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Nika Island, Parley come together to raise awareness about ‘the ocean that used to be’
Nika Island Resort has hosted a new edition of its Nostalgia series, raising awareness about plastic pollution and the state of our oceans.
Edoardo Caccin, the External Director at Nika Island, opened the November edition of Nostalgia with a simple question: “How are you?”
Good!”, “Excellent!”, “Amazing!” were answers that started echoing all around.
Then, Edoardo formulated another question: “What if I ask the same question to the ocean? What would the ocean reply?”
Silence filled the room.
Shaahina Ali, Country Representative for Parley, gave the answer: “Very bad”.
During the latest event in the Nostalgia series, both Nika Island and Parley shared detailed presentations and videos about the current situation of plastic pollution in the ocean and how the issue impacts such a fragile country like the Maldives.
Nika is supporting Parley by intercepting plastic debris in the ocean. In addition to the various efforts to maintain the Maldives that used to be, Nika is also taking up the long-term challenge of eliminating single-use plastics on a broad scale in the island.
Edoardo commented: “We are working hard and with passion to preserve the authenticity of the country, what we call ‘the Maldives that used to be’.”
“The ocean surrounding the islands is a fundamental component of the beauty of the Maldives. We are excited to join Parley’s efforts for the interception of plastic and we hope that this collaboration will help to restore the original beauty of the Maldivian Waters, as ‘the ocean that used to be’ was not contaminated by plastic.”
A day after the Nostalgia event, the team from Parley along with team members and guests of Nika went to an uninhabited island for a cleanup.
“As a support to the communities surrounding Nika Island, we are happy to use our supply Dhoni to transport the plastic intercepted in Mathiveri and Bodufolhudhoo. These precious cargo will be handed over to Parley, to be redesigned into products that would otherwise use virgin plastic,” Edoardo said.
Parley has also added Mathiveri School and Bodufolhudhoo School to their growing number of interception collaborators.
“Education and instilling awareness is a pivotal component of our daily operations. We are visiting the schools of Bodufolhudhoo and Mathiveri, explaining the current status of the ocean and the emergency related to plastic,” Shaahina said.
“We are educating the community to collect plastic and not to throw it in the ocean, and not to abandon it in the island.”
With this special edition of Nostalgia, Nika and Parley successfully managed to come together to shed light on the urgent need for action to eliminate plastic pollution in the ocean and on the importance of establishing a fruitful dialogue amongst resorts, local communities and international organisations.
Located in North Ari Atoll, Nika is a milestone of the Maldives hospitality industry.
The deserted island of Kudafolhudhu turned into a resort back in 1983. Since its inception, the philosophy and values that shaped this unique boutique resort are the same: privacy, natural sophistication and local heritage.
All of its 43 villas have been built according to the traditional Maldivian architectural style. Being one of the first resorts built in the country, everything on the island has been built using coral blocks, coconut palm trunks and palm leaves. A collection of antiques and unique Maldivian pieces of art decorate the interiors of all the villas.
Nika is a perfect example of a boutique hotel that breaks the dynamics of big international brands that are reshaping the Maldivian hospitality industry. Nika is a heady mix of Italian lifestyle and Maldivian traditions; a unique platform where heritage and natural beauty meet together.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.
Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.
From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.
On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.
Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.
A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.
On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
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