Connect with us

Featured

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

Published

on

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.

Drink

Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar

Published

on

The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.

The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.

Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.

The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.

Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.

Continue Reading

Featured

Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground

Published

on

Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.

The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.

Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.

The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.

The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.

Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.

Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.

Continue Reading

Featured

World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Published

on

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.

The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.

Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.

InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.

Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.

The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.