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SustainLinen: Tote bags with purpose at EarthCheck Gold-certified Angsana Velavaru
In the heart of Angsana Velavaru, an all-inclusive premium and an EarthCheck Gold Certified resort in South Nilandhe Atoll, a remarkable tale of sustainability, creativity, and the inherent purpose of everything unfolds. It is a story that begins with a simple idea conceived from the commitment to protect the all-natural, beautiful surroundings, “SustainLinen – Tote Bags with Purpose.”
The journey of the SustainLinen – Tote Bags with Purpose started with the Green Sustainability Team, a group of dedicated associates representing each department at the resort, driven by a shared vision of a greener, more sustainable future. They pondered a question that would set their creative spirits soaring: “What if we did not have to discard our discarded linens? What if we could breathe new life into them, turning the ordinary into a symbol of eco-consciousness?”
The concept of SustainLinen – Tote Bags with Purpose was born. The linens that once adorned the resort’s villas, having fulfilled their duty in pampering guests with comfort, are now destined for a remarkable transformation. Instead of becoming waste, they would be reborn as meaningful and purposeful totes, each one unique and woven with a touch of Maldivian charm.
The transformative journey commences at the heart of the island, where the resort’s talented tailors take centre stage. Infused with a profound dedication to sustainability, they meticulously choose and launder the cast-off linens, priming them for a renewed purpose. With keen attention to detail, they skilfully weave these linens, fashioning purposeful totes laden with significance.
The story does not end there. The real magic of the SustainLinen – Tote Bags with Purpose lies in its design, a collaborative effort of the resort’s associates who pour their creativity into the pieces. They draw inspiration from the breathtaking surroundings, especially the vibrant marine life beneath the surface.
The result? Totes that are not only eco-friendly but also a true reflection of the Maldivian paradise. Angsana Velavaru encourages associates to use these tote bags as an alternative to disposable plastic bags, thereby reducing the resort’s plastic waste output. It is a small yet significant step toward a greener and more sustainable future.
Angsana Velavaru encourages associates to use these tote bags as an alternative to disposable plastic bags, thereby reducing the resort’s plastic waste output. It is a small yet significant step toward a greener and more sustainable future.
As a symbol of Angsana Velavaru’s commitment to sustainability and the belief that everything has a purpose – and that purpose can be repurposed, associates use these totes at work or when going to a neighbouring local island for shopping trips. On 21 September, during the celebration of World Cleanup Day, they have introduced this initiative to 55 students of Maaenboodhoo School at Dh. Maaenboodhoo, South Nilandhe (Dhaalu) Atoll. They have also started introducing these to in-house guests so that when they go home after their holiday, they are carrying a piece of the Maldives.
The story of SustainLinen – Tote Bags with Purpose is a testament to the power of small ideas and collaborative efforts. It is a reminder that even in paradise, there is always room for innovation, a deep sense of responsibility, and the understanding that everything, no matter how humble its origins, can find new life and meaning. This is an inspiration of a more sustainable tomorrow, one stitch at a time.
Join Angsana Velavaru in embracing sustainability and in contributing to a more resilient and harmonious future. Discover more at Sustainability | Angsana.
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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