Featured
Amilla Maldives celebrates sustainability day

Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences was proud to show off the many advancements they have made in sustainability in the past 2 years during the celebrations of Sustainability Day on the 27th October 2021.
The resort also recently announced they were awarded Silver Certification by Earthcheck.

The day started with a talk by the resident Marine Biologist for the resort’s smallest guests, aimed at getting future eco advocates to understand more about the subject.
The children then participated in a beach clean up to collect any small pieces of garbage that has washed up on the shores during the night. This “waste” was then separated in ”mystery boxes” for a family upcycling challenge.
Next was a Tepache and Mango soda class. These probiotic sodas form part of the resorts Homemade@Amilla programme, whereby the resort makes as many items as possible on-site, including Kombucha, yogurts and sauces, to reduce packaging waste and eliminate food preservatives.
Tepache, a fermented pineapple drink, and mango soda are made using the skins of the fruit. At Amilla the whole of each pineapple is used, the top to plant back in the resort’s garden, pineapple for eating the the skins for making this delicious drink.
After this class guests were invited to tour the resorts extensive gardens as part of their Homegrown@Amilla programme, again achieving goals such as reduced packaging waste, air miles and fresh and nutritious vegetables for their guests.
The day culminated in a unique dining experience for their lucky guests. Amilla’s culinary team concocted a delicious Zero Waste Menu.
The Resort’s Sustainability and Wellness Mentor, Victoria Kruse explains the concept, “With a growing world population and attrition of fertile, not to mention organic, growing and grazing area, we need to find ways to utilise all parts of food and find creative and tasty ways of using items that would otherwise be thrown out.”

Key highlights from the menu included broccoli stem salad with onion leaf tips and crispy tomato skins, watermelon rind pickle with papaya seeds served on bread ends and dessert that featured sorbet made with fruit offcuts “mudi kashi”, the nutritious sponge inside of baby coconut trees, a syrup scented with basil stems, basil leaf powder and caramelised basil stem, made from basil harvested from the resorts Mystique Garden.
This ground-breaking menu is just one highlight from the resorts award winning Wellness Your Way programme. This programme, recently crowned as the Wellness Cuisine of the Year at the Destination Deluxe Awards, offers the resort guests dedicated menus that cater to a variety of eating lifestyles. Each of the resorts restaurants showcases a menu that caters for keto/paleo/low carb, gluten free, dairy free and vegan/vegetarian.

The next highlight in Amilla’s culinary offering is the upcoming residency of London’s renowned Plant-Based Chef, Kirk Haworth. The driving force of Plates London with be cooking up a vegan storm at Amilla between the 10th and 25th November.
For more information, email stay@amilla.com.
Featured
Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.
Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.
Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.
South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.
Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.
Entertainment
Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.
The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.
Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.
Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
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