News
Crown & Champa Resorts celebrates ecosystem restoration on Environment Day

Crown & Champa Resorts, the leading resort collection in the Maldives, will mark World Environment Day on June 5, with a range of awareness-raising activities and events to positively impact the environment and surrounding communities.
Celebrated in more than 100 countries globally, World Environment Day was first established in 1972 as the people’s day for doing something to take care of the planet.
The theme for World Environment Day 2021 is ‘Ecosystem Restoration’ with a special focus on resetting our relationship with nature – an already ongoing and long-term sustainability effort of all the resorts under the collection.
Crown & Champa Resorts collection aims to raise awareness and educate associates, guests, and partners on ways to be more mindful of the natural surroundings by staging various planet-conscious activities supporting the UN initiative, which encourages worldwide consciousness and action for the protection of the environment.
Marine life protection
The Maldives’ first fully solar-powered Kudadoo Maldives Private Island and the naturally chic, adults-only Hurawalhi Maldives continue to work closely with the Mantra Trust, the UK based, independent non-profit organisation whose mission is to advance the conservation of manta rays and their habitats.
Guests are invited to take a private trip with the resident marine biologist and learn all about the conservation project, the manta ray ecology, and how to responsibly interact with these majestic creatures of the ocean.
Gardening, planting
Kagi Maldives Spa Island: The wellbeing-focused resort will carry out a tree planting event to be participated by both guests and team members. Planting more native trees around the island is an effective way to prevent erosion and help offset emissions of CO2 by storing carbon and other greenhouse gases that otherwise would be released.
Veligandu Island Resort & Spa: The secluded island of Veligandu is organising a coral planting initiative in partnership with the Ocean Group Maldives. The activity will start with harvesting broken pieces of corals from the island house reef, which will then be restored by carefully attaching them onto ‘coral frames’. These frames allow the coral fragments to grow, providing new homes for the abundant marine life in Veligandu’s lagoon.
Innahura Maldives Resort: The laid-back paradise of Innahura Maldives Resort will have a beach clean up activity, in addition to planting more crops in the property’s sustainable garden, which already produces a variety of spices, herbs, fruit, and vegetables.
Beach, island clean-up
The adults-only (18+) Komandoo Island Resort & Spa and the top-rated Kuredu Island Resort & Spa will invite team members and guests for a beach and island clean-up drive.
Guests are also encouraged to visit ProDivers Maldives Dive Centre to learn more about the Olive Ridley Project, whose dedication is to protect sea turtles in the Indian Ocean through research, education, and rehabilitation.
Environmental awareness
Meeru Island Resort & Spa: The family-friendly paradise of Meeru is organising an environmental awareness session in collaboration with Euro-Divers Maldives to educate guests about green issues, the benefits of being sustainably conscious, and the importance of protecting the world’s natural resources.
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa: Alongside the island clean-up event, the adventurer’s paradise of Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa will show educational video materials in the reception area and on guest room TVs to provide guests with valuable information on dos and don’ts on the island and in the sea. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to experience ecologically considerate marine life encounters by joining one of the resort’s eco-conscious excursions.
Sustainability at Crown & Champa Resorts
The World Environment Day initiatives are part of Crown & Champa Resort’s sustainability programme, which underlines the group’s commitment towards inspiring change for a greener and more sustainable tomorrow, guided by its core values: Respect, Empathy, Sincerity, Openness, Reliability, Trust, and Sensitivity.
Catering to every purpose of travel, Crown & Champa Resorts connects travellers with a passion for a life fully lived to the very best of this idyllic destination, offering world-class hospitality, thoughtful and attentive service, and authentic Maldivian experiences.
The diverse collection of properties includes Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Maldives, Kagi Maldives Spa Island, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Komandoo Island Resort & Spa, Meeru Island Resort & Spa, Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, Innahura Maldives Resort, and one city hotel, Champa Central Hotel.
Featured
From wellness to culture: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts embodies new era of Maldivian travel

The Maldives continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s premier island destinations, achieving global acclaim while maintaining steady growth in visitor arrivals. The country was recently named Best Beach Destination at the World Tourism Awards 2025 in Brussels and ranked among the Top Ten Countries for Food in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives recorded over 1.7 million tourist arrivals as of 21 October 2025 — a 10% year-on-year increase. The destination is on course to meet its ambitious target of 2.3 million arrivals by year-end, with the final quarter expected to bring the highest influx of visitors as the nation enters its peak travel season.
Sustained demand from key markets including India, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, alongside rising interest from the Middle East and Europe, continues to fuel this growth. The trend reflects a broader global shift towards experience-led travel, where visitors seek meaningful, immersive stays rather than conventional leisure holidays.
As arrival numbers climb, the focus within the Maldives tourism industry is evolving from volume to value. Hospitality brands are responding by offering experiences that highlight authenticity, sustainability, and cultural engagement. Among them, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts — which operates four properties across the Maldives — is redefining the concept of island travel through wellness, cuisine, and culture.
The brand’s approach extends beyond accommodation, curating distinctive experiences that deepen the guest journey. From spa rituals rooted in Asian wellness traditions at Mandara Spa and Chavana Spa to private beachfront dinners celebrating the region’s rich culinary heritage, each stay is designed to be both restorative and enriching. Guests who book directly also receive exclusive credits and tailored experiences, reinforcing the Maldives’ growing appeal as a destination for conscious and immersive travel.
This direction mirrors the Maldives’ evolving tourism strategy, which prioritises authenticity and quality over volume. As the nation edges closer to another record-breaking year, its success lies not only in the number of arrivals but in its ability to offer enduring, high-calibre experiences — a vision shared by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts as it continues to shape the future of island hospitality across the region.
Featured
Centara Maldives unveils bespoke National Day escapes for UAE holidaymakers

As one of the most notable occasions in the GCC calendar, UAE National Day presents the perfect opportunity to plan a dream island getaway at one of Centara Hotels & Resorts’ Maldivian destinations. Travellers can discover their own piece of paradise across four distinctive properties: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection. Each resort offers a seamless blend of elegance, comfort, island activities, and rejuvenating spa experiences — the ideal way to celebrate the spirit of the occasion with a tropical touch.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Located a short speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives provides an elegant island retreat ideal for celebrating special moments with family and friends. The resort features a range of overwater villas and beachfront residences, each complete with a private pool, jacuzzi, or both — offering guests an opportunity to truly unwind and disconnect from the outside world.
Set within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the resort offers an array of experiences, from exciting water sports and excursions to restorative wellness treatments at the tranquil SPA Cenvaree Retreat. Dining choices include international buffets at The Gallery, modern Mediterranean flavours at Bluefin, and light bites at Coco Drift’s swim-up bar. Guests can also toast to the occasion with a refreshing drink at Sunset Social.
In celebration of UAE National Day, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives invites guests to reconnect with loved ones through an exclusive stay package. Guests booking before 15 December for stays until 20 December can enjoy four nights for the price of three or seven nights for the price of five, with complimentary round-trip transfers included.
Additional benefits include:
- Upgrade to the Half Board Plus meal plan when booking a Room with Breakfast
- Club access
- Complimentary sparkling beverage at Sunset Social on the first evening
- One complimentary couples’ treatment at SPA Cenvaree Retreat
- A 15% discount and triple points for CentaraThe1 members
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives
Nestled in the scenic North Malé Atoll, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives offers a vibrant, underwater world-themed escape perfect for families. The resort combines play and relaxation through its lazy river, splash zones, and water playgrounds, alongside the acclaimed SPA Cenvaree, a Candy Spa for children, and a lively kids’ club. Accommodation includes oceanfront and overwater villas, complemented by diverse dining experiences.
Families can enjoy the ultimate island holiday where children stay, play, and dine for free on all stays before 15 December. Perfect for the UAE National Day long weekend, the offer includes:
- Special room rates
- Complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers
- Free stays and meals for up to two children aged 11 and under
- A 15% discount and triple points for CentaraThe1 members
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives
For couples and solo travellers seeking tranquillity, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives offers an adults-only sanctuary designed for relaxation and connection. Guests can wake to panoramic sea views from oceanfront or overwater villas with direct lagoon access. The resort features world-class dining, a yoga pavilion, award-winning SPA Cenvaree, and water sports including windsurfing, parasailing, and snorkelling.
To mark UAE National Day, guests can take advantage of 30% off all villas (and 45% off for CentaraThe1 members), along with 50% off transfers for stays of two to four nights. The package also includes:
- Sparkling beverage and fresh fruit upon arrival in overwater villas
- A three-course poolside dinner under the stars for Half Board Plus guests and above
- Buy-one-get-one-free spa treatments
- 20% discount on food and beverages
- 10% off water sports and excursions
- Complimentary snorkelling and kayaking equipment
Bookings and stays are valid until 10 January 2026.
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection
Set amidst breathtaking ocean views and a UNESCO-protected marine reserve, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection caters to adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Home to an award-winning house reef and several renowned dive sites, guests can spend their days exploring coral reefs or discovering a historic shipwreck, followed by spa treatments and gourmet dining.
Guests can enjoy 45% off flexible rates for CentaraThe1 members and 30% off for non-members, along with 30% off seaplane transfers for stays of two to six nights until 10 January 2026.
The offer includes:
- Handmade chocolates and tropical fruit upon arrival in overwater or pool villas
- A complimentary picnic lunch for families or a private beach dinner for couples (Half Board Plus and above)
- Buy-one-get-one-free spa treatments
- Complimentary stays and meals for children aged six and under
- 20% discount on à la carte dining and floating breakfasts (Club Pool Villas only)
- 10% discount on water sports and excursions
- Complimentary snorkelling gear and kayak use
For more information or reservations, guests can visit Centara Hotels & Resorts and explore exclusive UAE National Day offers available across all Maldivian properties.
News
SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS launches EarthCheck Certification initiative for RAH GILI MALDIVES

SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS has announced that RAH GILI MALDIVES, the brand’s debut property in the Maldives, has officially commenced its journey toward EarthCheck Certification. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to responsible development and operations across its growing constellation of private islands.
Located within a secluded dolphin sanctuary in South Malé Atoll, RAH GILI spans 8.7 hectares and is scheduled to open in February 2026. Designed with sustainability at its core, the resort will feature 74 villas and host up to 200 guests, supported by a team of 300 employees drawn from the Maldives and abroad. The location was chosen for its extraordinary marine setting, biodiversity, and cultural significance — and has guided every aspect of development from day one.
RAH GILI’s journey toward EarthCheck Certification demonstrates a proactive approach to environmental stewardship, aligning the resort with the most rigorous and science-based standards in the global tourism industry. EarthCheck Certification is awarded only after detailed auditing and performance benchmarking across multiple criteria — from energy consumption to community integration. By initiating this process during the pre-opening phase, SIX & SIX ensures that sustainability is not treated as a marketing line, but as an operational foundation.
Built With Intention
RAH GILI is being developed under a clear sustainability framework that integrates environmental infrastructure, operational systems, and guest touchpoints:
- A hybrid energy model powered by 2,000kW of solar and 2,500kWh of battery storage, offsetting over 540,000 litres of diesel annually
- A reverse-osmosis desalination plant and in-house bottling system, eliminating plastic water bottles throughout the resort
- A comprehensive waste management system, including waste segregation, composting for both kitchen and garden waste, and a zero-landfill strategy
- Construction materials selected for both low impact and local authenticity, including plantation teak, recycled glass, hyacinth matting, and locally sourced finishes
- Smart systems such as LED lighting and insulation across all roofs to optimise energy efficiency
The architectural narrative of RAH GILI is one of restraint and relevance. Materials were chosen not only for their sustainability profile but also for their ability to reflect the spirit of the place — creating a seamless connection between the built environment and the natural world.

Guided by Culture and Community
Equally central to the EarthCheck journey is the brand’s integration of local culture and social responsibility. The team, referred to as the Rayyithun — meaning “People of the Islands” in Dhivehi — are being trained not only in service excellence but in a philosophy of care, rooted in community knowledge and environmental guardianship. The team of 300 will form the backbone of daily life on the island, ensuring continuity between past traditions and future ambitions.
SIX & SIX is currently developing a series of CSR programmes to accompany the resort’s opening. These include initiatives in wellness, marine restoration, skills development, and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage — all designed in collaboration with local stakeholders and aligned with national priorities. By ensuring that local integration is woven into daily operations, RAH GILI aims to contribute positively to both the physical and social ecosystems of the Maldives.
The guest journey has also been designed to include immersive sustainability and cultural experiences — from coral propagation and reef protection workshops led by marine biologists to culinary activations and crafts that honour local traditions. These are not staged for effect; they are invitations to participate in a rhythm of life that is authentic, ongoing, and connected to place.
“RAH GILI MALDIVES represents the first step in a brand-wide vision grounded in integrity, respect for place, and long-term sustainability,” said Laith Pharaon, CEO & Co-Founder of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS. “By starting the EarthCheck certification process during the pre-opening phase, we ensure that these values are built into the foundations — not added on later. It is our intention that every guest who arrives at RAH GILI feels the result of that intention — not only in design, but in atmosphere, culture, and care.”
“Our approach combines global benchmarking with a deep commitment to the local context,” added Marc Gussing, Director of Operations. “RAH GILI is being designed not only to meet today’s standards, but to contribute meaningfully for generations to come. EarthCheck gives us the framework to assess our ambitions with scientific credibility and operational discipline.”

The First of a Collection
RAH GILI MALDIVES is the first of six resorts under development by SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS. The next to follow is DHON MAAGA MALDIVES, an ultra-luxury sanctuary set to open in late 2026. Each island in the collection will follow the same commitment to sustainability, design restraint, and cultural integration — tailored to the ecology and heritage of its setting. Select islands, including RAH GILI and DHON MAAGA, will also introduce Private Residences, offering long-stay ownership opportunities that uphold the same environmental and architectural integrity as the resort — quietly luxurious, low-impact, and thoughtfully integrated into the natural landscape. From private island experiences to design- led wellness concepts, every element of the SIX & SIX portfolio is intended to feel considered, rooted, and rare. With its sustainability approach led by science, its brand values guided by care, and its foundation grounded in the Maldives’ rich cultural rhythm, RAH GILI MALDIVES offers a blueprint for future-facing luxury.
This is only the beginning.
With care, always.
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