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Coral, canvas, ceramics: Patina Maldives celebrates World Ocean Day with craft, care
Unwavering in its pursuit of perpetuality, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands embraced the opportunity to engage guests and local community alike with an inspiring World Ocean Day programme encompassing hands-on conservation workshops, ocean-themed facepainting, and thought-provoking collaborative art projects.
Patina Hotels & Resorts’ passion for nurturing next-gen sustainable values in tomorrow’s travellers was in evidence at the local school on neighbouring island Gaafaru, as the resort’s aptly named resident marine biologist Oshin Christopher led a coral ceramics workshop. The schoolkids discovered how Patina Maldives and its ceramic tableware partner, Kevala Ceramics, successfully innovated handmade ceramic frames as a natural alternative to the metal frames traditionally used for coral propagation – before making their own, to be added to the 70-plus ceramic frames and structures already planted in the resort’s house reef to date.
Back at Patina Maldives’ pioneering children’s centre, Footprints – a place of discovery and inspiration powered entirely by Swimsol marine solar panels – younger resort guests took up a World Ocean Day poster-making challenge, using paints and marine cut-outs to fill a giant canvas with heartfelt slogans and moving depictions of the marine environment.
Older guests meanwhile were invited to take part in a collaborative art project, using pieces of recovered marine plastics, ghost gear and other recycled materials to transform a wire framework into a striking sculpture of a sea turtle. While this transformation took shape, the resort’s marine biology team gave a World Ocean Day presentation; kids enjoyed marine animal facepainting – complete with a photobooth to capture their new looks; and a special ocean-themed high tea and drinks were served.
As the sun set on World Ocean Day 2023, the kids’ giant canvas and the turtle sculpture were carefully relocated for display as a permeant, continually evolving installation in the resort’s Fari Marina Village, that will invite guests to contribute to its evolution with their own marine plastic and ghost gear finds. The sculpture will serve as a perpetual reminder of the urgent need to protect and restore our blue planet, and a testament to what can be achieved through collective action.
Rates at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands start from USD1,552 (approx. GBP1,245) per night based on two adults sharing a One Bedroom Pool Villa in June 2023, excluding tax and service.
Receive 25 per cent off villa accommodation with the ‘Summers at Patina Maldives’ package, plus complimentary half board, return airport boat transfers for stays of four consecutive nights or more, and complimentary Guest Benefits. Stay must be booked 30 days in advance. Terms and conditions apply. To book visit patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands, email reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com or tel. +960 4000 555. Part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) DISCOVERY loyalty programme, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands recently enhanced its offering so that PATINA DISCOVERY members at all levels can now expect even more VIP recognition, rewards and access to members-only experiences.
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COMO Maalifushi highlights uncrowded surf access across southern atolls
COMO Maalifushi presents a considered approach to surfing in the Maldives—one shaped by access, expertise, and the quiet privilege of space.
Located in the remote Thaa Atoll, the resort offers entry to a network of lesser-travelled breaks across the southern atolls, where consistent Indian Ocean swells meet uncrowded line-ups. Here, surfing unfolds without urgency—guided by natural rhythm rather than routine.
At the core of the experience is COMO Maalifushi’s long-standing partnership with Tropicsurf, daily sessions are shaped by real-time ocean conditions, with coaching that adapts intuitively to each guest—whether taking to the water for the first time or refining technique across more complex reef formations.
Guests are given access to a curated selection of breaks across Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll—each offering a distinct character. From the long, forgiving rides of Farms to the more technical, fast-moving rights of ‘Machine’, the programme is designed to evolve with both conditions and capability.
“Surfing at COMO Maalifushi is defined by its sense of space and possibility,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Our location allows access to some of the Maldives’ most consistent yet uncrowded waves, and through our partnership with Tropicsurf, we’re able to offer an experience that is both highly personalised and quietly exceptional—true to COMO’s way of doing things.”
The season, which runs from April through October, brings steady swells from the southern Indian Ocean. Yet beyond seasonality, it is the absence of crowds that defines the experience—allowing guests to engage with the ocean on their own terms.
Surfing at COMO Maalifushi sits naturally within the wider rhythm of the island. Time in the water is balanced with restorative treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, unhurried dining, and the simplicity of island life—creating a sense of flow between activity and stillness.
Here, surfing is guided with care, framed by nature, and experienced without excess.
For more information, please visit the resort’s website.
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Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
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.
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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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