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Environment Day, Oceans Day, Wellness Day celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru, Angsana Velavaru

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As a trailblazer in sustainable tourism focusing on the purpose-driven mission of stewardship and wellbeing, and a founding signatory of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in Singapore, the Banyan Tree Group inspires by example through an array of impactful and proactive initiatives to promote and support wellness and sustainability while offering exceptional design-led guest experiences to “embrace the environment and empower people”.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru, the three EarthCheck Gold certified properties under the umbrella of the Banyan Tree Group in the Maldives celebrated three important observances in June, namely World Environment Day, World Oceans Day and Global Wellness Day, with simultaneous programme line-up as a testament of their commitment to environmental protection and community development. 

#BeatPlasticPollution on World Environment Day

The theme for this year’s World Environment Day, marked on 5 June is “#BeatPlasticPollution”.  Today, the world is being inundated by plastics, and this campaign shines a spotlight on living without throwaway plastic goods – conveying a message to everyone that it is time to put a stop to plastic pollution. 

In the Maldives, tons of plastic end up in the ocean, threatening marine life, and ruining its famous pristine beaches.  With this, the Maldives government has banned the production of single-use plastics nationwide effective 1 June last year.

To help in preserving the beauty of this island nation, the three properties carried out local island clean-up, in a bid to raise public awareness about environmental conservation.  The associates of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru visited Himmafushi Island in North Malé Atoll.  Together with the local community members, the team collected 156 kilograms of rubbish – mostly plastics.  Meanwhile, Angsana Velavaru’s associates went to Rinbudhoo, also known as the “jewellers island” in South Nilandhe Atoll, and hand in hand with its residents, they collected almost 371 kilograms of rubbish, composed mainly of plastics.

In 2022, the Banyan Tree Group composed of 63 hotels and resorts in 23 countries successfully reduced the utilisation of single-use plastic by 32% versus 2017 baseline, after pledging to go plastic-free on Earth Day in 2018.

Reef Relief on World Oceans Day

Since 1996, conservation efforts have started at Dhawa Ihuru, formerly known as Angsana Ihuru.  Home to the signature dive spot, Rannamaari Wreck, which lies 26-metre deep a few metres off the house reef endowed with abundant marine life, it is dubbed as one of the best house reefs in the Maldives.

In 2004, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s Marine Lab officially opened, the first resort-based facility in the Maldives to provide basic facilities and equipment for field work, and to share the importance of marine conservation and sustainable livelihoods with local communities.  Shortly afterwards, in 2007, Angsana Velavaru opened the second one with the same objective.

At the Marine Conservation Lab, dedicated conservation efforts to create awareness and protect the endangered marine species are in place, such as coral planting, a process that facilitates reef recovery, providing an opportunity for naturally broken coral pieces to grow in colony and creating a coral nursery. Coral reefs host around 25% of all species within the marine environment, and the restoration efforts done by the three properties aid in the conservation and propagation of the marine ecosystem.

Commemorated on 8 June, this year’s World Oceans Day theme is “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing”, which “aims to raise awareness about the result of human activities on the oceans and to motivate people to use the ocean’s resources sustainably”.

Showing support to this cause, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru conducted marine talks, coral planting and reef clean-up, engaging both associates and guests. 

‘Self-Others-Nature” Approach to Wellness

While every guest’s journey to wellbeing varies, the Banyan Tree Group offers a series of learning and practices, as well as the magical touch of traditional Asian healing philosophies.  Each journey is designed according to the Banyan Tree Group’s 8 pillars of wellbeing, wherein the holistic approach is focused on the significance of restoring, as well as maintaining the delicate and the right kind of balance between nature and humanity.

The award-winning Banyan Tree and Angsana Spas, alongside the new 8lements Spa deliver authentic treatments and impactful therapies, coupled with the best practices and impeccable service designed to cultivate care for one’s self, others and nature. 

In celebration of Global Wellness Day on 10 June, Angsana Velavaru hosted a Sunrise Power Walk for its associates and guests.  To encourage guests to relax amidst the swaying palm trees and indulge in a well-deserved tune up, Angsana Spa’s Essence of Angsana is available with good value savings for the whole month.

Meanwhile, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru conducted a Sunset Healthy Breathing Exercise for the guests.  For those who would like to feel good and look good even better, Facial Retreat and Spa Series with special offers are available at the Banyan Tree Spa during the entire month.

Finally, Dhawa Ihuru held Morning Healthy Breathing Exercise for the guests. Similarly, 8lements Spa offers special Facial Retreat and Spa Series to those who would like to embark on a rejuvenating journey until the end of June. Furthermore, this recently rebranded island retreat invites travellers to live the beachfront life in relaxed and private comforts. Take advantage of the Summer to Remember package that includes daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, 20% savings on Destination Dining, complimentary return speedboat transfers, and complimentary select resort activities. 

To book the Summer to Remember, visit www.dhawa.com or email reservations-ihuru@dhawa.com.

Entertainment

Ifuru Island Maldives to stage four nights of music and culture with Ripple & Friends

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From 17 to 21 September 2026, Ifuru Island Maldives welcomes Ripple & Friends for an intimate island gathering bringing together music, live performance, art, wellness, movement, dining and unforgettable shared moments.

From 17 to 21 September 2026, Ifuru Island Maldives introduces Ripple & Friends in collaboration with Ripple Effect for an intimate island gathering bringing together music, live performance, art, wellness, movement, dining and unforgettable shared moments.

Ripple Effect is a Maldives-based creative company shaping experiences where music, hospitality and culture come together. From distinctive events to original music production, moments are created to bring people together and leave a lasting impression.

The “& Friends” is more than a name. It represents everyone who joins the gathering, creating an experience centred on music, good food, creativity and genuine connection.

Rather than following the format of a conventional music festival, Ripple & Friends is designed to move with the natural rhythm of island life. Each day brings its own defining moments, while leaving guests with the freedom to slow down, explore Ifuru Island and enjoy the experience at their own pace.

Across four days and nights, the programme moves between sunset sessions, live performances, DJ led nights, poolside gatherings, shared dining experiences, art, wellness and movement, before coming together for a unplugged jam session.

Four days; four distinctive rythms 

DAY ONE | FIRST RIPPLE
Thursday, 17 September 2026

The first ripple begins at sunset.

Guests gather at Waterfront as the sun goes down over Ifuru Island, setting the tone for the days ahead with music, dining and a first night dedicated to nostalgic sounds and good company.

  • Sunset Session at Waterfront
  • Welcome Dinner at Waterfront
  • 90s & Disco House at Hubba Hubba
  • Dress Code: White

From the first sunset session to the late night atmosphere at Hubba Hubba, Thursday is designed as an introduction to the people, music and spirit that will shape the rest of Ripple & Friends.

DAY TWO | LOW TIDE
Friday, 18 September 2026

Friday begins with movement before the tempo rises.

Dynamic Stretch with Martha at the Pool Deck starts the day, followed by an R&B and Hip Hop Brunch and a Pool Party, bringing music into the heart of the daytime island experience.

As evening arrives, guests come together for a BBQ Dinner at Social House before the night continues with After Dark at Hubba Hubba.

  • Dynamic Stretch with Martha at the Pool Deck
  • R&B and Hip Hop Brunch
  • Pool Party
  • BBQ Dinner at Social House
  • After Dark at Hubba Hubba

Low Tide brings together wellness, food, music and poolside energy in a day designed to move effortlessly from morning into night.

DAY THREE | HIGH TIDE
Saturday, 19 September 2026

Saturday sees the energy rise with High Tide.

The day begins with Morning Stretches with Sharu at the Pool Deck, offering a slower start before the island shifts towards an evening of music and celebration.

As sunset approaches, guests gather for a Sundowner at Beach Club, before the night reaches its peak with High Tide at Hubba Hubba.

  • Morning Stretches with Sharu at the Pool Deck
  • Sundowner at Beach Club
  • High Tide at Hubba Hubba

High Tide captures the contrast at the heart of the experience, moving from a relaxed island morning to sunset gatherings and an energetic Saturday night.

DAY FOUR | WHINE DOWN
Sunday, 20 September 2026

After three days of music, movement and shared experiences, Sunday brings a change of pace with Whine Down.

The evening begins with a Sundowner by the Pool, bringing everyone back together as the sun begins to set.

The night then moves to Hubba Hubba for Whine Down, closing the fourth full day of Ripple & Friends with music, connection and one more night shared among friends.

  • Sundowner by the Pool
  • Whine Down at Hubba Hubba

It is a fitting final full night for a gathering built around taking time, meeting people and enjoying each moment without rushing towards the next.

LAST RIPPLE
Monday, 21 September 2026

Ripple & Friends does not simply end after the fourth night.

On Monday, guests come together one final time for Last Ripple, featuring an Unplugged Jam Session at Hubba Hubba.

Stripping the experience back to live music and the people who have shared the previous four days, Last Ripple offers an intimate conclusion to the gathering before guests say goodbye to the island and to new friends made along the way.

  • Unplugged Jam Session at Hubba Hubba

At the heart of Ripple & Friends is a collective of talent spanning duos, selectors, art, wellness and movement.
The 2026 gathering features:

  • Inma & Mira
  • Farey & Nish
  • Afruh
  • Tappu
  • Amney & Aleef
  • Martha
  • Studio Odi by Naani
  • Sharu

Together, they bring different creative dimensions to the island, allowing the programme to move naturally between music, performance, art, wellness and movement throughout the four days.

What sets Ripple & Friends apart is its intentionally unhurried approach.

Instead of creating a packed schedule that asks guests to move constantly from one event to another, the experience allows the island itself to become part of the programme.

One moment each day is shaped around the Ripple & Friends community, while the rest leaves room for guests to wander, discover and enjoy Ifuru Island on their own terms.

Music moves between Waterfront, the Pool Deck, Beach Club and Hubba Hubba. Meals become social gatherings. Wellness and movement provide a different rhythm to the mornings, while sunsets naturally bring everyone back together.

At its heart, Ripple & Friends is about the people sharing those moments.

Guests may arrive as names on a list, but the idea is simple: Come as a guest, leave as a friend.

For more information, please visit the resort’s official website or contact bookingmagic@ifuruisland.com.

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Entertainment

Sun Siyam Olhuveli turns three islands into Carnival of the Isles this festive season

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Forget the traditional festive getaway. This December, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection by Sun Siyam, is turning three interconnected islands into one vibrant celebration as Carnival of the Isles returns from 21 December 2026 to 8 January 2027. Bringing together world-class entertainment, island culture and unforgettable experiences, this year’s line-up is headlined by BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra’s Jeremiah Asiamah, alongside returning British Rapper & DJ Ironik, Canadian Belly Dancer Nourah, and LA-Based Performance Company Wildfire Arts.

Created exclusively for Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Carnival of the Isles reimagines the festive season through the vibrant lens of island life. More than a holiday programme, it transforms the resort into one continuous celebration where music, culture, food and adventure unfold across three unique islands, each with its own atmosphere yet connected through one unforgettable experience. From sunrise wellness sessions and family adventures to waterfront celebrations, beach clubs and after-dark entertainment, guests are invited to discover a festive escape that feels spontaneous, social and unmistakably Maldivian.

Leading this year’s entertainment programme is Jeremiah Asiamah, one of the UK’s most exciting DJs and broadcasters. Best known for his influential shows on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra, Jeremiah has become a defining voice in Afro House, Amapiano and global electronic music. From Glastonbury, Wireless Festival, Notting Hill Carnival and Ushuaïa Ibiza to collaborations with Prada Beauty, London Fashion Week and Arsenal F.C., his unique blend of music, fashion and culture has made him one of the UK’s most exciting creative talents. This festive season, he brings his signature festival energy to the shores of the Maldives with an exclusive series of performances for Carnival of the Isles.

Returning by popular demand is DJ Ironik, the British rapper, DJ and producer behind the Platinum-selling hit Tiny Dancer (Hold Me Closer) featuring Chipmunk and Elton John. Renowned for his crowd-pleasing sets that effortlessly blend chart favourites with club classics, Ironik returns to headline the resort’s biggest beach parties and New Year’s celebrations, keeping the energy high long after sunset.

Adding an entirely different dimension to this year’s programme is Nourah, the internationally acclaimed Canadian belly dancer whose performances combine the elegance of traditional Middle Eastern dance with contemporary artistry. Having captivated audiences at luxury resorts, international festivals and prestigious events around the world, her graceful performances bring a sense of theatre and cultural richness to the island’s festive evenings.

Completing the line-up is the return of Wildfire Arts, the Los Angeles-based performance company celebrated for transforming outdoor spaces into immersive theatrical experiences. Combining breathtaking aerial performances, fire artistry, LED productions and acrobatics, the internationally acclaimed troupe has appeared everywhere from global festivals to productions for organisations including SpaceX. At Carnival of the Isles, they will once again transform the beachfront into an unforgettable open-air stage.

At the heart of the celebrations is The Grand Carnival of the Isles, a spectacular weekly event that transforms the beachfront of the Beach Pavilions into one of the Maldives’ most exciting open-air entertainment experiences. Inspired by the colour, rhythm and energy of the world’s great island carnivals, guests can wander through lively street-style markets, discover roaming performers and live music, experience breathtaking circus acts, enjoy interactive games and family entertainment, or embrace the excitement of water sports before the celebration continues with sunset DJ sessions and unforgettable evenings beneath the stars.

The festive calendar extends far beyond the carnival itself, with signature experiences unfolding throughout the season. Guests can gather for the magical Christmas Tree Light-Up Ceremony, welcome Santa Claus as he makes his tropical arrival by the beach, raise a glass at the Christmas Gala Cocktail and celebrate together during the elegant New Year’s Eve Gala and spectacular countdown to 2027. Along the way, colourful moments such as the annual Olhuveli Colour Run, Kids Futsal League, international Street Market, beach parties, themed dining experiences, sunset cruises, wellness sessions, sports tournaments and family activities ensure there is always something new to discover from sunrise to starlight.

More than a festive escape, Carnival of the Isles is where music, culture and island life come together across three unforgettable weeks in the Maldives. Join the celebration at Sun Siyam Olhuveli and discover this year’s festive programme and special offers.

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Culture

Maagiri Hotel celebrates Independence Day with special dining offers

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Maagiri Hotel is set to celebrate the Independence Day of the Maldives with a series of special dining experiences, inviting guests, families, and the local community to come together and commemorate this significant national occasion.

To mark the celebrations, the hotel will host an Independence Day Special Breakfast Buffet from 24 to 26 July 2026. Guests can enjoy a generous selection of local and international breakfast favourites in a warm and welcoming setting, making it the perfect way to begin the holiday celebrations with family and friends.

The festivities will continue on 26 July 2026 with a Special Maldivian Dinner Buffet at Faru Restaurant. The dinner will feature a variety of authentic Maldivian dishes, carefully prepared by the hotel’s culinary team to showcase the rich flavours and traditions of the Maldives. From local delicacies to beloved national favourites, the buffet offers a memorable dining experience that celebrates the country’s culinary heritage.

Adding a sweet touch to the celebrations, Maagiri Hotel also features a selection of locally crafted artisan ice cream flavours with the support of Iceto, highlighting the creativity of local artisans and celebrating Maldivian craftsmanship through unique, handcrafted treats at the Rooftop Restaurant.

As part of the hotel’s commitment to celebrating national occasions, the Independence Day promotions are designed to bring people together through exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a shared appreciation for Maldivian culture and traditions.

Maagiri Hotel warmly welcomes guests to join the Independence Day celebrations and enjoy a memorable dining experience while honouring the spirit of the nation’s independence.

For reservations and bookings, please call 3318484 / 7228484 or text (Viber) 7228484.

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