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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.
Featured
Float & Flow Yoga debuts at Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives now offers guests a unique wellness activity: Float & Flow Yoga. Set amidst the picturesque surroundings of crystal-clear waters, this innovative session blends balance, movement, and mindfulness on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), fostering a joyful connection with nature.
Designed to accommodate both experienced yogis and beginners, Float & Flow Yoga provides a 60-minute session on the resort’s SUP Yoga Dock. This specially designed floating platform, shaped like a flower, features eight “petals,” each securing a SUP board around a central space designated for the instructor. Participants are guided through gentle yoga sequences that emphasise balance, breath, and flow.
Courtney Chambers, the resident Yoga Instructor at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, describes the activity as a joyful and liberating experience. She notes that SUP yoga encourages participants to embrace the playful side of the practice while reconnecting with nature.
Classes take place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:00 am, with a maximum of eight participants per session to maintain an intimate and supportive atmosphere. A minimum of three guests is required for each session. The class fee is priced at US$45 per person, inclusive of taxes and service charges.
Additionally, a professional drone photo and video package is available for US$25 per person, providing guests with a memorable keepsake of their experience.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable swimwear or yoga attire and to arrive 10 minutes early at the Perfect Wave Surf Shop for a pre-session briefing.
Whether the goal is mindfulness, gentle movement, or simply a splash of fun, Float & Flow Yoga at Kandooma offers an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect with both self and sea.
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Five-course Indian fine dining by Atrangi to feature at Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s June pop-up

Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced an exclusive culinary pop-up in collaboration with Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, the renowned Indian restaurant located at Jumeirah Al Qasr in Dubai. Scheduled from 7 to 12 June 2025, this special event will feature Atrangi’s Head Chef, Aniket Chatterjee, who will partner with the resort’s culinary team to present a refined five-course dining experience. This unique collaboration aims to reinterpret regional Indian dishes through a contemporary perspective.
Atrangi, inspired by the vision of acclaimed chef and restaurateur Ritu Dalmia, is celebrated for its bold and eclectic approach to Indian cuisine. Ritu Dalmia, a self-taught chef, began her culinary journey by launching Delhi’s first standalone Italian restaurant at just twenty-two. Over the years, she has established a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants across India and Europe, earning her widespread recognition in the culinary world. Representing her creative vision in the Maldives, Chef Aniket Chatterjee brings a modern sensibility and a profound respect for Indian culinary traditions, promising a dining experience that is both sophisticated and soulful.
For this special occasion, Chef Aniket has curated a bespoke menu that masterfully blends traditional Indian techniques with global influences. Guests will be treated to intimate oceanfront dinners and relaxed beach grills under the stars, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus available.
The dining journey will commence with a playful twist on the nostalgic chilli cheese toast, followed by pickled doodhi and smoked dahi. Main course offerings include Malvani chicken tikka with confit garlic, or for vegetarians, paneer peeli mirch tikka accompanied by spring onion curry. A whipped butter board will serve as a palate cleanser before guests savour dishes such as kappa meen curry or satu pulao with dalma, parwal, and burnt tomato chutney, celebrating the rich diversity of Indian flavours. The meal will conclude with an indulgent Indian sweet, followed by mignardise featuring pistachio soan papdi and a mini jalebi with rabri.
Chef Ritu Dalmia expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “The Maldives has always been a special country for me, having visited several times. It is a thrill to bring Atrangi to Jumeirah Olhahali Island, where we can showcase community-inspired dishes while celebrating the best produce the Maldives has to offer.”
The beach grill dinner at Shimmers Beach on 10 June will be priced at USD 225 plus taxes per person. On other evenings, the five-course set menu will be served at a designated ocean-view location for USD 195 plus taxes per person.
Featured
Summer of discovery awaits at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has launched ‘The Summer Collective: Masters, Explorers, & Extraordinary Moments,’ a carefully curated program of immersive experiences designed to inspire guests of all ages. Rooted in the resort’s core pillars—Nature, Exploration, Responsibility, and Culture—this summer-long celebration promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, discovery, and enrichment in one of the world’s most stunning destinations.
Running from June through August, the program offers guests the chance to engage with global experts and renowned personalities, each bringing unique knowledge and passion. Highlights include surfing sessions with professional big-wave surfer Nic Von Rupp, mindfulness and sound healing experiences with Susy Markoe Schieffelin, and hands-on science workshops with acclaimed educator Sergei Urban, widely known as TheDadLab. Each activity is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections.
For younger guests, the Ritz Kids program will feature a vibrant lineup of interactive activities that combine education with play. Children will embark on exciting journeys focused on science, sustainability, and creativity, while parents can enjoy world-class wellness treatments, bespoke experiences, and other luxury offerings at the resort.
Program Highlights:
- June – Nic Von Rupp: From June 17th to June 20th, professional surfer Nic Von Rupp will host an exclusive ocean adventure. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to ride the waves alongside the surfing icon through expertly guided sessions. The program includes four surf lessons, two for beginners and two for intermediate and advanced surfers, providing an unforgettable experience in the Maldives’ pristine waters.
- July – Susy Markoe Schieffelin: From July 10th to July 24th, renowned sound healer and mindfulness expert Susy Markoe Schieffelin will return to the resort for a transformative wellness journey. Guests will participate in daily yoga, sound healing, and energy healing classes designed to balance chakras, uplift energy, and promote inner radiance. Complementary food and beverage offerings will align with the seven chakras to enhance the experience. Special sessions for children will focus on self-expression and emotional well-being through sound, including ‘Throat Chakra & Kids’ Sound Healing’ and ‘Expression & Authenticity’ workshops.
- August – Sergei Urban (TheDadLab): From August 14th to August 16th, Sergei Urban, the creator of TheDadLab, will conduct a series of interactive workshops aimed at inspiring young minds and families. These hands-on learning experiences will engage children with themes of nature, engineering, sustainability, and culture in a fun and immersive way. One of these workshops will be integrated into the resort’s on-site programming for six months, allowing future guests to continue enjoying interactive discovery.
Additionally, Line, a contemporary cocktail bar from Athens, Greece, ranked No. 6 on The World’s Best Bars 2025 list, will bring its innovative cocktail creations to the resort’s EAU Bar. Bartender Vasilis Kyritsis will showcase Line’s sophisticated yet playful drinks, while Chef Panagiotis Polychronis will elevate the culinary experience with a zero-waste concept menu.
To round off a summer of family fun, Marriott Bonvoy invites families to enjoy an unforgettable stay across eight private island resorts in the Maldives, including The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Offers include complimentary full-board upgrades, free stays and dining for children, and curated experiences for all ages.
‘The Summer Collective at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ promises a season filled with adventure, learning, and connection, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a truly extraordinary journey.
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