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5 grant recipients of JOALI Sustainability Fund announced

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As a leading luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand with two award-winning islands in the Maldives – JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING – the JOALI brand is committed to safeguarding the local communities and environments in which they operate through sustainable practices, regenerative travel and responsible tourism. Part of these ongoing efforts include the JOALI Sustainability Fund initiative which was announced in early 2023 and pledges to support locally-led projects carried out in Raa Atoll (where both JOALI properties are located) that demonstrate sustainability and have the potential to create a lasting impact.

“Ever since our arrival in the Maldives, we have woven every aspect of our culture and strategy around the promise of ‘responsible luxury,’ taking ownership of and managing our own impact on the environment while promoting ecological resilience,” said Esin Güral Argat, founder of JOALI. “We are extremely proud of the meaningful changes we have been able to create during our journey and look forward to continuing this important work which includes supporting local projects such as the ones we’ve chosen to fund.”

After receiving many deserving applications, the JOALI Sustainability Fund has announced it will be granting a total of $15,000 to five projects that demonstrated their efforts and plans to impact their local communities across four focus areas: safeguarding the planet, fostering wellbeing, creating platforms for women, and nurturing ethical consumption.

The five JOALI Sustainability Fund grant recipients are:

  1. Rasmaadhoo School – “Green for a Healthier Life”: To promote healthier and sustainable options for the local community where nutrient foods and vegetables are scarce, JOALI will fund the school’s project to create a hydroponic vegetable garden. As part of the project, the school will also distribute seeds and plants to the community to encourage additional farming as well as develop a separate compost-making unit to support further cultivation outside of hydroponics.
  2. Ungoofaaru School – “Inclusive Education”: As one of the oldest and largest schools in the Maldives with almost 500 students ranging from Kindergarten to 10th Grade (ages 4-16), JOALI will fund the school’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) Programme which is in need of classroom materials and resources to better create a conducive learning environment for students with special needs. The project further aims to develop strategies and practices that accommodate the diverse needs of all students, including those with different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment where students can better develop their academic, social, and personal skills to become responsible and productive members of society.
  3. Hulhudhuffaaru School – “Fostering the Youth”: Providing education from pre-school to 12th Grade to more than 350 students for over 25 years, JOALI will fund a project to help students learn embroidery and stitching as a new skill to generate income for their families. After receiving a special training, students will be able to create various hand-woven cloth bags to be sold around the island. The income from these bags will help students kick-start their own businesses, while also teaching them a new skill.
  4. Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital – “Dental Radiovisiography”: A tertiary care hospital in the Maldives serving a third of the local population, the Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital offers a full range of inpatient, outpatient and community-based health care services. With a guiding ethos to improve the health of its local community and steward the resources entrusted to them, JOALI will purchase a digital radiography system that will provide higher-resolution images and enable faster communication between doctor and patient. These images can also be stored in a digital format for future reference, and retrieval in case of any follow-up procedures.
  5. Dhuvaafaru Zuvaanunge Jammiyya – “Joy of Empowering Women by Farming”: As one of the most active local not-for-profit organisations, the Dhuvaafaru Zuvaanunge Jammiyya has been one of the leading contributors in developing the island, working with local councils, schools and health sectors to implement various programs focusing on the importance of coral reefs, safeguarding the environment, health education, and more. As one of the recipients of the JOALI Sustainability Fund, the Dhuvaafaru Zuvaanunge Jammiyya looks forward to expanding its work further to enhance the environmental and socio-economic growth of the community. The project proposes introducing a hydroponic system that is both easy to maintain and less labor-intensive in growing crops. The vegetables will then be sold to the local community where profits will be split between the household and NGO which will reinvest the money to further expand the agricultural sector. This introduction of this project will also be complemented with training and awareness to educate the community on nutrition and the importance of a balanced healthy diet through home gardening and self-sustenance. The nursery will not only be used as a training centre but also as a laboratory to test new technologies and varieties and to germinate the crops. Lastly, as the island is predominantly a fishing community taking most of the men away from their homes, this grant will also support women who currently have very few income-earning opportunities and provide them with economic incentives and education surrounding self-sustainability and nutrition.

For more information about the JOALI Sustainability Fund and the brand’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, please visit www.joali.com/sustainability-and-csr-at-joali. For further details and booking, please visit www.joali.com.

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Noonu Atoll Education Centre students embark on hospitality journey at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

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As part of its commitment to providing quality education, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives welcomed another group of enthusiastic students from Noonu Atoll Education Centre in N. Velidhoo for an opportunity of a lifetime as they embarked on a career exploration trip on the 04th of November, 2023. The excursion aimed to offer students valuable insights into the hospitality industry, specifically focusing on various hotel sections, including front office, food and beverage, housekeeping operations, and providing a comprehensive tour of the resort facilities.

This educational experience was designed to ignite the students’ passion for the hospitality sector, providing them with a firsthand understanding of the various aspects of the industry. The students were given a glimpse into the daily operations of Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, offering them a unique behind-the-scenes look at the resort’s high-quality service and exceptional amenities.

The visit also emphasized the importance of marine life and environmental protection as part of the Sun Siyam Care programme. The students engaged in activities and workshops designed to raise awareness about the fragile ecosystem of the Maldives and the resort’s commitment to preserving it.

The highlight of the visit was the announcement that five of the participating students have been selected for an industrial training program with Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. These students will be gaining hands-on experience in the front office, food and beverage service, and housekeeping departments, over the course of six days. This hands-on training will empower them to hone their skills and set a strong foundation for their future careers in the hospitality industry.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Mohamed Nizar, the School Principal for Noonu Atoll Education Centre in N. Velidhoo, said, “We are extremely grateful to the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi management team for providing our students with this remarkable opportunity. The exposure to the world of hospitality, the insight into environmental conservation, and the chance to engage in real-world training will undoubtedly have a profound impact on their career choices. We hope this experience will inspire our students to pursue fulfilling careers in the hospitality industry of the Maldives.”

Mr. Abdulla Atham, the Resort Manager at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to be a part of this initiative and to contribute to the educational development of these bright students. At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, we believe in nurturing young talent and instilling a sense of responsibility towards our environment. We are excited to have five promising students join us for their industrial training, and we look forward to helping them grow and succeed in the world of hospitality.”

This educational visit to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has opened doors to exciting opportunities for many students living in the nearby island of the resort, providing them with a unique and insightful introduction to the hospitality industry while fostering a sense of environmental responsibility.

For more information about Sun Siyam Resorts and its sustainability initiatives, please visit the website at www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-cares

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Delco Mart opens at Crossroads Maldives

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Crossroads Maldives, the leading integrated leisure destination in the Maldives, has announced the opening of Delco Mini Mart, a mini supermarket that will transform the visitor experience by offering a one-stop shop for their shopping needs.

Crossroads Maldives has always been dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience, and Delco Mini Mart is the latest addition to their commitment to convenience and customer satisfaction. Delco Mart will be open daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, providing visitors with a convenient and hassle-free shopping experience.

Crossroads Maldives is already known for its diverse range of leisure and dining options, including an eloquent beach club at SAii Lagoon Maldives, the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, the signature Lén Be Well Spa, and the star studded line up of restaurants ranging from the Ministry of Crab, Carne Diem Grill, Nihonbashi Blue, Kebab & Curry, Jiao Wu, Kinkao, Kalhu Odi to One Waan. Well-known international brands such as Rip Curl are popular crowd choices and the destination is also complete with, jewelry stores, a photography studio, indoor and outdoor event spaces, a fully-fledged yacht marina and ATM facilities. In addition, visitors can enjoy the services of Best Dives Maldives for diving and watersports excursions and the Maldives Discovery Center for interactive cultural immersion.

Delco Mart’s introduction at Crossroads Maldives underscores the commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for all guests. Whether you need groceries, snacks, beverages, or any other convenience items, Delco Mini Mart is here to cater to your needs, making sure you have everything you require.

“We are thrilled to introduce Delco Mini Mart to Crossroads Maldives, adding a touch of convenience and variety to our visitors. Our aim is to ensure that every guest’s stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, and Delco Mini Mart is another step toward achieving that goal,” said Yashfa Hassaan — Director of Retail – The Marina at Crossroads Maldives.

Crossroads Maldives continues to bring luxury and leisure experiences closer to the local guests as well as the guests staying at SAii Lagoon Maldives, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. Delco Mart is the latest milestone in the ongoing journey to exceed the expectations of their guests. The doors of Delco Mart are now open, so come and experience the convenience and ease it brings to your stay at Crossroads Maldives.

One of the key advantages of Crossroads Maldives is its daily scheduled ferry services from Male and Hulhumale, which operate several times a day. This makes it easy for visitors to access this remarkable destination, with ferry bookings available online or through the concierge service.

For more information on Crossroads Maldives, please visit the website at crossroadsmaldives.com.

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef contributes to sustainability with tree planting in F. Magoodhoo

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, in line with its commitment to sustainable and eco-conscious practices, organised a tree planting project in F. Magoodhoo on the 25th of October, 2023, planting a total of 155 trees. The initiative primarily focused on areas designated for the construction of an airport, with the core objective of enhancing the ecological balance and promoting environmental consciousness within the community.

Under the leadership of Resort Manager Thoha Yoosuf and Vilu Reef’s Family Club Chairman, Mohammed Hameed (Printey), along with 30 dedicated employees, the Sun Siyam team embarked on a significant journey to the pristine island of Maghodhoo, marking the continuous celebration of the Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Silver Jubilee.

Collaborating with the council and local communities, the various teams came together to plant a total of one hundred fifty-five (155) trees, a symbolic gesture of the unwavering commitment to both the environment and the well-being of the communities that the Sun Siyam Resorts teams wholeheartedly support. The project benefited greatly from the F. Magoodhoo Council’s valuable collaboration and aid in logistical coordination and permissions, which played a crucial role in the event’s success.

This tree planting project stands as a testament to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s dedication to a greener and more environmentally conscious future, fostering a stronger and more sustainable community. The resort has a track record of conducting activities that benefit the public, the environment, and society as a whole.

Nestled within the picturesque South Nilandhe Atoll, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has been a beacon of enchantment for travellers worldwide for over two decades. As the inaugural instalment of the Sun Siyam Resorts narrative, this breath-taking destination has set the stage for unforgettable journeys, and now, it proudly celebrates its Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years of luxury, sustainability, and Maldivian allure.

This activity is part of the Sun Siyam Resorts group-wide sustainability programme, Sun Siyam Cares, dedicated to operating sustainably and responsibly in the Maldives and Sri Lanka while offering authentic guest experiences.

The Sun Siyam Cares programme prioritises sustainability through initiatives such as reducing energy and water use, managing waste to reduce plastic use, supporting community development, and investing in renewable energy. The programme also focuses on conservation efforts and works to preserve local heritage and cultural practices. By following these sustainability practices, the group aims to minimise the environmental impact, carbon footprint, and contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the communities in which they operate.

With just a 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana (Male) International Airport, this resort offers the ultimate tropical hideaway. Its 103 charming villas are a canvas of tranquillity adorned with vibrant tropical accents. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, celebrating a special occasion, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef provides the backdrop for life’s most cherished moments. Indulge in a variety of world-class amenities that elevate your stay. The all-inclusive meal plan offers an array of dining options across three remarkable restaurants, accompanied by an exceptional selection of beverages. It’s the perfect recipe for a culinary adventure, where each meal becomes a cherished memory. For those seeking relaxation, the resort’s spa and wellness treatments offer a journey into rejuvenation, drawing from time-honoured techniques. Meanwhile, the Turtle Kids Club ensures that young explorers, aged 12 and below, are kept entertained, making family getaways truly enjoyable.

For more information on the celebrations please check the anniversary booklet. To book your stay, please visit our website or get in touch with us at book@sunsiyam.com.

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