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A year on, Banyan Tree’s Maldives resorts lead in achieving plastic elimination pledge
One year ago, on Earth Day 2018, Banyan Tree embarked on a journey to reduce single use plastic to ultimately become plastic free. The hospitality and tourism industry as a whole is a major consumer of this planet’s resources, often providing one-time use products on mass scales. Whilst this presents a unique opportunity to really impact the effects of global plastic consumption, it is by no means a small task.
The challenge involves finding suitable alternatives that are both sustainable and cost-effective, but equally match up to the rigorous health and quality assurances required from the industry. Preventing plastic waste from reaching landfills or polluting the environment is another primary focus. Arguably, the greatest challenge is pioneering this movement, which although growing is still in its infancy. This requires driving action across suppliers and vendors in addition to raising awareness of the need among business stakeholders, which include its own employees, guests and members of the community.
This ambitious target has inspired the change needed to successfully eliminate 4.2 million single-use items over the past year, equating to a 26 per cent reduction in use. This is a positive first-step in the right direction, considering the magnitude of the ultimate plastic-free goal.
Banyan Tree’s properties here in the Maldives have achieved the most significant reductions across the group, with both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru in North Male Atoll reducing their total single-use plastic usage by 75 per cent. Angsana Velavaru in Dhaalu atoll, follows with a 32 per cent reduction. Collectively, the three properties have eliminated a quarter of a million single-use plastic items, preventing them from reaching landfill or ending up in the ocean.
In the first year, three of the most common single-use plastic items produced and consumed across the world were targeted for primary elimination: plastic bottles, plastic straws and plastic bags. These are fundamental sources of global plastic pollution. Worldwide, five trillion single-use plastic bags are used each year, nearly 10 million each minute, requiring 600 million barrels of oil to manufacture. Less than one per cent of this amount is recycled, with the rest ending in landfills or polluting our environments. Up to 80 per cent of ocean plastic pollution originates from land.
Given the vast expanses of blue ocean and white sand beaches and lagoons that dominate the seascape of the Maldives, it is easy to overlook the current threat that plastic pollution poses to the health of its island inhabitants and the future of the kaleidoscope of marine life found below the waves. One only needs to walk beside the ferry terminals in Male or join a community cleanup on a locally inhabited islands to experience the difficulty the country is currently facing, with regards to effective waste management. The international non-profit Parley for the Oceans are currently working on the first nationwide plastic recycling program for the Maldives, but generally speaking recycling initiatives are limited, mostly organised on small scales by local schools or councils with limited resources.
Awareness and understanding of plastic consumption and waste is constantly improving, with growing support of the need to eliminate single-use plastic and switch to sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Banyan Tree continues to educate its associates, guests and communities around the areas it operates, about the need to consider the five R’s of responsible consumption – Reduce, Refuse, Reuse, Recycle and Remove. This is achieved by driving events such as community awareness sessions and cleanups, guest talks on property and supporting international events such as Earth Day, World Cleanup Day and World Environment Day.
This year, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru will celebrate the Earth Day with a local island clean up in the morning of April 22 and a sunset cocktail party for the guests and associates to toast for the first year of the plastic elimination pledge.
Banyan Tree Holdings runs three resorts in the Maldives: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and two Angsana-branded properties, Angsana Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru opened its door in 1995 and is the first international chain resort in the Maldives. With just 48 pool villas dotting around the island, privacy and relaxation can easily be attained. The resort has a restaurant, bar, PADI Gold Palm Five-Star resort dive centre and a Banyan Tree Spa. It is also home to the Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab, the first of its kind to be funded and built on a private resort, where guests can learn about marine conservation and partake in the many sustainability activities on offer including coral planting, reef cleaning, turtle care and daily stingray feeding sessions.
Angsana Ihuru is surrounded by one of the most vibrant and well preserved coral house reefs in the Maldives. The resort has 45 villas, a restaurant and a bar, a PADI Gold Palm Five-Star resort dive centre and an Angsana Spa.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru are located in North Male’ Atoll, just 25 minutes away by speedboat from the airport. The two resorts are just five minutes by boat away from each other.
Velavaru or ‘Turtle Island’ is located in the pristine Dhaalu atoll, and accessible by a 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. This 113-villa resort offers 79 island villas and 34 InOcean Villas, revealing spectacular views and direct access to the Indian Ocean.
Spoil your taste buds with fresh ocean picks at Angsana Velavaru’s overwater Funa restaurant, or sample international delights at Kaani. Drop in at Kuredhi bar for an exotic cocktail or two as the stars sneak into the sky. Indulge in a myriad of Asian-inspired spa treatments at Angsana Spa. With guided snorkelling safaris, get your hands wet and join in the efforts to preserve the delicate balance between man and nature. Velavaru is a famed location for turtle-nesting and has its own Marine Lab, particularly committed to protecting marine creatures like the hawksbill and green sea turtles, and coral reefs.
Heritance Aarah has won Gold in the Leading All-Inclusive Hotel/Resort category at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising its Premium All-Inclusive offering in the Maldives.
Located in Raa Atoll, Heritance Aarah offers beach and overwater accommodation alongside dining, wellness, marine activities and cultural experiences. The resort’s Premium All-Inclusive concept focuses on providing guests with a range of experiences and personalised services throughout their stay.
Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, attributed the achievement to the resort’s team.
“This award is a tribute to our team, whose commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences brings together the very best of Heritance Aarah while celebrating the beauty and character of the Maldives,” Jayawardena said.
Susith Jayawickrama, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, said the award recognised the resort’s approach to hospitality and the efforts of its employees.
“This recognition is a proud moment for everyone at Heritance Aarah. Our Premium All-Inclusive experience has always been about going beyond the expected, delivering thoughtful service, exceptional dining, and moments that profoundly connect our guests with the Maldives. This award is a reflection of the passion, commitment and consistency of our team, who continue to raise the bar every day,” Jayawickrama said.
Dining forms a central part of the resort’s offering, with seven restaurants and five bars serving international and Mediterranean cuisine, seafood and overwater dining experiences.
Among its dining venues is Ambula, which combines Sri Lankan and Maldivian culinary traditions through a specially developed menu. Ralu Lounge features one of the largest rum collections in the Maldives.
The resort has also introduced new dining concepts, including Fehi Raha, a garden-to-table experience set within its organic garden. The concept incorporates seasonal produce grown on the island into its menus.
For families, the Ufa Ghadhiya ice cream truck offers ice cream, sundaes and tropical popsicles.
Beyond dining, Heritance Aarah provides a range of recreational and wellness activities, including snorkelling, diving and ocean excursions in Raa Atoll. Guests can also access treatments at IASO Medi Spa and explore Maldivian traditions, craftsmanship and cultural heritage through the resort’s Maldivian Village.
The resort’s adults-only Ocean Suite Wing caters to couples seeking greater privacy, offering overwater accommodation, butler service, private leisure spaces and exclusive dining options. The main island accommodates couples, families and multigenerational travellers.
According to the resort, the SATA 2026 recognition reflects the contribution of its employees across culinary operations, wellness, guest services and recreational activities, as well as its continued focus on developing its Premium All-Inclusive offering.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has been named Best Resort of the Year at the 2026 AHA Asia Hotel Awards, held at Capella Bangkok in Thailand. The recognition places the resort among leading hospitality properties across Asia, acknowledging its approach to luxury hospitality, guest experiences, design and service.
The award was presented during the 15th edition of the ceremony, which marked a milestone in the programme’s history. Established in 2010 by LIFESTYLE Magazine as the CHA China Hotel Awards, the programme expanded in 2026 to become the AHA Asia Hotel Awards, bringing together hotels and resorts from across the region.
The decision to host the gala in Bangkok for the first time reflected the programme’s broader ambition to recognise achievements in hospitality beyond China. The ceremony brought together hospitality leaders and industry representatives to celebrate achievements in luxury accommodation, resort experiences, design, wellness and service.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives received the Best Resort of the Year award in recognition of its approach to providing guest experiences that combine contemporary design, personalised service and a connection to the island’s natural surroundings.
“To receive this recognition alongside some of Asia’s most respected hospitality names is a proud moment for all of us at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager.
“Our island has its own character, and we have always believed that the most meaningful experiences come from allowing guests to discover it at their own pace. This award belongs to our team, whose care, dedication and genuine warmth bring that philosophy to life every day. We are equally grateful to our guests for choosing to share their time and special moments with us.”
Located in Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives features 41 beachfront villas, 36 overwater villas, three two-bedroom beach villas and the Boduge Residence. Each accommodation category includes a private pool, with designs intended to offer privacy while maintaining a connection to the island’s landscape and surrounding Indian Ocean.
The resort offers a range of experiences centred on its location, including guided house reef exploration with marine experts, underwater activities and opportunities to learn about Maldivian traditions through cultural programmes.
Its dining experiences include seafood and international cuisine, as well as private dining arrangements on The Shack, a secluded sand cay. Spa Alila offers treatments and wellness programmes designed around relaxation and wellbeing.
“An award such as this reflects the dedication of many people working together, often through the smallest details that guests may never see,” said Jamal Ahmed, Resort Manager.
“We take great pride in creating an atmosphere where service feels personal and unforced, and where every guest feels genuinely welcomed. It is especially rewarding to see the efforts of our colleagues recognised on a regional stage.”
The latest recognition follows another achievement for Alila Kothaifaru Maldives in 2026, when the resort received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. The accolade places the property among the top 10 per cent of hotels worldwide based on traveller reviews and ratings.
The two awards recognise the resort’s performance from both industry and guest perspectives, reflecting its focus on service standards, guest satisfaction and experiences connected to the Maldivian environment.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives continues to focus on delivering personalised hospitality, maintaining service standards and developing experiences that allow guests to explore the natural and cultural attractions of the Maldives.
Barceló Nasandhura Malé has announced an exclusive two-night gastronomic pop-up collaboration featuring the celebrated flavours of Ministry of Crab at B.Heaven Rooftop on 13 and 14 November 2026.
Created by internationally acclaimed chef-restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa, Ministry of Crab is a distinguished fixture on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Known also for Carne Diem Grill at Crossroads Maldives, the country’s only restaurant featured in 50 Best Discovery this year, Chef Dharshan’s culinary philosophy will be brought to life in Malé through an extraordinary showcase of iconic Sri Lankan mud crab and freshwater prawn specialities.
Hosted against the panoramic ocean backdrop of B.Heaven Rooftop, this landmark commercial engagement brings Ministry of Crab’s world-renowned culinary philosophy to the Maldivian capital. Built on a foundation that prioritizes ingredient freshness above all else, Ministry of Crab operates under a strict “no-freezer” policy. The event will feature export-quality Sri Lankan mud crabs and majestic freshwater prawns flown in fresh for the two-day dining showcase.
“We are delighted to bring the iconic flavours to Barceló Nasandhura Malé this November,” said Enric Reina, Hotel Manager at Barceló Nasandhura Malé. “This partnership marks a significant milestone for both our hotel and the capital’s dining scene as we elevate the local epicurean landscape, offering our resident guests and Malé’s culinary connoisseurs a rare opportunity to experience award-winning gastronomy.”
Chef Dharshan Munidasa commented on the collaboration: “Maldives holds a special place in the regional food landscape, surrounded by the same pristine Indian Ocean waters that inspire much of my culinary work. Partnering with Barceló Nasandhura allows us to showcase our iconic Ministry of Crab signature dishes—from our Garlic Chili Crab to our hand-crushed Pepper Crab—alongside exclusive preparations crafted specifically for B.Heaven Rooftop.”
Over the course of this limited two-day engagement, guests will indulge in a curated menu highlighting Ministry of Crab’s flagship preparations.
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