Featured
Le Meridien Maldives Resort receives prestigious BCA Green Mark GOLDPlus Award
Within a year since opening doors in September 2021, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa’s exemplary work in their efforts to promote and practice eco-conscious holidays has earned the resort the prestigious BCA Green Mark GOLDPlus Award, an internationally recognised green building certification scheme tailored for the tropical climate.
Encouraging the industry and professionals to collaborate and develop green building solutions, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is raising the sustainability standards, in line with Marriott International’s ‘Serve 360’ sustainability policy – with a range of pioneering programmes that promote a culture of best practice throughout resort operations. The 141 villa resort debuted on the natural island of Thilamaafushi, an eco-conscious hideaway teeming with marine life, with a purpose to make a difference through its leading edge sustainability programmes, focusing on environmental protection, community engagement and marine conservation.
Fringed by a vast lagoon, the coral reef that forms and surrounds the resort islands is one of the most complex ecosystems on earth. A coral restoration programme has been put in place since construction of the resort, and implementation of educational programmes that target different age groups raise’s awareness of the importance of conservation among guests. Regeneration work of hard corals has already increased the number of marine life around the resort, particularly reef fish such as surgeonfish, damselfish, angelfish and more.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa has also taken a significant step towards self-sufficiency, ‘The Greenhouse’ is a semi-automated hydroponic system that produces fresh leafy vegetables for resort guests and consumption on neighbouring islands. The 500 m² greenhouse uses a range of state-of-the-art technologies, including an automated irrigation system that captures and recycles rainwater.
From its efficient recycling methods, to its desalination plant that converts seawater into fresh drinking water through reverse osmosis, to harnessing the power of the sun with its 480-kilowatt solar panel system, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa creates enriching experiences for the guests to explore and build deeper connections with the environment. Receiving the award by BCA as a sustainability leader motivates the resort to continuously prioritise on effective sustainable initiatives that is designed to create a positive impact in its surroundings and local community.
Launched in 2008, the BCA Green Mark Champion Awards recognises developers who demonstrate strong commitment towards corporate social responsibility and who have achieved a substantial number of Green Mark buildings at Gold level or higher. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) champions the development and transformation of the built environment sector, in order to improve the living environment of the world.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
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.
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