Featured
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences: Leading the way in sustainable tourism
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences, nestled in the midst of the beautiful Baa Atoll, is a pioneer resort in sustainability.
Nestled in the heart of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, lies the Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences, a pioneer in sustainable tourism. Over the past three years, the resort has embarked on an eco-journey that has seen it implement over 35 concurrent sustainability initiatives, including solar energy, coral propagation, recycling, and reducing packaging waste through its Homegrown@Amilla and Homemade@Amilla programs.
Amilla has a number of sustainability initiatives in place, including:
- Solar energy: The resort is powered by solar energy, which helps to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Coral propagation: The resort has a coral propagation program that helps to restore damaged coral reefs.
- Homegrown & Homemade@Amilla programs: The resort grows its own fruits and vegetables, and makes its own products, such as jams, pickles, and yogurt. This helps to reduce the resort’s reliance on imported goods and packaging.
- Sea turtle conservation: The resort works with the Olive Ridley Project to monitor and conserve sea turtles.
- Manta ray conservation: The resort works with the Manta Trust to protect manta rays.
- White tailed tropic bird conservation: The resort is home to a number of rare white tailed tropic birds, and the resort is working to protect these birds.
As an EarthCheck Silver certified property for the second year running, Amilla meets the highest sustainability standards in the hotel industry. The resort is committed to sustainability in every aspect of its operations, from its natural jungle surroundings and extensive gardens that grow fresh produce to its waste management program that sorts and processes its waste materials accordingly.
At the heart of Amilla’s sustainability efforts is the Homegrown@Amilla program, which helps the resort reduce its impact on the environment and lower its carbon footprint by growing fresh produce in the gardens. The resort’s Mystique Garden is located in the center of the island, where guests can wander and explore the lush greenery. The banana plantation, “Sweet Spot,” sweet potato garden, and mushroom hut, as well as the hydroponics garden, all provide fresh produce for the resort’s kitchen.
Meanwhile, the Homemade@Amilla program helps Amilla reach its sustainability goals by dramatically reducing food packaging waste. The program includes spa products made from the resort’s coconut oil and native plants, as well as a range of food items like yogurt, jams, and pickles. With wellness in mind, Amilla also makes a range of probiotic sodas, including 8 flavors of Kombucha and plant-based milks.
The resort’s commitment to sustainable tourism also extends to its marine ecosystem. Amilla’s resident marine biologist offers unsurpassable insight into the incredible Biosphere Reserve in which the island is located. Guests who stay at the resort can learn about the ocean, pursue adventures, experience the coral reef, and participate in ongoing research to personally make a difference to our fragile environment.
Amilla’s coral propagation program allows corals to regenerate and thrive by attaching coral fragments to metal frames and placing them in an ocean nursery, an ideal location for growth and regular monitoring and maintenance. The resort has also teamed up with the Manta Trust, an NGO dedicated to protecting manta rays and the marine ecosystems they inhabit, and the turtle conservation organization, the Olive Ridley Project, to monitor and conserve local turtles.
Amilla’s sustainability initiatives go beyond environmental protection. The resort has launched its first-ever Sustainability Series on YouTube, a carefully curated visual depiction of its various sustainability actions. Amilla also purchases items for villas made from recycled ocean-bound plastic, such as wet bags for damp swimwear, and protects rare white-tailed tropic birds, which now nest on the island due to the extensive jungle and abundance of undeveloped spaces.
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences is a shining example of sustainable tourism. With its commitment to environmental protection, waste reduction, fresh produce, marine conservation, and educational outreach, the resort is leading the way in sustainable tourism in the Maldives and beyond.
Renowned for its marine life and underwater experiences, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection, has been named Best House Reef at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026.
The award recognises the resort’s marine environment, which is accessible directly from its beaches and overwater villas. The annual TTM Awards and Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers from across the archipelago to recognise achievements within the Maldivian hospitality industry.
The island’s coral reef is home to marine species including resident sea turtles, reef sharks, tropical fish and eagle rays. Guests can explore the reef through guided excursions led by the resort’s resident marine experts, customised scuba-diving experiences and coral restoration initiatives designed to support the long-term preservation of the marine environment.
“Our reef is the living soul of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, shaping every visitor’s journey from the moment they step into our turquoise lagoon,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager. “To be named the Maldives’ Best House Reef is an immense honour, strengthening our commitment to nurturing this remarkable marine sanctuary so our guests can keep discovering its quiet magic beneath the surface.”
Travellers seeking underwater experiences can book directly with the resort to access exclusive benefits and guided marine excursions.
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.
The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.
During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.
“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.
“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”
The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.
The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.
Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.
Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.
The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.
This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.
The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.
“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.
-
Entertainment1 week agoIfuru Island Maldives to stage four nights of music and culture with Ripple & Friends
-
Cooking1 week agoRiva enters new chapter with Mediterranean concept at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll
-
Action7 days agoRoyal Island takes Best Dive Resort honour at TTM Awards 2026
-
Awards5 days agoMaldives’ first island-to-island zipline receives global excellence award
-
Action1 week agoDusit Thani Maldives named Best House Reefs at TTM Awards 2026
-
News1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi celebrates Golden Week and Mid-Autumn Festival with Golden Autumn Escape
-
Awards7 days agoVilla Nautica’s Araamu Spa wins Best Spa at TTM Awards 2026
-
Awards6 days agoThe Standard, Maldives wins Best Beach Resort at TTM Awards 2026