Featured
LUX* South Ari Atoll kick-starts 2023 with community donation event
LUX* South Ari Atoll, the renowned Maldivian resort of The Lux Collective, kicked off the year of 2023 by making wishes come true.
The Tree of Wishes ceremony is the long-living tradition of LUX* Resorts & Hotels, taking inspiration from temples in Japan and China, native American tribes, and even Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree art installation. Open to all guests, the ceremony invites the participants to make a wish, write it on a colourful ribbon and tie it around a branch of the island’s banyan tree. Once a year, during the festive season, one of the ribbons is picked at a lucky draw, gifting its owner with a free holiday at LUX* South Ari Atoll.
During the weekly wishing ceremony guests are also encouraged to make a voluntary donation to the resort’s care fund. Every year the collated amount is donated to a local social responsibility organisation, allowing more precious wishes to come true. This year, the team of the Ministry of Gender, Social and Family services received a USD 20,000 fund for the needs of local children deprived of parental care.

At the official community donation event, LUX* South Ari Atoll welcomed the representatives of the Ministry: Aishath Mohamed Didi – the Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services as well as State Ministers Mohamed Shihab and Dr Abdul Malik.

Hon. Aishath Mohamed Didi commented, “This initiative is important to us not because of the fund received, but for what it symbolises. This is about taking care of the community. To date, we have almost 200 children under the age of 18 under the state care, and they need a lot of love, care, and attention.”
“Serving the community is as important to LUX* South Ari Atoll team as delivering the best service to our guests”, said John Rogers, General Manager of the resort. “We are proud to provide continual support to the Ministry of Gender, Social and Family services in its strive to provide equal opportunities to every citizen of the Maldives”.

With the ethos “We Make Each Moment Matter. We Care About What Matters,” The Lux Collective is a hotel management company with passion for service. In the heart of its purpose, It is committed to operating in a considered, respectful manner, mindful of its contribution to future generations.
To learn more about our sustainability efforts and discover Extraordinary Experiences of LUX* South Ari Atoll, guests can book the stay at www.luxresorts.com, email the resort at stay@luxmaldivesresort.com, or call +960 668 0901.
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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