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Dusit Thani Maldives appoints new CSR manager

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Dusit Thani Maldives on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has appointed sustainability specialist Federico Catalioto as the resort’s new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager.

Catalioto, an Italian national, has extensive experience in leading CSR initiatives for hotels and resorts focusing on holistic sustainability.

After earning his double bachelor’s degrees in Hospitality Management from world-renowned hospitality institutes Glion and Les Roches in Switzerland, Catalioto began his career in the Sales and Marketing department of Marriott International.

Seeking to use his skills and expertise to make a positive difference in the lives of others, he went on to spend nine months working at Maringi Eco Resort, a vocational school on the Indonesian island of Sumba. In the dual roles of Resort Director and Front Office Instructor, he led hospitality training for underprivileged young adults and strengthened his knowledge and interest in sustainable practices in the luxury travel sector.

His work included reducing the resort’s carbon footprint, monitoring sourcing and consumption, and contributing to sustainability webinars organised by ‘The Long Run,’ an international programme under the Zeitz Foundation, a non-profit organisation that aims to achieve sustainability through the balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce.

To enhance his ability to drive sustainable change, Federico earned his MBA in Sustainable Hospitality Management at Sustainability Management School (SUMAS) in Switzerland, graduating with honours in 2020.

He now looks forward with much enthusiasm to starting his new life in the Maldives.

“My role at Dusit Thani Maldives provides me with a great opportunity to apply my overall knowledge and experience to contribute to the resort’s mission to have a positive impact on its community and the environment,” Catalioto said.

“I am honoured to be able to continue the resort’s existing projects, and I look forward to developing many new projects and ideas too.”

Catalioto’s first order of business will be to take over ongoing CSR projects. He will oversee in-house initiatives such as the hydroponic garden, recycling and waste management, and processes to reduce the use of chemicals and single plastic on the island.

He will also leverage his connections with SUMAS to invite students to design special projects for the island and activities focused on raising sustainability awareness among guests and employees.

Other initiatives he is leading are paper-making workshops, nature walks, marine presentations, local culture presentations and back-of-house tours for guests.

Federico also plans to introduce farm-to-table activities, hot composting processes, new standards for food waste reduction, coral reef restoration via line nurseries, responsible fishing practices (with Blue Marine Foundation), and other key activities to ensure Baa Atoll reconfirms its UNESCO world heritage certification.

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Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience

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Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.

Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.

At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.

At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.

The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.

This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.

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Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.

The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.

The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.

Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.

The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.

Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.

Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.

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Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day

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Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.

The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.

As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.

An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.

The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.

The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.

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