Featured
Conrad Maldives activates new eco-initiatives for greener future

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has embarked on an eco-journey through working with leading environmental organisation Parley For The Oceans and ephemeral artist John K. Melvin, to ignite appreciation for the oceans and surrounding environment.
To celebrate the progressive movement towards fostering sustainable hospitality, the resort unveiled a large-scale installation by acclaimed artist John K. Melvin. Encouraging participation from both the Maldives community and global travellers alike, the resort continues to further its commitment to preserving the beauty of the Maldives for generations to come.
Starting late summer 2019, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will work with Parley For The Oceans to take an active role in becoming part of the solution to the challenges that face the world’s oceans.
Following the principles of the Parley AIR Hospitality Programme (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign), the resort will help to drive change by offering its guests a Parley Kit available in each guest villa. Each Parley Kit will contain a reusable stainless steel 0.7L Conrad x Parley co-branded water bottle and a Parley Ocean Plastic Tote Bag. Each bag is made of an average of five intercepted plastic bottles and its purchase contributes to the removal of 10 pounds of marine plastic waste via the Parley Global Clean Up Network.
This way, Conrad guests are encouraged to play an active role in reducing the use of harmful materials.
“With a mindful approach to travel, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island continues to inspire change,” Stefano Ruzza, General Manager of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“Through creative collaborations with likeminded brands and the development of unique and educational experiences on and off property, we encourage our guests to become part of the solution as they reinforce a positive impact while traveling as well as in their daily life at home.”

Building on its mission to inspire guests’ connection to the Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is using art as a catalyst for conversation and creativity to incentivise change and address the need for implementing sustainable practices.
The resort commissioned renowned ephemeral eco-artist John K. Melvin to construct an installation that speaks to the human relationship with the environment and more specifically, the topic of plastic pollution. EvoGyre debuted at Rangali Bar on June 23, and is assembled using nearly 5,500 locally sourced single-use plastic bottles held together by coir rope, steel cable and illuminated by LED lighting.
The life-size structure, built at 5 metres x 5 metres x 7 metres, hangs from the ceiling and serves as an educational and interactive touchpoint for guests who find themselves enamoured by the piece. Resembling a jellyfish, a species known for being an indicator of climate change, EvoGyre makes a direct connection between the surrounding marine environment of the Maldives and the impact of plastic. Inspired by its THE MURAKA — the world’s first and only undersea residence — and the surrounding Maldivian community, EvoGyre serves as a visual reminder of the humankind responsibility to protect the oceans.
Committed to the Parley AIR strategy to end plastic pollution, the resort has also pledged to eliminate the use of plastic on property. By January 2020, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will officially replace any single-use plastic bottles with either glass or a reusable material.
This investment in the future of the environment is complemented by the resort’s new guest programming, which includes eco-activities ranging from beach clean ups on neighbouring islands to a coral reef regeneration initiative with the resort’s own marine biologists.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is aligned with Hilton’s global corporate responsibility strategy “Travel with Purpose,” which is dedicated to developing shared value for communities where the hotels and resorts are located.
Conrad Maldives supports Hilton’s commitment and Travel with Purpose strategy to cut its environmental footprint in half and double its social impact investment by 2030, a strategy that supports the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Through a robust corporate responsibility programme that encompasses sustainability and community investment initiatives, Conrad Maldives strives to make an enduring and positive impact on the lives of the people living in these communities.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is located in South Ari Atoll and is accessible by a 30-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives main airport.
As one of the Maldives’ leading resorts and one of Hilton Worldwide’s flagship properties, the award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers 150 villas and suites, 12 restaurants and bars, two spas — all stretched over two remote islands. It features the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, world’s first undersea restaurant made from only glass.
As the latest innovation, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island had unveiled the world’s first undersea villa. A triumph of modern design and technology, THE MURAKA is a two-level structure comprised of space above the sea level and an undersea suite designed for sleeping under the ocean’s surface.
The resort had also invested USD 8.3 million in redeveloping its 42 award-winning Deluxe Beach Villas. Designed by THE MURAKA undersea residence’s design collaborator Yuji Yamazaki, the new Deluxe Beach Villas are a celebration of the natural environment and continue to be one of the resort’s most popular villa categories.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is also home to two unique spa experiences; The Spa Retreat on Rangalifinolhu Island and the Over Water Spa on Rangali Island. Combining expertise from around the world with carefully selected products and therapies influenced by the environment, the two spas offer unique and effective experiences to suit the needs of every individual.
The luxury resort also offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it is pre-selecting bath amenities or checking in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.
Featured
Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.
Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.
Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.
South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.
Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.
Entertainment
Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.
The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.
Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.
Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
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