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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives launches new activities with Jean-Michel Cousteau as part of Ambassadors of the Environment programme

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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

Awards

Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

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Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.

Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.

Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:

  • Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
  • Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
  • AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
  • Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
  • Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
  • The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
  • Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.

The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.

General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”

The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.

Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.

With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.

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Featured

Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

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Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.

Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.

Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.

South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.

Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.

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Entertainment

Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.

The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.

Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.

Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.

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