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Gili Lankanfushi announces new ‘Powered by Plants’ package for eco-conscious travellers

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Looking beyond immediate restrictions to sustainable travel news for 2021, much-loved Maldivian eco-resort Gili Lankanfushi is set to introduce a new ‘Powered by Plants’ package; a series of plant-based offerings and nature-based experiences to continue to strive to reduce the resort’s impact on the planet, and further facilitate responsible travellers in honouring their natural surroundings.

A recent survey from Original Travel on post-coronavirus travel showed that 30 per cent of respondents will want to travel more sustainably once restrictions are lifted and McKinsey’s report on luxury consumption post-crisis anticipates an intensified desire for more responsible consumption amongst luxury consumers.

Arriving at the resort, guests will settle into their villa with sweet vegan treats, feather and wool-free bedding and a complimentary bottle of reef-safe Australian gold botanic sunscreen so they can take a dip in the crystal clear ocean safe in the knowledge that they are protecting the surrounding eco-system.

Located in the languid waters of the North Male Atoll, just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Male, the resort’s 45 villas offer open-air living spaces, roof terraces and private decks with direct access to the lagoon below.

Its furnishings are inspired by the island and made by skilled craftsman using upcycled materials such as bed frames made from recycled teakwood and lampshades handwoven with recycled wire mesh to feature fish and sea turtles.

Whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner, guests will be treated to colourful and balanced plant-based menus, drawing inspiration from Maldivian culinary traditions and carefully crafted by Gili Lankanfushi’s executive chef Hari Govindaraj using organic herbs, vegetables and fruits lovingly grown in the resort’s very own organic garden without using harmful pesticides. Signature dishes include; Aloe Vera & Beetroot Tartar with Arugula and Seared Radish & Spinach Cannelloni.

All of the resort’s food waste will be processed in an advanced rocket composter, producing natural fertiliser which will continue to nurture the island’s extensive organic garden.

Nature-based days will begin with intention as guests will enjoy a private vinyasa flow yoga class on the beach before accompanying a local marine biologist on a guided snorkelling session, learning about Gili Lankanfushi’s pioneering Coral Lines Project which provides a nursery environment for new corals to grow, bolstering the house reef and monitoring survival types across coral genotypes.

The island’s dedicated marine biology team monitor the health and biodiversity of the ecosystems, measure light intensity and sea temperature, whilst also identifying and tracking manta ray and turtle populations, to educate guests about the underwater world through the guided trips.

They will also offer a new programme of additional lectures at their dedicated research centre, Gili Veshi.

For those eager to try their hand at a new skill to take home, there is the opportunity to learn plant-based tricks of the trade from Chef Hari in a private Gili Vegan Cooking Class where guests will prepare Maldivian curries, juices and smoothies using fresh ingredients found in the gardens.

After a full day of outdoor pursuits, guests can retreat to the blissfully secluded Meera Spa and enjoy a holistic and healing treatment using cruelty-free vegan products such as Voya’s ‘Serenergise’ body oil and ‘Feel the Heat’ warming gel to rejuvenate the body.

Powered by Plants at Gili Lankanfushi starts from $4,285 for five nights’ accommodation including all meals during the stay from Chef Hari’s plant based menus, plant-based in-room amenities, a Gili Vegan Cooking Class, a private dinner under the stars, a 60 minute treatment of choice, a private vinyasa flow yoga class, a guided snorkel with a marine biologist, and domestic transfers.

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Ifuru Island Maldives wins Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort at Golden Travel Awards 2025

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Ifuru Island Maldives has been officially named Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort Maldives 2025 by the prestigious Golden Travel Award, recognising the resort’s exceptional guest experience and innovative all-inclusive offering. The resort distinguished itself through its commitment to redefining the premium all-inclusive concept with a bold combination of curated adventures, gourmet dining, and a true sense of luxury.

Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives, expressed pride in the recognition, noting that it celebrates the dedication and passion the team invests in creating unforgettable moments for every guest. He emphasised that the resort’s experience is designed to offer guests the freedom to relax, explore, and feel truly at home, all within the comforts of a premium all-inclusive package.

Ifuru Island Maldives has quickly established a strong reputation with its thoughtfully crafted ‘Exclusively Yours’ Premium All-Inclusive package. With a fresh approach to luxury and authenticity, the resort continues to resonate with modern travellers who seek both comfort and meaningful connections.

This acknowledgment from the Golden Travel Award further solidifies Ifuru Island’s growing reputation as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive and experience-driven destinations.

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Float & Flow Yoga debuts at Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives now offers guests a unique wellness activity: Float & Flow Yoga. Set amidst the picturesque surroundings of crystal-clear waters, this innovative session blends balance, movement, and mindfulness on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), fostering a joyful connection with nature.

Designed to accommodate both experienced yogis and beginners, Float & Flow Yoga provides a 60-minute session on the resort’s SUP Yoga Dock. This specially designed floating platform, shaped like a flower, features eight “petals,” each securing a SUP board around a central space designated for the instructor. Participants are guided through gentle yoga sequences that emphasise balance, breath, and flow.

Courtney Chambers, the resident Yoga Instructor at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, describes the activity as a joyful and liberating experience. She notes that SUP yoga encourages participants to embrace the playful side of the practice while reconnecting with nature.

Classes take place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:00 am, with a maximum of eight participants per session to maintain an intimate and supportive atmosphere. A minimum of three guests is required for each session. The class fee is priced at US$45 per person, inclusive of taxes and service charges.

Additionally, a professional drone photo and video package is available for US$25 per person, providing guests with a memorable keepsake of their experience.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable swimwear or yoga attire and to arrive 10 minutes early at the Perfect Wave Surf Shop for a pre-session briefing.

Whether the goal is mindfulness, gentle movement, or simply a splash of fun, Float & Flow Yoga at Kandooma offers an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect with both self and sea.

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Five-course Indian fine dining by Atrangi to feature at Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s June pop-up

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Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced an exclusive culinary pop-up in collaboration with Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, the renowned Indian restaurant located at Jumeirah Al Qasr in Dubai. Scheduled from 7 to 12 June 2025, this special event will feature Atrangi’s Head Chef, Aniket Chatterjee, who will partner with the resort’s culinary team to present a refined five-course dining experience. This unique collaboration aims to reinterpret regional Indian dishes through a contemporary perspective.

Atrangi, inspired by the vision of acclaimed chef and restaurateur Ritu Dalmia, is celebrated for its bold and eclectic approach to Indian cuisine. Ritu Dalmia, a self-taught chef, began her culinary journey by launching Delhi’s first standalone Italian restaurant at just twenty-two. Over the years, she has established a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants across India and Europe, earning her widespread recognition in the culinary world. Representing her creative vision in the Maldives, Chef Aniket Chatterjee brings a modern sensibility and a profound respect for Indian culinary traditions, promising a dining experience that is both sophisticated and soulful.

For this special occasion, Chef Aniket has curated a bespoke menu that masterfully blends traditional Indian techniques with global influences. Guests will be treated to intimate oceanfront dinners and relaxed beach grills under the stars, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus available.

The dining journey will commence with a playful twist on the nostalgic chilli cheese toast, followed by pickled doodhi and smoked dahi. Main course offerings include Malvani chicken tikka with confit garlic, or for vegetarians, paneer peeli mirch tikka accompanied by spring onion curry. A whipped butter board will serve as a palate cleanser before guests savour dishes such as kappa meen curry or satu pulao with dalma, parwal, and burnt tomato chutney, celebrating the rich diversity of Indian flavours. The meal will conclude with an indulgent Indian sweet, followed by mignardise featuring pistachio soan papdi and a mini jalebi with rabri.

Chef Ritu Dalmia expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “The Maldives has always been a special country for me, having visited several times. It is a thrill to bring Atrangi to Jumeirah Olhahali Island, where we can showcase community-inspired dishes while celebrating the best produce the Maldives has to offer.”

The beach grill dinner at Shimmers Beach on 10 June will be priced at USD 225 plus taxes per person. On other evenings, the five-course set menu will be served at a designated ocean-view location for USD 195 plus taxes per person.

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