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Faarufushi Maldives commits to sustainability, one glass bottle at a time
Faarufushi Maldives has begun operating its own potable drinking water plant, as part of the resort’s efforts to eliminate single use plastic water bottles on the island.
The potable drinking water is bottled on the island using specially designed water filtration system that produces fresh water from desalinated ocean water.
The bottling plant can produce up to 400 litres of still and sparkling water, which is then served in customised reusable glass bottles for guests.
“With the move to producing our own drinking water, we expect to save almost 72,000 plastic bottles each year and provide a positive environmental, social and economic impact and importantly, offset carbon emissions from resort activities,” Jean-Marc Michel, General Manager of Faarufushi Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“Generating our own water saves on importing tons of bottled water each year. It greatly reduces the number of plastic and glass bottles we need to dispose of, in a country that is still working on refining its recycling capabilities but committed to show major improvements in the near future. We are happily helping to improve the carbon foot print in our destination.”
Faarufushi, opened only less than a year ago, strives to continuously promote environmental sustainability since the very beginning. In addition to its move to glass water bottles, the resort has also been using paper straws since the opening.
Beach and lagoon clean up activities are held regularly amongst the team and educational marine biology presentations are conducted for local schools in the nearby islands to create awareness and community engagement in the cause.
The resort is also proud to support local communities, as most of the purchases of fish and produce are from local fishermen and farmers.
The in-house filtered, purified premium bottled water has already proved extremely popular with hotel guests well aware of the urgent need to reduce plastic waste and its carbon footprint.
Faarufushi Maldives is located at the northern part of Raa atoll and can be reached by a 40-minute scenic flight from Velana International Airport.
Small coral island, big time beauty; all the things you want from a luxury Maldives resort – turquoise lagoon, white sand beaches, discreet service. With 80 retreats by the beach and overwater havens, Faarufushi impresses with its contemporary architecture and minimalistic design that blends with nature.
Divers and snorkelers alike can enjoy an abundant house reef teeming with marine life. Culinary enthusiasts may savour cuisines from creative fusion to traditional favourites. Each of the five dining and drinking venues come with scene-stealing views. The six uniquely-designed treetop treatment rooms at Nika Spa are perfect for ultimate relaxation.
Nearly every experience at the resort is infuse with an element of sea view and a design that blends in with nature. Preserving the natural vegetation and beauty of the resort has been meticulously thought through during the design and conception of the resort.
Faarufushi is one of the few Maldives resorts, which is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.
The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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