Featured
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi: World-class marine biology innovation
Shaviyani Atoll boasts one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons with crystal white sand, turquoise waters and abundant marine life. The Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is located on the western rim of the Atoll and is famous for its tranquil blue vistas across the Indian Ocean to a never-ending horizon. First certified by Green Globe in 2021, the resort has been re-certified for its high standard of sustainable tourism with exceptional contributions to marine biology.
Samuel Dixon, Sustainability Manager, says, “We’re so proud to achieve our second Green Globe Certification as we strive to become market leaders in sustainable practices and innovation that inspires the next generation of eco warriors.”
Sustainability Lab Project
In February 2022, Fairmont Maldives launched the Sustainability Lab, which was officially opened by the Maldives Minister of Environment Aminath Shauna, Maldives Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi, and Maldives’ Special Envoy for Climate Change Ms Sabra Ibrahim Noordeen.
As tourism continues to grow and develop in the Maldives, so too does concern regarding single-use plastic and its impact on the pristine ecosystems. Experts claim that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Fairmont Maldives’ mission is to fully recycle all the plastic waste generated by the resort and surrounding local communities, and ultimately, remove ocean plastic from the Maldivian environment.
The Sustainability Lab is the first of its kind in the archipelago, containing specialised machinery designed by Precious Plastic that transforms and repurposes plastic waste into beautiful bespoke souvenirs for guests, useful school equipment, and unique and exquisite furniture.
The Sustainability Lab has already made a difference by recycling over 3,720kg of plastic into a variety of different products including luggage tags in the shapes of marine animals, school rulers, clip boards, tables, chairs, beach paddles, plant boards and much more. The lab has also started recycling glass by separating bottles by colour before crushing and embedding them into 25mm plastic sheets designed for tables.
Fairmont Award Scheme for Schools
As part of the Sustainability Lab Project the resort launched the Fairmont Award Scheme in December 2021. The scheme is active across 12 schools with numerous workshops, educational presentations and activities being conducted including beach and reef clean ups.
Fairmont Maldives also hosts these schools at the resort where the students are led through a workshop by local Maldivian Sustainability Ambassadors. Students are given a detailed orientation of the Sustainability Lab and the entire process from plastic waste to recycled plastic products. By showing children first-hand how plastic is not just garbage but can be used to make their very own furniture, the resort hopes to clearly demonstrate creative and useful ways of recycling waste. Fairmont Maldives aims to inspire the next generation of eco-warriors, who will lead the change in protecting the local environment and biodiversity from plastic pollution.
Marine Conservation: The Coralarium & Turtle Rangers
The Coralarium is the world’s first semi submerged art installation and most importantly it is the centre of Fairmont Maldives’ coral restoration program. The Coralarium is made using PH neutral non-toxic compounds that contain no harmful pollutants to marine life and help stimulate coral growth by catching vital biomass on its structure. After 5 years underwater, the Coralarium is covered in new live coral and provides the perfect habitat space for over 120 different fish species and marine life.
Protecting the Maldives’ rich biodiversity is essential to Fairmont Maldives sustainability. One of the most endangered marine species in the Maldives is sea turtles. The biggest problem facing sea turtles in the world today, is the large quantity of plastic and ghost nets (discarded commercial fishing nets) polluting the oceans.
In January 2022, Fairmont Maldives launched the Turtle Rangers Programme, where guests come and learn about turtles from the resort’s resident marine biologist. As part of the programme, guests can join guided snorkel tours to the house reef to collect photo ID data of turtles and actively help in the turtle conservation program. The resort has also launched branded rash-guards in collaboration with the Turtle Rangers Program, with all revenue from sales re-invested back into the Sustainability Lab Project.
To further emphasise the importance of tackling the plastics & ghost net problem, the resort has partnered with the Olive Ridley Project, an NGO based in the Maldives focusing on turtle research. A variety of conservation tasks, including nest protection, baby turtle release, rescue missions and photo ID tracking to monitor migration and lifecycle patterns are conducted as part of the program. In the last 18 months, the resort has released over 800 baby turtles born on their beaches, greatly contributing to the survival of the Maldivian Green and Hawksbill population. The resort hopes over the next few years to be able to contribute a larger quantity of photo ID data, essential for tracking migration patterns of the resident turtle population, as well as make new discoveries in turtle animal behaviour.
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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