Featured
Bandos Maldives discontinues plastic straw use

Bandos Maldives has announced its decision to discontinue the use of plastic drinking straws.
As part of the decision made to mark Earth Day on April 22, Bandos will discontinue the use of single-use, plastic drinking straws with immediate effect. Guests will instead be served drinks without any straws; if they request for a straw, biodegradable straws will be used instead of plastic.
“… join with us in this worldwide movement and commit to skipping the straw which is only a small step that will go a long way in protecting our species,” an announcement by the resort read.
“Thank you for your cooperation in this initiative to save our environment.”
The switch away from plastic straws is the latest initiative by Bandos to lighten its environmental impact.
Bandos has introduced glass bottles to phase out single use plastic water bottles. Guests are now offered bottled water in reusable glass bottles, and the water is produced at the island’s own drinking water facility.
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 throwaway nature of single-use, seemingly harmless plastic straws are actually one of the top two polluters of the ocean, and each straw takes up to 500 years to decompose. The total number of plastic straws used daily is so large that no global usage figure exists, but Americans alone use 500 million straws daily, according to the National Park Service.
Located in North Male Atoll and accessible by a short 10-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport, Bandos features spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the garden, beach or the ocean.
Authentic Thai cuisine can be enjoyed at Koon Thai restaurant, while Sea Breeze Café offers western and international food by the sea. A wide range of buffet foods can be savoured at Gallery Restaurant. Huvan and Sand Bar provide lovely tropical settings to enjoy cocktails and live entertainment. Umi Yaki restaurant serves Japanese Teppanyaki food.
A pool with swim up bar is available, while beauty and massage treatments are available at the resort’s spa. Club House offers a range of fitness activities, including a gym, aerobics, badminton, tennis courts, squash and table tennis, while Kokko Club offers babysitting services along with a range of programmes for the little ones.
The resort also features a water sports centre and a dive school.
Featured
Where wellness meets luxury: exclusive yoga retreats at Sun Siyam Resorts

In celebration of International Yoga Day 2025, Sun Siyam Resorts is welcoming guests to embark on a week-long wellness journey across two of its idyllic Maldivian island retreats: Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, from June 19th to 25th. International Yoga Day, globally recognised for promoting mental and physical wellbeing, will be marked with a thoughtfully curated programme led by two distinguished wellness experts.
The event will feature Shane Seery, an award-winning Executive Health Coach renowned for his science-driven approach to functional movement and sustainable transformation, alongside Marina Violinha, a holistic Women’s Health & Fitness Specialist focused on hormone-balanced, strength-oriented wellness. Against the serene Maldivian backdrop, their immersive sessions are designed to guide participants toward harmony, vitality, and renewal.
From June 19th to 21st, Sun Siyam Iru Veli will present three immersive sessions set in some of the island’s most picturesque locations. The programme commences with a sunset yoga session and wellness talk by Marina at Magoodhoo Beach, followed by a high-energy functional fitness experience with Shane at the Tennis Court. On the morning of June 21st, Marina will lead a rejuvenating yoga and breathwork session at Turtle Beach during sunrise, aligning guests with the natural rhythm of the island through mindful movement and introspection.
The celebration will continue at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef from June 23rd to 25th, offering three serene sunset sessions at Aqua Beach. Marina will host two yoga and wellness talks by the shoreline, while Shane will conduct a dynamic beachside functional training session, all designed to inspire reconnection, relaxation, and realignment.
Guests planning a wellness-focused retreat can take advantage of exclusive summer offers available at both resorts. At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, a minimum seven-night stay includes complimentary round-trip seaplane transfers for two, a Lucky Dolphin Cruise, a USD 100 spa credit, veranda breakfast, and a welcome bottle of wine with signature bed decoration. Meanwhile, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s package features complimentary transfers, a bottle of sparkling wine and fruit basket upon arrival, one floating or in-villa breakfast, a 30-minute couple’s spa treatment, a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), access to selected water sports, and free accommodation for children under 12 — blending wellness, luxury, and family-friendly island living.
Featured
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives unveils holistic spa detox retreat for mind and body renewal

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has introduced the Spa Alila Detox Programme, a five-night wellness retreat focused on sustainable weight management and overall well-being. Designed to promote inner balance and foster long-term healthy habits, the program aims to nurture both physical and emotional health while moving beyond traditional weight loss methods.
The retreat combines the principles of Ayurveda, yoga, fitness, holistic massage therapies, modern medicine, nutrition, and emotional wellness to cleanse, restore, and rejuvenate the body and mind.
Hosted at the resort’s signature treetop spa, the program includes accommodation in a luxurious Beach Pool Villa and return seaplane transfers. Guests participating in the program will benefit from a comprehensive range of inclusions:
- Nutritionally balanced meals (with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options)
- Full body composition analysis
- Vital signs monitoring
- Body pH testing
- Personalised consultations with an Ayurvedic doctor and nutritionist
- Emotional wellness assessments
- Daily yoga, fitness, and meditation sessions
- Customised holistic treatments
- Art therapy
- Slimming and detox beverages
- Healing bath rituals
- Interactive healthy cooking workshops
Dr. Arjita Kumari Dimri, Wellness Manager at Spa Alila, explained that the program is designed to provide a complete physical, mental, and emotional reset. Participants can expect benefits such as improved digestion, enhanced energy levels, greater mental clarity, a strengthened immune system, and a renewed sense of self. The program also supports guests dealing with obesity-related issues, including cholesterol imbalance, diabetes, and fatigue.
Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, underscored the resort’s dedication to holistic wellness through this transformative offering.
The Spa Alila Detox Programme is priced at USD 8,464 (Single) / USD 11,945 (Double) for stays until September 30, 2025, and USD 9,227 (Single) / USD 12,862 (Double) for stays from October 1 to December 25, 2025.
Spa Alila, nestled in the island’s lush treetop canopy, features four double treatment suites equipped with private bathrooms and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The retreat promises a journey of self-discovery, healing, and restoration.
Drink
Champagne Guy Charbaut returns to Maldives with THE OZEN COLLECTION

In a celebration of heritage and haute indulgence, the esteemed family-owned Champagne house, Guy Charbaut, based in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, joins forces with THE OZEN COLLECTION for the fifth consecutive year. From 20th to 26th October 2025, guests at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will once again embark on a sensorial journey that unites rare vintages with world-class cuisine, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.
Founded in 1936, Champagne Guy Charbaut has spent nearly a century perfecting the alchemy of terroir and tradition, producing cuvées that reflect the elegance of the French countryside’s limestone slopes. This dedication mirrors THE OZEN COLLECTION’s philosophy, which redefines luxury through curated experiences. Together, the two have cultivated an annual tradition that celebrates life’s finer pleasures.
At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the festivities begin on 20th October with an exclusive underwater dining experience at M6m. Guests will enjoy both lunch and dinner, with each course thoughtfully paired with Champagne. The celebration continues on 21st October with the ‘Champagne & Spice’ dinner, featuring the vibrant flavours of TRADITION INDOCEYLON—a Franco-Indian fusion experience. The finale on 22nd October is marked by the Champagne Brunch Royale at THE PALMS, a lavish midday affair where Champagne flows effortlessly alongside gourmet offerings.
The celebration then moves to OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI from 24th to 26th October. It opens on World Champagne Day with an over-water dining experience at ORIGINƎ, where ocean-inspired delicacies are elevated by rare vintages. On 25th October, the ‘Champagne & Spice; dinner returns at SAFFRON, blending Indian warmth with French finesse. The series concludes on 26th October with the Sunset Pool-Party Champagne Extravaganza at OZAR, a dazzling event where golden hour light meets sparkling bubbles.
Xavier Charbaut reflects on the partnership with THE OZEN COLLECTION, noting that what began as a shared philosophy—terroir and tradition meeting curated moments—has evolved into a yearly tradition that reinvents itself. He describes the Maldives as a second home for their champagnes, where the environment enhances their vibrancy. Celebrating five years of collaboration, he hints at even more daring pairings, intimate encounters with rare vintages, and surprises yet to be unveiled.
The alliance between Champagne Guy Charbaut and THE OZEN COLLECTION transcends these annual events. At both resort destinations, guests can explore the full range of the Maison’s offerings—from the nuanced Cuvée de Réserve ‘Old Vines’ Brut to the expressive Rosé 1er Cru Brut. Each bottle offers an invitation to transform everyday moments into something extraordinary.
Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, emphasizes that this union exemplifies modern luxury—a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation where every detail is meticulously curated. As Champagne Guy Charbaut and THE OZEN COLLECTION celebrate five years of partnership, their shared commitment to excellence promises an even more luminous future.
-
Entertainment1 week ago
The Presets to ignite nights in exclusive Kandooma Maldives showcase in April 2026
-
News1 week ago
Embudu Village achieves Travelife Gold certification for sustainability
-
Awards1 week ago
Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa recognised in Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards
-
Business1 week ago
2025 sees Maldives reach 1 million tourist mark in record time
-
News1 week ago
Ferrari in paradise: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi partners with Hedley Studios for one-of-a-kind experience
-
News1 week ago
Taste of culture, craft: JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort introduces immersive Indian Ocean nights
-
Featured7 days ago
ELE|NA and VOYA unite for ocean-inspired wellness at THE OZEN COLLECTION
-
Food6 days ago
Michelin-starred Chef Darren Chin brings exclusive gourmet experience to The Nautilus Maldives