Featured
Students compete in ‘Zero Waste Challenge’ to clean local island

School children across the island of Maalhos in Baa atoll have competed in a ‘Zero Waste Challenge’ to increase community recycling and help rid the island of single-use plastics and other garbage that spoil the natural environment.
The challenge has pitted different grades at the local school against each other. The school grade that manages to collect and segregate most garbage, which is then sent for recycling, wins the challenge.
The competition ran from May 19 to June 15. The winners will be announced June on 19.
Students, their parents and teachers collected recyclable waste such as plastics and tin cans, and stored them in bags. On assigned days, the waste was counted and points given based on total weight.
If students had failed to properly clean the recyclable waste, they did not gain any points. Cans and bottles had to be washed and cleaned to ensure that there was residual food or drink. This was so items were stored nicely at home or school, and didn’t smell or attract insects, until they were collected for recycling or processing.
Students were encouraged to collect litter from around the island but were not allowed to consume more products to increase their score.
The ‘Zero Waste Challenge’ is part of the ‘Namoona Baa’ initiative, launched in February by the island council presidents of Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, and Kihaadhoo in partnership with Soneva, which run the neighbouring Soneva Fushi resort. ‘Namoona Baa’ was launched in response to the waste and plastics crisis that is overwhelming the Maldives and ruining the environment.
“Our students have learnt the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling waste in order to keep a clean and healthy environment. This first-hand experience of zero waste will shape students’ lives to be brighter and healthier in future,” Abbas Hussein, Maalhos School Principal, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Prizes for school grades that collect the most recyclables include a trip to snorkel with manta rays at the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Hanifaru Bay, a lesson in astronomy at the Soneva Fushi observatory, and for younger children, a day-trip to The Den, the outstanding children’s play park at Soneva Fushi.
“What is taking place in Maalhos is an inspiration. The Zero Waste Challenge has inculcated positive behaviour, and households are now used to segregating waste and preparing it for recycling. Maalhos has never looked so clean, because students have been picking up litter from the beaches and the jungle,” Khady Hamid, Community Engagement Manager at Soneva Fushi, said.
As part of the ‘Namoona Baa’ initiative, Maalhos, Dharavandhoo and Kihaadhoo island councils have also pledged to end the open burning of island waste, in a radical shift towards eco-friendly waste management.
Each island will create an Eco-Centro waste-to-wealth centre that will sort, recycle and reuse island waste. The Eco-Centro waste-to-wealth model was pioneered at Soneva Fushi, which is supporting ‘Namoona Baa’. At the resort, food and organic waste, metals, and bottles are chipped, ground down or composted, and turned into things of economic value, such as concrete building blocks and fertiliser. Plastic waste is either recycled or used to create useful new objects.
Soneva has pledged funds from its Soneva Namoona programme to support creating the Eco-Centros on Maahlos, Dharavandhoo, and Kihaadhoo.
The first Eco-Centro is due to open in Maalhos this year. The open burning of garbage in Maalhos is expected to end shortly after the island’s Eco-Centro is fully operational.
Soneva is a pioneering family of hospitality properties and products, offering holistic encounters in luxurious and inspiring environments – from world class hotels to outstanding natural locations. Combining luxury with a conscientious approach to sustainability and the environment, and proactively changing the nature of hospitality, it delivers intuitive service and meaningful experiences to the guests.
Soneva currently owns and operates Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva in Aqua in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand.
Featured
Barceló Nasandhura celebrates World Chocolate Day with sweet surprises in Malé

This July, Barceló Nasandhura is offering guests a taste of the sweeter side of life through a series of limited-time dessert experiences in the heart of Malé.
In celebration of World Chocolate Day, the hotel hosted a Chocolate Indulgence Station in the Nasandhura Lobby on 7th July. Held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the event featured handcrafted chocolate desserts and tastings led by Head Pastry Chef Mohammed, a certified Continental Judge in Pastry Arts. The occasion attracted a delightful mix of in-house guests and walk-in visitors, who also enjoyed a specially curated photo setup and the opportunity to purchase exclusive, limited-edition treats.
Additionally, from 4th to 7th July, a dedicated Chocolate Dessert Station was presented at the Oivaru dinner buffet, located on the hotel’s third floor, offering a decadent addition to the evening dining experience.
To conclude the month’s celebrations, guests will be able to enjoy a 10% discount on all ice creams at Alimas Coffee Lounge from 20th to 26th July. Featuring house-made flavours, this offering provides the ideal way to cool off and indulge during the warm island afternoons.
Featured
Dive into sustainable luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Baa Atoll

Surrounded by flourishing reefs and pristine islands with the whitest of soft sands and crystal-clear waters, Coco Collection – a leading resort brand in the Maldives – invites guests to delve into the extraordinary underwater world of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Nestled within the crown jewel of the Maldives, the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is renowned for its commitment to everyday sustainability. Setting the standard for sustainable luxury, the resort has once again been recognised as the Maldives’ Leading Green Resort 2025, marking its third consecutive win at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
While the resort continues its efforts to protect and preserve a thriving marine ecosystem, it also encourages guests to immerse themselves in a range of signature marine experiences, all guided by resident Marine Educator Rosalie Bailie and supported by its long-standing partnership with the Olive Ridley Project.
The signature marine experiences include:
- Guided Snorkelling – Guests may explore the house reef or venture to nearby coral gardens with expert guides. These excursions cater to all skill levels and often include sightings of green sea turtles, parrotfish, and, depending on the season, manta rays and eagle rays. Guests may also encounter hawksbill turtles grazing on coral at nearby turtle points.
- Coral Planting & Restoration Workshop – Conscious travellers are invited to participate in meaningful conservation work through coral planting. With the guidance of the Marine Educator, guests can affix coral fragments onto reef frames which are then placed on the seabed, helping to regenerate damaged reefs and enhance marine biodiversity.
- Discover Scuba Diving – From beginners to advanced divers, the island provides access to over 30 dive sites across the region, led by certified PADI instructors. Guests may dive among coral pinnacles, explore historic wrecks, and visit iconic spots such as Hanifaru Bay, famous for sightings of manta rays and whale sharks.
- ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre Tour – Home to the Maldives’ first fully equipped, veterinary-run sea turtle rescue centre, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu offers guests the chance to engage with rescued turtles recovering from injuries or entanglements. Through this partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, guests can feed turtles, learn about conservation challenges, adopt a turtle, and contribute to protecting this endangered species.
- Night Snorkelling – For a truly unique underwater adventure, the resort offers night snorkelling excursions led by the Marine Educator. As the reef transforms after sunset, guests will discover a different side of marine life, spotting lionfish, resting parrotfish, and other nocturnal sea creatures illuminated by torchlight.
Located in one of the world’s most spectacular hubs of marine biodiversity, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu promises an unforgettable escape. With the Discover Coco offers, travellers can enjoy 35% savings on their villa stay, making it the perfect time to plan an extraordinary Maldivian getaway.
Featured
Timeless romance awaits at award-winning Coco Bodu Hithi

Nestled in the heart of the Malé Atoll, the Maldivian-owned resort Coco Bodu Hithi warmly welcomes couples to embrace romance and tranquillity this summer in one of the world’s most idyllic island getaways.
Far removed from the bustle of city life, Coco Bodu Hithi serves as a sanctuary where intimacy, nature, and luxury coexist in perfect harmony. Designed for couples in search of meaningful moments, the island offers a captivating escape – from peaceful barefoot strolls and shared experiences to thrilling adventures.
Recently named the Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort at the 2025 World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year, Coco Bodu Hithi artfully blends modern comforts with traditional Maldivian charm. The resort boasts 98 expansive villas, each offering direct access to either the beach or lagoon. Thoughtfully designed to ensure privacy and relaxation, every villa promises a sense of seclusion and serenity.
Amongst the resort’s most celebrated accommodations are the Beach Villa with Pool and the iconic Coco Residence, both of which offer sweeping, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. These settings provide a picture-perfect backdrop for couples to reconnect, with each moment shaped by a spirit of warm island hospitality that is both personal and unmistakably Maldivian.
Honoured as the Best Service Resort at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025, Coco Bodu Hithi presents a carefully curated selection of personalised romantic experiences. Guests may begin the day with a floating breakfast in their private pool, enjoy a five-course candlelit dinner beneath the stars at Pergola, or embark on a serene sunset cruise – each moment tailored to celebrate connection in the most memorable ways.
Celebrated by Weddings & Honeymoons magazine as one of the Top 50 Honeymoon Resorts in the World, Coco Bodu Hithi offers an exquisite backdrop for couples to honour their love. The thoughtfully designed Forever Yours Package delivers a romantic destination wedding experience in the Maldives, with a dedicated team attending to every detail. The package seamlessly blends the island’s natural beauty with traditional elements, all personalised to reflect the couple’s unique story, style, and preferences.
With its heartfelt hospitality, refined elegance, and awe-inspiring surroundings, Coco Bodu Hithi offers the ideal setting to begin a new chapter of togetherness – a private Maldivian paradise where timeless romance truly comes to life.
-
Action6 days ago
Netflix’s ‘All the Sharks’ puts global spotlight on tiger shark paradise in Maldives’ Fuvahmulah
-
Featured1 week ago
Dusit launches second Maldivian property with all-inclusive dusitD2 Feydhoo
-
Featured1 week ago
JOALI Maldives welcomes FIX’s iconic chocolate in first-ever global expansion
-
Featured1 week ago
Angsana Velavaru shines in T+L Luxury Awards 2025 with top pool and GM honours
-
Featured1 week ago
Oaga Art Resort’s Samaasaa takes centre stage in Dubai’s art scene
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Game on! Kandima unveils Maldives’ most exciting all-ages entertainment hub
-
Awards1 week ago
Equator Village wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport Hotel 2025 at World Travel Awards
-
Awards1 week ago
Dhawa Ihuru recognised among Maldives’ Best House Reefs by Travel + Leisure Asia