Featured
Kurumba Maldives leads the way in fight against toxic sunscreen
Chosen as one of the leading green resorts in the region, Kurumba Maldives has a reputation of seeking to reduce its impact on its local environment as well as a desire to be 100% sustainable in all its practices Kurumba has now added global leading non water polluting sunscreen brand People4Ocean into its in spa and guest offering, giving all guests the opportunity to try these amazing creams first hand that not only fully protect all marine life but offer the user award winning sun protection plus a spa grade experience.
People4Ocean long heralded as the leading voice in the industry fighting the issue of toxic creams and the damage they are doing to our most endangered marine habitats says it welcomes the partnership with Kurumba to offer its guests a chance to try our products and make a choice to fully protect the sealife of the Maldives during their stay at this beautiful resort island.
The Ggobal problem, not many are aware that just 13% of the world’s oceans remain untouched by the damaging impacts of humanity, the first systematic analysis has revealed. Outside the remotest areas of the Pacific and the poles, virtually no ocean is left harbouring naturally high levels of marine wildlife. Huge fishing fleets, global shipping and pollution running off the land are combining with climate change to degrade the oceans, the researchers found.
Furthermore, just 5% of the remaining ocean wilderness is within existing marine protection areas. “We were astonished by just how little marine wilderness remains,” says Kendall Jones, at the University of Queensland, Australia, and the Wildlife Conservation Society, who led the new research. “The ocean is immense, covering over 70% of our planet, but we’ve managed to significantly impact almost all of this vast ecosystem.
P4O Sun Care is a story about skin health, ocean adventures and most of all, family. Together People4Ocean and LaGaia Unedited ; Mother, Daughters and Son, set out on a Global first. A natural sun system loved by skin, conscious of the environment and that gives back to ocean life. We believe our sun care solutions – and the people that use them – are a driving force towards healthier skin and cleaner oceans”. – People4Ocean Owners. Louise and Austin Laing.
People4Ocean 100% Natural Plant Based Ocean & Reef Safe Suncare
First launched in Australia back in 2018 and available in the UK from Jan 2021People4Ocean Sun Care is the creation of accomplished marine biologists, husband and wife team, Louise and Austin Laing. Working in collaboration with Australian Spa label La Gaia Unedited they developed a one-of-a-kind sophisticated sun care range, eco-consciously formulated to protect sensitive skins and natural ecosystems. The entire range excludes all water polluting elements. Formulas are skin-loving, combining clean and active botanicals with mineral-rich ingredients making them ocean & skin-conscious.
Using plant-based and local ingredients, the entire range is suitable for vegetarian (Australian sustainable beeswax being the only animal by-product to its formulas) and offers 100% plant-based products. There is overwhelming evidence, shown now through many studies, that mainstream sunscreens are polluting our waterways, entering our oceans and affecting aquatic life. Oxybenzone, Octinoxate and Octocrylene are just some of the most commonly usedUV-filters in chemical base sunscreens ingredients which are toxic to ocean life, acting as hormones disruptors on marine species and impacting coral reefs even from very small concentrations are unnecessarily damaging our oceans.
It is for this reason that all People4Ocean Sun Care formulations exclude water-polluting elements. Many people are unaware that 97% of sunscreens out there contain toxic ingredients harmful to marine life. In-fact, there is also research that the same ingredients can also be detrimental to human health following long term use. Ina global society and growing culture where consumers are more aware of their impact on the planet, and the role they have in preserving our ecosystems,People4Ocean is offering an alternative to the conscientious consumers looking at minimise their global footprint.
People4Ocean 4 Pillars in Sustainability:
- Free of all water polluting elements.
- True reef-ocean safe formulas.
- Low carbon packaging made from 100% recyclable sugarcane PEbioplastic.
- 4No single-use packaging.
All products are 100% Australian-made, including their packaging. Using solar energy and sustainable manufacturing practices the brand commits to its ground breaking sustainability ethos within the luxury skincare market with bio-plastic packaging, carbon neutral shipping methods and pro-actively working with Reef Conservation projects globally, as well as supporting local initiatives in the regions they are distributed in.
Kurumba Maldives, the iconic resort of the Maldives celebrates its 50th anniversary. Kurumba was the very first private island resort in the Maldives when it opened its doors in 1972, and a proud pioneer of the tourism industry in the country. Boasting its natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere, the resort is proud to be celebrating this unique milestone for the country, highlighting a journey that has encompassed a half century of significant achievement and growth, and countless memories for all of the guests who have visited this island over the years.
The island offers an array of accommodation, ranging from comfortable Superior rooms to the luxurious signature Kurumba 2 Bedroom Residence, boasting contemporary designs and architecture in a tropical paradise, a home away from home. Guests can enhance their days by experiencing seven different international restaurants, three bars and a shisha lounge, with some extraordinary culinary delectables prepared by a diversified and talented team. Night life in Kurumba is never boring; offering dining under the starlit skies, while sipping crafted cocktails and chilling to Live DJs and enjoying contemporary tunes from the best selection of Maldivian artists available.
The island is conveniently located in North Male’ Atoll, a brief journey of 10 minutes from the airport which makes a perfect Maldivian gateway more convenient and accessible. The compelling and diverse range of exciting activities, water sports and excursions, to ultimate relaxation therapies at the Veli Spa combined with traditional Maldivian herbs will ensure a state of calmness relaxation for all guests. Kurumba is proud to be the first spa resort in the Maldives to embrace those traditional remedies, protecting it for future generations.
Kurumba offers experiences for everyone. From family holiday getaways and romantic hideaways, to escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life, the resort has built a strong ratio of returning guests, while continuing to attract new fans from across the globe.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit https://www.kurumba.com
Excursions
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives reports rare whale shark encounter
Divers from Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives recorded a whale shark sighting last month during a dive at Kandooma Thila in South Malé Atoll.
The encounter took place on 13 April during a guided dive led by Dive Centre Manager Ibrahim Shaan. The whale shark, estimated to be approximately six metres in length, is believed to be a juvenile aged between eight and 15 years. The animal remained in the vicinity of the divers for more than 30 minutes before leaving the area.
Shaan said the whale shark entered the dive site calmly, circled alongside the group and remained present for an extended period. He described the encounter as one of the most notable experiences observed at the site.
Whale shark sightings are considered uncommon in South Malé Atoll, where the species is not typically resident. They are more frequently associated with the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, one of the primary aggregation areas for whale sharks in the country.
The Maldives is regarded as a key destination for whale shark encounters due to environmental conditions including warm waters, nutrient-rich currents and seasonal plankton blooms. Whale sharks are filter feeders and migrate across large distances, often following food sources.
The sighting at Kandooma Thila is understood to be linked to broader migratory movement through the atoll system, with the animal potentially following plankton concentrations or feeding opportunities created by ocean currents.
Kandooma Thila is known for its coral-covered structure, current-driven conditions and marine biodiversity, factors which may attract larger pelagic species on a temporary basis.
Following the sighting, the resort has submitted photographs and video footage to the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) for potential identification through its national database. Whale sharks can be identified through unique spot patterns located behind the gills and along their flanks.
The MWSRP’s Big Fish Network database has recorded more than 800 individual whale sharks in the Maldives, contributing to long-term research on migration patterns, population dynamics and species health.
Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing and Sustainability at the resort, said the data collected would support ongoing research and conservation efforts. She noted that such information contributes to understanding seasonal movement patterns, assessing environmental conditions and informing marine protection measures.
The resort has also reiterated the importance of responsible interaction with marine wildlife. Recommended practices include maintaining distance, avoiding physical contact, refraining from flash photography and ensuring appropriate buoyancy control.
Boat strike incidents remain a recognised threat to whale sharks in Maldivian waters, highlighting the need for careful vessel operation in areas where marine life is present.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is located approximately 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport and provides access to multiple dive sites in South Malé Atoll. The resort also operates a Dive Free programme, offering up to two complimentary dives per day for certified divers staying a minimum of three nights.
Celebration
Sirru Fen Fushi to host Eid al-Adha celebration from 27–29 May
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has announced its “Eid in Harmony” programme for Eid al-Adha, scheduled from 27 to 29 May 2026, offering guests a series of curated experiences centred on dining, cultural elements and leisure activities.
The programme is designed to provide a structured yet relaxed approach to the celebration, with a focus on shared experiences and engagement with the island environment. According to the resort, the initiative aims to bring together cultural traditions and hospitality offerings within a resort setting.
A central feature of the programme will be the Eid al-Adha Feast, a dining experience presenting a selection of dishes prepared for the occasion. The event will be set in a themed environment reflecting elements associated with Eid.
The resort will also introduce an “Eid Gift with Purpose” initiative, positioned as a gesture aligned with the values of giving and reflection associated with the occasion.
In addition, guests will have the option to participate in a Guest Archery Competition, offering a recreational activity designed to complement the island setting and provide an alternative form of engagement during the celebration period.
Alongside the programme, the resort has launched an “Eid Island Escape” offer, which includes a range of inclusions for guests staying during the period. These include a 30-minute jet lag recovery massage, daily breakfast at Raha Market, dinner on a dine-around basis across selected restaurants, and a one-time floating breakfast experience.
In a statement, the resort’s management said the programme is intended to reflect the values of togetherness and reflection associated with Eid al-Adha, while offering guests opportunities to spend time with family and participate in shared experiences.
Through the three-day programme, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort is presenting Eid al-Adha as a combination of dining, leisure and cultural activities within a resort environment.
Featured
Reethi Faru Resort awarded Green Globe certification
Reethi Faru Resort has received Green Globe certification, recognising its compliance with international standards for sustainable tourism.
The certification reflects the resort’s stated commitment to responsible hospitality, with a focus on environmental management, social responsibility and operational practices across the property.
Green Globe certification is awarded following an assessment based on established sustainability criteria and verified through independent third-party audits. The standard reviews performance in areas including environmental management, energy efficiency, resource conservation, community engagement and sustainable operations.
With the certification, Reethi Faru Resort joins a group of hospitality operators worldwide that have met Green Globe’s sustainability requirements and demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improvement in tourism practices.
In a statement, the management of Reethi Faru Resort said the recognition reflects the resort’s continued focus on preserving the natural environment of the Maldives while maintaining the guest experience. The management added that sustainability forms part of the resort’s daily operations.
The Green Globe standard includes more than 40 core criteria supported by over 380 compliance indicators, providing a framework for assessing sustainability performance in the hospitality sector.
-
Cooking7 days agoMachchafushi Island Resort’s Suan Bua introduces menu inspired by Thai traditions and Maldivian waters
-
Cooking7 days agoHandmade pasta and island seafood shape new menu at Machchafushi Island Resort’s Mare Azzurro
-
Entertainment7 days agoDJ Lara Fraser and Giorgio Chiarello headline music and mixology week at Niva Dhigali Maldives
-
Action1 week agoMadifushi Private Island introduces next-generation gaming arcade
-
News1 week agoThe Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands marks five years with wellness, mixology and sustainability events
-
Cooking1 week agoThe St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort to host Marriott Luxury Dining Series 2026
-
Excursions7 days agoHoliday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives reports rare whale shark encounter
-
Culture7 days agoHilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa invites guests to immersive Eid island celebrations


