Featured
LUX* South Ari Atoll launches year-long ‘Beat the Plastic’ campaign
LUX* South Ari Atoll has launched an ambitious year-long plan to combat plastic pollution.
At a ceremony held at the resort’s multi purpose court Friday evening to kick start the initiative, reusable flasks were given to all team members to be used for drinking water. The flasks will replace the plastic water bottles used by the 350 plus employees at the resort.
Speaking at the ceremony, General Manager Jonas Amstad expressed hope that the resort would be completely plastic free within a year. Even achieving 50 percent of that ambitious target would be a huge milestone for the resort as well as to entire the tourism industry of the Maldives, he added.
“We’re here as guests. And as guests, we’ve to take care of the environment and leave it behind as it is for our future generations,” Jonas said.
“This will be a team effort. We can achieve it with the help of each and every member of our team. We’ll also welcome any initiatives that will help us achieve this goal. So, if you’ve any ideas, please do share them with us.”

General Manager Jonas Amstad distributes reusable flasks to team members. PHOTO/ LUX*
As part of the ambitious plan, Executive Housekeeper Amarajith Ranaweersingha unveiled a specially-made reusable garbage bag to be used by housekeeping staff. The bag, sewn in-house, will replace the 22,000 single-use plastic bags used per annum by the room attendants.
“We’re in the process of sewing these bags. Once we’ve enough bags, our housekeeping staff will entirely shift to these bags. Each bag will last five months,” Amarajith said.

Executive Housekeeper Amarajith Ranaweersingha (L) shows a specially-made reusable garbage bag to be used by housekeeping staff. PHOTO/ LUX*
Executive Chef Dave Minten also announced a plan to set up an organic vegetable farm on the island, in partnership with an international company. The hydroponic farming system would be built inside a 40-foot shipping container, and would produce about two to four tonnes of vegetables and herbs per year, he added.
“When we airlift a lot of expensive vegetables and herbs, they come in styrofoam boxes and with plastic wrapping. Our island farm will not only provide our guests with fresh farm-to-table dishes, but we’ll also be able to eliminate a lot of plastic,” Dave said.

Executive Chef Dave Minten announces plans to set up a vegetable farm on the island. PHOTO/ LUX*
Meanwhile, Director of Engineering Paul Smith Rose revealed an upcoming solar power project that aims to provide at least 30 percent of the resort’s energy from renewable sources by 2019. Installation of solar panels is expected to begin in December, with them up and running early next year, he added.
“Our plan is to produce over one megawatts of power from solar panels installed on the island as well from those floating in the sea. In the first phase, at least 500 kilowatts will be produced,” Paul said.

Regional Director of Training, Development and Quality Assurance Hussain Afeef speaks at the ceremony. PHOTO/ LUX*
Under the year-long plan, LUX* South Ari Atoll has also discontinued the use of single-use, plastic drinking straws. Guests are now served drinks without any straws; if they request for a straw, eco-friendly paper straws are provided instead of plastic.
While plastic is one of the most defining inventions of our time, its negative environmental impact is undeniable. Globally, 300 million tons of plastic are produced on an annual basis and around 8.8 million tons are dumped into the oceans.
The problem is found in every known ecosystem and at every level of the food chain. If current marine pollution trends continue, the oceans will contain more plastic than fish by the year 2050.
The latest initiative is amongst a number of green projects undertaken by LUX* South Ari Atoll. The resort teamed up with local telecom giant Dhiraagu last year to launch a campaign aimed at replacing all plastic bags used by staff members with reusable bags.
These green initiatives by LUX* South Ari Atoll are part of a wider commitment by parent company LUX* Resorts and Hotels.
The Mauritius based hotel chain was recently recognised for its voluntary commitment to invest in sustainable tourism projects, with flagship initiatives such as Tread Lightly by LUX* and Ray of Light by LUX* where it goes beyond legal compliance to protect the environment and uplift host communities.
Cutting-edge designer villas and world-class dining can be found only a 30-minute seaplane flight away from the main Velana International Airport, making LUX* South Ari Atoll one of the most exciting resorts in the Maldives.
With 187 private villas dotted at the water’s edge along four kilometres of powder fine beach or perched on stilts above a crystal clear lagoon, these spacious pavilions and villas bring an entirely original vibe of coastal, beach house chic to the Maldives.
Excellent eating and drinking is always a cut above the rest at LUX*, and at LUX* South Ari Atoll, there is authentic South East Asian street food in the Maldives’ only over-the-water gourmet night market and world-class Chinese cuisine at East, along with the Japanese restaurant Umami, which offers live teppanyaki and dazzling selection of sakés.
While the resort has a PADI-certified dive centre, two infinity pools, a floodlit tennis court, a fitness centre and a renowned spa which hosts a wellness concierge and a menu of indulgent treatments, what sets the property apart from its neighbours are surprises, or better known as #ReasonstogoLUX. Designed to create lasting memories for guests, these ‘reasons’ can range from island-roasted coffee in Café LUX* to impromptu movie screenings at cinema paradise and the chance to hang your wishes on the Tree of Wishes.
Featured
Noku Maldives unveils long-term Sea Turtle Conservation Programme
Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, has announced the launch of a dedicated Sea Turtle Conservation Programme, developed in partnership with the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre (AMCC). Beginning on 25 November 2025, this long-term initiative strengthens the resort’s commitment to the Vignette Collection pillar Means for Good, reflecting a considered approach to environmental stewardship and responsible hospitality.
The waters surrounding Noku Maldives support a naturally thriving ecosystem, characterised by extensive seagrass meadows, coral-rich shallows, and warm lagoons that provide an essential refuge for sea turtles. In recent years, the island has recorded multiple nesting events along its shores — a rare and significant indicator of the health of its marine environment. The new programme aims to safeguard and enhance this natural heritage.
As part of the collaboration, a full-time AMCC marine biologist will be stationed on the island to lead a comprehensive portfolio of conservation activities. This will include monitoring the local sea turtle population, assessing reef and coral health, supporting long-term scientific research, and conducting fieldwork and outreach initiatives across neighbouring islands.
The programme will also enhance guest engagement through educational talks, guided snorkelling experiences, and hands-on conservation workshops, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with the underwater world in an enriching and meaningful way.
The initiative complements Noku Maldives’ growing suite of Means for Good activities, which already include reef conservation studies, coral restoration projects, cultural experiences, and community-led programmes. Together, these efforts underpin the resort’s commitment to delivering stays that are rooted in authenticity, responsibility, and deep respect for the natural environment.
“Our lagoon has always been a peaceful refuge for sea turtles and marine life,” said Hussain Shahid, General Manager of Noku Maldives. “This partnership with AMCC reflects our dedication to protecting these waters and ensuring they continue to flourish. By bringing conservation, community involvement, and guest education together, we hope to create meaningful and lasting impact for the atoll.”
Featured
From spa rituals to sunrise yoga: Angsana Velavaru champions mindful living
Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to embark on a holistic journey of renewal that nurtures both body and mind.
At the centre of this experience is the award-winning Angsana Spa, inspired by the timeless essence of Asian wellness traditions. Here, the healing power of touch, scent, and nature come together in harmony. Guests can enjoy a range of treatments designed for both relaxation and family bonding, including restorative massages, revitalising body polishes, and signature rituals that incorporate natural ingredients such as coconut, honey, and tropical herbs. Each therapy aims to rejuvenate, soothe, and restore a deep sense of inner calm that reflects the island’s natural rhythm.
Wellness at Angsana Velavaru extends far beyond the spa. The resort’s approach to wellbeing embraces movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection. Its modern tropical fitness centre provides a tranquil setting for guests to stay active while remaining close to nature. Activities such as aqua aerobics in the Kuredhi Pool and sunrise yoga on the beach combine physical vitality with mindful awareness.
Across the island, guests are encouraged to slow down and reconnect with their surroundings. Guided meditation, breathwork sessions, and sunset yoga create opportunities for reflection and relaxation. These practices are seamlessly woven into the resort’s environment, offering a sense of serenity that lingers long after the stay.
Under the guidance of Wellbeing Director Artemasius Harefa, Angsana Velavaru’s holistic programmes align with Banyan Group’s Eight Pillars of Wellbeing, with a focus on rest, movement, mindfulness, and connection. The result is a collection of experiences designed to inspire balance and renewal, giving guests the opportunity to embrace a more mindful way of living.
“Modern travellers seek more than rest; they seek renewal,” said Artemasius Harefa, Wellbeing Director at Angsana Velavaru. “Our goal is to create experiences that help guests reconnect with themselves and the natural world, turning wellness into a meaningful way of life.”
At Angsana Velavaru, wellbeing is not a moment but a continuous journey shaped by nature, connection, and the healing spirit of the Maldives.
Awards
Trans Maldivian Airways named World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world’s largest seaplane operator, has once again strengthened its position as a global aviation leader with new accolades at the World Travel Awards 2025. The airline was named the World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025 and the Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025, acknowledging its continued contribution to air connectivity across the Maldives. The 32nd Annual World Travel Awards ceremony took place at Exhibition World Bahrain and was attended by more than 300 leaders from the international tourism industry.
Established in 1993, TMA has played a central role in shaping the Maldives’ aviation and tourism sectors. Operating the world’s largest seaplane fleet with 65 DHC-6 Twin Otters and serving over 80 resort destinations, the airline provides vital connectivity across the archipelago with a focus on safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Conducting more than 400 flights daily, TMA remains essential in enabling access to resort islands nationwide.
Commenting on the achievement, A.U.M. Fawzy, CEO of Trans Maldivian Airways, said: “This prestigious recognition from the World Travel Awards, year after year, reflects the trust placed in our team by our partners and guests, and the responsibility we carry as the primary air service provider connecting resort destinations across the Maldives. At TMA, our focus remains on continuous improvement and building on decades of service excellence. As the tourism industry in the Maldives continues to evolve and grow, we will continue strengthening our operations and supporting the long-term development of the Maldives as a world-leading destination.”
TMA continues to enhance its operational capabilities through ongoing investments in fleet upgrades, infrastructure, staff training, and technology-driven improvements, ensuring it meets rising demand while maintaining its hallmark of dependable service.
As the Maldives prepares for further growth in visitor arrivals, Trans Maldivian Airways remains committed to working closely with industry partners, supporting national tourism objectives, and ensuring a seamless and reliable travel experience for guests visiting the country’s island destinations.
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