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Soneva honoured at Departures Legend Awards for eco-friendly initiatives

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Soneva has been recognised for its eco-friendly initiatives.

In its 2020 Legend Awards, Departures magazine listed Soneva’s Namoona Baa initiative amongst “The Best Eco-Initiatives in Hospitality This Year”.

Namoona Baa sees the islands of Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, and Kihaadhoo in the Baa atoll pledging to end the open burning of island waste, in a radical shift towards eco-friendly waste management.

The pledge was made by the presidents of Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, and Kihaadhoo island councils, during a workshop on waste held at Soneva Fushi on January 5-8, 2019.

To end the practice of the open burning of waste, which poses a health and environmental hazard and damages tourism, each island will create an ‘eco-centro’ waste-to-wealth centre that will sort, recycle and reuse island waste.

The eco-centro model was pioneered at Soneva Fushi, which is located close to Maalhos. At the resort, food and organic waste, metals, and bottles are chipped, ground down or composted, and turned into things of economic value, such as concrete building blocks and fertiliser. Plastic waste is either recycled or used to create useful new objects.

Soneva has pledged funds from its Soneva Save our Seas programme to support the creation of the eco-centros on Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, and Kihaadhoo. During the January workshop, the island council presidents helped forge a new partnership amongst their islands, Soneva Fushi, and Common Seas, an international NGO dedicated to reducing marine plastic pollution.

The new partnership — part of the international Clean Blue Alliance which supports islands to prevent plastic waste leaking into the ocean — sets a course for Baa atoll, and eventually the Maldives, to become a global leader in halting ocean plastic pollution.

The Maalhos eco-centro waste-to-wealth centre – an innovative, waste processing complex modelled on Soneva Fushi’s Eco Centro — was inaugurated in February.

At the complex, the island’s waste is sorted into different categories such as plastic, glass, tin and wood; which is then compacted, crushed, and chipped where possible, and sent for recycling. The new eco-centro has enabled Maalhos to completely stop the open burning of rubbish and waste – making it the first inhabited island in the Maldives to do so.

Dealing with waste, particularly plastic, is a major issue for every island community in the Maldives. Plastic bottles and bags tend to litter streets, island jungle and beaches, while waste is routinely burned in toxic, open bonfires. Human health and guesthouse tourism suffer as a direct result of this practice.

Under the Namoona Baa Initiative, the Maalhos model will be expanded to neighbouring Dharavandhoo and Kihaadhoo, with eco-centro waste-to-wealth centres established on both islands later this year. With government support, it is hoped that the model can be rolled out across the Baa atoll, and eventually the whole of the Maldives.

In August 2019, Common Seas produced a preliminary report for the Maldivian government showing how the island nation could radically reduce the amount of single-use plastic it consumes, and reduce plastic pollution.

In September 2019, at his maiden address to the UN General Assembly, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced a nationwide phase-out of single-use plastics to be implemented by 2023, including phase-outs of single-use plastic bottles and bags. It is one of the most comprehensive phase-outs of single use plastics in the world.

Soneva currently runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, and luxury yacht, Soneva in Aqua. The world-leading luxury resort operator also operates Soneva Kiri resort in Thailand.

In 1995, the award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury.

Sixty-two private villas with their own stretch of beach are hidden amongst dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef. Eight new one- and two-bedroom Water Retreats, perched above the turquoise depths of the Indian Ocean, are scheduled to open to guests by May. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers.

Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options.

In November 2015, Soneva launched a floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, a treasure trove children’s Den and a multi-purpose facility encompasses a glass gallery, boutique and studio where guests can learn the art of glass blowing.

Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and the world-leading luxury hotel group’s second resort in the Maldives.

Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon in the Noonu atoll, and has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.

Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with additional villas to be built in phase two. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives. The overwater villas are spaced across the expansive lagoon, offering privacy and extensive views over the Maldives’ turquoise waters. The island villas will be tucked into the lush greenery, providing the ultimate privacy, and all within steps of the beach.

Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas. This dramatic three story structure is home to the main dining outlets, in addition to the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and wine cellar. It is located next to the Maldives’ first overwater Observatory.

Facilities on the island include the overwater Cinema Paradiso, the Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre, organic gardens, tennis courts, water sports champa and Zuhair’s Beach on a desert island in the lagoon.

Departures magazine launched the Legend Awards last year.

The awards, selected by the Departures editorial team, span 24 categories, from Best Luxury Hotel Opening to Most Instagrammable Destination, covering every aspect of air, rail, and hotel travel experiences and amenities.

For the 2020 Legend Awards, editors curated the list of honourees based on experiences between May 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, awarding honours to at least 10 properties, products or services per category.

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The Standard, Maldives blends sustainability, wellness and marine discovery in June programme

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This month, The Standard, Maldives invites guests to experience a month where nature, community, and wellbeing come together in meaningful and memorable ways. Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’manta ray season, a time when these majestic creatures gracefully glide through the surrounding waters, the resort curates a series of experiences that celebrate both the environment and the human spirit.

June marks a uniquely special time in the Maldives. As plankton-rich waters attract manta rays in greater numbers, the ocean comes alive, offering guests not only extraordinary marine encounters, but also a deeper reminder of the importance of ocean conservation. Inspired by this natural phenomenon, The Standard, Maldives has designed a month-long program that blends sustainability, wellness, and immersive island living.

The journey begins on 5 June, as the world comes together to celebrate World Environment Day. At the resort, the day unfolds through mindful experiences that encourage guests to reconnect with the planet. A specially curated plant-based menu at Joos Café brings sustainability to the table, while a zero-waste lunch at Kula reimagines dining with minimal environmental impact. In the afternoon, everyone is invited to take part in a tree planting activity, creating a living legacy on the island and fostering a shared sense of responsibility for the natural world.

Just days later, World Ocean Day is celebrated on 8 June, attention turns to the vibrant waters that surround the island. Throughout the week, curated water excursions offer guests the chance to explore the lagoon and beyond, deepening their appreciation for marine life during this remarkable season. From manta ray encounters to nurse shark excursions, from vibrant coral gardens to the house reef just steps from your overwater villa, every experience invites you to fall deeper under the spell of the ocean, discovering how its beauty can truly captivate and mesmerise. For younger guests, Lil’ Shark Kids Club offers a range of ocean-inspired activities and craft sessions, where children can explore the wonders of the sea and discover its fascinating marine life, while learning the importance of protecting and preserving it for generations to come.

From 7 to 13 June, the focus gently turns inward as the resort embraces Hyatt’s Global Wellbeing Week, inviting associates to “Unplug and Recharge.” Guided by the principles of community, discovery, and rejuvenation, the week encourages a more mindful and balanced approach to both work and life. It creates space for meaningful pauses, where connection is strengthened, creativity is awakened, and rest is intentionally embraced, serving as a reminder that wellbeing is not a luxury, but an essential part of everyday living. This sense of reflection naturally flows into a moment of shared celebration. On the evening of 12 June, a thoughtfully curated turndown experience for all villas sets the tone, quietly inviting guests to transition from personal restoration into collective wellbeing.

In the end of the week, Global Wellness Day is celebrated on the 13th, and the island comes alive with energy and movement. Guests and associates are invited to gather for a spirited kayak race across the lagoon, where the rhythm of paddling mirrors the vibrant spirit of the day. As the morning unfolds, a healthy food masterclass at Guduguda offers an inspiring exploration of nourishing cuisine, blending learning with sensory pleasure, including lunch as well. By late afternoon, the atmosphere shifts to the shoreline, where a dynamic CrossFit session on the beach builds momentum, an open invitation for all to move, energise, and connect beneath the setting Maldivian sun.

The spirit of wellbeing continues on 21 June, as The Standard, Maldives celebrates also International Yoga Day with a series of grounding and restorative experiences. At sunrise, guests can gather on the spa pool deck at 6:00 am to flow through breath and movement as the first light of day stretches across the Indian Ocean. Later, a calming Yoga Nidra session offers deep relaxation in the afternoon, while younger guests are welcomed into the world of mindfulness through a playful kids’yoga session led in collaboration with the Lil’ Shark Kids Club and the wellness team at 10:00 am.

Coinciding with the day is Father’s Day, bringing a joyful and relaxed energy to the island. A dedicated space is created for fathers and families to unwind together, complete with movies, volleyball matches, accompanied by refreshments at Todis Bar.

Throughout the month, each experience, whether on land or at sea, echoes a shared intention: to reconnect with what truly matters. In a destination defined by its natural beauty and rich marine life, June at The Standard, Maldives becomes more than a celebration of global environmental days; it becomes a living expression of them.

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Nova Maldives introduces plant-based culinary journey inspired by Maldivian heritage

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Developed in response to the growing global appetite for health-conscious, ethically sourced and culturally meaningful food experiences, Nova Maldives is set to introduce Maldivian Flavours, a contemporary island dining series available year-round, that brings together the rich culinary traditions of the Maldives with the finesse of modern gastronomy.

As new additions to the resort’s hearty buffet spreads, a rotation of Maldivian starters, main courses and desserts will be featured daily in Nova’s flagship restaurant, Soul Kitchen. Curated by Nova’s culinary team, each dish draws from the Maldives’ rich larder of native and locally grown produce: breadfruit, green mango, plantain, cassava, bitter gourd, coconut, wax gourd and banana blossom are just some among many nutrient and fibre-rich ingredients that guests will have a chance to sample across this new line-up.

“Growing up in the Maldives, food was always deeply connected to home, memory, and the islands around us,” said Chef Sobah, Nova’s Executive Chef and the creative force behind the concept. “Every dish on this menu begins with something I recognise from home, whether it is a relish, a root, a fruit from a neighbour’s garden, or a flavour shaped by memory. While Maldivian cuisine is not traditionally plant-based, this concept reimagines its familiar ingredients and soulful flavours through a fresh, creative lens. For guests discovering these tastes for the first time, I hope it feels like a genuine revelation, playful, nourishing, and deeply connected to the islands.”

Diners can expect refreshing starters served in small, elegant portions, bringing lesser-known Maldivian flavours into an accessible buffet setting. The Green Mango & Wild Roquette is a refined reinterpretation of the beloved Maldivian relish Ambu Majaa, that balances sour, bitter and sweet through shaved green mango, toasted coconut and tamarind dressing. Alongside it, a Spiced Eggplant Terrine with Confit Cherry Tomato and Copi Leaf Emulsion draws from the smoky depth of island eggplant curries, reimagined into a contemporary layered composition.

Main courses continue this dialogue between heritage and local insight. The Breadfruit Wellington, made with roasted breadfruit and pumpkin duxelles wrapped in collard greens and served with a roasted root velouté, elevates one of the Maldives’ most historically significant staple ingredients into a familiar favourite dish. Equally inventive, the Plantain Gnocchi with Moringa Emulsion applies classical European technique to a beloved backyard island ingredient, showcasing Nova’s philosophy of blending global culinary craft with local identity.

Dessert selections bring the journey to a close with a touch of artistry. The Huni-Hakuru Tart with Sea Almond & Screw Pine Gel pays tribute to the nostalgic Maldivian coconut sweet of the same name, translated into an elegant dark chocolate and palm sugar tart. While the Papaya & Screw Pine Mille-Feuille, constructed from crispy banana layers, papaya-coconut cream and passionfruit coulis, reflects the vibrant colour and spirit of the islands in architectural form.

The menu is entirely plant-based, with several naturally gluten-free options thoughtfully woven throughout. Wherever possible, Nova sources ingredients locally, celebrating the richness of island produce while supporting the local island community close by, and reducing the resort’s environmental footprint. It is a natural expression of Nova’s belief in more mindful hospitality, where soulful dining, local connection, and care for the natural world go hand in hand.

The launch of Nova’s new Maldivian dining programme comes at a time where plant-based and wellness-led dining continues to reshape how the world travels and eats. Nova hopes to offer something that lingers beyond the meal, inviting those with a passion for eating consciously and curiously to discover the quiet soul of an island that has always known how to feed its people well.

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The Westin Maldives unveils ‘Reset at Westin’ for Global Wellness Day 2026

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to embrace a day of purposeful renewal as it marks Global Wellness Day on June 13, 2026, with Reset at Westin, a curated island experience designed to help guests reconnect with movement, mindful nourishment, and restorative rest. Anchored by the Westin’s wellbeing pillars — Move Well, Eat Well, and Sleep Well — the full-day lineup features a series of energising and calming activations in a naturally inspiring setting.

The reset begins with Sunrise Yoga, a gentle morning flow set against the first light of day. Led by Santosh Singh, the resort’s resident wellness specialist, the session is designed to awaken the body, improve flexibility, and set a calm, grounded tone. As the day builds, guests are invited to actively move with Beach Fitness at the resort’s Westin Fit – Outdoor Gym, a dynamic yet approachable session focused on movement, strength, and mobility in an energising, social atmosphere.

The programme continues with Breathing Workout that combines intentional breathing patterns with light movement to boost energy, sharpen focus, and support stress release. For a mindful approach to nourishment, the resort will host a Healthy Juice Bar workshop where guests learn practical juice recipes using fresh island ingredients. A featured blend may include pineapple, lime, and ginger, balanced with hydrating cucumber and greens for clean, refreshing hydration, detox, and immune support.

As the sun begins to set, a scenic Sunset Run offers a relaxed, community-style experience suited to runners and non-runners alike. The day concludes with Yoga Nidra, a deeply restorative guided practice often called yogic sleep, helping guests reset their nervous systems and unwind mental tension before returning to their villas for truly restorative rest on the resort’s signature Heavenly Bed – an ideal finale for guests looking to sleep well.

“Global Wellness Day is a timely reminder that the most powerful reset often comes from intentional moments of moving with purpose, nourishing well, and giving ourselves the space to truly rest,” said Nithil Baskar, Resort Manager at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. “Through Reset at Westin, we are proud to offer activities that encourage guests to slow down and leave the island feeling restored.”

Set in the heart of the Maldives’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers a refined sanctuary for guests seeking a meaningful rejuvenation. With 69 spacious beach and overwater villas, the resort blends contemporary comfort with island calm, complemented by restorative experiences at Heavenly Spa by Westin and tailored training at the Westin Workout® Fitness Studio.

For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s website.

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