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Guinness World Record for longest underwater kiss sets new mark at LUX* South Ari Atoll in Maldives

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Global hospitality group The Lux Collective’s well-loved LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is the official resort host of South African-based conservation couple, Beth Neale and Miles Cloutier, who break the Guinness World Record for the longest underwater kiss to mark the Valentine’s Day 2023.

A mermaid at heart, Beth Neale is a 4-time South African freediving champion, conservation filmmaker, Pure Apnea Master freediving instructor and a qualified Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) advanced scuba diver. Together with her husband, a renowned director Miles Cloutier, they took their love to new lengths, breaking the previous world record of 3 minutes 24 seconds 34 frames set in Italy in 2010. Through sharing their underwater love story, they hope to inspire others to fall in love with the magic and wonders of the underwater world. The couple believes that oceans need all the love possible to safeguard them for the future generations.

The new record of the longest underwater kiss of 4 minutes and 6 seconds took place on 4 February 2023, at LUX* South Ari Atoll, one of the largest resorts in the Maldives. The event was attended by the Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator Mr. Swapnil Dangarikar who confirmed the achievement. The record was celebrated with a champagne ceremony on the island, followed by a surprise greeting by Trans Maldivian Airlines for the couple on their way back home.

During the celebration of this great milestone, Beth shared, “Breaking a Guinness World Record for the longest underwater kiss at LUX* South Ari Atoll is a dream come true – it is the world’s most romantic destination resort and the pinnacle of eco-conscious luxury. Surrounded by pristine ocean thriving with life, it is a true island paradise with no better destination to share our underwater love story!”

Miles enthused, “It is such a privilege to partner with The Lux Collective, which shares our goal of promoting sustainability and ocean conservation. The infinity pool overlooking the ocean was the perfect location for this world record breaking kiss. We feel that Valentine’s Day is the best time to share our new record, as it’s a reflection of our love for the underwater world and for each other. And what better way to make the moment last than with a 4-minute kiss!”

John Rogers, General Manager of the resort, added, “Our heartiest congratulations to Beth and Miles! It is an honour to witness the achievement, and LUX* South Ari Atoll is proud to be associated with Guinness World Records and to be part of this award-winning moment.”

This record showcases the Maldives as the ultimate romantic destination, and LUX* South Ari Atoll continues to be the top island resort for wedding and honeymoon travel as well as once-in-a-lifetime romantic getaways. Offering extraordinary experiences and surprises, this uniquely chic island offers the most inspiring eco-conscious luxury escapes for couples.

To learn more about romantic offers and extraordinary experiences of LUX* South Ari Atoll, visit  www.luxresorts.com, email the resort at stay@luxmaldivesresort.com, or call +960 668 0901.

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli launches Coral Frame Adoption programme on Earth Day

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To mark Earth Day, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection within the House of Siyam, launched its new marine conservation initiative, the Adopt A Coral Frame experience, during a morning event held on 22 April at Milano Beach on Dream Island.

The initiative forms part of the resort’s wider marine conservation efforts and is designed to give guests a direct way to engage with coral restoration while supporting the protection of the surrounding reef ecosystem.

During the launch, guests were introduced to the coral restoration process through a hands-on experience that explained how new coral growth can be supported through frame-based planting. Under the programme, guests are invited to select and adopt a coral frame, attach healthy coral fragments to it, and take part in placing it within the lagoon to help form a new reef structure.

The process begins with the collection of healthy coral fragments under the guidance of the resort’s marine biologist. These fragments are then secured to specially designed coral frames and placed in selected areas within the resort’s coral garden, where conditions are intended to support growth and marine biodiversity. Guests who adopt a frame will also receive updates on its progress, including photographs shared every six months.

The resort said the programme is intended to make coral conservation more accessible to guests while also highlighting the role of reefs in supporting marine life, protecting coastlines and maintaining ocean ecosystems.

Chaminda Upul, Group Sustainability Manager for Sun Siyam, said the initiative was designed to give guests an opportunity to contribute in a direct way.

“Earth Day is a reminder that even the smallest actions can shape something far greater,” he said. “With Adopt-A-Coral Frame, we wanted to create an experience where our guests can leave a positive mark on the ocean. It’s simple, it’s meaningful, and it stays with you.”

Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, said the resort wanted to create an experience that combines guest participation with long-term environmental value.

“At Olhuveli, we believe the best experiences are the ones that stay with you long after you leave. Adopt-A-Coral is our way of inviting guests to be part of something lasting, while caring for the natural beauty that makes this place so special,” he said.

Part of the proceeds from each coral adoption will go towards Sun Siyam Care, the group’s sustainability platform, supporting marine conservation and reef restoration efforts.

Through the launch of Adopt A Coral Frame, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is combining guest experience with reef restoration, reflecting a wider focus on environmental engagement within its island operations.

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Atmosphere Core reports progress on energy, waste and coral restoration

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Atmosphere Core has released its latest sustainability report, the Core Impact Report 2025, outlining progress across its Maldives operations in areas including energy use, waste management, marine conservation and community engagement.

Published on Earth Day 2026, the report sets out the company’s efforts to integrate sustainability into day-to-day operations and longer-term planning, at a time when tourism businesses face increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable environmental and social performance.

According to the report, Atmosphere Core generated 7.9 million kilowatt-hours of solar power over the past year, with renewable energy accounting for 13 per cent of its total energy demand. The company also reported that waste-to-value systems, including the conversion of 140 tonnes of organic waste into biogas energy, contributed to savings of more than 2.1 million litres of diesel and helped avoid over 5,700 tonnes of carbon emissions.

The report also details progress in reducing single-use plastics across Atmosphere Core’s portfolio of nine resorts. To date, the company said it has eliminated more than 2.1 million plastic bottles and 1.48 million plastic straws. These measures are supported by a centralised sourcing model aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing waste across the supply chain.

Marine conservation remains a central part of the company’s sustainability programme. According to the report, more than 16,600 coral fragments have been planted across 360 reef frames as part of restoration efforts intended to support reef regeneration around its resorts.

The report also highlights the work of the Atmosphere Foundation, the company’s non-profit corporate social responsibility arm, which is currently supporting 26 projects focused on education, livelihoods and community resilience. Among these is a bamboo-planting initiative that has established more than 3,700 plants across 45 locations in the Maldives.

Atmosphere Core said sustainability is embedded across the business rather than treated as a separate initiative, reflecting a broader shift in the hospitality sector towards operational accountability and measurable outcomes.

Commenting on the report, Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said: “At Atmosphere Core, sustainability is not a parallel initiative; it is fundamental to how we operate and grow. The Core Impact Report reflects our commitment to moving beyond reducing impact to creating lasting value for our communities and ecosystems.”

“As we look ahead, our focus remains on scaling these efforts in a meaningful way, ensuring that each of our resorts contributes to a more resilient and regenerative future,” he added.

Through the report, Atmosphere Core is positioning its sustainability strategy around data-led progress in environmental management and community engagement, while aligning its operations with wider industry expectations on climate and destination stewardship.

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SO/ Maldives introduces ‘Fight Fit’ wellness activation

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On Saturday, 25 April 2026, SO/ Maldives will stage its “Fight Fit” island activation as part of the resort’s ongoing 120 Days Fitness Challenge, bringing together fitness, wellness and local collaboration in a resort-wide programme.

Developed in partnership with Fight Soul Maldives, a local fitness collective focused on combat sports, the activation is designed to offer guests both participation and live viewing experiences while also bringing a local element into the resort’s wellness programming.

A key part of the activation is the Muay Thai Guest Workshop, where guests will have the opportunity to train with fighters from Fight Soul Maldives. Open to different fitness levels, the sessions will introduce the basics of Muay Thai through drills, technique-based training and group activity.

The programme will extend across the island through a series of activities including sunrise yoga, beach combat training, aqua yoga accompanied by DJ music, and sunset fight showcases. According to the resort, the aim is to combine physical activity with the island setting through a range of structured wellness experiences.

The activation will also include a healthy menu developed to support fitness and balanced living, in line with the resort’s wider wellness focus.

Guests will also be invited to take part in a skincare workshop and ritual linked to the launch of products from Comfort Zone. The experience will introduce skincare practices based on science and sustainability as part of the broader wellness programme.

In the evening, the programme will continue with foam parties, fire dance performances, and live Muay Thai and kickboxing exhibitions featuring athletes from Fight Soul Maldives.

Through “Fight Fit”, SO/ Maldives is presenting a wellness-led island activation that combines fitness, lifestyle programming and collaboration with local talent.

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