News
JA Manafaru celebrates World Sustainability Day with engaging eco-friendly activities and innovative culinary experience
To mark ‘World Sustainability Day’ on the 26th October, the team at JA Manafaru hosted a series of engaging and fun environmentally-friendly themed activities for guests and staff.
The day started with a short boat ride to the picturesque uninhabited island of Medhafushi, a popular castaway destination for guests who wish to slip off the resort and enjoy a real castaway experience. Guests and staff teamed-up and collected the flotsam and jetsam rubbish JA Manafaru uses to recycle through its ‘Ocean Bound Plastic’ program, making bags and other items for guests from such waste material.
Next was the island team artistic ‘Upcycling Competition’. Sculptures and fascinating creations were made from waste that would normally end up in land fill. With huge number of amazing concepts from each of the departments, winning designs were awarded from Landscaping, Front Office and Kitchen departments.
Following the competition guests were invited to an educational Walking Tour to learn about all JA Manafaru’s sustainability initiatives. Part of this was the usable gardens as part of the Homegrown program. Growing produce helps the team reach its sustainability goals by decreasing packaging waste, reducing air miles and of course providing guests with the most nutritious food. JA Manafaru’s gardens grow different types of salad leaves, bananas, oyster mushrooms and other herbs. Guests were also welcomed to the newly opened Cluckingham Palace, where the Maldives happiest hens provide the freshest eggs for guests to enjoy for breakfast.
The day concluded in a unique ‘Zero Waste Menu’ experience laid on by Executive Chef Moosa Nazeeh and his team, who were recently awarded ‘Best Culinary Resort’ in the Maldives. Key items from the menu included broccoli & cauliflower stem crudo with dehydrated tomato skins, Hainan chicken rice using crispy chicken skin or guests could opt for a vegetable peel lasagna. A lemon peel and mint stem sorbet refreshed between courses and guests indulged at the end with a carrot cake made from juice pulp that also featured coconut cream cheese, bread end crisp and carrot jelly.
This creative menu is just one of the highlights from the resorts recent Wellness Your Way launch, held on World Food Day. Key to this launch was the WYW menus that offer dedicated dishes to cater to variety of different eating lifestyles. Each of the resorts five restaurants now offer menus dedicated to vegan/vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free and low carb. Sustainability Advisor, Victoria Kruse said, “In the Maldives the actions we take daily have an immediate effect on our natural environment. The whole team at JA Manafaru is committed to reducing the island’s carbon footprint as well as educating our guests on being mindful and how we all can take small steps to protecting our planet.”
Love
Romance in nature: Valentine’s week at Eri Maldives
Newly-launched Eri Maldives introduces its first Valentine’s programme A Love Set in Nature (10–16 February 2026), offering a nature-rooted, pared-back celebration of love designed for couples seeking presence, simplicity and meaningful time together.
Love, Shared at the Table
At the heart of Valentine’s at Eri is an intimate dining experience centred on an exquisite six-course Aphrodisiac Menu, paired with a chilled glass of Rosé Champagne at Soul Kitchen’s beach area or The Jetty, with live music and ocean sounds. Couples can also sample a Jumbo Valentine Cocktail designed for two at Sip & Dip, or opt for private dining at a secluded corner on the beach or in-villa with the Under the Canopy of Stars experience.
Adventures for Two
For couples who connect through discovery, Eri’s Valentine’s programme invites love to unfold through shared adventure, where guests can cement their love and Dive into Forever with a private Discover Scuba Diving session, welcoming learners of all levels. For a more elaborate adventure between sky and ocean, travellers can also sign up for the Tides & Togetherness combo excursion, which combines a 30-minute jet ski ride with a 45-minute guided snorkelling among Eri’s world-class house reef.

Slowing Down Time
As day gives way to dusk, the Golden Hour Serenades offers a gentle sunset cruise across the lagoon, with sparkling wine in hand and live guitar drifting as a prelude to the evening. Slipping into wellness, Between Sea & Stars offers another balanced alternative for guests to treat loved ones to a calming 60-minute aromatherapy massage and a private dinner at sunset with Champagne, giving travellers a reason to linger.
Curated for those wanting stillness to stay, Maldivian Ocean Dream offers an extended moment of rest, with a couples’ ritual lasting for an hour and half, using flowing palm stroke techniques inspired by the sea with aromatherapy to release tension.
A Love Story – Extended
Catering to couples who want it all, Eri’s full-day An Eternal Love Story itinerary offers a complete romantic journey that removes the need for choice. Thoughtfully curated, the experience flows from a Champagne breakfast and an afternoon of spa serenity into an evening of sunset cruising and dinner accompanied by Dom Pérignon Champagne, with a private photographer on hand to quietly capture the moments.
To top it all off, guests booking a minimum of two body massages during Valentine’s Week are invited to enjoy a complimentary 30-minute Foot Massage.
Sky Studios start from £313 per night on a Full Board basis, with 40% off applied when booking directly with Eri Maldives.
Action
Bestbuy Maldives supports health, wellness as Main Sponsor of MNU Marathon 2026
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), one of the Maldives’ leading and most trusted distribution partners to the hospitality and retail sectors, served as the Main Sponsor of the MNU Marathon 2026, organised by Maldives National University (MNU) and held in Hulhumalé on 13 February. The event drew over 1,500 runners and focused on promoting fitness, health and wellness, active lifestyles, and community unity, as part of a long-term sponsorship arrangement.
As Main Sponsor, BBM maintained a strong on-ground presence throughout the marathon, with high brand visibility and activations designed to engage participants and spectators.

A key highlight was BBM’s collaboration with Unilever – Vaseline, with free product samples distributed to all marathon participants, reinforcing messages around skincare. Additional brand activations included a dedicated Cornitos stall offering free nacho samples, and a Godrej Aer booth focused on product sampling and brand awareness. BBM also distributed Cavin’s milkshake samples to runners at the finish line.

BBM’s participation extended beyond sponsorship, with more than 50 BBM employees taking part in the marathon as runners. Representatives from Unilever International also joined the run, underscoring a shared commitment to wellbeing and community engagement.
“Supporting the MNU Marathon aligns closely with BBM’s commitment to healthier communities and meaningful national partnerships,” said Ali Afrah Hassan, Head – Human Resources, Administration & Corporate Affairs at Bestbuy Maldives. “It was especially rewarding to see our colleagues participate as runners alongside the wider public, demonstrating that wellbeing is part of our culture, not just our sponsorship. We are proud to work with MNU to create a positive platform that brings people together around health, wellness and unity.”

Through its portfolio of internationally recognised FMCG and consumer lifestyle brands—spanning food and beverage, personal care, and home care—BBM continues to support initiatives that create shared value for communities, partners and customers across the Maldives. The company’s involvement in events such as the MNU Marathon reflects BBM’s broader commitment to championing positive lifestyles, strengthening local partnerships, and backing platforms that bring people together with purpose.

BBM noted that the event strengthened its partnership with Maldives National University and provided an opportunity to connect directly with the Maldivian community in an uplifting setting, reinforcing BBM’s role as a responsible corporate partner supporting national initiatives.
Cooking
Maagiri Hotel invites guests to celebrate Ramadan with daily Iftar
Maagiri Hotel has announced the availability of a daily Iftar experience throughout the holy month of Ramadan, inviting families, friends and corporate groups to gather and break their fast in a welcoming setting.
The Iftar buffet will be available every day during Ramadan and will feature a selection of traditional Ramadan dishes alongside international cuisine. Prepared by the hotel’s culinary team, the buffet will include local specialities, Middle Eastern favourites and a range of global offerings designed to cater to diverse preferences.
In addition to its daily Iftar service, Maagiri Hotel has introduced early booking benefits for corporate groups. Groups of 1 to 49 guests will be eligible for a 10 per cent discount, while groups of 50 guests and above will receive a 15 per cent discount. These corporate rates are available for bookings confirmed on or before 18 February.
The Ramadan Iftar programme reflects Maagiri Hotel’s focus on providing shared dining experiences centred on tradition, hospitality and togetherness during the holy month.
Guests and corporate organisers may make reservations or seek further information by calling 331 8484 or 722 8484, contacting the hotel via Viber on 722 8484, or emailing events@maagirihotel.com.
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