Featured
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives launches new activities with Jean-Michel Cousteau as part of Ambassadors of the Environment programme
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is developing its environmental programming in its continued work with world-renowned oceanographic explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau. The resort, celebrated for sustainable infrastructure, will introduce new activities to its Ambassadors of the Environment program, starting with its youngest guests.
The exclusive initiative is led by Jean-Michel Cousteau, a team of marine naturalists and leading global scientists, to provide unique experiences with the preservation of our planet at its core. Guests are able to explore the ocean depths in the legacy of the great Cousteaus and join newly formed research teams in their work to monitor the ocean habitat with drone technology. The program invites guests to discover and engage in the natural world, and to understand how their actions can help preserve it for future generations.

New additions for the resort’s junior guests in 2023 include the below activities.
An Expedition of Microplastic
An in depth look into everything involved in plastics and how this affects us. Junior guests will take to the beach and capture sand samples for further exploration. The budding scientists will take their field work back to base where with the use of microscopes will learn about microplastics, how they impact life in the ocean and the cycle of that journey to humans.
Little Conservationists
A hands-on activity including a wide variety of science experiments and games to investigate the incredible properties of water. Learning why water is fun, strange and essential. Kids will get hands on and a little wet while they explore the amazing molecule of water, the water cycle, how humans are harming our water systems and what we can do to protect this precious resource.
Aquatic Micro World
Back out in the field, junior guests will join Jean-Michel Cousteau’s marine scientists to discover the micro world of organisms living in the ocean. Using special nets to collect plankton at the water’s edge, it’s back to the microscopes to learn more about these stunning little creatures up close and personal.
During Cousteau’s latest visit the explorer was able to share with guests and the resort community findings from three newly discovered dive sites. Activities included locating a discarded fishing net and assisting with its removal, to the discovery of a gestation site for a congregation of nurse sharks. In addition to a series of inspired talks, Q&As and hosted dives for the guests of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Cousteau and the resort team spent time with children and students at the Dhiffushi School on a neighbouring island. Through sharing his story, latest work and research, Cousteau’s aim is to excite the regions’ future generations to champion the preservation of our natural world.
Cousteau comments. “Introducing the Ambassadors of the Environment program to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands was a dream come true. I’m honoured and proud that guests of all ages are able to participate in cutting edge programming curated by our naturalists. We aim to inspire and motivate people to appreciate the importance of protecting the nature that keeps our planet habitable, for us and all other species. Our message is always the same – protect our natural resources.”
He continues. “The health and richness of the coral reefs and the sustainable infrastructure of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands makes this one of the most exciting and impactful programs we have ever created.”
Committed to environmental education, the resort’s Ambassadors of the Environment program is designed for both adults and children, and since launching in 2021 has grown a progressive research community. Its collaborations are spearheading ground-breaking environmental studies, from the monitoring of ocean plastics with innovative conservation technology to the protection of threatened species including sea turtles. The program’s knowledge-share aims to influence guests and communities to live more sustainably with the belief that the world’s biggest investment to sustainability is in the planet’s youngest inhabitants.
For more information, click here or visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives
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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