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.
Entertainment
Game on! Kandima unveils Maldives’ most exciting all-ages entertainment hub

Kandima Maldives, the bold lifestyle resort known for redefining island getaways, has once again raised the bar with the launch of PlaySpace – an all-ages entertainment destination transforming the leisure landscape of the Maldives.
Centrally located within the island resort, PlaySpace blends nostalgic retro flair with cutting-edge fun, offering a dynamic mix of activities for families, thrill-seekers, and social guests alike. From action-packed bowling and immersive virtual reality to escape room challenges and private karaoke sessions, the venue strengthens Kandima’s position as the Maldives’ leading active lifestyle destination.
According to Dermot Birchall, General Manager at Kandima Maldives, “At Kandima, we’re constantly evolving the island experience. PlaySpace adds a new dimension – it’s immersive, social, and above all, wildly entertaining.”
Key Highlights of PlaySpace Include:
- Bowling Lanes with a Twist: Themed experiences such as Team Challenge, Date Night Deluxe, and Family Blitz, complemented by snacks, drinks, and curated playlists.
- Karaoke & Cocktails: Private singing rooms paired with wine, beer, or bubbly under the Karaoke & Cocktails Package.
- VR & Arcade Zone: Thrilling VR adventures, air hockey, billiards, and timeless arcade classics.
- Escape Rooms: Brain-teasing challenges for up to three guests – ideal for team bonding or friendly competition.
- Eats & Treats: A variety of gourmet snacks including paninis and mini pizzas, plus refreshing beverages like Tropical Dreamscape and Lychee Breeze – all alcohol-free.
With its vibrant 80s-inspired design and bold approach to leisure, PlaySpace perfectly reflects Kandima’s playful luxury ethos. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, it promises guests a unique and energetic addition to their island stay.
Adding to the excitement, Kandima has also introduced Fast Track, the Maldives’ first and only oceanfront e-go-kart circuit. Spanning 500 metres with 10 turns and speeds reaching up to 80 km/h, this professional-grade asphalt track brings a high-octane edge to island adventure.
As Kandima continues to innovate and launch new experiences, guests can expect even more surprises in the near future – with fun, flair, and freedom at the heart of it all.
Awards
Equator Village wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport Hotel 2025 at World Travel Awards

Equator Village has once again been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2025, held on 28 June in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This marks the third consecutive year the resort has received this prestigious accolade, following earlier wins in 2023 and 2024, underscoring its commitment to service excellence and consistent guest satisfaction.
Mohamed Waheed, Resort Manager at Equator Village, expressed pride in the achievement, stating that the recognition reflects the dedication, creativity, and hard work of the entire team. He highlighted their commitment to delivering warm, personalised service and creating welcoming spaces that resonate with the charm and hospitality of the south. Waheed also extended gratitude to the resort’s guests and partners for their continued support and trust.
Celebrating over three decades of recognising hospitality excellence, the World Travel Awards is regarded as one of the most esteemed honours in global tourism. Winners are selected through a rigorous international voting process involving both travel professionals and the public.
Located just a five-minute drive from Gan International Airport, Equator Village offers exceptional convenience along with the relaxed charm of the southern Maldives. The resort features 78 spacious bungalows surrounded by lush flower gardens, alongside facilities including a beachfront restaurant, bar, pool, gym, and meeting spaces – all infused with tropical flair and heartfelt southern hospitality.
Awards
Dhawa Ihuru recognised among Maldives’ Best House Reefs by Travel + Leisure Asia

Dhawa Ihuru has been named one of the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by Travel + Leisure Asia in its esteemed Luxury Awards 2025. Renowned as a stylish retreat for diving enthusiasts, the resort’s house reef—home to reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and vibrant coral ecosystems—continues to attract and inspire travellers from across the globe.
This accolade goes beyond recognition, reflecting over two decades of steadfast dedication to marine conservation, scientific research, and coral restoration. These efforts have transformed the house reef into a living testament to sustainable tourism.
Since the establishment of the Banyan Group’s Marine Lab in 2004—the first resort-based conservation and research facility in the Maldives—Dhawa Ihuru has been at the forefront of environmental responsibility. Through long-term coral preservation projects and guest-focused educational initiatives, the resort has consistently promoted biodiversity and sustainability.
Guests at Dhawa Ihuru are invited to participate in a range of conservation efforts, including:
- Coral planting and reef regeneration
- Reef monitoring alongside marine biologists
- Turtle identification and tracking
- Sustainability workshops and marine talks
- Community engagement programmes
These hands-on experiences not only aid in ecosystem restoration but also nurture awareness and a sense of shared responsibility among travellers.
“This recognition is a reflection of our long-standing commitment to marine protection,” said Elias Pertoft, General Manager of Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. “What began as a vision nearly three decades ago has evolved into a living legacy of conservation. We are proud to continue nurturing one of the Maldives’ most biodiverse reefs—not only for our guests, but for future generations.”
Nick, Marine Lab Manager at the resort, added, “Over the past 20 years, our immersive marine biodiversity programmes, including hands-on conservation activities, have provided both educational and inspiring experiences. By involving our guests, we are enriching their stay and fostering a global community of marine stewards.”
To commemorate this achievement and celebrate the resort’s flourishing marine environment, Dhawa Ihuru will host the Rannamaari Dive Fest on 24 July 2025—a full-day celebration running from 10 AM to 10 PM. Inspired by the legendary Rannamaari shipwreck, the event will showcase the vibrancy of island life both above and below the waterline.
Event highlights include:
- Underwater treasure hunts for divers and non-divers
- Marine conservation talks and activities with the resort’s Marine Lab team
- Cultural and creative island experiences, such as Maldivian arts & crafts with local artists, a Maldivian cooking class, a DIY wellbeing workshop, and family-friendly activities
- A sunset cocktail celebration at Velavani Bar, followed by a beachfront DJ night
Travellers are invited to take part in this unique celebration that blends adventure, culture, and conservation—honouring one of the Maldives’ most iconic house reefs and contributing to its protection for generations to come.
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