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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives partners with legendary Jean-Michel Cousteau to host ‘Ambassadors of the Environment’ programme

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, set to open June 1, has announced its partnership with the iconic Jean-Michel Cousteau.
The property will be the only resort in the region to offer the Ambassadors of the Environment programme, and will join five other Ritz-Carlton properties globally to bring this preservation programme to guests.
In collaboration with the Ocean’s Future Society, the resort will enrich the experience for guests of all ages to the natural Maldivian wonders both above and below water.
With the goal of marine conservation, Jean-Michel Cousteau has dedicated his entire life to working with leaders of countries and industries, and especially the next generation, to share with them the value of ocean heritage, the need to protect it, and specific actions for sustainable management.
“Extending the Ambassadors of the Environment program to the Maldives was an obvious next step for the brand as it will allow our naturalists to create new and cutting-edge programming for the resort’s guests,” Richard Murphy, a spokesman for the Ocean’s Future organisation, said.
Murphy began working with Jean-Michel and his father in 1968. With a PhD in marine biology he has participated in Cousteau expeditions around the world and served as photographer, scientist, educator, and spokesman for the Cousteaus.
He now leads the Ambassadors of the Environment teams and is intimately involved in the development of new programs with the Ritz-Carlton brand.
“We call the program Ambassadors of the Environment because we want people to return home with the inspiration and motivation to live more sustainably and to appreciate the importance of protecting the nature that keeps our planet habitable for us and all other species,” Murphy said.
“It was initially created specifically for kids but their parents came to us, asking if they could participate because their children were having more fun than they were. We agreed, and now the Ambassadors programme is for guests of all ages but the message is always the same – protect our marine resources. The health and richness of the coral reefs and the sustainable infrastructure of the Ritz- Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will make this Ambassadors programme one of the most exciting and impactful programs we have ever created!”

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, will carry on the values of Jean- Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society through immersive and educational programming that explores and protects the delicate ecosystem of the Maldives. Each program’s menu of activities varies on what the region supports however, programming may include kayaking, underwater photography and videography, rock wall climbing, night snorkeling, astronomy and more.
“As the only resort offering this in the region, our partnership with the iconic Jean-Michel Cousteau will further our commitment to a sustainable future and bring this incredibly important environmental preservation aspect through to the guest experience,” Mark Hehir, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, said.
Beginning in 2005, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company agreed to partner exclusively and bring Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment programme to Ritz -Carlton hotels around the world.
Currently, the programme provides educational, outdoor adventures to guests and the local communities of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua; Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is ideally located at Fari Islands, in the North Male Atoll of the Maldives, which is a 45-minute journey by speedboat or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport.
The resort features white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs with marine life.
Shaped by the Maldivian sun and shored by the Indian Ocean, guest villas at The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Island are expected to range in size from one to three bedrooms, featuring the refined elegance and legendary service that define The Ritz-Carlton brand.
The property is also expected to offer a choice of outstanding culinary venues serving an array of international and local cuisines, in addition to a full suite of fitness and recreational facilities including a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is part of Fari Islands, an archipelago that features three world-class hospitality brands inclusive of The Ritz-Carlton.
The guests are expected to have access to a picturesque Fari Marina – the archipelago’s communal beating heart. Built around a vibrant Beach Club, Fari Marina features charming boutiques and a handpicked selection of dining options.
Spaces have been designed by the renowned Kerry Hill Architects, to bring about a delicate balance of serene and social.
Featured
World Travel Awards honours Kurumba Maldives for family excellence

Kurumba Maldives has been named the 2025 Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a testament to its continued dedication to delivering stylish, family-friendly holiday experiences that harmoniously blend comfort with timeless elegance.
Nestled on a private island in the North Malé Atoll, just a 10-minute speedboat journey from the capital, Kurumba offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere ideal for families seeking a memorable tropical retreat. With spacious family villas and a wealth of activities, the resort is thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful connections and lasting memories.
Guests are invited to enjoy a wide array of experiences, from exhilarating water sports such as snorkelling and kayaking to cultural encounters, guided underwater dives, football clinics, and tennis coaching. Curated family activities—including beach games and cooking classes—add to the resort’s charm, all set against a backdrop of chic tranquillity.
For adults in search of relaxation, the resort’s spa provides treatments inspired by the island’s natural surroundings. Meanwhile, younger guests are kept thoroughly entertained at the Kids’ Club and Teen Lounge. The Kids’ Club offers an imaginative line-up of activities such as Jungle Yoga, Splash Time, Pizza Picassos, Rock Stars Painting, and Kings & Queens Crown Making. Children can also explore coconut bowling, herbalism workshops, junior mixology, and outdoor pursuits like beach clean-ups and Olympics. Evening fun includes mini discos, film nights, and marine-life presentations, ensuring a full day of excitement and learning.
The teen programme adds further appeal, combining adventure and creativity. Highlights include coral restoration and reef clean-ups, underwater photography, Dip & Paint workshops, and a range of sports like futsal, rugby, and 3-on-3 basketball. Additional entertainment such as VR gaming, karaoke, billiards, and sunset fishing ensures a dynamic and engaging experience for older children.
Kurumba’s design reflects a commitment to detail and elegance, with stylish dining venues and thoughtfully designed recreational spaces creating a seamless family escape. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant reef, the resort offers the perfect setting for families to unwind, bond, and discover the wonders of the Maldives together.
“This award is an incredible recognition of what we strive for every day – crafting meaningful moments for families,” said Morten Junior, General Manager. “It’s not just about the resort; it’s a celebration of the joy, connection, and memories shared by the families who stay with us. We are deeply grateful to the World Travel Awards and to our wonderful guests for believing in our vision.”
Cooking
Sustainability in bloom at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ newly transformed Spice Garden

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has unveiled its newly reimagined Spice Garden, a vibrant embodiment of sustainability, sensory exploration, and culinary innovation. Under the expert care of in-house horticulturist Zabih and the culinary guidance of Executive Chef Frank, the revitalised garden has become central to the resort’s garden-to-table ethos, shaping the evolution of the guest dining journey—most notably reflected in the enhanced Lazy Lunch menu.
Set within the resort’s grounds, the Spice Garden has undergone a significant transformation into a flourishing haven of organic herbs, spices, and edible plants, many of which now appear on the menu just hours after being harvested. This abundance of fresh, homegrown produce has redefined the resort’s culinary landscape, with seasonal ingredients and authentic flavours now taking pride of place, particularly in the Lazy Lunch offering.
The new direction has allowed for even greater incorporation of local harvests into the menu, with freshly picked herbs and vegetables enriching the taste and nutritional value of each dish. This approach also grants the chefs the freedom to adapt the menu according to the changing seasons, continuously presenting guests with something innovative and exciting.
To bring guests closer to this philosophy, Alila Kothaifaru has introduced a complimentary Spice Garden Walk, led by horticulturist Zabih. With his deep passion and careful stewardship, the garden has become a sensory-rich learning environment. Guests are encouraged to touch, smell, and taste a variety of tropical herbs and spices while learning about their origins, culinary uses, and environmental significance.
Zabih views the garden as an invitation to reconnect with nature, offering guests an experience that engages all the senses and fosters a deeper appreciation for the ingredients behind each meal. The garden walk and Lazy Lunch, though distinct experiences, together offer a comprehensive exploration of the journey from soil to plate.
Seasonal menus continue to draw inspiration from the garden, reinforcing the resort’s dedication to sustainability, wellness, and the use of locally sourced ingredients. General Manager Thomas affirms this vision, highlighting the Spice Garden as a symbol of the resort’s commitment to meaningful guest experiences. He notes that it reflects a broader aim to blend sustainability with cultural authenticity, offering visitors a more personal and enriching stay.
Whether strolling through the fragrant pathways of the garden or enjoying a sunlit lunch featuring ingredients harvested mere moments earlier, guests are invited to savour the harmony between cuisine, nature, and place—making every bite a celebration of the island’s rich natural abundance.
Featured
Mar-Umi at Kuda Villingili secures spot among world’s top wine restaurants

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has once again received the prestigious Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards, recognising the resort’s signature restaurant, Mar-Umi, for its exceptional wine programme and unwavering dedication to culinary excellence.
This accolade celebrates the efforts of the Mar-Umi team, who have carefully curated a wine list that complements the restaurant’s Nikkei and South American culinary offerings. The award, received for the second consecutive year, reflects the team’s commitment to delivering a refined dining experience that seamlessly integrates bold flavours with expertly selected wines.
Mar-Umi, inspired by the culinary traditions of Peru and Japan, offers an inventive menu of Nikkei and South American cuisine. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Lalith Sharma and Chef de Cuisine Ahmed Kamal, known as Chef Kimo, the restaurant presents South American dishes at lunch and Nikkei cuisine at dinner. The recent addition of a Teppanyaki experience further elevates the beachfront dining venue, combining expertly prepared dishes with engaging culinary showmanship.
The restaurant’s wine list is further enriched by an impressive range of sake, thoughtfully paired by Chief Sommelier Samantha Kumara, whose expertise enhances the overall dining journey at Mar-Umi.
Located along a tranquil stretch of beach, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon—an idyllic setting in which guests can savour artfully prepared dishes and cocktails from the Mar-Umi bar, created by skilled mixologists.
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher of Wine Spectator, remarked on the significance of the award, noting, “A wine list is a restaurant’s identity in print, and this year’s Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winners reflect both deep knowledge and a passion for discovery.” A total of 3,811 restaurants worldwide were honoured in this year’s awards.
Launched in 1981, the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards are the only global awards dedicated exclusively to restaurant wine service. They are presented in three tiers: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence, and the Grand Award, with 2,010; 1,704; and 97 winners respectively in 2025. Mar-Umi’s Award of Excellence recognises a wine list that showcases a well-considered selection of quality producers and a strong thematic alignment with the menu in both pricing and style.
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