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Velaa Private Island celebrates third anniversary of Fehikuramaa CSR Initiative
Velaa Private Island is marking the third anniversary of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Fehikuramaa, as it solidifies its dedication to sustainability in the Noonu Atoll. Beyond the opulence of its exclusive offerings, Velaa Private Island has embraced a conscientious approach to living, addressing waste management challenges and championing a holistic commitment to sustainable development.
Launched in 2021 to tackle pressing waste management issues in the Maldives, Fehikuramaa has evolved into a comprehensive program encompassing initiatives from combatting ocean pollution to introducing home composting to reduce food waste. The initiative reflects Velaa Private Island’s dedication to fostering a sustainable environment and responsible living.
Expanding its impact to neighboring local island communities, Velaa Private Island aims to strengthen their resilience against the escalating solid waste crisis. Fehikuramaa aspires to cultivate a sustainable waste management culture by promoting an environmentally friendly mindset through awareness campaigns, training sessions, and unwavering support.
This week, the home compost and gardening program of 2023 was initiated at Kendhikolhudhoo school. Wayne Milgate, General Manager of Velaa Private Island, emphasizes the initiative’s essence, stating, “Fehikuramaa translates broadly to ‘Let’s make the environment greener’ in Dhivehi, encapsulating our core mission. The journey thus far has witnessed extraordinary support from local communities and the younger generation, underscoring a collective commitment to a sustainable future.”
Fehikuramaa represents more than an initiative; it signifies a commitment to reshape waste disposal and management practices across the Maldivian islands. It is a testament to the belief that collective participation is crucial in preserving the pristine beauty of this remarkable part of the world.
In the upcoming phases, the CSR initiative will conduct intensive awareness, waste management, and sustainability guidance sessions across all 13 inhabited islands of the Noonu atoll. Subject matter experts will lead these sessions, adhering to established guidelines and the regulatory framework of the Maldives.
Complementing these awareness efforts, tangible actions over the years include Velaa Private Island distributing reusable water bottles and tote bags to entire communities. Water dispensers have been installed in schools, waste segregation bins donated to all the islands in the atoll, and school sessions covering topics such as recycling, reducing single-use items, waste separation, composting, littering, and environmentalism.
Velaa Private Island’s narrative seamlessly intertwines with sustainability against the backdrop of the idyllic Maldives. Fehikuramaa is not just an initiative; it’s a ripple of change spreading across the atolls, inviting communities to join hands in preserving the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.
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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