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Travel with purpose at Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio resorts in Maldives

The last Wednesday of October is marked as Sustainability Day to remind the community of the importance of caring for the environment and the steps to do so. 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. In 2021, 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.
These four resorts from Marriott Bonvoy’ portfolio in the Maldives are taking new and enhanced initiatives to do their bit for the environment, oceans and community:
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

Sustainability is at the heart of the multi-generational JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa’s ethos and the island haven offers interactive activities for the entire family to enjoy whilst keeping a sustainable approach in place. The resort’s marine biologist leads fun and interactive chats for all ages at ‘Marine Talk’ where guests can learn about the importance of coral, how the resort is preserving it and delving into the wonderful wildlife which inhabits Vagaru Island. Through the FAMiLY by JW Little Griffins Kids Club, arts and crafts sessions aim at reducing waste and providing kids with tangible knowledge and experience on recycling and sustainability. Children can use a plethora of day-to-day items from plastic bottles to paper cups and toilet paper, or even leaves from around the beautiful resort, to create art and celebrate this idyllic island while understanding the impact of waste. The Kids Club facilitators teach children through interactive and fun activities, how each one of us can play a part to support climate change and sustainability.
“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.
W Maldives

Whether you’re looking to follow your dietary discipline, or experience what sustainable dining entails even while you’re in the middle of the ocean – look no further! W Maldives is elevating it’s culinary offerings by collaborating with celebrity vegan chef & sustainable cuisine champion, Chef Priyanka Naik, who has created a pop-up menu that would be available exclusively at the resort until October 2023. With a focus on local and sustainably sourced ingredients while maintaining stylish presentation and bold flavors true to the brand, the menu is sure to entice not just vegans but also the non-vegans to give it a try.
The luxury playground in North Ari Atoll has also partnered with cutting-edge Hong Kong swimwear label Mazu Resortwear to create exclusive prints with a bold message in mind. Made out of 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 since 2021.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

The Adopt a Coral initiativeat Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spainvites 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, 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 programme 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.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

As part of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers guests an experience to be able to contribute meaningfully to the community by promoting the traditional art of lacquer to travellers coming to Maldives, making it profitable and helping to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Liyelaa Jehun for future generations. Lacquer work, known locally as Liyelaa Jehun, is a traditional art believed to have come to the Maldives centuries ago from Chinese traders and settlers. It is now only practiced by a few locals and is at risk of being lost forever. At The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort guests are invited to join the interactive workshop with local lacquer workers, to learn the art and help preserve one of the oldest traditional crafts in the Maldives. Guests can learn and mold the intricate craft themselves with local artisans guiding them. Guests participating in the experience play a key role in supporting the local artisans and the industry. The workshops not only give guests the chance to create something of their own, but also to help keep the art alive. By buying crafts directly from the producers, they directly support the local economy, and by taking pieces of the art back home, guests are helping to preserve the traditional craft and heritage and spread awareness about it too.
The resort has also launched a new project to protect and restore coral reefs. The team at AQUA, the watersports centre 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.
To know more about the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in Maldives click here. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com
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Game, set, match: ultimate active escape at Ellaidhoo Maldives

For many travellers, a visit to the Maldives evokes images of overwater villas, blue skies, and crystal-clear waters filled with marine life. However, at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the island experience extends beyond the shoreline, encouraging guests to embrace their competitive spirit and remain active in paradise. The resort offers an extensive range of facilities, including two badminton courts, a tennis court, a squash court, a volleyball court, and a playground. Additionally, visitors can enjoy table tennis, exercise in the fully equipped gym, or engage in a friendly match by the ocean breeze.
A day at the resort can begin with an energising workout in the gym, followed by a spirited match on the tennis court. As the afternoon heat intensifies, guests have the opportunity to cool off with a snorke;ling excursion at one of the world’s most renowned reefs or unwind with a rejuvenating spa session at the Chavana Spa, operated by the prestigious Mandara Spa. In the evening, another chance for sport presents itself—perhaps a thrilling game of badminton under the resort’s lights, concluding with a beachside cocktail at the Iruohsenee Bar as the sun sets on the horizon.
For those seeking an added element of excitement during their stay, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers a unique challenge—how many different sports can be tried in a single visit? From racket sports to beach volleyball, guests can curate their own mini-tournament, competing against fellow travellers or family members in a friendly contest. With every activity accompanied by breathtaking ocean views and exceptional hospitality, this challenge promises a truly unparalleled experience.
While the Maldives has long been celebrated for its water sports, land-based activities also play an integral role in island culture, with locals frequently participating in traditional games, football, and volleyball. Resort Manager Hassan Shihab, a passionate advocate for sports and fitness, emphasises the resort’s distinctive approach to active living, “Sports and wellness are deeply ingrained in Maldivian culture, and a great holiday is about finding the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. At Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, we provide the ideal space for guests to enjoy the best of both worlds. We believe that movement is key to a fulfilling escape, and our island offers the perfect setting to stay active while immersing in the beauty of the Maldives.”
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a destination where guests can experience both the wonders of the ocean and the thrill of competition. With every match played against the backdrop of crashing waves, sports become an integral part of an unforgettable Maldivian adventure. Game, set, match—an active island escape awaits at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon.
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Siyam World welcomes Javier Saviola for youth football extravaganza

Siyam World Maldives is inviting young football enthusiasts to take part in an extraordinary experience with Argentine football legend Javier Saviola. From April 24th to 28th, 2025, aspiring players aged 5 to 12 will have the unique opportunity to train with the former FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Argentina national team star in an action-packed Football Camp at the resort’s FIFA-sized stadium.
Following in the footsteps of football icons such as Alessandro Del Piero, Esteban “Cuchu” Cambiasso, Carles Puyol, Marco Materazzi, Robert Pirès, Rio Ferdinand, and Pepe Reina, this five-day camp promises intensive coaching sessions, interactive drills, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with Saviola. The camp will take place daily from 16:30 to 18:00, providing young players with a rare chance to refine their skills under the mentorship of a world-class footballer. With limited spots available, early reservations are strongly recommended.
Javier Saviola, a retired Argentine footballer, is renowned for his exceptional dribbling and goal-scoring abilities. His career highlights include league titles with Barcelona and Benfica, a UEFA Europa League victory with Sevilla, and an Olympic gold medal with Argentina in 2004. Additionally, he was named South American Footballer of the Year in 1999 at just 18 years old.
Siyam World is already recognised for redefining island escapism, and its commitment to delivering remarkable sporting experiences is no exception. Whether hosting high-energy football camps or curating a lineup of world-class events, the resort continues to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and luxury in the Maldives.
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Emerald Maldives hosts tennis masterclasses with Filippo Volandr

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, a distinguished 5-star deluxe property and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced a collaboration with Filippo Volandri, the esteemed coach of the Italian National Tennis Team.
From February 21 to 28, 2025, Volandri will conduct six exclusive tennis masterclasses, designed to cater to both children and adults seeking to improve their skills on the court.
As the coach behind Italy’s 2024 Davis Cup victory and a key figure in the Italian national tennis team, Volandri brings extensive expertise and a passion for the sport. Known for his strategic approach and ability to inspire players of all levels, he offers a coaching experience that is both insightful and engaging.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to enhance their tennis abilities under Volandri’s tailored guidance. Whether seasoned players or newcomers to the sport, attendees will benefit from expert insights into technique, strategy, and gameplay. These sessions will take place at the resort’s world-class tennis facilities, set against the serene backdrop of the Maldives, creating an unforgettable environment for skill development.
Rohit Chhettri, General Manager of Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The collaboration with Filippo Volandri provides our guests with an extraordinary opportunity to learn from one of tennis’s finest coaches while enjoying the unmatched luxury and natural beauty of our resort.”
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