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

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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.

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SO/ Maldives unveils restorative wellness journey with Holistic Healer Karan Kumar

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SO/ Maldives, the avant-garde private island retreat nestled in the Emboodhoo Lagoon, has announced a deeply restorative wellness journey for the wet season. This immersive experience is spearheaded by renowned Certified Holistic Healer, Karan Kumar, in collaboration with the resort’s resident wellness team.

Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, SO/ Maldives blends high fashion with holistic living, offering a bold and stylish take on island luxury. The resort comprises 80 individually designed villas—ranging from beachfront sanctuaries to overwater havens—all boasting panoramic views, complete privacy, and vibrant marine surroundings. Every element of the property is curated to appeal to modern travelers seeking indulgence, creativity, and connection.

At the heart of the resort lies the SO/ Wellness Camp, a sanctuary where cutting-edge design meets nature to provide a transformative escape. More than a traditional spa, this tranquil retreat delivers a full-body and mind experience. Guests are invited to unwind in contemporary, organic-inspired treatment rooms featuring amenities such as a Vichy rainforest shower, steam and sauna rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with sweeping ocean views. The spa’s architectural design is inspired by the gentle movement of water and the island’s natural contours, creating a space that is simultaneously grounding and ethereal.

Central to the wellness offering is a curated selection of therapies that balance ancient practices with modern innovation. Programming includes sound therapy using full moon singing bowls, high-tech facials that combine astrology with skincare, and other bespoke rituals designed to restore and inspire. Whether seeking deep relaxation or a revitalizing boost, SO/ Spa offers guests a chance to reconnect with themselves in an environment that’s as stylish as it is serene.

As part of this season’s programming, guests can access personalised healing sessions at the SO/ Wellness Centre led by Karan Kumar. With over six years of experience, Kumar brings together Ayurveda, Reiki, Energy Healing, and mind-body therapies in a powerful integrative approach. His one-on-one sessions aim to address physical pain, emotional trauma, and energetic imbalances while unlocking each guest’s potential for joy, clarity, and inner strength.

Each session is intuitively tailored, creating a compassionate space for healing and introspection. Guests are encouraged to slow down, reconnect with their inner selves, and rediscover a vibrant sense of balance and wellness.

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Yoga Day marked with soulful island practice at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

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In honour of International Yoga Day, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives hosted a serene yoga session on its pool deck, inviting both in-house guests and resort colleagues to begin their day with mindfulness, movement, and meaning. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the session offered participants a chance to embrace the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga in a uniquely immersive natural setting.

Led by resident yoga instructor Malvika Pant, the morning session encouraged attendees to step away from their daily routines and reconnect with themselves through breathwork and gentle movement. “Yoga isn’t just a practice,” said Malvika. “It’s a way of returning to yourself. Here at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, with the sea breeze in your hair and the sound of the waves close by, even a few mindful stretches can feel like a profound reset. Nature supports the journey inward.”

The session drew participants from around the world, including both seasoned yoga enthusiasts and first-time practitioners. One guest shared, “I’ve done yoga before, but this was different—more peaceful, more connected. Doing sun salutations with the ocean in front of you and no distractions around is something I’ll carry with me long after I leave.”

Beyond marking the global celebration of yoga, the event showcased the resort’s ongoing commitment to wellness. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives offers a variety of well-being experiences throughout the year, from early morning yoga flows and sunset meditations to personalised one-on-one sessions tailored to individual needs.

As holistic wellness continues to shape global travel trends, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides a distinctive retreat where guests can reconnect with themselves and the natural world—one breath at a time.

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli debuts Wellness in Motion Week with beach runs and expert-led yoga

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli recently hosted its inaugural ‘Wellness in Motion Week,’ welcoming guests, local wellness leaders, and global experts for a curated celebration of movement, mindfulness, and holistic reconnection in the heart of the Maldives. The week-long programme attracted over 150 participants, offering a series of transformative events aimed at promoting deeper wellbeing in harmony with nature.

To commemorate Global Wellness Day, the island held the first-ever Maldives Wellness Run in partnership with iRunners Maldives on June 14th. Set against the stunning backdrop of the shoreline, the 4-kilometre beach run featured over 85 guests and team members, who completed an invigorating course around the island. Embracing the theme #ReconnectMagenta, participants were encouraged to connect with themselves, their community, and the surrounding environment through intentional movement and breath.

Central to the week were intimate Mind & Body sessions led by two international wellness experts. Marina Violinha, a holistic women’s health and fitness specialist, conducted a sunset yoga session and an interactive talk at Magoodhoo Beach, guiding attendees in exploring feminine strength and emotional balance. Meanwhile, Shane Seery, an award-winning executive health coach, offered functional movement coaching on the resort’s tennis courts, combining personalised support with outdoor flow.

On June 20th, 88 team members took part in a sunrise yoga session led by the resort’s spa team. This gathering aligned with the global theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ highlighting the resort’s commitment to wellbeing as a shared value among both staff and guests.

The week concluded on International Yoga Day (June 21st) with a serene sunrise yoga and wellness ceremony at Turtle Beach. Facing the Indian Ocean, participants welcomed the day in stillness and unity.

Through Wellness in Motion Week, Sun Siyam Iru Veli underscored its dedication to offering meaningful, restorative experiences where nature, culture, and conscious living converge. From sunrise yoga sessions and barefoot beach runs to expert-led coaching and immersive spa rituals, the resort continues to redefine island wellness and rejuvenation.

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