Featured
Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru: eco-conscious retreat in Maldives

In line with the best practices of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts commitment to sustainability, Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives has been working on various sustainability campaigns, fulfilling their environmental responsibility to the community.
While the design and operation of the resort was undertaken with a clear focus and long term commitment to preserve the untouched Noonu atoll where the resort is located, Mövenpick Resort Kuredivaru Maldives continues to take various measures to monitor and reduce its carbon footprint and its impact on the environment and communities.

Here are some of the green initiatives taken by the resort.
Waste recycling
Plastic, paper and glass are being segregated. Dry and wet waste is segregated and disposed separately.
The resort uses an incinerator, bottle crusher and compacting machine to reduce dry waste transport volume and practice a Reduce, Reuse and Recycle programme throughout heart-of-the-house areas.
Water production
In-house desalination plant produces water for in-house usage in the villas and staff area: shower, bathtub, tap, etc. The ocean water is being converted into the sweet one by separating the sea salt from the water. Excess steam is being used to heat the running water on the island.
Drinking water plant
Aiming at eliminating the plastic waste altogether, Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives has launched its own water bottling plant.
Sparkling and still water bottles come in two sizes: small (0,5L) and large (1L), which are being used in the villas and dining areas.
No plastic bottles or drinking straws are being used on the island.
Mӧvenpick garden
The resort is home to its own hydroponics farm and garden. It harvests almost 70 kilos of freshest backyard produce every month as part of having a sustainable product supply programme to become partially self-sufficient.
The resort uses hydroponic system to allow vegetables and fruits grown in the garden to be fresh, rich in nutrients and bursting with flavours.
Organic gardening and composting are the secrets of the lushest vegetation the resort guests enjoy around the island paradise. Nutrients for the plants and trees in the resort’s landscape and garden come from composted kitchen waste and dry leaves.
Sewage treatment
This facility is used to water the gardens as an initiative to prevent water wastage.
Solar power
With 900 solar panels installed on the roofs at the back of the house buildings, the resort provides majority of the electricity supply to a solar system. These are synchronised with generators to produce energy around the island.
The solar panels produce 450KW electricity used in the daily operations providing 30 – 40 per cent of the daytime power needs.
Since the installation in January 2019, the system has contributed nearly 600MWh (mega-watt hours) to the property saving 158,000L of diesel since its operation.
In-villa AC systems
The built in AC system in all the resort rooms uses its electricity to heat the water supply once operating.
Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru is also engaged in several resource-saving initiatives, including the extensive use of LED lighting, dual flush systems in toilets, WPC walkways, major coconut shells and bamboo designs, wardrobe sensor lights in guest rooms, and heat recovery systems.
The resort has teamed up with Convention of the Rights of the Child – UNICEF that advocates, raises funds and awareness for the most pressing issues facing children, so that every child can fulfil their potential. Part of the resort’s social contribution include a yearly commitment for “KiloOfKindness” which is mainly shared with the local nearby community.
Finally, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest hotel groups to have committed to Green Globe Certification for all properties worldwide. With the new partnership the Maldives-based resort underpins its ambition to set an example for the industry.
The strategy is part of a company-wide programme to establish a common and global approach to environmental, employer and social sustainability.

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru is a pristine sanctuary and tropical oasis that is nestled in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll.
Located 45 minutes north of Male International Airport, the five-star resort boasts 72 overwater pool villas, 30 beach pool suites and three beach spa pool residences.
The contemporary tropical island combines comfort and style, with the Sun Spa and fitness club, Little Birds Kids Club, dive and water sports centre and five dining options to choose from.
Designed as a destination for relaxing and rejuvenating escapes, this private island offers a high degree of privacy and an array of onsite recreational facilities for both couples and families alike.
Excursions
COMO Maalifushi launches freediving with Maldivian pioneer Fahd Faiz

COMO Maalifushi has announced the launch of its new freediving programme, developed in collaboration with Fahd Faiz, the first Maldivian freediving instructor and a prominent advocate for marine conservation in the country. This initiative reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to delivering transformative guest experiences while promoting sustainability, education, and professional development within its team.
Running from 27 July to 10 August 2025, Fahd Faiz’s residency marks the official introduction of freediving training at COMO Maalifushi. The programme centres on equipping the resort’s marine team with advanced skills in breath-hold diving, safety protocols, and heightened underwater awareness. These freediving techniques are set to be incorporated into the resort’s PADI offerings, providing guests with an opportunity to engage with the ocean in a more mindful and unrestricted manner.
Fahd Faiz is the founder of Freedive Maldives, the country’s first locally owned freediving centre, established in 2015. A world record holder in static apnea, he has trained more than 1,000 students and currently serves as President of the Maldives Freediving Association. As the country’s sole PADI Instructor Trainer, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the freediving landscape both in the Maldives and internationally.
Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Maldives, remarked, “Having Fahd with us at COMO Maalifushi has been an inspiring experience for the team. His passion for the ocean, combined with his exceptional expertise and dedication to education, aligns perfectly with our brand’s ethos of holistic wellness, sustainability, and authentic connection to place. This new freediving initiative not only strengthens our internal capabilities but also enriches the experience we offer our guests, allowing them to encounter the marine world in a deeper and more tranquil way. We are proud to support Fahd’s mission and delighted to introduce freediving at COMO Maalifushi.”
During his residency, Fahd is leading immersive training sessions with the resort’s marine team, focusing on breath control, rescue techniques, equalisation, and mental conditioning—skills essential to freediving and valuable in ensuring guest safety and engagement.
This new freediving experience at COMO Maalifushi is poised to become a signature offering, inviting guests to explore the depths of the Indian Ocean on a single breath, amidst vibrant coral gardens, tropical reef fish, and the meditative silence of the sea.
Featured
Tailored tranquillity and adventure at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

Long celebrated as a quintessential romantic escape, the Maldives is now enchanting travellers of every age — from families with children and teenagers to couples and solo adventurers. The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents a setting where guests can share extraordinary experiences and create lasting memories, whether they are seeking exhilarating marine encounters, exceptional dining, or a tranquil wellness retreat.
The resort’s JW Little Griffins Kids Club, among the largest in the Maldives, offers a captivating world for younger guests. Designed around the theme of a beachside pirate shipwreck, the outdoor space features a 13-metre-long pirate ship, a dedicated children’s pool, and miniature amenities such as sun loungers. Over 100 engaging activities are on offer, including pizza-making classes, island discovery walks, kite flying, sandcastle building, and the JW Beach Olympics. Children under the age of 12 dine free of charge. Teenagers aged 12 and above have access to a private pool and lounge, as well as indoor entertainment such as PlayStation gaming and karaoke — ensuring a tailored experience for every age group.
For those drawn to the ocean, the resort’s Dive & Water Sports Centre offers a comprehensive array of aquatic experiences. From snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and scuba diving to dolphin spotting and deep-sea fishing, activities are designed to suit all interests and skill levels. Adventure-seekers can indulge in jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, water-skiing, and kite surfing, while guests preferring a gentler pace can opt for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a traditional banana boat ride. The resort’s experienced team ensures each encounter with the ocean is both safe and unforgettable.
Those in pursuit of serenity can unwind at the overwater SPA by JW, where contemporary design harmonises with the soothing rhythm of the sea. Guests may select from a variety of rejuvenating treatments, including restorative massages, crystal facial therapies, and invigorating body rituals — all designed to promote inner and outer balance. A tranquil swim in the outdoor pool, framed by sweeping ocean views and gentle breezes, completes the experience.
Culinary exploration at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is nothing short of exceptional, with five distinctive restaurants offering flavours from across the globe. Fiamma serves beloved Italian classics, while Kaashi offers Thai cuisine high in the treetops with panoramic sea views. Hashi presents refined Japanese teppanyaki over water, and Shio provides premium meats and seafood in a fine dining atmosphere. Aailaa offers a global dining experience throughout the day, with live cooking stations adding an interactive flair. Guests may also enjoy cocktails at Wabi Sabi, rare aged rums at Rum Baan, and a selection of curated wines from the resort’s expansive cellar. For more intimate occasions, private Destination Dining options include an eight-course Indian tasting menu at RIHA or bespoke meals under the stars or in-villa.
Solo travellers are equally well catered for, with the resort offering a unique combination of seclusion and luxury. Without the need to accommodate group plans or shared schedules, guests travelling alone are free to tailor their stay as they wish — from early morning yoga overlooking the Indian Ocean to private snorkelling sessions guided by marine biologists. The resort’s spacious overwater villas provide a peaceful refuge for reading, journaling, or quiet contemplation. Private dining options allow solo guests to enjoy gourmet cuisine in complete privacy, and the dedicated Thakuru (butler) service ensures every detail is attended to with care.
Featured
Wellness visionaries unite for SOUL Festival 2025 at Soneva Fushi

If the terms ‘peak performance’ and ‘breathwork’ are not yet part of one’s vocabulary, they are likely to be after five days at SOUL Festival 2025. Set to take place from 9th to 13th October at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, this year’s edition marks the highly anticipated return of Jamie Wheal and Julie Webster, co-founders of the Flow Genome Project and two of the most prominent figures in the world of transformational wellness.
Following their captivating sessions at last year’s festival, the pair return with a newly curated programme of immersive experiences designed to enhance movement, mindset and emotional wellbeing. Mornings begin barefoot, awakening the body; days are enriched with science-based insights into the brain’s most powerful states; and evenings are grounded in restorative practices that leave participants centred, clear, and recharged. The Flow Genome Project’s methods, which are followed by elite athletes, creatives, CEOs and even special forces operatives, will once again be brought to life amidst the serene meeting point of jungle, ocean and refined luxury.
Throughout the festival, guests can expect movement practices that reconnect them with their bodies, workshops aimed at fostering greater ease in relationships, and breathwork sessions that promote nervous system recovery and a deep sense of calm. The experience is a journey in learning how to attune, release, and rediscover one’s natural rhythm.
Joining Jamie and Julie this year are Sanctum founders Luuk Melisse and Gabriel Olszewski, Nathalie Schyllert of Bodyism, Peigín Crowley of Ground Wellbeing, and a host of leading names in holistic health and performance, including Tim Gray, Dr Timm Golueke, Roses Gabor, Frida Redknapp, Kirsten King, Adrienne Adhami, Dong Juan, Anika Lefebvre, and Nils Behrens.
SOUL Festival is Soneva’s annual celebration of visionaries, seekers, and innovators from across the globe. This year’s programme is ambitious, the setting is extraordinary, and places are limited. Guests booking before 31st August 2025 will enjoy a 10% saving with the SOUL Festival early bird offer.
Returning home unchanged may not be an option.
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