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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru launch marine biology internship program

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The future of a nation is its youth – a truth acknowledged by a pioneering Marine Biology Internship Program hosted at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru in collaboration with the Baa Atoll
Council. Running from May 18 to 20, 2023, the three-day program inspired 12 students from 12 islands in the Baa Atoll to take a proactive role in protecting the oceans for generations to come.

Led by Four Seasons Landaa Giraavrau’s onsite marine biologists from conservation projects Reefscapers and Manta Trust, the program featured a comprehensive curriculum blending theory with practice. The focus was on the unique Maldivian ecosystem and its inhabitants including turtles, dolphins, and the ocean’s gentle giants, manta rays.

“We have long recognised our responsibility to contribute to the protection of the Maldives’ fragile marine world,” comments Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President & General Manager at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, “and we know that one of the most powerful and long-lasting ways to do so is through education. With the impact of climate change threatening communities and nature across the Maldives, we hope to support the nation’s youngsters to safeguard their heritage.”

During the program, the Grade 9 students enjoyed daily meals and stayed within Landaa Giraavaru’s spacious ocean-surrounded accommodation, further connecting them to the UNESCO wilderness they were there to learn about. Talk subjects included Ecology in the Maldives; Manta Rays; Turtles; Dolphin Identification, and Maldivian Corals while practical sessions such as Coral Frame Building gave the
youngsters a hands-on experience of the Resort’s conservation efforts.

By fostering an understanding of the Maldives’ fragile environmental situation and introducing them to experts who have dedicated their careers to ocean preservation, the mission was to inspire young Maldivians to explore Marine Science as a future career choice. The youngsters also learned how daily actions make a difference, knowledge they can take back to their wider communities.

On May, 20, 2023, making a closing speech on behalf of her fellow students, passionate young ocean protector, Aishath Aalaa Khaleel, commented: “This program has not only strengthened our understanding of the marine world but has also ignited a passion within us to protect and preserve these invaluable ecosystems. Thank you to our dedicated and knowledgeable marine biologists, guides, and
instructors who have accompanied us throughout this journey. We will keep your support with us as we aspire to have a positive impact on marine biology and conservation.” In a speech addressing how vital this generation would be as guardians of the surrounding UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Mr Ahmed Afrah, President of Baa Atoll Council, stressed that “every action makes a difference”, while highlighting the
importance of preserving the atoll for caring visitors of the future – tourism is the area’s largest source of income.

Ms Ifaasha Abdul Raheem, teacher representative for all Baa Atoll schools, spoke movingly about how “the responsibility lies with all of us, as educators, parents, and members of the community, to instil in our students the values of environmental stewardship….let us continue to work together, hand in hand, to preserve and protect the wonders of our marine environment for generations to come.”

With the first program being such a resounding success, the Baa Atoll Council and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru are already planning a similar experience for 2024. Reflecting on the future, student Aalaa went on to say: “Let us embrace the upcoming challenges and opportunities. Let us continue to gain knowledge, conduct studies, and contribute to the health of our marine ecosystems.
Together, we can create a more promising future.”

For more information on the marine conservation projects at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, visit marinesavers.com.

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Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories

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Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.

The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.

The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.

A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.

Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.

Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.

The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.

All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.

The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.

The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.

The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.

Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.

The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.

The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.

The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.

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.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026

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.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.

The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.

The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.

At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.

Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.

Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.

The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.

The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.

Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.

The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.

The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.

These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.

The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.

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Awards

Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027

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Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.

The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.

Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.

The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.

Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.

Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.

Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.

Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.

The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.

The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.

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