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CROSSROADS Maldives achieves Green Globe Certification

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CROSSROADS Maldives, the Indian Ocean’s first and only multi-island, integrated leisure destination featuring three award-winning resorts – Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, and SO/ Maldives, which is opening in late 2023 – and The Marina @CROSSROADS, a luxury yacht marina, lifestyle area, and culinary experiences, has been awarded the internationally renowned Green Globe Certification (GGC) following a recent sustainability audit, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

Developed by S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, Thailand’s leading real estate company, in partnership with Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd., CROSSROADS Maldives has adopted environmental best practices in accordance with Green Globe standards, which are recognised worldwide as the highest benchmark in the tourism and hospitality industry. Successfully attaining Green Globe Certification shows that CROSSROADS Maldives integrates sustainable, socially-responsible and environmentally-friendly processes throughout its daily operations.

This is the latest honour for CROSSROADS Maldives and its resorts, which also won the 2022 TTM Awards for Best MICE Destination and South Asia Travel Awards for Leading Yacht Marina Hotel/Resort.

CROSSROADS Maldives’ comprehensive Environment Policy covers four key pillars: Sustainable Management, Social & Economic Development, Environmental Practices and Cultural Heritage. Each of these strategies has been carefully designed to conserve the Maldives’ national resources and preserve the local way of life.

Two key facilities – the expert-led Maldives Discovery Centre and Marine Discovery Centre – are helping to drive to CROSSROADS Maldives’ social and environmental efforts.

Maldives Discovery Centre is designed to provide in-depth information about the Maldives’ culture, people, history, and unique environment and climate struggles. The facility is fully-equipped with interactive displays and staffed by knowledgeable, experienced guides.

Marine Discovery Centre is a pioneering conservation hub that aims to highlight environmental issues and showcase the destination’s phenomenal beauty. It features a marine biology laboratory and coral nursery, and regular initiatives include fish identification, coral propagation and more.

Dirk De Cuyper, CEO, S Hotels & Resorts, said: “S Hotels & resorts is a subsidiary of Singha Estate, which has passed down its vision of sustainable development and integrating the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially marine biodiversity (SDG 14: Life Below Water), into its business operations. Our company aims to balance big business with the integrity of marine biodiversity to create a balanced, diversity and sustainable growth strategy. This is very challenging, so we have to carefully monitor every aspect of our operations to ensure that it enhances the guest experience but does not impact the environment.”

“CROSSROADS Maldives is S Hotels & Resorts’ flagship project that can generate significant income for the group. In 2023, we will launch SO/ Maldives, the stylish new resort from Accor’s luxury lifestyle brand, which will offer guests a fun and vibrant vacation experience with a wide range of leisure options. All three resorts will have distinctive and different styles, resulting in the company expanding into more diverse market segments,” he continued.

“We are delighted to achieve Green Globe Certification, which is considered the highest global standard for sustainable tourism and hospitality providers. At S Hotels & Resorts and Singha Estate, we are committed to operating in accordance with the philosophy of sustainable development throughout caring for the environment and community is integral to every aspect of our business. We understand that we are only the guardians of our destinations and that we have a responsibility to protect and preserve them for future generations. Receiving this important accolade shows that we are succeeding. The Maldives is a truly breath-taking destination, and we look forward to showcasing its natural beauty to the world’s travellers for many years to come,” Mr. De Cuyper concluded.

To learn more about CROSSROADS Maldives, and how it is dedicated to preserving the Maldives’ precious ecosystems, biodiversity and local communities, please visit crossroadsmaldives.com.

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Angsana Velavaru shines in T+L Luxury Awards 2025 with top pool and GM honours

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Angsana Velavaru, part of the esteemed Banyan Group, has secured prestigious placements in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, ranking #8 for Best Resort Pool and #3 for Best General Manager in the Maldives. These accolades underscore the resort’s dedication to outstanding service, thoughtfully crafted accommodations, and guest-centric innovation.

Located in the unspoiled South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru features 113 villas—79 of which are equipped with private infinity pools. Among them are the celebrated Beach Villas and the signature InOcean Pool Villas, which extend elegantly over the lagoon’s turquoise expanse. Each villa is designed to offer a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, enabling guests to immerse themselves in nature with both privacy and style.

Central to the resort’s social ambiance is the Kuredhi Pool Bar, a lively and inviting venue that offers more than just refreshments. It serves as a communal hub where guests can enjoy curated experiences such as DJ nights, aqua aerobics, and wellness sessions. This programming reflects the resort’s vision of merging serenity with social vibrancy.

Spearheading this success is General Manager Ahmed Zahir, who was recognised as the #3 Best General Manager in the Maldives. Zahir’s inspiring career began three decades ago as a Laundry Supervisor and has since evolved into a historic milestone—becoming the first Maldivian General Manager within the Banyan Group. His leadership is characterised by a deep understanding of local culture, empathy, and hands-on experience across resort operations.

“This recognition is not only an honour—it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come as a team and as an industry,” Zahir shared. “I’m proud to lead with values shaped by the Maldives itself: resilience, hospitality, and heart. At Angsana Velavaru, we aim to deliver something genuine and lasting—for our guests, our people, and our community.”

Under Zahir’s stewardship, Angsana Velavaru has fostered a culture rooted in authenticity, local empowerment, and purposeful guest engagement. The resort remains committed to evolving as a destination that honours tradition while embracing forward-thinking experiences.

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Oaga Art Resort’s Samaasaa takes centre stage in Dubai’s art scene

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Under the desert sky of Dubai, Oaga Art Resort made its international debut with a striking performance by Raai Badeeu at the closing night of renowned light calligrapher Karim Jabbari’s exhibition, Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees, held at Inloco Gallery. The performance introduced audiences to Samaasaa, the resort’s original theatrical dining concept where storytelling intertwines with seasonal cuisine, and folklore comes alive through immersive performance.

Samaasaa represents a distinctive fusion of art and gastronomy, with each course unfolding as an edible chapter of a story. The concept invites guests into a world where tradition meets innovation, rooted deeply in Maldivian heritage.

The venue for the performance, Inloco Gallery, is an emerging boutique art space in Dubai known for pushing creative boundaries. Its third season was dedicated to ‘vanishing urban landscapes’—a reflection on the echoes of fading cityscapes. Central to this season was the work of Karim Jabbari, whose intricate light calligraphy transforms traditional Arabic script into contemporary expressions of cultural memory. His Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees exhibition explored the theme of ‘Lost Tradition,’ featuring a collaborative project with artist Khalil Abdulwahid that documented Al Satwa’s disappearing historic fabric and reclaimed calligraphy’s original role as a vehicle for communication and preservation.

In collaboration with Inloco Gallery and Karim Jabbari, Oaga Art Resort presented Raai Badeeu as part of the finissage—a moving farewell performance that seamlessly blended calligraphy, choreography, and storytelling. The immersive show transformed the gallery into a space of ancestral memory, myth, and poetic expression, embodying the artistic ethos of Oaga.

The performance also offered audiences an exclusive preview of Samaasaa Presents: The First Coconuts, Oaga’s upcoming theatrical dining experience. A specially curated segment from the show was performed, offering a glimpse into the mythical origins of island life through expressive movement and narrative.

As Oaga Art Resort expands its creative reach beyond the Maldives, this performance in Dubai marks the beginning of a broader journey. Guided by a spirit that is playful, poetic, and deeply rooted in island culture, Oaga is poised to share its unique stories with the world.

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JOALI Maldives welcomes FIX’s iconic chocolate in first-ever global expansion

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Dubai-based artisanal brand FIX Dessert Chocolatier, renowned for its viral chocolate creations, has partnered with JOALI Maldives – the Indian Ocean’s first art-immersive luxury island resort. Starting 2 July 2025, guests at JOALI Maldives will have the exclusive opportunity to indulge in FIX’s signature creation, The Original Dubai Chocolate, marking the first time the coveted dessert will be available outside the UAE.

Famed for its bold creativity, intricate layering, and unforgettable textures, FIX has redefined the modern dessert experience. This collaboration brings together two worlds of sensory delight – the imaginative world of FIX and the refined, story-driven luxury of JOALI Maldives.

As part of this partnership, FIX introduces Time To Mango, a brand-new chocolate bar inspired by tropical fruits, warm breezes, and the playful spirit of summer. Blending mango-forward flavours with nostalgic childhood treats and a whimsical touch of popping candy, the creation delivers a multi-sensory experience wrapped in rich chocolate.

FIX Dessert Chocolatier’s signature artistry and innovative flavour combinations align seamlessly with the philosophy of JOALI Maldives, a resort celebrated for its immersive art, sublime design, and curated experiences. According to FIX co-founder Sarah Hamouda, “This collaboration is about more than flavour – it’s about sparking wonder and delivering delight in unexpected ways. Seeing our creation featured at JOALI Maldives feels like the perfect match of storytelling and indulgence.”

Guests at JOALI Maldives will encounter FIX’s chocolates across various curated settings – from the private airport lounge and the resort’s artisanal ice cream shop to bespoke in-villa amenities and select evening turndown rituals. Every piece is hand-crafted in Dubai, carefully transported, and presented under the Maldivian sun as a true edible work of art.

Commenting on the partnership, Semiha Askin, Global Director of Sales and Marketing at JOALI, stated, “At JOALI, we embrace art in all its forms – from visual and spatial to culinary. Partnering with FIX Dessert Chocolatier allows us to extend that ethos into the realm of artisanal sweets. Their chocolate is more than a dessert – it’s an immersive experience our guests will remember, one bite at a time.”

This marks FIX’s first international placement, making JOALI Maldives the only destination outside of the UAE to offer the brand’s signature chocolate. The collaboration exemplifies a shared dedication to luxury, creativity, and culinary innovation.

Located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, JOALI Maldives offers 73 elegantly appointed beach and over-water villas, each accompanied by a personal Jadugar (meaning “skilled magician” in Dhivehi). The resort is a sanctuary of sustainability, immersive programming, and next-level wellbeing offerings, including the JOALI BEING Cure – the first outpost of sister retreat JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ pioneering wellness island.

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