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Ellaidhoo Maldives achieves Green Globe Gold status
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a quaint six hectares island paradise at the edge of the largest of the 22 natural atolls in the Maldives.
Green Globe Gold status has been awarded to Ellaidhoo Maldives to commemorate five consecutive years of certification.
Island innovation is at the forefront of sustainable planning at this beautiful resort culminating in a number of notable green initiatives.
Plastic reduction initiatives
Maldivian resorts have been pushed to come up with their own creative solutions in achieving zero plastic targets by 2023.
As part of its Save Ocean From Plastics campaign, Ellaidhoo Maldives has replaced its plastic garbage bags for large bins with a washable and reusable garbage bag.
In addition, plastic guest laundry bags have been replaced with handmade paper bags made from old Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ magazines — a colourful solution for an urgent and serious problem.
Single use plastic (SUP) bottles were also in the resort’s sights. In March, 1.5 litre PET bottles were replaced with refillable water flagons, while 500 millilitre bottles were replaced with customised reusable drinking bottles that were gifted to guests upon check-in.
The results in reducing overall plastic waste were substantial. Within the 2019/20 period, the resort diverted a total amount of 915.86kg of plastic waste from landfill and marine environments.
A detailed breakdown provides more information on exact figures:
- Total reduction in large plastic garbage bags from November 2019 to March 2020 was 17,450 bags X 0.044 kg per bag = 767.80kg
- The total reduction in plastic laundry bags for the same period was 2300 bags X 0.010 kg per bag = 23 kg
- Total reduction in plastic 1.5 litre water bottles in March 2020 was 3573 bottles X 0.035 kg per bottle=125.06 kg
Reducing carbon footprint
Ellaidhoo Maldives has invested in infrastructure that can harness solar energy as an affordable and clean energy source.
A total of 428 solar panels have been installed on rooftops generating a total capacity of 150 kW.
In the last financial year 2019/20, 192 008 kWh of solar energy was generated at the solar plant. That is a saving of 59,280 litres of diesel fuel, a reduction in carbon emissions of 156, 499 kg of CO2 and a financial saving of $29,640.
Ellaidhoo is accessible via seaplane or speedboat from the main Velana International Airport. It is a 25-minute journey by seaplane or a one and a half hour ride on the speedboat.
Keeping you close to the ocean or quietly nestled in lush gardens, Ellaidhoo houses 112 rooms across four room categories, including Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms, Beach Bungalows and Water Bungalows, that feature ocean-inspired interiors and open-air bathrooms.
The resort has recently gone through a major upgrade, with a fresh look and feel being unveiled for its water bungalows and the accompanying restaurant and bar, as well as the Standard Rooms and Beach Bungalows.
Madi Restaurant and Malamathi Restaurant offer all-day dining with international buffet spreads. Sunset views and tropical cocktails can be enjoyed at Iruohsnee Bar or the bar at Malamathi Restaurant.
Chavana Spa at Ellaidhoo provides a pampering experience with its private treatment rooms and relaxing massage treatments. Additionally, there is an infinity pool, fitness centre, and a host of other recreation facilities, including tennis, badminton, billiards and beach volleyball.
Ellaidhoo, located in the North Ari Atoll, is renowned for its world-class diving. The resort’s fully-equipped PADI-certified dive centre comes with excellent dive instructors and guides who will lead you to the caves and colours that exist just off the resort decks. Jump in, dive down and discover the house reef, an altogether different kind of paradise. You will find that turtles, mantas, shark and whales are a constant sight, giving you a mad rush of adrenalin as they pass you by.
JA Manafaru has announced that renowned DJ and radio presenter Tom Green will once again host an exciting after-party this year. Recognised for his high-energy performances and exceptional music selection, Green is a well-known voice in the UK, celebrated for his work on the KISS FM Breakfast Show, as well as his roles at Capital FM and The Hits Radio.
Beyond his radio career, Green has co-hosted ‘The Bauer BRITS Show’ and collaborated with global stars, including Katy Perry, whom he interviewed live during her tour. As a sought-after event host, he brings unmatched confidence and charisma, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Expressing his excitement about returning to the Maldives, Green stated, “It’s an absolute pleasure to be back in the Maldives playing at JA Manafaru. I had such a great time during the last festive season, and it’s exciting to know that we’re only going bigger and better this year. There’s only one place to be when the clock strikes midnight, and that’s on THIS island.”
Guests can anticipate an electrifying evening as Tom Green takes to the decks, delivering an incredible line-up of tracks to keep the celebration alive. The New Year’s After Party will commence at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, at JA Manafaru.
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced that all spas across its five properties in the Maldives have received accreditation from the Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO), the global authority in beauty and spa therapy, as of December. This milestone underscores the resort group’s dedication to providing spa services that meet internationally recognised standards of professional care and expertise.
The accredited spas include:
- Veyo Spa by Thalgo at Siyam World
- The Spa by Thalgo at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
- The Spa, Ocean Spa, and Blue Spa at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
- Ocean Spa at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
- The Spa at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Established in 1946 in Brussels and currently headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, CIDESCO represents the pinnacle of excellence in aesthetics and spa therapy. Operating in over 40 countries across five continents, this non-profit organisation sets globally recognised benchmarks for beauty and spa qualifications.
The accreditation highlights Sun Siyam Resorts’ commitment to delivering outstanding wellness services in line with CIDESCO’s high standards. It reflects the spas’ dedication to maintaining professionalism, hygiene, and service quality while adhering to industry best practices.
Guests staying at Sun Siyam Resorts can now enjoy spa treatments that align with CIDESCO’s internationally endorsed standards for beauty and wellness.
For the first time in its history, Maldives has reached the milestone of welcoming two million tourists in a single year. This achievement marks a significant moment for the nation’s tourism industry, underscoring its global appeal as a premier travel destination.
The target of two million tourists, set for this year, was officially achieved today. To commemorate the occasion, a special ceremony was held at Velana International Airport, where the landmark visitor was welcomed with fanfare.
The two millionth tourist, Astrid Dirnegger from Austria, arrived in Maldives with her husband and two children. As part of the celebrations, she received a variety of souvenirs and a holiday package from SAii Lagoon Resort, offering her family the opportunity to experience the renowned hospitality and luxury of the Maldives.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives now hosts an average of more than 6,000 tourists daily, reflecting its sustained popularity among travellers worldwide.
China has emerged as the top source of visitors this year, followed by significant contributions from Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, India, the United States, France, Spain, and Switzerland.
This milestone underscores the Maldives’ position as a leading destination for international tourism, renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class resorts. As the nation celebrates this historic achievement, the tourism sector looks forward to continued growth and success in the coming years.
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