News
Pulse Hotels & Resorts leads lifesaving initiative with a major blood drive across its resorts
Pulse Hotels & Resorts, an innovative hospitality development company in the Maldives known for its world-class properties including Kandima Maldives, The Nautilus Maldives, and Nova Maldives, has successfully conducted an extensive blood drive across its three resorts. This social responsibility initiative took place at the beginning of November, uniting its staff in a powerful community response to the urgent need for blood donations in the Maldives.
Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder with a prevalence of over 18% of Maldivians carrying the thalassemia trait, remains a major public health concern in the country, with one in six Maldivians being affected by it. This initiative by Pulse Hotels & Resorts marks a critical step towards ensuring an available and sufficient blood supply to treat individuals living with this condition.
The disorder, characterised by the body’s inability to produce enough haemoglobin, requires many patients to undergo frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives. These treatments are vital for their survival and well-being, hence the importance of robust blood reserves.
“We are immensely proud to contribute to our community in a way that aligns with our core values “human” and “responsible”,” said Althaf Mohamed Ali, Chief Operating Officer at Pulse Hotels & Resorts. “By hosting this blood drive, we are not only aiding those with thalassemia but also elevating awareness about the importance of regular blood donations.”
Through the collective efforts of its team members from diverse nationalities, Pulse Hotels & Resorts collected over 150 bags of blood. This achievement represents a substantial boost to the national blood bank and provides a lifeline for those affected by thalassemia and other medical emergencies.
“As a responsible business and a compassionate member of the Maldivian community, we believe it is our duty to support such causes,” Althaf Mohamed Ali added. “It is more than a corporate social responsibility activity; it’s about being part of a larger cause that has the power to change lives.”
The blood drive is just one aspect of the company’s long-standing commitment to corporate responsibility and reflects the spirit of giving that Pulse Hotels & Resorts embodies. It serves as an invitation for others in the hospitality industry and beyond to partake in such initiatives that can make a significant difference.
The success of the blood drive across the Pulse Hotels & Resorts properties has been a testament to the power of collective action in tackling health challenges and supporting the well-being of the Maldivian people.
For more information about Pulse Hotels & Resorts, please visit their website.
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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