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Amari Raaya Maldives’ opening offer: 40% off, free seaplane transfers, and more

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Amari Raaya Maldives, the Maldives’ newest luxury destination resort, welcomed its first guests on August 1. In celebration, Amari Raaya Maldives has announced an exclusive opening offer for guests to be some of the first to experience this un-touched island haven, with 40% off room rates, complimentary seaplane transfers for two, a 30-minute private photo shoot, and a memorable group sunset cruise.

The brand-new resort is located on one of the largest natural islands in Raa Atoll – easily accessible just 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport. Amari Raaya has been sympathetically designed with much of the lush forest and exquisite natural beauty preserved.

This large island, with its natural greenery and wide range of activities and experiences, presents quite a different option to the ‘typical’ Maldives experiences and, whilst romantic experiences are aplenty, also works well for families and groups. There is much to explore, activities such as diving with the certified PADI instructors to spot the local sea turtles – or swimming with whale sharks, paddle-boarding, jet-skiing or kayaking on the azure blue waters. Extra special experiences are also on offer such as welcoming sundown from atop a canopy of palms or dining on a private corner of the beach.

Couples, families or friends can enjoy spectacular dining, exciting activities and unobstructed ocean views from 187 beach and ocean villas – which each offer direct access to the beach or ocean.

Explore untouched nature

Guests looking to escape the world and relish exquisite natural beauty should look no further. Situated on one of the largest natural islands in Raa Atoll, at 390,000 square metres (39 hectares), Amari Raaya has been sympathetically designed with much of the lush forest reserved for guest enjoyment, including a natural mangrove with forest trails for walking, and sky-high watchtower views to enjoy. Interwoven into the experience is the fictional story of Seb, a portrait artist who was shipwrecked on the island and who has inspired the resort’s concept. Discover the remnants of his castaway story, including his art studio, ship and watchtowers converted to private dining and star-gazing venues.

For families

Not just for couples, Amari Raaya Maldives offers comprehensive facilities for young children and teenagers, from sports to play areas. The kids’ club offers fun for all ages – younger children can enjoy arts and crafts whilst older children can venture out armed with a map and compass in search of puzzles, art and treasure. Families and groups can opt for a Family Beach or Family Beach Pool Villa, a unique accommodation style, offering two-interconnected villas and a shared private outdoor living space for quality time together.

For activity hunters and thrill seekers

The local reef is home to an abundance of ocean life including sea turtles, and in season the famous bioluminescent plankton. Venture into the deep blue Indian Ocean and dive with the onsite certified PADI instructors – spot the local sea turtles, or enjoy fun-filled water activities. Alternatively, guests can try archery, zip lines, mini-golf, paddle tennis, badminton, or take a dip in the two stunning pools.

For romance and relaxation

Romance knows no bounds at Amari Raaya Maldives. Start the day with one of the Maldives’ most iconic experiences – a floating breakfast served in your very own private pool. Relax in the sumptuous Maai Spa, offering unique, personalised treatments inspired by Thai traditions. Later, enjoy a candlelit dinner on the beach surrounded by fresh flower petals as the sun sets beyond the ocean. Alternatively, dine beneath the island’s lush forest canopy, with twinkling lights providing an atmosphere of true romance.

For foodies

Guests will be in gastronomy heaven with seven dining options serving up vibrant flavours, combining Thai, Asian, Maldivian and International cuisine. Each dining destination offers something special, from bustling hawker food stalls at the signature Amaya Food Gallery to sunset snacks and cocktails on rooftops, Italian favourites served poolside, mobile snacks and ice-creams served from a bus, and sumptuous freshly caught seafood daily.

For bucket-list experiences

Those looking to tick something extra special from their life to-do list can take their pick from experiences including welcoming sundown from atop a canopy of palms or dining on a private corner of the beach whilst feeling the sand between your toes and watching the sun slip from the horizon. Or how about the thrill of swimming with whale sharks beneath the ocean waves, or paddle-boarding, jet-skiing or kayaking on the azure blue waters – moments never to be forgotten.

Opening Offer: Up to 40% off stays, complimentary transfers for two, a 30-minute private photo shoot, and a memorable group sunset cruise. The offer is valid for bookings made between 1st August to 23rd December 2023, creating an opportunity for travellers to be among the first to experience this paradise island destination. Rates start from USD 420++ (approximately 380 GBP) per villa per night with daily breakfast.

For reservations and more information, visit the official website of Amari Raaya Maldives.

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SO/ Maldives introduces ‘Fight Fit’ island fitness experience

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On Friday, 25 April 2026, redefining the boundaries of luxury wellness, SO/ Maldives unveils its high-energy “Fight Fit” island activation, an immersive celebration of strength, movement, and mindful living. As part of the resort’s ongoing 120 Days Fitness Challenge, this dynamic experience is brought to life in collaboration with Fight Soul Maldives, a leading local fitness collective dedicated to showcasing the art and discipline of combat sports.

This exclusive Maldives activation transforms the island into a vibrant stage where guests are invited not only to participate but to witness and connect with authentic local skill and passion. Through this partnership, SO/ Maldives proudly highlights homegrown talent, offering a deeper cultural dimension to the guest experience.

At the heart of the activation is the Muay Thai Guest Workshop, where guests can train alongside skilled fighters from Fight Soul Maldives. Designed for all fitness levels, the sessions introduce the fundamentals of Muay Thai through interactive drills, technique building, and high-energy group engagement creating a powerful and memorable connection to the sport.

The experience extends across the island with a curated lineup of fitness and wellness activities, including sunrise yoga, beach combat training, aqua yoga with DJ beats, and sunset fight showcases. Each activation is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Maldives, turning the resort into a holistic wellness playground.

Complementing the physical journey, guests can enjoy a specially designed healthy menu, crafted to fuel performance and support balanced living, reinforcing SO/ Maldives’ commitment to wellbeing from within.

Further enhancing the wellness offering, guests are invited to experience an exclusive skincare workshop and immersive ritual, alongside the launch of premium products from Comfort Zone. Rooted in science and sustainability, this experience introduces guests to transformative skincare practices that elevate both body and mind.

As the sun sets, the island pulses with energy through foam parties, fire dance performances, and live Muay Thai and kickboxing exhibitions, where Fight Soul Maldives athletes take center stage showcasing their expertise and passion in a captivating display of strength and artistry.

With “Fight Fit,” SO/ Maldives creates more than just an event it delivers a bold lifestyle statement where local collaboration, global wellness trends, and immersive luxury come together in perfect harmony.

For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com or call +960 664-9100.

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Earth Day at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi: Sustainability-focused island experiences

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Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, a haven of peace within the Sun Siyam’s Luxury Collection, reinforces its commitment to luxury island living by highlighting a series of eco-conscious experiences. These initiatives define a vision for purpose-led travel within the resort’s Premium Island Indulgence lifestyle, connecting guests to the environment, local people, and Maldivian culture through sincere and unpretentious engagement. From reef restoration to traditional heritage crafts and preventing food waste, the resort seeks to balance the elegance of island living with a deep-rooted respect for the natural world.

The Pattern of Island Living

The way nature flourishes within remote archipelagos in the heart of the ocean remains a captivating subject for many travellers. On a weekly basis, the resort offers a guided nature exploration led by the Chief Gardener and Resident Marine Biologist to connect guests with the island’s indigenous flora and fauna. This experience blends ecological education with cultural insights, detailing how reptiles, birds, and emblematic trees first colonised these coral islands. By addressing contemporary challenges like soil erosion, the program provides practical examples of how eco-conscious tourism helps mitigate environmental impact and preserve the Maldivian landscape.

Marine Regeneration: Adopt a Coral Frame

A growing trend in 2026 is Regenerative Tourism where travellers actively participate in restoration. A central pillar of the resort’s marine conservation efforts is the Adopt a Coral Frame programme. Led by Maldivian Marine Biologist, Shah, the experience begins with an introduction to coral biology and the environmental challenges facing the world’s oceans. Guests participate in the delicate process of fixing coral fragments onto the frame using approved techniques, before the structures are transitioned to the Nemo Garden underwater park. This initiative offers a symbolic way for guests to contribute directly to the long-term health of the local reef ecosystem. Additionally, the presence of an environmental expert at the resort acts as the bridge between daily operations and its environmental responsibility.

Citizen Science: Conservation Snorkelling

For a more immersive and purposeful guest experience, participants are invited to act as citizen scientists during a ninety-minute reef health survey. Utilising CoralWatch Charts, guests assist in primary data collection, with the results subsequently uploaded to the University of Queensland database under the participant’s name to contribute to international marine research. Each session concludes with a briefing on observed fish species and the vital functions of the reef ecosystem. Additionally, if any individual turtle or group of turtles is spotted around the island, the resort’s Marine Biologist will identify the species and report its presence to the Olive Ridley Project. This contribution helps researchers better understand the population dynamics and migration patterns of sea turtles within the Maldives.

Marine Advocacy and Youth Discovery

Beyond individual excursions, the resort extends its educational reach through specialised certification and youth-focused programming. Divers may participate in dedicated sessions exploring the preservation of endangered shark and ray species, earning a Shark and Ray Ecology Certification upon completion. Simultaneously, the Discover the Ocean initiative at the Kids Club offers a bespoke one-hour experience for younger guests, utilising interactive games and marine facts to foster a refined appreciation for ocean conservation from an early age.

Cultural Heritage and Traditional Knowledge

Eco-conscious living at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is also viewed through the lens of traditional Maldivian craftsmanship. Weekly demonstrations of organic coconut oil extraction highlight a homemade method. Guests observe the gentle heating of fresh coconut milk to produce pure oil, a sustainably sourced product utilised in the resort’s wellness treatments.

The Pledge on Food Waste

In a direct effort to reduce the environmental footprint of island dining, the resort has committed to The Pledge on Food Waste. This initiative introduces à la minute live cooking and curated individual portions at the buffet to ensure freshness while minimising surplus. Additionally, the team observes a No Bin Day, utilising creative preparation techniques to ensure total ingredient utility and promote a circular approach to food management.

“The advancement of sustainable practices is supported by acclaimed organisations that provide vital knowledge, ensuring that our commitment leads to meaningful success. Meanwhile, simple on-island actions remain highly impactful and are deeply appreciated by guests. Furthermore, as a Maldivian operating a resort within my own country, environmental stewardship is more than just professional ethics—it is a profound civic mission,” highlighted Abdulla Atham, Resort Manager.

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RAH GILI MALDIVES secures EarthCheck Bronze Benchmark following opening

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In recognition of Earth Day 2026, RAH GILI MALDIVES, the first operational island within the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS collection, announces that it has achieved EarthCheck Bronze Benchmarked status under the EarthCheck Company Standard v4.1, following its opening in February this year.

The certification reflects a way of operating that has been in place from the outset. Across SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, environmental performance is integrated into how each island is designed, built, and run, rather than introduced as an added layer. At RAH GILI MALDIVES, this approach is now active in daily operation.

Set across 8.7 hectares with 74 villas, the resort runs on infrastructure designed for continuity over time. Solar energy generation, supported by battery storage, contributes to the island’s energy needs. Water is produced and managed on-site through desalination and bottling systems. Waste is segregated and processed through structured practices that prioritise reduction and reuse. Materials have been selected for their ability to endure within the Maldivian climate, favouring longevity over short-term effect. These systems are not presented as features. They operate in the background, shaping the rhythm of the island and supporting a sense of ease without drawing attention to themselves.

In a destination such as the Maldives, where the natural environment defines the experience, this level of integration is essential. It requires consistency across all areas of operation—from engineering to housekeeping, from culinary practice to service delivery. EarthCheck, in this context, does not simply recognise infrastructure. It provides a framework to assess how effectively these systems are performing in practice.

As the first operational island within SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, RAH GILI MALDIVES establishes the baseline for the collection. The certification signals that this foundation is in place, offering a clear reference point as future islands moves towards opening.

Beyond operations, the island remains grounded in its setting. Experiences are informed by Maldivian knowledge and ways of living, ensuring that what is offered remains connected to place rather than constructed apart from it. This is carried through the Rayyithun—the people of the islands—whose presence shapes how the island is cared for. Within this, an ethos of care is not expressed as an idea, but lived through daily practice, where responsibility is shared and sustained over time.

Harish Nair, Cluster General Manager for RAH GILI MALDIVES, commented: “EarthCheck provides a clear benchmark for how the resort is operating across energy, water, and waste. Achieving this early in our journey confirms that the foundations are in place. With Earth Day as a moment of reflection, the focus remains on how we continue to improve performance, consistently and over time.”

EarthCheck is one of the world’s leading scientific benchmarking and certification programmes for the travel and tourism industry, assessing performance across energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and community impact. For a newly opened resort to achieve Bronze Benchmarked status at this stage reflects an operational model that was established prior to opening and is now being tested in real conditions.

The announcement, aligned with Earth Day, offers a moment of reflection within a wider global conversation. For RAH GILI, however, the work sits in daily operation. It is found in monitoring systems, maintaining standards, and adjusting over time. The certification provides a point of reference, but not a conclusion.

As SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS continues to develop its portfolio, RAH GILI MALDIVES serves as a working model of how each island is intended to function—through clarity of design, consistency in operation, and a measured approach to impact.

For the resort, the EarthCheck Bronze Benchmarked status marks the beginning of a longer process—one defined by continuity, refinement, and sustained respect for the place in which the island exists.

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