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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.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will welcome Indian chef and restaurateur Atul Kochhar for a culinary residency from 7 to 9 November 2026, coinciding with Diwali.
Kochhar, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, will bring the culinary approach of his London restaurant, Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, to Helios. The residency will present his contemporary interpretation of India’s regional cuisines, drawing on the traditions and influences that have shaped his cooking.
Rooted in Kochhar’s connection to India, the menu will combine regional flavours with contemporary techniques and carefully selected ingredients. It will reflect his approach to developing Indian cuisine while retaining its cultural foundations.
With more than 30 years in the industry, Kochhar has built an international reputation for his contribution to Indian dining. He received his first Michelin star in 2001, followed by another in 2007. His culinary philosophy brings together India’s regional diversity, traditional cooking practices and contemporary methods.
At Patina Maldives, this philosophy will be interpreted through the resort’s Indian Ocean setting and the multicultural character of the Fari Islands. The residency will give Kochhar an opportunity to adapt his culinary identity to the island and the Diwali celebrations, creating an experience shaped by the occasion and its surroundings.
Kochhar leads the Atul Kochhar Hospitality Group, whose portfolio includes Kanishka in Mayfair, Vaasu and Sindhu in Marlow, Riwaz in Beaconsfield, Masalchi in Wembley Park, Indian Essence in Petts Wood and Essence in Tunbridge Wells.
The residency forms part of Patina Maldives’ culinary programme, which connects guests with different cultures, perspectives and creative disciplines. Through Kochhar’s cooking, guests will have an opportunity to explore India’s regional food traditions and celebrate Diwali through shared dining experiences.
Baros Maldives will welcome guests for its festive season from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, with a programme centred on the island’s natural surroundings, Maldivian heritage and a series of culinary, marine and cultural experiences.
The programme will combine Christmas and New Year traditions with activities inspired by island life, including ocean excursions, local cultural experiences, festive dining and wellbeing sessions.
The season will begin with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, followed by a series of activities introducing guests to festive traditions and Maldivian culture. These will include a Christmas cookie workshop, an Ocean, Coconut & Spice cooking class, a Maldivian Heritage Evening and an Island Christmas Market.
Marine experiences will remain a central part of the festive programme. Guests will be able to join a Sunrise Nooma sailing experience, take part in fishing trips at sunrise or twilight, explore the house reef with the resort’s marine team or join a dolphin-watching cruise.
Private yacht excursions, visits to local islands and trips to Malé will also be available for guests wishing to explore beyond the resort.
Baros Maldives will also offer a series of culinary experiences throughout the festive period. These will include a Sake Pairing Dinner, a Great Gatsby-themed five-course dinner and a Champagne Dinner inspired by the Seven Seas.
Other dining experiences will include a Butcher’s Block buffet, an Omakase tasting lunch and a Master Chef Tuna Carving Show & Tasting. Guests will also be able to take part in wine discovery experiences, cocktail-making sessions and an Island Crafted Cocktails programme.
On Christmas Eve, guests will gather at The Lighthouse for a cocktail reception before continuing to Lime for the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner.
Christmas Day will feature breakfast, festive activities and time for guests to enjoy the beach, lagoon and other island experiences with family and friends.
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a Gala Dinner, live entertainment and the countdown to 2027.
New Year’s Day will start with a celebratory brunch, followed by a selection of wellbeing and dining experiences. These will include a beachfront degustation dinner accompanied by live violin and saxophone performances.
Younger guests will also have a dedicated programme of festive activities, including mocktail-making, Christmas cookie workshops and island-based activities designed for families and children.
Throughout the season, Baros Maldives will host live music, marine presentations, yoga and meditation sessions alongside its wider programme of dining, recreation and ocean experiences.
The festive programme is intended to reflect the character of Baros Maldives by combining Christmas and New Year celebrations with the island’s marine environment, culinary offering and Maldivian culture.
From 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, Niva Kuramathi will mark the festive season with “A Tropical Festive Season”, a programme of dining, entertainment, outdoor activities and family experiences shaped around the island setting.
The programme will make use of Kuramathi’s natural surroundings, including its house reef and sandbank, alongside its 12 restaurants and seven bars.
The festivities will begin on the evening of 21 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the sandbank. Guests will be welcomed with drinks and live music at sunset, followed later in the evening by a traditional Bodu Beru performance.
On 28 and 29 December, the resort will host a traditional Maldivian Market, featuring Bodu Beru drumming, a folklore parade and locally made artisanal crafts.
Christmas Eve festivities
Christmas Eve celebrations will begin on the sandbank at sunset, with welcome drinks and Christmas carols. Santa Claus and his elves will also make an appearance before guests gather for a gala buffet dinner.
The evening will conclude with an outdoor screening of a classic Christmas film under the stars.
Countdown to 2027
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin at sunset with cocktails on the sandbank.
A gala dinner will then be served across Farivalhu, Malaafaiy and Haruge restaurants before the countdown to 2027. Fireworks will mark the arrival of the New Year, while live music and DJ performances will continue at Fung Bar and Sand Bar.
Festive activities
Throughout the festive period, Niva Kuramathi will offer a programme of recreational, culinary and entertainment activities.
Guests will be able to take part in moonlit yoga sessions on the sandbank, sand sculpting, Sip & Paint evenings for couples and fire dance performances.
Sporting activities will include beach volleyball, a football match between the Niva Kuramathi team and guests, as well as kayak, pedal boat and stand-up paddleboard races.
The entertainment programme will also include wine tastings, karaoke, music trivia, live music and DJ evenings.
Cooking classes will be held at Kobe, where guests will be able to take part in sessions centred around the restaurant’s open kitchen experience.
The festive programme is designed to allow guests to participate in scheduled activities while also having the option to spend time at leisure.
The season will conclude on 1 January 2027 with a late-morning brunch and the first house reef dive of the year.
Festive programme for children
Bageecha Kids Club will host a separate festive programme for younger guests, combining recreation, creative activities and environmental learning.
Activities will include treasure hunts, splash pad games, cookie-making, arts and crafts, eco workshops, nature exploration, holiday films, karaoke, bracelet-making and gardening in the resort’s hydroponic garden.
Children will also be able to take part in scavenger hunts, mini-Olympic games, yoga and disco dancing, as well as shared lunches and dinners with other young guests.
On Christmas Eve, the programme will begin with a family photograph session, followed by gingerbread house decorating, writing letters to Santa, a palm-leaf handicraft workshop and outdoor games.
Christmas morning will feature a pyjama party with musical games and pool activities. Later in the day, families will gather at Athiri Deck to welcome Santa Claus, who will distribute gifts to children.
New Year’s Eve activities for younger guests will take place during the afternoon, with music and games around the pool followed by a children’s disco as part of the resort’s final celebrations of 2026.
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