Featured
Gili Lankanfushi witnesses over 120 turtle hatchlings
Sea turtle hatchlings emerged from a nest at Gili Lankanfushi at 11pm on June 19, exactly 59 days after the resort witnessed the mother sea turtle laying her eggs. Team members at the resort tried to count the number of individuals, but due to the pace they were moving it was impossible. But it was estimated to be a sighting of 125 hatchlings!
The first hatchling emerged at 6pm and by 9pm another had joined its sibling on the top of the nest. Both turtles were extremely sleepy, but a writhing mass of hatchlings were seen beneath them. Once the outer turtles woke up and moved to one side, the rest of the nest erupted with all turtles leaving the nest in waves.
The whole emerging process only lasted a matter of minutes, as the hatchlings were intent on following the light of the moon reflecting on the ocean surface. The urge to follow their instinct was extremely strong.
The wave of turtles spanned out and each individual made their own way to the water. When the hatchlings strayed into crab holes, the resort’s team members guided them out, but other than that they wanted the whole process to happen as naturally as possible. Only red light was used to illuminate the turtles as bright white light can damage their sensitive eyes.
Green and Hawksbill sea turtles prefer to nest close to the tree line, and this nest was buried amongst tree roots in hard compacted sand. Despite this and the shallow depth of the nest, a large majority of the eggs developed into healthy hatchlings.
Four days after the hatchlings emerged, the nest was excavated in order to assess how many turtle eggs were under-developed and to give some of the slower developing hatchlings a chance to complete their growth. Of the eggs laid by the turtle, 126 empty eggs were found, which fit the resort’s estimate of 125 hatchlings well. Four unfertilised eggs — three eggs where the turtle did not develop fully and one egg where the turtle was almost fully formed but did not hatch — were found.
There was one surprise, in the form of a tiny hatchling still deep inside the nest with an overly curled front flipper. Named Flipsy by one of the in-house guests, she may have developed more slowly than the others and had not hatched with the initial wave of hatchlings.
Due to the fact she was dug from the nest alone and she had a slight deformity in her front flippers, the team members did not want to release her alone as the risk of predation was too high. The reason all the hatchlings emerge together from a nest is to reduce the likelihood of being eaten as they cross the reef as there is safety in numbers.
Instead, she was given to the turtle rehabilitation centre at the nearby Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, so she can grow into a size of 30cm in length before being released into the wild. This way, she has a higher chance of survival.
Set on the private island of Lankanfushi in the North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is an intimate coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties threading across the water out to spacious villa accommodations, where ultimate privacy can be found. This luxury resort is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport.
At Gili Lankanfushi, an idyllic personal hideaway is one of 45 spacious, rustic overwater villas crafted from natural wood and glass. A palette of sparkling blues paints the horizon, the ocean stretching to infinity wherever on the island. The open design, with indoor and outdoor living space, allows guests the freedom to be themselves, the sound of the sea and warm breeze soothing all senses.
The Maldives has long been synonymous with romance, and now it takes centre stage in Condé Nast Traveller’s curated list of the ‘Most Romantic Places in the World’. The magazine highlights the archipelago’s unparalleled ability to create dreamlike escapes for couples, setting a gold standard for intimate getaways.
From the moment you set foot in the Maldives, the enchantment begins. Confetti-like tropical fish flit through crystal-clear lagoons, while overwater villas offer vistas of mantas gliding gracefully beneath. Add in the luxury of floating breakfasts served in your private pool and intimate dinners on pristine beaches, and you have the perfect recipe for romance.
Condé Nast Traveller notes that while the Maldives caters to families too, its essence of romance is unrivalled. The country’s private island resorts, nestled amid lush jungles and encircled by house reefs, redefine luxury. With world-class spas, fine dining, and starlit experiences, the Maldives effortlessly marries natural beauty with bespoke hospitality.
The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most celebrated resorts, and Condé Nast highlights a few that stand out:
- Vakkaru Maldives: A lush retreat where couples can enjoy a private dinner and movie at the island’s jungle cinema under the stars.
- Six Senses Laamu: The brand’s latest addition to the Maldives offers an exceptional spa experience, complete with a couples’ suite for ultimate relaxation.
- Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: This eco-luxury resort epitomises romantic aesthetics with its overwater villas set against one of the country’s most mesmerszing lagoons.
For hoteliers and hospitality professionals in the Maldives, this recognition underscores the archipelago’s enduring allure as a romantic haven. It’s a reminder of the importance of maintaining world-class service, crafting unique guest experiences, and preserving the pristine beauty that defines the Maldives.
The Condé Nast Traveller mention is more than just an accolade; it’s an opportunity for local hoteliers to further cement the Maldives’ position as the ultimate destination for couples seeking an off-grid escape steeped in romance.
As the Maldives continues to set benchmarks in hospitality, there’s no doubt that its reputation as a lovers’ paradise will only grow stronger. For the industry, this is a call to celebrate the archipelago’s unique offerings and ensure that each guest leaves with memories as enduring as the turquoise waters that surround them.
Celebration
Ring in 2025 with spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
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.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, has introduced the Maldives’ most sustainable Christmas tree for 2024, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious holiday celebrations. The tree, crafted entirely from natural materials such as dry rattans and bamboo, ensures that every component will be repurposed after the festive season, leaving no waste behind.
Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, emphasised the resort’s commitment to sustainability, stating that the Christmas tree exemplifies how luxury and environmental consciousness can coexist. He highlighted the use of thoughtful design and natural materials to create a visually striking centrepiece with a lasting positive impact.
The tree’s minimalist design reflects the resort’s dedication to balance and harmony with nature, showcasing the potential of renewable materials while embodying the festive spirit. Following the holiday season, the materials will be repurposed into practical or decorative items, aligning with the resort’s circular economy initiatives.
Guests are encouraged to view this remarkable centrepiece and engage in a festive experience that mirrors the resort’s core values of sustainability and thoughtful design.
This initiative complements Patina Maldives’ broader sustainability efforts, including renewable energy adoption, zero-waste kitchens, and marine conservation programs. By integrating these principles into holiday traditions, the resort reinforces its belief that luxury hospitality and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand.
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