News
Vakkaru Maldives celebrates World Wellness Weekend with fun, engaging wellness programme

Luxury resort Vakkaru Maldives wrapped up a weekend full of holistic wellness activities to celebrate the World Wellness Weekend from 15-17 September 2023. The programmes were designed to promote wellness in a more accessible and enjoyable way for guests of all ages and fitness levels.
The three-day festivities kicked off with the Island Fun Run – a spirited dash around the island that blended fitness with the natural beauty of Vakkaru Maldives. Adding a tranquil counterpoint to the energetic run was a specially curated yoga session featuring guided meditation and singing bowl rituals. Led by the resort’s wellness and fitness instructor, the session was held at the award-winning Vakkaru Overwater Residence at sunset, offering a serene backdrop that helped elevate the experience to a deeply spiritual level.
Sleep, often overlooked in our busy lives, took centre stage at the “Sleep Better” Ayurvedic Workshop, conducted by Dr Surandi Dissanayake from Siddhalepa. The workshop focused on the vital role sleep plays in overall health and offered practical Ayurvedic remedies to improve the quality of rest. Dr Surandi also guided guests through a “Tea Journey in Ayurveda”. Participants discovered the secrets of healthy living as they sampled an array of Ayurvedic herbal teas made from 100% natural herbs and spices, offering numerous health benefits to enhance overall well-being.
Adding to the excitement was the Farm-to-Table experience at the Organic Farm. This unique dining experience features a tour of the resort’s farm, followed by a cooking class and a set menu combining the freshly harvested herbs from the farm and locally sourced ocean produce.
Other highlights of the fabulous wellness weekend included a session where the mixologist taught guests how to make health-boosting shots and the kayak race for couples across the crystal-clear lagoon. A Coconut Painting Competition also allowed guests to unleash their inner artist and express their unique imagination through vibrant colours.
Featured
Gallery Restaurant reopens at Bandos Maldives with elegant new look

Bandos Maldives has officially announced the reopening of its main buffet venue, the Gallery Restaurant, on 1st June 2025. Originally constructed in 2004, this renovation represents the first major upgrade to the restaurant in over twenty years.
The extensive refurbishment was carried out by the local architectural firm Hannaan Architects, with interior design by AIDIZ Interior Design. The transformation has resulted in a modern, elegant space that offers a more spacious and welcoming dining atmosphere, seamlessly blending contemporary design with the resort’s enduring charm.
As the second resort to be established in the Maldives, Bandos Maldives continues to honour its heritage while embracing progress. The newly renovated Gallery Restaurant stands as a reflection of this dedication to evolution and excellence.
According to Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives, the aim of the renovation was to retain the essence of Bandos while introducing a fresh, modern aesthetic to one of the resort’s most iconic venues. He emphasised that the project not only elevates the dining experience for guests but also symbolises Bandos’ ongoing journey of growth and transformation.
Awards
OBLU SELECT Sangeli achieves Green Globe Gold Certification for fifth consecutive year

In 2025, traveling more sustainably continues to be a priority for most travellers, with 84% indicating its importance according to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel & Sustainability Report. Reflecting this growing eco-conscious mindset, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, an award-winning resort in the North Malé Atoll, has achieved the prestigious Green Globe Gold Certification. This marks five consecutive years of independently accredited sustainability excellence.
Green Globe, a globally recognised certification for sustainable tourism, evaluates environmental, social, and economic practices. To attain Gold status, a property must be certified for five consecutive years, demonstrating consistent improvement and responsible management across all operational areas.
The milestone was celebrated during a special island ceremony, where the Green Globe certificate was officially presented by Babli Jahau, General Manager at NSURE Private Limited. Jahau praised the team’s dedication and collaboration, noting, “Green Globe Gold is a true mark of excellence. OBLU SELECT Sangeli has demonstrated long-term commitment to protecting the Maldives’ fragile ecosystem while engaging both the island team and guests in meaningful sustainability initiatives.”
Jenni Hartatik, General Manager of OBLU SELECT Sangeli, emphasised the resort’s dedication to sustainability, stating, “At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, sustainability is an integral part of operations. From coral plantations and marine life sessions to reusable glass water bottles and gentle reminders for towel and linen reuse, every aspect reflects a commitment to sustainable hospitality. These thoughtful details not only create memorable stays but also promote eco-friendly practices.”
Central to the resort’s success is a holistic sustainability strategy underpinned by comprehensive policies. These include a broad environmental policy, an eco-conscious purchasing framework, landscaping practices favoring native plants and water conservation, and a biodiversity policy dedicated to preserving Sangeli’s unique island ecosystem. From energy reduction and waste diversion to flora and fauna protection, environmental stewardship is integrated into the resort’s daily operations.
The resort’s coral restoration project has successfully transplanted over 10,000 coral fragments through coral nursery and frame techniques. Despite bleaching events impacting the Maldives, Sangeli’s reefs displayed notable resilience, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing restoration efforts and marine protection measures. Adding creativity to conservation, the resort’s ghost net upcycling initiative transforms discarded fishing nets into handmade bracelets, sold to guests, with proceeds supporting coral restoration efforts. This initiative combines environmental action with community-driven craftsmanship.
As part of the Sangeli Muraka Project, a state-of-the-art underwater camera now live-streams footage from a coral garden directly to guest villas. This immersive experience enables travellers to observe the dynamic reef ecosystem in real time, perfect for those who do not snorkel or dive. The footage is also featured during marine biology sessions and at the Muraka Marine Centre, fostering greater appreciation and engagement with ocean conservation.
The resort’s on-site biogas plant significantly contributes to sustainability by processing up to 1,000 kilograms of kitchen waste daily. This generates methane gas that supplies approximately 40% of the kitchen’s gas needs, while the compost byproduct is used to fertilise landscaped areas, creating a full-circle sustainability loop.
Located on the serene north-western tip of North Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli offers a tropical retreat for couples and families alike. This five-star resort combines natural beauty, contemporary villa design, and world-class dining through the all-inclusive Serenity Plan™, while being in proximity to some of the Maldives’ most vibrant diving and snorkelling spots. The resort stands as a testament to how travel and environmental responsibility can coexist, delivering unforgettable experiences with a lighter ecological footprint.
Featured
Global Wellness Day 2025 at Milaidhoo: journey of transformation and reconnection

On Global Wellness Day, celebrated on 14th June 2025, Milaidhoo invites guests to embrace a deeper sense of presence and harmony through its unique wellbeing philosophy rooted in ‘slow living.’ Reflecting the global theme of #ReconnectMagenta, which emphasises the importance of meaningful connections, Milaidhoo’s curated programme encourages guests to reconnect with themselves, the community, and the natural world in one of the most serene settings on Earth.
Situated in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo is more than a boutique island retreat; it is a sanctuary for mindful rejuvenation. At Milaidhoo, wellness extends beyond the spa, permeating every detail of the guest experience — from barefoot living and soulful seclusion to fresh, nourishing cuisine and personalised wellness menus designed to support individual journeys of transformation.
Global Wellness Day 2025 at Milaidhoo will begin with a soul-awakening dynamic cleansing and yoga nidra session at 8:00 on an exclusive sandbank. This session offers guests a chance to silence external noise, realign with their inner rhythm, and reconnect with themselves amidst the Indian Ocean horizon.
At 11:00, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a coral plantation activity led by the resort’s marine biologist at the Ocean Stories Aquatic Centre. This interactive conservation initiative allows guests to give back to the local ecosystem and fosters an emotional connection to the broader community of life beneath the waves.
In the afternoon, from 16:00 to 17:00, guests can embark on a guided mindful walking experience around the island. This activity invites participants to reconnect with nature through observation and intention, with each barefoot step across soft sand and lush jungle paths revealing the healing power of nature.
At Milaidhoo, food is an integral part of wellness, with every dish curated with wellbeing in mind. Whether it is plant-based vitality bowls from the Chef’s Garden, fresh-caught seafood, or custom-designed menus tailored to individual health goals, guests are encouraged to nourish not only their bodies but also their senses.
Paul van Frank, Milaidhoo’s general manager, shared, “Our wellness ethos embraces the art of slowing down and living in the moment. Global Wellness Day is an opportunity to remind guests of the power of reconnecting with themselves, with each other, and with the beautiful world around them.”
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