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Marriott Bonvoy portfolio resorts in Maldives celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, Earth Day

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Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives recently celebrated two important events that fell over the same weekend this year – Earth Day and Eid Al-Fitr. Four of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives offered a range of exciting, fun-filled, and meaningful activities to mark the occasions. The resorts showcased their sustainability initiatives and cultural traditions while offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in Maldivian culture.

To commemorate Earth Day, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invited 17 students from Sh. Funadhoo School to discover and learn about the resort’s sustainability initiatives. The students enjoyed a special island tour that showcased the resort’s waste management plant, water bottling plant and JW Garden, a serene sanctuary that blends the beauty of nature with the art of gastronomy. A session on marine life and conservation efforts led by the resort’s marine biologist was also conducted. To mark the event, as a token, all students received a branded glass bottle and an agave plant from the JW Garden.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa continued its coral planting activity this Earth Day. The resort invited guests to participate in a coral planting activity led by in-house marine biologist Kate Sheridan from Reefscapers. More than 25 guests participated in fixing coral fragments onto a giant frame enough for 120 pieces of coral fragments. The initiative, which started in February 2020, has resulted in over 25,000 coral fragments spawning from 15 different species. Guests also had the opportunity to adopt a coral and promote reef habitats.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa also celebrated Eid Al-Fitr with a thoughtful celebration that embraced togetherness. Associates and their families enjoyed a day filled with family bonding activities, including making paper lanterns, canoe races and traditional Maldivian games such as Thin Mugoali and Faiga Thalhaa. The day concluded with a Kula Koadi Parade where associates dressed in colourful costumes marched around the resort accompanied by the upbeat rhythm of Boduberu. The evening was highlighted by an Around-The-World tantalising buffet dinner at Feast accompanied by a live band.

W Maldives also celebrated Eid Al-Fitr with a special oceanfront fire grill dinner at the resort’s FIRE Beach with premium cuts and seafood under the stars. As the celebrations continue through the week, guests will also be whisked away to the resort’s private island, Gaathafushi, on April 28th for a castaway Eid celebration accompanied by sumptuous cuisine and live DJ.

In celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort added to the festivities by organising a traditional Maali Parade on the island. The parade featured lively drummers and dancers, who delighted guests with their colourful costumes and rhythmic beats. The resort also invited children from Thulhaadhoo, a nearby island, to participate in the festivities, adding to the sense of community and inclusivity. The Maali Parade was a wonderful way for guests to immerse themselves in Maldivian culture and experience the island’s unique traditions.

To know more about Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in Maldives click here. For more information, please visit www.marriott.com

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AIDA brings over 2,000 tourists to Maldives in major economic boost

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Maldives recently welcomed the Italian-flagged cruise ship AIDA, carrying 2,139 tourists. Operated primarily for Swiss, Austrian, and German visitors, the ship arrived on December 8, 2024, from Muscat, Oman. This visit marks the first cruise ship arrival since regulatory changes were implemented at the request of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA).

The AIDA’s stopover is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists is likely to benefit various businesses, including restaurants, souvenir shops, local dhonis, guesthouses, and retail outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé. This surge in activity is anticipated to further solidify the Maldives’ position as a leading cruise destination in the region.

This milestone underscores the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings. Beyond its economic impact, the AIDA’s visit is expected to enhance foreign reserves and contribute to broader national economic growth. The vessel is scheduled to depart the Maldives on December 9, 2024, at 6 PM, after a brief yet impactful visit.

The Maldivian tourism industry continues to thrive despite global challenges. This achievement follows recent accolades, including being named the World Travel Awards’ (WTA) World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and earning the title of World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time. The successful introduction of cruise tourism marks the beginning of a promising new chapter, with future visits poised to further invigorate the industry and local economy.

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A Soaring Festive: celebrate the season in style at Ifuru Island Maldives

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This festive season, Ifuru Island Maldives invites guests to a tropical paradise celebration under the theme ‘A Soaring Festive.’ Taking place from December 21, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the event promises a vibrant, entertainment-filled program designed to create joy, excitement, and lasting memories.

Catering to diverse preferences, A Soaring Festive offers an array of experiences, from dynamic nightlife and unique performances to relaxed island vibes, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Renowned DJ Rawlo will headline the nightly entertainment, captivating audiences with high-energy performances and dynamic beats. Breaking away from conventional DJ stereotypes, Rawlo’s electrifying sets promise to keep guests dancing under the stars until late into the night.

Adding to the festive lineup, the talented duo Synthetic Seduction—comprising Evgeniya and Olcay—will deliver versatile performances, including soulful saxophone melodies, lively DJ sets, and engaging duo band shows. Whether guests are enjoying cocktails by the pool or dancing on the sand, this duo creates the perfect ambiance for both relaxation and high-energy fun.

For those seeking visual artistry, Jonas and Aygul will dazzle with awe-inspiring fire shows, mesmerising LED displays, skillful juggling acts, and elegant belly dancing. Their multi-faceted performances promise to light up the island with unforgettable entertainment.

Complementing the headline acts, ‘A Soaring Festive’ features a variety of activities designed to enhance the holiday experience. Guests can participate in beach games, competitions, and themed culinary events that celebrate the flavors of the season, ensuring a celebration filled with joy and excitement.

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New deep-sea fish species discovered in Maldives: Chromis Abadhah

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In a breakthrough for marine science, a new species of fish has been discovered in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Named Chromis Abadhah, the species derives its name from the Maldivian Dhivehi word Abadhah, meaning perpetual, symbolising the ongoing commitment to planetary conservation. The name also acknowledges the support of the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, which funded the research.

The fish was first spotted near Maafilaafushi in the Kaafu Atoll. Subsequent studies revealed that the species inhabits multiple regions of the Maldives, ranging from Lhaviyani Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll. Researchers documented the fish in eight distinct locations, indicating that it may be distributed across various parts of the country.

Chromis Abadhah resides at depths between 95 and 110 metres, in the mesophotic zone, where sunlight begins to fade. This habitat sets it apart from other species in its family, which are typically found in shallower waters of around 30 meters.

The new species belongs to the ‘Dan’ba’ family, a group of damselfish commonly found in Maldivian seas. However, Chromis Abadhah is distinct from its relatives in several ways:

  • Unlike other Chromis species, it lacks the characteristic black cross line near the neck.
  • Its upper shell comprises 14 bones, compared to the typical 13 seen in related species.

While other Chromis species, such as Chromis axillaris, Chromis pelora, and Chromis woodsi, are found in various parts of the world, Chromis Abadhah appears to be endemic to the Maldives, making it a unique addition to the region’s biodiversity.

The study was a collaborative effort involving Maldivian experts and international scientists. To better understand the species, researchers captured four specimens using a specialised net. Their findings, published in a scientific paper, highlight the importance of deep-sea exploration in uncovering hidden marine treasures.

The identification of Chromis Abadhah underscores the Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity and the critical role of research in its preservation. This discovery also emphasises the importance of protecting deep-sea habitats, which often harbour unique and endemic species.

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