Connect with us

Featured

Maldives Coral Institute to hold Coral Festival 2023 in Hithadhoo

Published

on

The Maldives Coral Institute (MCI) will host a ‘Coral Festival 2023’ in Addu, Hithadhoo from 28-30 April, bringing together scientists, NGOs, politicians, environmentalists, and members of the public to celebrate the Maldives’ coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

The Festival, held over three days, will feature prominent Maldivian and international scientists and marine experts for discussions and workshops about corals and how best to protect them in the era of climate change. The festival will also include music, culture, art and Southern food, as well as shops, interactive stalls, and games and activities for children.

The Festival will be held at the Maldives National University campus in Hithadhoo, and entrance is free.

Speaking about the Festival, MCI vice-chairperson Aya Naseem said: “We cannot hope to protect our coral reef ecosystems unless we understand and appreciate them. This is what this festival is all about, promoting a love and understanding of corals.”

Aya said that while the Festival will include scientific themed workshops, the majority of festival events are aimed at the general public and children so that everybody can participate.

The first two days of the Festival will take place at the MNU campus, with the third and final day dedicated to excursions, including a chance to dive with manta rays, visit and snorkel off Addu’s UNESCO nature park, and visit Hulhumeedhoo and its nature park.

Held just a few months before the 2023 presidential election, the Coral Festival will also provide an opportunity for members of the public to hear from different politicians about their plans for environmental protection. Leaders from all the major political parties have been invited to the Festival.

MCI last held a coral festival in early 2020, just before the pandemic. The 2020 festival took place in Kaafu, Thulusdhoo, and brought together the local community, scientists, NGOs, environmental activists, ocean experts, schoolchildren and university students, industry representatives, artists, and the country’s top politicians, including President Ibrahim Solih, President Nasheed, cabinet ministers, and senior President’s Office officials.

The Coral Festival 2023 is being held in conjunction with Maldives National University. Sponsors include: National Democratic Institute, Waitt Institute, Noo Raajje, Soneva, Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts, Equator Village, Pebbles, and Maldivian airlines.

Highlights from the 2020 festival can be viewed here: https://www.maldivescoral.org/events/coral-festival-2020

Continue Reading

Drink

Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar

Published

on

The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.

The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.

Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.

The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.

Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.

Continue Reading

Featured

Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground

Published

on

Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.

The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.

Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.

The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.

The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.

Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.

Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.

Continue Reading

Featured

World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Published

on

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.

The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.

Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.

InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.

Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.

The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.