phases, a nursery phase to cultivate coral fragments for one to two years, and a transplantation phase where the corals are taken from the nurseries after cultivation and cemented back to the nearby reef.

Coral team monitoring their babies. PHOTO/ VELAA
Tucked away within the collection of islands that form the northern Noonu atoll, Velaa Private Island is elegantly positioned to overlook enchanting vistas of a cerulean ocean. Its name derived from generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch; it is comprised of 47 private villas, houses and exclusive residences. The resort also includes a Romantic Pool Residence which can only be reached by boat.
At Velaa Private Island, all details have been considered: each villa comes with a personal butler, all services offered can be tailored to personal specifications. Attention to detail everywhere is also impeccable: stone pavements from the desert in Jordan, Indonesian flowerpots, luxury wood panelling from Borneo, and glimmering Italian marble.
Named one of the world’s Top Five Best Hotels and more recently the ‘Best Wedding Hotel in the Maldives’, Velaa Private Island offers endless exclusive opportunities. These unique offerings include the Maldives’ first and only snow room, the largest and most extensive wine collection in the region, one of the few Maldivian resorts with a private submarine, an extraordinary kids’ club conceptualised as the world’s ideal kids’ club by the owner’s seven-year-old daughter, and the only resort in Asia with a My Blend by Clarins spa.
Personalising and tailoring the entirety of the island depending on specific requirements, there is no limit to ensure the ultimate experience. Guests can sit back in the knowledge that the island’s highly trained and dedicated butlers will cater to each and every whim. Whether it is watching a spectacular fireworks display within the Maldivian night sky, dancing into the early hours with an Al fresco live music event, stepping aboard the island’s private yacht for a glamorous sunset cruise or enjoying a private, open air cinema night, anything is possible. Other interactive activities perfect for private groups include gourmet cooking classes with one of the resort’s chefs or wine tasting within the Maldives’ largest wine cellar.
For those looking to get involved in some Indian Ocean adventure, Velaa’s new high-tech water toys, including the hover board, jetpack and fly board serve as the definitive adrenaline rush. While discovering the wonders beneath the island’s welcoming waters, guests can learn to dive or simply snorkel the coral rainbow.
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SO/ Maldives introduces ‘Fight Fit’ wellness activation
On Saturday, 25 April 2026, SO/ Maldives will stage its “Fight Fit” island activation as part of the resort’s ongoing 120 Days Fitness Challenge, bringing together fitness, wellness and local collaboration in a resort-wide programme.
Developed in partnership with Fight Soul Maldives, a local fitness collective focused on combat sports, the activation is designed to offer guests both participation and live viewing experiences while also bringing a local element into the resort’s wellness programming.
A key part of the activation is the Muay Thai Guest Workshop, where guests will have the opportunity to train with fighters from Fight Soul Maldives. Open to different fitness levels, the sessions will introduce the basics of Muay Thai through drills, technique-based training and group activity.
The programme will extend across the island through a series of activities including sunrise yoga, beach combat training, aqua yoga accompanied by DJ music, and sunset fight showcases. According to the resort, the aim is to combine physical activity with the island setting through a range of structured wellness experiences.
The activation will also include a healthy menu developed to support fitness and balanced living, in line with the resort’s wider wellness focus.
Guests will also be invited to take part in a skincare workshop and ritual linked to the launch of products from Comfort Zone. The experience will introduce skincare practices based on science and sustainability as part of the broader wellness programme.
In the evening, the programme will continue with foam parties, fire dance performances, and live Muay Thai and kickboxing exhibitions featuring athletes from Fight Soul Maldives.
Through “Fight Fit”, SO/ Maldives is presenting a wellness-led island activation that combines fitness, lifestyle programming and collaboration with local talent.
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SO/ Maldives introduces ‘Fight Fit’ island fitness experience
On Friday, 25 April 2026, redefining the boundaries of luxury wellness, SO/ Maldives unveils its high-energy “Fight Fit” island activation, an immersive celebration of strength, movement, and mindful living. As part of the resort’s ongoing 120 Days Fitness Challenge, this dynamic experience is brought to life in collaboration with Fight Soul Maldives, a leading local fitness collective dedicated to showcasing the art and discipline of combat sports.
This exclusive Maldives activation transforms the island into a vibrant stage where guests are invited not only to participate but to witness and connect with authentic local skill and passion. Through this partnership, SO/ Maldives proudly highlights homegrown talent, offering a deeper cultural dimension to the guest experience.
At the heart of the activation is the Muay Thai Guest Workshop, where guests can train alongside skilled fighters from Fight Soul Maldives. Designed for all fitness levels, the sessions introduce the fundamentals of Muay Thai through interactive drills, technique building, and high-energy group engagement creating a powerful and memorable connection to the sport.
The experience extends across the island with a curated lineup of fitness and wellness activities, including sunrise yoga, beach combat training, aqua yoga with DJ beats, and sunset fight showcases. Each activation is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Maldives, turning the resort into a holistic wellness playground.
Complementing the physical journey, guests can enjoy a specially designed healthy menu, crafted to fuel performance and support balanced living, reinforcing SO/ Maldives’ commitment to wellbeing from within.
Further enhancing the wellness offering, guests are invited to experience an exclusive skincare workshop and immersive ritual, alongside the launch of premium products from Comfort Zone. Rooted in science and sustainability, this experience introduces guests to transformative skincare practices that elevate both body and mind.
As the sun sets, the island pulses with energy through foam parties, fire dance performances, and live Muay Thai and kickboxing exhibitions, where Fight Soul Maldives athletes take center stage showcasing their expertise and passion in a captivating display of strength and artistry.
With “Fight Fit,” SO/ Maldives creates more than just an event it delivers a bold lifestyle statement where local collaboration, global wellness trends, and immersive luxury come together in perfect harmony.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com or call +960 664-9100.
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Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives introduces indoor mini golf experience
Resort experiences are increasingly shaped by the need for flexibility, with guests seeking activities that can be enjoyed beyond peak sun hours, creating a natural demand for engaging indoor spaces and particularly in tropical destinations where brief, seasonal rain showers are part of the island rhythm.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives builds on this evolving guest preference with the introduction of its new 8-hole Indoor Mini Golf Centre, adding a playful and interactive dimension to the island’s leisure offering. The space was officially unveiled at a recent opening, where a guest was invited to mark the occasion, setting the tone for an experience centred around shared enjoyment and light-hearted moments.

The indoor mini golf course offers a relaxed, air-conditioned space where guests of all ages can take part, whether as a casual game between families, a friendly challenge among couples, or a fun addition to group stays. It provides a comfortable alternative to outdoor activities while maintaining the sense of energy and connection that defines time on the island, regardless of the weather.
The addition builds on the resort’s existing indoor facilities, including billiards, table tennis, and a dedicated kids’ playroom, creating a more rounded leisure experience that caters to different moods and moments. Outdoors, guests can continue to explore a wide range of activities, from beach volleyball and futsal to badminton, diving, and both motorised and non-motorised water sports.

As one of the first resorts in the area to introduce an indoor mini golf experience, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives continues to evolve its offerings in line with how guests choose to travel today, blending activity, comfort, and shared experiences in a setting designed for both relaxation and discovery.
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