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LUX* South Ari Atoll leads way to eco-conscious travel

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The family-oriented luxury resort in the Maldives inspires by example, with an array of sustainable initiatives to support the global conscious travelling trend.

‘Empowered’ by the sun

Being one of the biggest resort islands in the country, LUX* South Ari Atoll is always on the lookout for new ways to make a difference and lower its impact on the beautiful natural surroundings. The property has installed one of the world’s largest floating solar systems at sea, in partnership with Swimsol GmbH. Including utilised rooftops, the solar panels of the island power up to 33 per cent of the whole resort’s use, powering all 193 guest villas during peak sun hours. The island cruisers that take guests around the resort are also powered by the bright Maldivian sunshine, saving more than 260,000 litres of diesel per year. Guests can track real-time solar energy production and consumption from their villas through the resort’s dedicated TV channel.

Planet-friendly resort experience

Plastic bottles and take-away cups at LUX* South Ari Atoll are replaced with glass and bamboo fiber alternatives, and the island’s very own water plant has saved about 810,000 plastic bottles since its launch in December 2011. All bathroom amenities in the guest villas, spa treatment products, and skincare collection at the resort’s LUX* ME Spa boutique are not tested on animals and made of natural ingredients. The brand’s signature Shirley Page treatments offer cruelty-free spa experiences with organic essential and body oils.

With Maldives being popular as a romantic destination, the resort goes an extra mile in sustainability when it comes to couple travel. Awarded the Most Sustainable Wedding Resort in South Asia, LUX* South Ari Atoll is proud to offer a unique Zero-Waste Wedding concept. Ensuring the co-existence of low-impact destination wedding and luxury, wedding packages are wrapped around sustainable island-chic style, with love for nature in the core. Moreover, every wedding celebrated at LUX* South Ari Atoll funds education of a child at one of the local care homes.

Special care for the oceans

Located in a Marine Protected Area, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers unique underwater experiences, from swimming with whale sharks and manta rays to studying local reef’s life. The on-site Marine Biology Centre in on a mission to support ongoing scientific research and protect the native wildlife population, restore and protect local environment.

In collaboration with its long-term partners in research and nature conservation, Whale Shark Research Programme and Olive Ridley Project, the resort organises charity auctions, updates the existing database of ocean inhabitants, and offers the Turtle and Whale Shark Adoption to its guests. Once a new resident of the atoll is discovered, a guest has the naming and ‘adoption’ rights, confirmed with a special cerfiticate. The resort’s first ‘adopted’ female whale shark LUXMAS is a significant discovery for the ocean life research, as the majority of sighted species in the area are male. Since 2018 the island’s team helped to identify over a dozen of new ‘gentle giants’ around the atoll.

Coral planting workshops is another exciting activity that allows travellers to contribute to the ocean’s wellbeing. Travellers of all ages are invited to participate in reef restoration efforts as well as learning more about wonderful life under water. And to take their love to the ocean to a whole new level, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers the Coral Frame Adoption programme – a long-term initiative aimed at involving people from around the world into saving Maldivian marine life. Every guest signed up for the programme receives regular photo updates on the growth of their planted baby corals from the resort’s marine biologist.

Keen on Green

Every restaurant at LUX* South Ari Atoll offers a great variety of plant-based, vegetarian, vegan, and raw dishes, from organic and locally sourced ingredients. The Keen on Green concept invites for a healthy and creative culinary journey, supporting sustainable approach to food and helping reduce carbon footprint. The resort’s passion for clean and green food got us recognised as the first as ‘Vegan-Friendly Hotel’ in the Maldives by Vegan Welcome. The island’s Herb Garden grows fresh herbs and vegetables for plant-based restaurant dishes and Master Chef cooking classes. During the stay, guests of LUX* South Ari Atoll have plenty of opportunities to learn more about ‘green’ cuisine: from tapping into amazing selection of vegetarian dining options to learning how to regrow their own herbs back home and cook healthy meals for the whole family.

For its dedication to waste-free guest experience and care for nature, the resort has been recognised by numerous awards and it also holds a Green Globe certificate.

To learn more about sustainability initiatives at LUX* South Ari Atoll, visit www.luxresorts.com or follow the resort’s Instagram page @luxsouthari.

Awards

Ifuru Island Maldives wins Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort at Golden Travel Awards 2025

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Ifuru Island Maldives has been officially named Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort Maldives 2025 by the prestigious Golden Travel Award, recognising the resort’s exceptional guest experience and innovative all-inclusive offering. The resort distinguished itself through its commitment to redefining the premium all-inclusive concept with a bold combination of curated adventures, gourmet dining, and a true sense of luxury.

Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives, expressed pride in the recognition, noting that it celebrates the dedication and passion the team invests in creating unforgettable moments for every guest. He emphasised that the resort’s experience is designed to offer guests the freedom to relax, explore, and feel truly at home, all within the comforts of a premium all-inclusive package.

Ifuru Island Maldives has quickly established a strong reputation with its thoughtfully crafted ‘Exclusively Yours’ Premium All-Inclusive package. With a fresh approach to luxury and authenticity, the resort continues to resonate with modern travellers who seek both comfort and meaningful connections.

This acknowledgment from the Golden Travel Award further solidifies Ifuru Island’s growing reputation as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive and experience-driven destinations.

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Float & Flow Yoga debuts at Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives now offers guests a unique wellness activity: Float & Flow Yoga. Set amidst the picturesque surroundings of crystal-clear waters, this innovative session blends balance, movement, and mindfulness on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), fostering a joyful connection with nature.

Designed to accommodate both experienced yogis and beginners, Float & Flow Yoga provides a 60-minute session on the resort’s SUP Yoga Dock. This specially designed floating platform, shaped like a flower, features eight “petals,” each securing a SUP board around a central space designated for the instructor. Participants are guided through gentle yoga sequences that emphasise balance, breath, and flow.

Courtney Chambers, the resident Yoga Instructor at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, describes the activity as a joyful and liberating experience. She notes that SUP yoga encourages participants to embrace the playful side of the practice while reconnecting with nature.

Classes take place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:00 am, with a maximum of eight participants per session to maintain an intimate and supportive atmosphere. A minimum of three guests is required for each session. The class fee is priced at US$45 per person, inclusive of taxes and service charges.

Additionally, a professional drone photo and video package is available for US$25 per person, providing guests with a memorable keepsake of their experience.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable swimwear or yoga attire and to arrive 10 minutes early at the Perfect Wave Surf Shop for a pre-session briefing.

Whether the goal is mindfulness, gentle movement, or simply a splash of fun, Float & Flow Yoga at Kandooma offers an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect with both self and sea.

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Five-course Indian fine dining by Atrangi to feature at Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s June pop-up

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Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced an exclusive culinary pop-up in collaboration with Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, the renowned Indian restaurant located at Jumeirah Al Qasr in Dubai. Scheduled from 7 to 12 June 2025, this special event will feature Atrangi’s Head Chef, Aniket Chatterjee, who will partner with the resort’s culinary team to present a refined five-course dining experience. This unique collaboration aims to reinterpret regional Indian dishes through a contemporary perspective.

Atrangi, inspired by the vision of acclaimed chef and restaurateur Ritu Dalmia, is celebrated for its bold and eclectic approach to Indian cuisine. Ritu Dalmia, a self-taught chef, began her culinary journey by launching Delhi’s first standalone Italian restaurant at just twenty-two. Over the years, she has established a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants across India and Europe, earning her widespread recognition in the culinary world. Representing her creative vision in the Maldives, Chef Aniket Chatterjee brings a modern sensibility and a profound respect for Indian culinary traditions, promising a dining experience that is both sophisticated and soulful.

For this special occasion, Chef Aniket has curated a bespoke menu that masterfully blends traditional Indian techniques with global influences. Guests will be treated to intimate oceanfront dinners and relaxed beach grills under the stars, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus available.

The dining journey will commence with a playful twist on the nostalgic chilli cheese toast, followed by pickled doodhi and smoked dahi. Main course offerings include Malvani chicken tikka with confit garlic, or for vegetarians, paneer peeli mirch tikka accompanied by spring onion curry. A whipped butter board will serve as a palate cleanser before guests savour dishes such as kappa meen curry or satu pulao with dalma, parwal, and burnt tomato chutney, celebrating the rich diversity of Indian flavours. The meal will conclude with an indulgent Indian sweet, followed by mignardise featuring pistachio soan papdi and a mini jalebi with rabri.

Chef Ritu Dalmia expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “The Maldives has always been a special country for me, having visited several times. It is a thrill to bring Atrangi to Jumeirah Olhahali Island, where we can showcase community-inspired dishes while celebrating the best produce the Maldives has to offer.”

The beach grill dinner at Shimmers Beach on 10 June will be priced at USD 225 plus taxes per person. On other evenings, the five-course set menu will be served at a designated ocean-view location for USD 195 plus taxes per person.

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