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Four Seasons Resorts Maldives announces partnership with NOW Force for Good Alliance, EarthCheck
Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: there is much to learn and much to do.
At a time of immense change – when we are revising what it means to be a global community – Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is marking Earth Day 2020 by announcing a new partnership with the NOW Force for Good Alliance and EarthCheck: a commitment to creating a more conscious, collaborative and Earth-aware travel industry.
“The world has pressed pause and together we are on the cusp of an unprecedented moment of clarity, if we choose to frame it that way,” Four Seasons Resorts Maldives’ Regional Vice President and General Manager Armando Kraenzlin, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“Here in the Maldives, we’ve long been aware of our responsibility to take mindful care of our planet and people. Launching our partnership with EarthCheck and the NOW Force for Good Alliance on the occasion of Earth Day 2020 – celebrated in our Earth Day video – underlines our determination to become even more accountable and transparent in all that we do and encourage the continual improvement that is so needed in the travel industry.”
The past two decades have seen Four Seasons Maldives marine conservation team Marine Savers – based at its two resorts of Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru – forge some of the region’s most ground-breaking ocean initiatives, including coral propagation, turtle rehabilitation and manta ray research.
These initiatives sit alongside on-site water-bottling plants, Parley-linked plastic recycling programmes, solar energy installations, local health and outreach projects, a TVET-accredited Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme and support for the Maldives’ last remaining lacquerware craftspeople in an ongoing programme that addresses all aspects of environmental, social and cultural sustainability.
And the ripple effects spread outwards from the resorts’ pristine islands, through moments that change guests’ lives; from days spent researching manta rays to coral reef transplanting, Junior Marine Savers experiences to wildlife monitoring dives.
“Our partnership with NOW and EarthCheck is about how we continue to expand our sustainability efforts in a changed world,” Kraenzlin said.
“With space to reflect suddenly forced upon us, the time is now to choose a different kind of future. Through collaborations like these, there’s a chance for the travel industry to establish a new way of being where sustainability actions are the norm, not simply the ideal.”
NOW Force for Good Alliance is a global community committed to raising the bar on how the hospitality industry and the traveller impact the environment, while EarthCheck is the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism.
Both provide stringent sustainable development goals and environmental standards that applying resorts and hotels must meet.
Some of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives’ most inspiring sustainability actions to date:
- Being the first Maldivian resorts to have marine biologists (since 2000) and introducing the country’s first – and most extensive – Marine Discovery Centres for conservation and research, now standard at most Maldivian resorts.
- Pioneering the Maldives’ first coral frame structures to regenerate local reefs. Beginning life as experimental reef ball structures in 2001, the coral frame project has since developed into Reefscapers: one of the most successful reef propagation projects of its kind in the world. To date, the project has deployed more than 7,000 coral frames, covering an area in excess of one hectare (2.5 acres) featuring more 40 thriving species of corals.
- Establishing the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (MMRP) in 2005, under then Four Seasons marine biologist Guy Stevens. MMRP became the founding project of the Manta Trust – now the world’s leading manta ray charity – instrumental in designating Baa atoll as Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011.
- Introducing the first sustainable and environmentally responsible mosquito control initiative into the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (2015), working with Mosquito Lady Consulting (MLC). Four Seasons financially supported MLC’s dengue risk assessment of Baa atoll’s 13 island communities and is the main sponsor of the Dengue Eradication Programme on the island of Malhoos.
- Inaugurating the Maldives first Turtle Rehabilitation Centre in 2011, following guest donations and the rescue of an Olive Ridley turtle, Olivia. The Resorts’ turtle biologists have since: rehabilitated and returned more than 155 sea turtles back to the wild; significantly raised awareness of the plight of turtles in local and international waters; and re-homed six non-releasable turtles overseas (dubbed “The Flying Turtles”).
- Teaming with the Maldives chapter of environmental organisation Parley For The Oceans since 2018, by channelling plastic waste from resort operations as well as the collection of plastic waste from neighbouring islands. In the first year of operation, more than 1.3 tons of plastic were sent to Taiwan to be recycled into sportswear; plastic that may otherwise have ended up on the Maldives’ waste island or being dumped into the ocean. Parley-initiated Adidas sportswear, made from recycled plastic, is available at the resorts.
- Installing one of the Maldives’ largest resort-based solar installations. Spanning more 5,380 square metres (58,000 square feet) and saving between 250,000 and 300,000 litres (55,000-66,000 gallons) of diesel annually, it will also hopefully inspire other local resorts to adopt similar technology.
Combining innovation, wellness and conservation, Four Seasons Resort Maldives Landaa Giraavaru is a 44-acre, 103-villa wonderland in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — a 30-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport.
Its sister property, Four Seasons Resort Maldives Kuda Huraa lies to the south: an enchanting garden island complete with Island Spa sea sanctuary and Tropicsurf coaches and guides. It features 96 thatched beach and water accommodations constructed by local craftsmen using indigenous materials and techniques to reflect a true sense of the Maldives.
The luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer connects the two properties via three, four and seven-night cruises, plus private leisure, surf and manta ray charters.
The latest addition to the Maldives collection, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll opened in 2016 as the group’s first exclusive-use private island: off limits to everyone else, limitless to the guests.
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced the launch of its highly anticipated annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale, offering exclusive rates across its properties in the Maldives. The promotion is valid for bookings made between 1 November and 1 December 2025.
This limited-time opportunity allows travellers to experience the Maldives at special discounted rates, with unique offers tailored to each resort in the group.
Guests can enjoy up to 45% off on Siyam World’s 24-hour WOW! All-Inclusive package. The offer includes a complimentary floating breakfast and villa upgrade, subject to availability, alongside the resort’s wide range of experiences and activities.
At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, guests can enjoy free or half-price seaplane transfers, floating breakfasts, two-for-one spa treatments, and signature excursions such as dolphin cruises and snorkelling tours. Families benefit further, with children under 12 staying and dining free of charge.
Travellers can save up to 30% on all villas and receive a complimentary seaplane transfer for one guest on stays of four nights or more at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. Additional perks include complimentary water sports for children, spa upgrades, and early check-in or late check-out subject to availability. Children under 16 stay and dine free.
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef offers complimentary seaplane transfers, a 60-minute couple’s spa treatment, and floating breakfasts. Children under 12 stay free, with further benefits including dinner dine-around options, early check-in, and special honeymoon amenities.
Guests can enjoy up to 50% off round-trip speedboat transfers, or free transfers for stays of five nights or more in pool villas at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. The offer also includes a floating breakfast, 25% off spa treatments, 30% off à la carte dining, and additional discounts on water sports and diving.
Travellers are encouraged to secure their island getaway before 1 December 2025, as these offers are available for a limited period only.
Villa Nautica is set to celebrate Diwali with a vibrant programme that combines colour, craft and coastal charm in a private island setting. The resort’s schedule of experiences invites guests to take part in festive activities throughout their stay, blending traditional customs with a contemporary beachside flair. Highlights include poolside rangoli, children’s craft sessions, henna artistry, a shoreline feast, and lively Bollywood-inspired entertainment after sunset. All activities are designed to be drop-in, allowing families and couples to enjoy the festivities at their own pace.
Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Velana International Airport by direct speedboat transfer, Villa Nautica offers an easy arrival experience suited to both short getaways and longer holidays.
Food plays an integral role in the celebrations, with a festive spread inspired by regional Indian flavours. Guests can expect approachable options for all ages alongside opportunities to sample new dishes, served in a relaxed, oceanfront atmosphere.
Families are well catered for, with spacious accommodation choices such as the Two Bedroom Beach Villa with Two Pools and the Two Bedroom Ocean Suite with Pool, both offering proximity to the lagoon and ample space for relaxation. Younger guests can take part in creative sessions at the Wavy Navy Kids Club, including guided card-making and lantern-crafting workshops.
As evening falls, the island transforms with glowing lanterns, live beach entertainment, and a finale featuring popular Bollywood hits — creating a warm and welcoming way to mark the Festival of Lights in the Maldives.
Guests can also take advantage of Villa Resorts’ Winter Offer, which provides 20 percent off stays, combining festive celebration with seasonal value for couples, families, and friends planning a Diwali escape.
Kuramathi Maldives is set to welcome guests into the spirit of the festive season with a thoughtfully curated programme of celebrations designed to delight families and travellers of all ages. Blending vibrant activities with the island’s natural beauty, the 2025 festive calendar promises a series of memorable moments for all.
The festivities begin on 21 December with the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the island’s sandbank. Guests can enjoy tropical cocktails, canapés, and live festive music by the resident band. In the days leading up to Christmas, guests will have the opportunity to take part in cultural excursions, such as local island tours, or join engaging culinary sessions including Thai cooking and sushi-making demonstrations. Family-friendly fun continues with treasure hunts, sand sculpting competitions, and live evening entertainment across the island’s bars.
For younger guests, the Bageecha Kids Club will host a daily festive programme from 21 December to 1 January 2026. Activities include cookie and ornament decorating, gingerbread house building, jewellery-making workshops, and coconut painting. Children can also join fitness and water games, including yoga, Zumba, beach Olympics, and Splash Pad fun. Highlights of the children’s schedule include writing letters to Santa, a family treasure hunt, and carol karaoke.
Kuramathi’s Christmas celebrations commence on Christmas Eve with a cocktail party on the sandbank, featuring champagne toasts, festive cocktails, Christmas carols, and a special appearance by Santa Claus and his elves. The evening concludes with a lavish Christmas Eve gala buffet at select restaurants.
Christmas Day begins with a festive talent show at the Sand Bar and the anticipated arrival of Santa Claus at the Dhoni Bar deck, where children will enjoy gift-giving, photos, and games. The day continues with activities such as beach volleyball, while the evening features live music and entertainment across the resort. Meanwhile, the Bageecha Kids Club will keep young guests engaged with eco-workshops, Christmas movies, and a mini festive market.
Kuramathi Maldives will bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026 with a night of celebration and glamour. The New Year’s Eve festivities begin with a cocktail reception on the sandbank, followed by a spectacular gala buffet dinner. As the night unfolds, guests can dance to live music and enjoy a lively countdown to midnight under the stars.
On New Year’s Day, celebrations continue with a festive brunch served at the island’s restaurants, along with the “First Dive of the Year” for those eager to explore the house reef. The day concludes with live music and an energising aerobics session. At the Bageecha Kids Club, children will close the season with activities such as creating a memory book, exploring the island’s hydroponic garden, and performing the festive closing song — ending the holiday with cherished memories and joy.
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