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Pullman Maldives, Mercure Kooddoo launch campaign against single-use plastic

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Plastic bags are widely-known and unchallenged: amongst others, they block drainages and cause flooding, choke marine and land animals, and are a blight, particularly on tourism. In addition, the production and distribution of plastic bags contribute significantly to climate change. Because of these negative effects, hundreds of measures have been taken around the world to reduce the use of plastic bags.

Sister resorts, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, have stepped up their efforts to actively reduce the use of single-use plastic items within both resorts.

The campaign was recently supported by local telecom giant Dhiraagu, which provided 600 reusable bags to the resorts. Following this generous donation, the resorts officially launched their campaign against single-use plastic.

During the launch event, which was attended by Rifath Rasheed from tourism ministry, the resorts’ marine biologist Amandine and culinary director Chef Philippe gave a short, meaningful presentation, titled “Save the Ocean”, to team members. The team eagerly listened and gave their commitment to help the management to make both resorts free from plastic bags and bottles.

The management also assured Rifath that representatives from the resorts will visit neighbouring islands of Villingili and Maamendhoo to create public awareness about preserving the beauty of our ocean.

Through its Planet21 sustainability programme, Accor Group leads a global campaign to preserve our environment. Part of Planet21, is ensuring that we take mandatory actions on being eco-friendly in our daily lives. Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort – two out of five Accor properties in Maldives – follow in this approach with their campaign against single-use plastic.

As part of the Planet21 sustainability programme, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort regularly hosts awareness sessions for their team members, so they can help the management in advancing the initiative to reduce plastic waste. The resorts promote simple steps such as brining your own bag for shopping; when a shop wants to give a bag (whether plastic or paper), team members are encouraged to refuse and just put the goods inside the Dhiraagu reusable bag instead.

These steps extend to the recruitment process too; the resorts educate new recruits not to bring any plastic items to the Maldives.

John D. Bendtsen, Area General Manager for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, said: “This is not an easy job, however with the support and assistance of everyone we can make a huge difference. The single-use plastic ban is expected to cover six single-use plastic items initially including plastic bags, straws, cups, plates, small bottles and certain types of sachets”.

Let’s all be proactive in saving our planet!

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, a four-star resort developed on the island of Kooddoo in Gaafu Alif Atoll, boasts 68 stylish and well-appointed villas, comprising 43 overwater villas and 25 beach villas with 20 of them featuring a private swimming pool. Attesting to the Mercure brand promise of an authentic experience, vivid colours and decorative motifs along with warm textures and local design touches are used tastefully throughout the villas in order to create a haven of peace with a strong local character.

Guests are offered several attractive dining options. The all-day dining Alita Restaurant serves Pan-Asian à la carte cuisine and themed buffets, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Vistas, an overwater restaurant and lounge, serves tapas, snacks and handcrafted cocktails, whilst the Alita Pool Bar offers cocktails and light bites with a view.

The resort has several recreational activities and facilities such as the 50-metre lagoon-side swimming pool, fully equipped fitness centre, tennis court, kids’ club and off-island day trips. The marine-themed Suvadiva Spa at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, meanwhile, offers a range of treatments and therapies for guests in need of relaxation and rejuvenation.

The all-inclusive Pullman Maldives Maamutaa boasts 122 decadent villas, including two exclusive Aqua Villas featuring bedrooms submerged beneath the turquoise waters for a truly memorable experience of the region’s marine life up close.

Guests will never go hungry, as the resort boasts one of the most generous, all-inclusive offers in the Maldives, complete with a variety of culinary delights available at six outlets across the island.

Children and teens are well catered for at Playground and Skillz Sports Centre, with a range of entertaining and educational activities including snooker, table tennis, various board games and a golf simulator. Nature walks, treasure hunts, and outdoor sports are also available for the adventurers at heart to enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

Fitness enthusiasts can start at the resort’s Fit Trail island jogging track with five fitness stations offering a variety of physical trails, or level up with a complete boot-camp Raaveriya Workout experience that kick starts with callisthenics followed by an invigorating run on the beach and a refreshing swim in the lagoon. For complete restoration of the body, mind and soul, choose from a selection of signature facials, body treatments and massage therapies available at the resort’s Spa by Phytomer, which features eight treatment rooms perched over a shallow, white sand lagoon.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort are located in Gaafu Alif Atoll, a 55-minute domestic flight from Velana International Airport, followed by a short speedboat ride from Kooddoo Airport. The two resorts are just five minutes by boat away from each other.

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Dive into Baa Atoll’s manta ray season with The Westin Maldives

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Nature takes centre stage in the Maldives as manta ray season graces the protected waters of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, continuing until November this year. At the heart of this celebrated atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort — a five-star holistic wellness sanctuary poised on the edge of Hanifaru Bay — invites guests to witness the mesmerising cyclone feeding phenomenon, where hundreds of manta rays glide and spiral in an extraordinary underwater ballet.

Just 40 minutes by speedboat from the resort lies Hanifaru Bay, one of the world’s most renowned manta aggregation sites. Guided snorkelling excursions, led by The Westin Maldives’ resident marine experts, allow visitors to encounter this rare natural spectacle first-hand. With over 1,800 manta rays recorded in the bay, the chance to swim alongside these graceful creatures offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for marine life enthusiasts from around the globe.

Beyond Hanifaru Bay, the resort provides access to more than 20 exceptional dive sites across the Baa Atoll, famed for its thriving reefs and diverse marine life. Among the highlights is Dhigali Haa, a protected submerged reef, or thila, distinguished by coral-draped overhangs, narrow canyons, and abundant sea life. Divers may encounter schooling snapper, fusilier, giant trevallies, eagle rays, and even inquisitive dolphins. Nearby, Nelivaru Thila reveals a labyrinth of coral pinnacles and ledges, home to moray eels, turtles, and reef sharks weaving through vibrant soft coral gardens. With over 250 recorded species, Baa Atoll offers endless diving rewards for enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of unforgettable ocean experiences without leaving the resort, from spotting playful spinner dolphins directly from their villa to using complimentary snorkelling gear and canoes. Those seeking more adventure can opt for jet ski rides, private snorkelling with turtles, sunset dolphin cruises, or traditional Maldivian line fishing. As part of the #PlayWell programme, the resort’s Marine Biologist offers insights into marine ecosystems, conservation, and responsible tourism.

After a day of discovery, guests can enhance recovery through the WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending Programme, which includes the Hyperice Recharge and Recovery Kit, designed to soothe muscles and restore energy. For a deeper sense of calm, the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ offers rejuvenating treatments accompanied by sweeping ocean vistas.

As night falls, tranquillity awaits in one of the resort’s 69 spacious villas. Each promises a restorative night’s sleep with the award-winning Heavenly® Bed, featuring a plush pillow-top mattress, the soothing Sleep Well Lavender Balm, and a specially curated Westin Sleep Well Menu.

With wellness at its heart and adventure woven into every experience, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort provides a front-row seat to some of the ocean’s most magical moments.

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Golden hour bliss with Zoe London and Giorgio Chiarello at Dhigali Maldives

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This November, Dhigali Maldives will transform its iconic Haali Bar into a lively stage for music and mixology, as British DJ Zoe London and Italian Flair Bartending Champion Giorgio Chiarello join forces for an unforgettable sunset residency from 11 to 15 November 2025.

Each evening, Zoe London will take to the decks, delivering her distinctive mix of house, classic remixes, and uplifting energy to the shores of the Raa Atoll. With more than 15 years’ experience performing at venues such as Soho House and The Ned, as well as at prestigious events including the Formula 1 Paddock Club and festivals like Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and Latitude, Zoe’s sets promise the perfect soundtrack to golden hour in paradise.

As the sun slips beneath the horizon, guests will be treated to masterfully crafted cocktails from Giorgio Chiarello, Italy’s most decorated Flair Bartender. Renowned for his captivating performances and expertise in American-style mixology, Giorgio will present a bespoke menu featuring three classic cocktails alongside three of his own original creations, each prepared with precision and flair at Haali Bar.

Nestled in the heart of the remote Raa Atoll, Dhigali Maldives is an exclusive Premium All-Inclusive resort that seamlessly blends contemporary minimalist design with the island’s natural beauty. From overwater villas and beachfront suites to snorkelling adventures, fine dining, and rejuvenating spa rituals, the resort offers an immersive and refined escape. With its vibrant house reef just steps away, every element is designed for effortless relaxation and indulgence.

Together, Zoe London and Giorgio Chiarello will infuse the island’s evenings with rhythm, flavour, and artistry, creating an immersive fusion of music and mixology framed by the serene backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

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Huvafen Fushi introduces soulful stays for rest, reconnection and renewal

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Huvafen Fushi has unveiled a soul-stirring escape created for women who appreciate the power of pause. Whether bringing together a close circle of friends or seeking cherished solitude, this retreat has been designed to smooth the edges and awaken the spirit. Behind closed doors lies the quiet seclusion of Huvafen’s renowned two- and three-bedroom Pavilions, where privacy is paramount, barefoot elegance is assured, and time moves to a rhythm entirely one’s own.

There is little need to leave – unless by choice. Mornings may begin with floating breakfasts on the deck, sunrise yoga by the sea, or tranquil hours drifting in a private pool. With personal butlers, customised mini bars, private coral garden snorkelling, and candlelit feasts, every detail encourages guests to soften, settle, and reconnect with themselves.

Accommodation options include:

  • Two Bedroom Ocean Pavilion with Pool – Overwater and sunset-facing, this private retreat sleeps up to six and features a unique indoor–outdoor pool that opens directly into the sea, ideal for dusk dips and long, starlit evenings.
  • Two Bedroom Lagoon Pavilion with Pool – Bathed in morning light, this sunrise-facing pavilion offers an uninterrupted view of the lagoon. With space for six, a vast sundeck, and serene water vistas, it invites both connection and clarity.
  • Three Bedroom Beach Pavilion with Pool – Positioned directly on the beach and facing the sunset, this expansive hideaway sleeps up to nine. Ocean views, a private pool, and generous indoor and outdoor living areas make it ideal for multigenerational escapes or milestone celebrations.
  • Two Bedroom Beach House with Pool – A private sanctuary on the sand, this beach house accommodates up to six. Guests can unwind in their own pool, take in panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, and embrace a slower pace of life.

This is a stay for long conversations and easy silences, for secrets shared over cocktails, for saltwater swims that soothe, for laughter, solo sunrises, and the rare luxury of simply being oneself. Whether with friends, family, or alone, it is not merely a getaway – it is a return to one’s own tide. 

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