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Sun Siyam Resorts embraces sustainability In support of Earth Day to ‘Invest in our Planet’
In line with this year’s international Earth Day theme, “Invest in our Planet”, and to demonstrate support for environmental protection, Sun Siyam Resorts is reflecting its values at the heart of the company and is dedicated to operating sustainably and responsibly in the Maldives and Sri Lanka while offering authentic guest experiences.
Under the helm of its sustainability programme, Sun Siyam Cares, the various island resorts carried out several environmental and sustainability efforts as well as guest activities in support of Earth Day 2023, from tree planting ceremonies, to reef, beach, and lagoon cleaning sessions, marine biology talks, and pledging ceremonies.
However, environmental efforts are not just for celebrations but part of an everyday effort to conserve our island homes and facilitate a better world. This is evident at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, as you snorkel spotting some of the best coral reefs in the Maldives and also a thriving coral garden resulting from coral planting efforts throughout the past five years. The island team has taken huge steps towards preserving the future of our planet as they pledged to plant 5000 trees in next three years
At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi the island team and numerous guests planted a total of 100 trees on Earth Day 2023, making it a total of 247 trees year to date, and bringing the island team one step closer to reaching their goal of 1000 trees in 2023.
Guests at Siyam World Maldives joined the island-based, local marine biologist Thuhu and the island team for a special island cleaning event in the morning, where everyone could actively “make a difference” and leave the stunning Maldives knowing that they had the experience of a lifetime, but also made an impact.
The Sun Siyam Cares programme prioritises sustainability through initiatives such as reducing energy and water use, managing waste to reduce plastic use, supporting community development, and investing in renewable energy. We also focus on conservation efforts and work to preserve local heritage and cultural practices. By following these sustainability practices, we aim to minimize our environmental impact, carbon footprint and contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the communities in which we operate.
With five resorts dotted across the Maldives, and one soon to reopen in Sri Lanka, Sun Siyam Resorts offers unforgettable experiences and affordable luxury for couples, families, watersport enthusiasts and travellers who are looking to make a change. From the biggest floating water park to the first horse ranch in the Maldives, to stunning overwater villas with slides into the ocean, a floating dining platform, romantic dining experience, the world’s first underwater jet pack in collaboration with Cudajet, and premium, all-inclusive dining and beverage packages- Sun Siyam Resorts is truly distinct and in a category all their own.
To find out more about Sun Siyam Resorts and its sustainability efforts and activities, please visit the website or book your stay at www.sunsiyam.com.
ELE|NA has been named Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the Maldives-based wellness brand’s contributions to the hospitality and wellness industry across the region.
The recognition comes as wellness continues to become an integral part of luxury hospitality, with ELE|NA working alongside resort partners to develop and operate wellness facilities that combine therapeutic experiences, trained professionals and operational expertise.
Guided by its Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, ELE|NA incorporates wellness into different aspects of the guest experience. Its six Pillars of Vitality – TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight – encompass therapeutic treatments, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, restorative sleep and nutrition. The framework allows individual resorts to develop wellness programmes tailored to their locations and guest preferences.
In addition to providing wellness experiences, ELE|NA works with hospitality partners on concept development, spa operations, therapist training and service delivery. Its operational model combines the individual characteristics of each resort with standardised systems and procedures aimed at maintaining service consistency across its properties.
Sustainability also forms part of the brand’s operations. All ELE|NA properties in the Maldives have received Platinum Sustainable Wellness Accreditation, recognising their approach to responsible spa operations, environmental management and community wellbeing.
The brand also invests in professional development through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, which provides training programmes for therapists and wellness professionals. The academy combines traditional therapeutic practices, practical training and contemporary wellness knowledge to support professional development and strengthen service standards across the industry.
The recognition at SATA 2026 comes as ELE|NA continues to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, extending its wellness concepts and services into India, Nepal and other emerging hospitality destinations.
With wellness increasingly influencing travellers’ accommodation choices and holiday experiences, ELE|NA continues to focus on integrating wellness services into resort operations while supporting the development of trained professionals and sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.
Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome award-winning chef James Knight-Paccheco, widely known as Chef JKP, on 11 and 12 December 2026 for two culinary events focusing on cooking techniques, culinary experiences and the exploration of new flavours.
On 11 December, Chef JKP will conduct a culinary workshop, offering guests the opportunity to cook alongside him, learn professional techniques and exchange ideas in the kitchen. The following evening, he will host a wine-pairing dinner featuring dishes prepared in his signature style, accompanied by wines selected by the resort’s resident sommelier to complement each course.
With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef JKP has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and restaurant projects across the UK and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. He is also the creator and host of The Chef JKP Podcast, which has recorded more than 6.5 million downloads.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, the culinary experience draws inspiration from the island’s surroundings, Maldivian flavours and traditional cooking methods, combined with international influences introduced by the resort’s team of chefs. This approach encourages the exchange of culinary knowledge and techniques, allowing guests to explore local dishes, learn new cooking methods and engage with the chefs responsible for their dining experiences.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo offers a setting where dining experiences focus on personalised service and interaction between guests and culinary professionals. Chef JKP’s visit is intended to provide guests with opportunities to engage directly with the visiting chef, gain insights into his approach to cooking and experience his culinary creations.
The culinary workshop will take place on 11 December 2026, followed by the wine-pairing dinner on 12 December 2026.
Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.
The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.
The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.
For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.
Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.
According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.
Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.
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