Featured
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru launch marine biology internship program
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.
Featured
The Standard, Maldives unveils new Premium All-Inclusive package
The Standard, Maldives has announced the launch of a new Premium All-Inclusive experience from May 2026, introducing an enhanced offering aimed at travellers seeking a seamless island holiday in Raa Atoll.
The resort said the new package was designed to combine dining, experiences and entertainment with the natural setting of the Maldives. It added that the offering had been curated with Indian travellers in mind, as India continues to grow as a source market for Maldivian tourism.
The package begins with champagne on arrival and includes access to dining across the resort’s outlets. Guests will be able to choose from three restaurants for lunch and five restaurants for dinner with prior reservation. The resort said the dining programme would range from Mediterranean dishes at Onda to Maldivian cuisine at Guduguda, offering guests a varied culinary experience throughout their stay.
The package also includes a beverage programme featuring premium spirits, wines, cocktails and beers, as well as a fully stocked minibar in each villa.
The culinary programme is led by Director of Culinary Nandakumar Dharuman. The resort said his Indian background adds familiarity for Indian travellers, with Indian breakfast options available alongside international selections. Vegetarian and Jain meals can also be prepared on request.
The Standard, Maldives said the resort would continue to offer a lively atmosphere through activities held during the week, including DJ nights, fire dance performances, bingo evenings and other social events. Breakfast DJ sessions are also part of the programme. In addition, guests booking the Premium All-Inclusive package will receive one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment and one island excursion.
Sonika Adlakha, commercial director of The Standard, Maldives, said India remained an important and growing market for the resort. She said the new Premium All-Inclusive experience was intended to offer Indian travellers a stay that combined dining, entertainment and the natural appeal of the Maldives.
Alongside its social spaces, the resort said it also offers quieter areas for guests seeking a more relaxed experience. All villas at the property include private pools and spacious living areas, allowing guests to stay close to the resort’s dining and entertainment facilities while also enjoying privacy.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives announces culinary collaboration with Chef Fabrizio Zanetti
Following a season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives has announced that Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti will visit the resort this October for a series of dining events.
The resort said the programme would offer guests an opportunity to experience Zanetti’s cuisine through a number of exclusive dining experiences.
Originally from St Moritz, Zanetti has led the kitchens at Hotel Suvretta House in St Moritz for more than a decade. The five-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, recently opened a new 4,670-square metre spa for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Zanetti has also worked at Michelin-starred establishments including Baur au Lac in Zurich and Savoy Grill in London. His work has been recognised with 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.
The collaboration at Kandolhu Maldives will begin on Wednesday, 14 October, with a three-course à la carte lunch at The Market.
A four-course dinner will follow on Saturday, 17 October, at Olive Restaurant. The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before dinner is served.
On Wednesday, 21 October, Olive Restaurant will also host a five-course Wine and Dine event, which will include a personal introduction from the chef.
Kandolhu Maldives said each evening event at Olive Restaurant would be limited to 22 guests, offering an intimate dining setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has encouraged guests to reserve early for the programme.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
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