Featured
Marriott Bonvoy portfolio resorts in Maldives celebrate nature’s bounty, spread awareness for better tomorrow
Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives do their bit for the environment, the oceans and the community.
While there is never a “right-time” to celebrate the planet we live on and all of nature’s abundance, with World Reef Awareness Day, World Environment Day and World Oceans Day all in June, it seems like the ideal month to highlight and re-engage conversations around sustainability, taking care of our environment and oceans, and supporting our local communities. Studies have shown that travellers are increasingly more concerned about their impact on the world and there has been an increase in awareness of environmental and social issues. Apart from eco-conscious accommodation, travellers are also looking for meaningful travel initiatives.
Earlier last year, Marriott International launched the Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy programme which aspires to shift the way vacations are perceived – from pure leisure to a value-adding opportunity that allows travellers to explore and build deeper connections in local communities. Conscientious travellers to the Maldives can look forward to include initiatives to continue to eliminate single-use plastics, implementation of re-usable glass bottles for water and juices, usage of paper products around the resorts and initiating monthly dives against debris and clean-up days along with various other initiatives to promote the conservation of marine life and awareness of the same.
The Adopt a Coral initiative at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites guests to participate in the fun and interactive coral-fragment plantation activity in an effort to promote reef habitats and generate new coral. The resort has teamed up with Reefscapers, a coral propagation organisation appointed by the Maldivian Government as custodians of the coral colonies in the Gulhi Falhu lagoon which was slated to be destroyed as part of a reclamation project. The activity is led by experts and offers a hands-on experience to participants while also providing an alternative business to the 250 inhabitants whose sole previous source of employment was fishing.
The resort witnessed coral spawning in December 2021, a milestone in the resort’s coral propagation initiative that started in February 2020. To date, over 6,000 coral fragments from 15 different species of corals have been transplanted. The resort also runs its own ‘water bottling plant initiative’ as part of the resort’s sustainability program that is dedicated to removing large amounts of plastic bottles from the resort. This initiative is an important aspect of the property’s commitment to protecting and preserving their environment through day-to-day operation, encompassing Marriott International’s wider “Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction” campaign. On World Environment Day this year Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is conducting an activity for guests to learn to weave palm fronds like Maldivian locals at Kakuni Beach, and they are also building a large coral frame and inviting guests to join the activity on occasion of World Oceans Day. Their Resident Marine Biologist Kate Sheridan will also hold fun and educational sessions on both days for guests.
W Maldives has partnered with cutting-edge Hong Kong swimwear label Mazu Resortwear to create two exclusive prints with a bold message in mind. Made out of 12 salvaged plastic bottles, the limited edition swimwear collection is stealing the scene in style and is inspired by the team’s commitment to save the ocean. The luxury playground also routinely runs beach clean-up drives and lagoon cleaning initiatives. This World Oceans Day, the resort is inviting guests to “I Reefed W Maldives”, a coral propagation event this World Ocean Day and witness how it prosper through the years.
At The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, guests can start young with their initiation into marine life conservation as their marine biologist conducts educational talks with children and adults alike about the diverse marine life around the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll, where the resort is located. The resort has also launched a new project to protect and restore coral reefs. The team at AQUA, the watersports center at the resort, leads this exciting project, one of the biggest of its kind in the Baa Atoll area. It is specific to the local reef topography and will focus on restoring the reefs from top to bottom. Trial nurseries have been set up to see if this method will be successful and healthy coral colonies can be transplanted back onto the reefs. On the upcoming World Ocean Day, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has the objective to continue protecting the ecosystem of Baa Atoll and making long-lasting impact in their coral reefs, while generating awareness of the risks of climate change, through an interactive introduction to the underwater world presentation and a hands-on activity planting coral-fragments. These two experiences will be conducted by its Marine Biologist Filipa Lopes, passionate about ocean sustainability and conservation of the oceans.
“Supporting local” is not just a trend, but an important undertaking for travellers who directly contribute to empowering the local economy. The pandemic has underscored, for many travellers that everyone is in it together. Marriott International is committed to supporting local communities and embracing local businesses for sustainability. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa uses Island Apothecary products – made from local natural ingredients, in some of the signature couple treatments at Spa by JW. This initiative supports women run businesses in the community as each bottle is mixed, bottled and shipped straight from the island homes. The resort also uses locally sourced fresh catch in their restaurants and handmade tipi tents to bring to life the FAMiLY by JW experience in villas for kids. The resort team regularly schedules lagoon cleaning and island cleaning initiatives with associates, and has the same planned in the month of June as well.
Featured
ELE|NA teams up with Fit Bodies, Inc. and Muhdo Health for personalised wellness in Maldives
ELE|NA, a trailblazer in transformative wellness experiences, has announced a strategic partnership with Fit Bodies, Inc. and Muhdo Health. This collaboration brings together world-class wellness programs and advanced DNA-based health insights to ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to holistic well-being. Guests can now enjoy an integrated approach to fitness, mindfulness, and personalised health optimisation in a luxurious island setting.
Through this partnership, ELE|NA now offers expert-led wellness experiences curated by Fit Bodies, Inc., the world’s largest provider of fitness, yoga, and sports instructors for luxury resorts. At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, guests have access to:
- Two daily group fitness sessions, including Paddle Yoga, Aqua Fitness, Water Pilates, Latin Dance, and Tai Chi.
- One private session per week with a visiting instructor, offering personalised attention and skill development.
- Two weekly workshops covering diverse topics such as self-care rituals, breath work, sound healing, and mindful movement.
Guests are also invited to participate in immersive experiences such as Luxury Sleep Recovery techniques, Sunrise & Sunset Rituals, and Art Therapy. These offerings provide a comprehensive approach that nurtures the body, mind, and soul. Additionally, year-round wellness experiences like Reiki, Spiritual Guidance, and Nutritional Counselling are available to support deeper transformation.
Throughout April, special wellness workshops featuring live music are available, creating a serene yet energising environment that enhances each practice.
ELE|NA’s partnership with Muhdo Health adds a new dimension of personalisation to the wellness journey through DNA-based insights. Guests can access Muhdo’s exclusive DNA Kits—available only in the Maldives—to receive customised recommendations in the areas of:
- Nutrition and fitness, based on individual genetic profiles.
- Sleep optimisation strategies for improved recovery.
- Cognitive and stress resilience methods to enhance mental clarity and overall well-being.
To ensure a seamless experience, DNA Kits must be pre-booked prior to arrival, allowing each guest to begin their wellness journey with a fully prepared health report.
By blending scientific innovation with expert-guided wellness programming, ELE|NA continues to redefine luxury wellness travel, offering unique experiences that empower guests to pursue optimal health both during their stay and beyond.
ELE|NA offers a vibrant year-round schedule featuring practices such as Power Yoga Vinyasa, Deep Slow Flow, Yin Classes, Sweat & Surrender, and Restorative Yoga. These are complemented by holistic services like Reiki, Spiritual Guidance, and Nutritional Counselling. During April, guests can also enjoy enhanced sessions with live music, amplifying the tranquil yet invigorating ambiance.
This innovative collaboration signals a new era in customised wellness travel. By combining leading-edge health insights with transformative lifestyle experiences, ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invites guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery, movement, and renewal—guided by some of the most respected wellness experts in the world.
Angsana Velavaru has been honoured with the esteemed British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award for 2024, a recognition that underscores the resort’s steadfast dedication to delivering outstanding service and unforgettable guest experiences. With an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5, the resort has secured its position among the highest-rated hotels worldwide, as determined by unbiased reviews from its guests.
In a hospitality landscape where perfection is often pursued but seldom attained, Angsana Velavaru shines as a symbol of excellence. Its strong reputation is rooted in flawless service, breathtaking natural surroundings, and a deep connection to the untouched beauty of the Maldives. Guests are welcomed into a serene escape, featuring spacious InOcean villas and beachfront villas designed to provide not only comfort but a sense of home. The resort offers a wide range of experiences, from private dining to extraordinary marine excursions, ensuring that every stay becomes a lasting memory.
Ahmed Zahir, General Manager of Angsana Velavaru, expressed pride in the achievement, stating that the award reflects the team’s dedication to delivering more than just a stay – but an experience that lingers with guests long after they depart. He emphasised that this recognition from British Airways Holidays further reinforces the resort’s commitment to excellence.
British Airways Holidays, a prominent name in the UK travel industry, bases its Customer Excellence Awards on over 72,000 independent guest reviews collected in 2024. These awards are determined through comprehensive evaluations focused on location, service, cleanliness, and sleep quality.
Andrew Flintham, Managing Director at British Airways Holidays, shared his appreciation for Angsana Velavaru’s performance, noting that the awards celebrate hotels that mirror the company’s mission to provide unforgettable travel experiences. He highlighted that the recognition helps travellers make informed choices and ensures their holidays are truly memorable.
This award serves not only as validation of Angsana Velavaru’s outstanding offerings but also as a reaffirmation of its reputation as one of the Maldives’ most desirable destinations. With its unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, the resort continues to redefine what it means to experience paradise.
CROSSROADS Maldives is offering a festive calendar that blends sun-soaked celebrations with island-style play, creating a colourful Easter week. From beachside beats to treasure hunts in technicolor, Easter 2025 brings together the best of both worlds—SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives—offering a line-up that entertains, excites, and shines across the destination.
At SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Easter extends into a week of island adventures for curious children and their families. From 14 to 20 April, the daily programme at Koimala and Maalimi’s Junior Beach Club and Camp is filled with engaging activities. Children can enjoy paddle boat rides, friendly competitions, creative crafts like bunny masks and egg painting, and treasure hunts that lead to golden egg discoveries. Beyond fun, the programme incorporates nature through coral planting sessions and up-cycled art workshops that entertain while educating. Midday cool-downs are provided by gelato tastings and poolside bubbles, and as the sun sets, the energy picks up with DJ sets, kids’ mini discos, and themed cinema nights. These events offer families opportunities to bond and establish new traditions in a tropical setting.
At Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, guests are invited to experience a combination of daytime beats and nighttime excitement. Easter kicks off with Bunny Beats at the Pool, where live DJ music mixes with splash-filled games. The afternoon sees Sessions transformed into a sugary studio with the Easter Cookie Jam, a sweet mix of decoration and music. As golden hour arrives, the Octagon Garden becomes a relaxing space with ambient tones. Saturday begins with the Roxity Fun Fair and Tie Dye Party, where vibrant colours and laughter fill the air. The evening turns electric with an Easter Feast and Live Show that combines sound, spectacle, and flavour. On Easter Sunday, brunch at The Elephant and The Butterfly offers tropical rhythms, a surprise bunny visit, and a show that leaves a lasting impression. Young Rock Stars join the Roxity crew for an egg hunt, then dance at the Roxity Easter Party, where aerial performers take to the skies and music fills every corner of the island. As the weekend winds down, Hera’s Acoustic Vibes invite everyone to unwind under the stars before the Limbo Showdown turns the Pool Deck into a final burst of energy.
The celebration extends beyond events. At Hard Rock’s Rock Shop, guests who make qualifying purchases will receive a complimentary item of selected apparel or accessories, available at both Hard Rock Cafe and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. The BE BOLD BE HAPPY promotion encourages guests to add something extra to their Easter style, providing an exclusive retail experience that enhances the holiday spirit.
Easter 2025 at CROSSROADS Maldives is a place where the soundtrack never stops, each day is filled with discovery, and the only rule is to have more fun than planned.
-
Family1 week agoHop into unforgettable eco-friendly Easter at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
-
Family1 week agoSweet sensations take centre stage: Easter at Hideaway Beach Resort with Chef Thomas Alphonsine
-
Family1 week agoSiyam World’s Toon-tastic Easter Bash
-
News6 days agoAnanda in the Himalayas returns to The Nautilus Maldives for soulful healing residency
-
Awards6 days agoVilla Nautica wins DERTOUR Red Star Quality Award
-
News6 days agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives welcomes guests with new standard of serenity
-
News7 days agoCelebrate sustainability, exclusive offers, meaningful connections at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru
-
Drink7 days agoLe Méridien Maldives Resort’s La Vie: Reimagined adults-only bar, pool experience