Featured
JOALI Maldives receives EarthCheck Silver certification
JOALI Maldives, the country’s first and only art immersive resort, has achieved Silver Certification from EarthCheck, the world’s leading business advisory group specialising in sustainability for the tourism industry.
The resort is a passionate supporter of sustainability and is devoted to responsible luxury. It features an array of original, experiential works of art and dynamic design, all of which reflect the beauty of nature and are built with sustainability in mind.
JOALI Maldives is committed to eliminate single-use plastic and offers eco-friendly alternatives to all guests and staff. All amenities are vegan and chemical-free to protect corals and sea life. Local goods are sourced from neighbouring islands, where possible, and many vegetables and herbs are grown at its organic Chef’s Garden.
JOALI Maldives focuses on reducing waste; food and garden waste are composted to natural fertiliser; packaging, cans, glass, and paper waste are recycled; and wastewater is treated and reused. The resort is also home to a desalinating water bottling plant which allows to produce its own drinking water in glass bottles.
Supporting ecological conservation, JOALI Maldives’ Reef Restoration Programme promotes the natural recovery of the island’s surrounding reef ecosystem, whereby ‘fragments of hope’ — tiny corals are transplanted onto the existing house reef to help it regenerate.
Enver Arslan, General Manager of JOALI Maldives, commented: “We ingrain social and environmental responsibility in our organizational culture and all that we do. With this achievement, we have joined industry leaders who are taking meaningful steps towards creating a sustainable future.”
Stewart Moore, CEO and Founder of EarthCheck, added: “JOALI Maldives has taken a significant leadership position in sustainability.”
JOALI Maldives was evaluated on 10 key performance areas including energy and water consumption, total waste production, and community commitment. EarthCheck Certification establishes a five-level standard — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Master — based on the number of years the organisation is certified: Gold after five years of continuous certification, Platinum after 10 years and Master after 15 years.
JOALI Maldives’ CSR strategy, Joy of Caring, focuses on Joy of Preserving, which promotes environmental initiatives; Joy of Supporting, which fosters community engagement; Joy of Empowering, which supports women empowerment; and Joy of Conserving, which drives operational sustainability.
Amid the abundant life between the palm trees and sparkling turquoise water sits JOALI Maldives, the very first art-immersive resort in the Maldives. Based in Raa Atoll, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, guests can expect brilliant blue waters, a myriad of sea life, and pristine white-sand beaches fringed by gently swaying coconut palms.
Each of the 73 villas is the epitome of sustainable glamour and was inspired by individual stories and designed to take the guests on a rich sensory journey. Boasting a lavish range of culinary options, every dish at JOALI, tells a story and every plate becomes a journey, a journey of savours, fragrance, and joy – an art immersive experiential dining.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
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.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
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.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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