News
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands celebrates 2023 ocean conservation highlights
Forming part of the coveted Fari Islands’ lifestyle concept, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has been championing environmental education since its opening in 2021. A destination that’s fast become an iconic addition to the Indian Ocean, is also home to a hub of innovation when it comes to environmental conservation. The resort steps lightly in to 2024 celebrating its continued dedication to the protection of our natural world.
‘Eye in the Sky’ Drone Technology
Spearheaded by resort naturalists and a progressive research community, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ sophisticated ocean plastics’ monitoring program works to conserve one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems with the use of drones. In partnership with British PhD researcher Melissa Schiele, drone technology has been developed and deployed in and around the atoll to better understand the location and movement of ocean plastics, including discarded fishing nets (ghost nets). With immediate impact resort teams are able to locate and remove otherwise hard to find debris identified by drones.
In 2023 the resort’s naturalist team and dive network removed 19 ghost nets with an estimated weight of 1100kg. These ghost nets travel in to the east Indian Ocean via strong ocean winds and currents experienced in the region from mid-December. In 2023, the resort successfully rescued five olive ridley sea turtles found entangled in abandoned nets. Two turtles were released immediately, with three rehabilitated by the Olive Ridley Project’s veterinary team at the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre in Baa Atoll, before a successful reintroduction to the ocean. A rehabilitated turtle named ‘Muraka’, released on the 16th of August 2023, was fitted with a GPS tracking device to allow guests and followers to trace her journey.
Since opening, the resort has achieved 751 drone flights aiding critical research in to plastic aggregation, location of ghost nets and ongoing monitoring of wildlife. In a first-of-its-kind image collection and data processing project, impressive data from the drone initiative was drawn for collaborative use to inform, educate and drive positive change long-term. Over 21 ocean species were observed in 2023, from the Ornate Eagle Ray, Black Tip Reef Shark to Melon-Headed Whale.*
Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program
Home to the Maldives’ first Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continues to collaborate with the world-renowned oceanographic explorer and environmentalist to provide guest experiences with preservation of the planet at its core. In 2023 the program planted 40 coral frames as part of its coral regeneration initiative, using coral frags from the Pocillapora (Cauliflower corals) and the Acropora (Table coral). 25 of these abundant nursery frames, and successful new habitats for ocean life, can be seen by guests in the shallow waters of the resort’s welcome jetty on arrival.
The resort will welcome Jean-Michel Cousteau in 2024 from the 8th to 18th April. An inspired educational residency will include exclusive guest experiences and Q&As with the legendary explorer.
Community Footprints
As part of its Community Footprints’ programming, and with focus on environmental awareness for the planet’s future generations, the resort’s relationships with local schools enable visits with its naturalist teams to share research and educate. In 2023 five educational excursions to local islands took place including schools in Dhiffushi and Gaafaru. The visits took a deep dive in to ocean conservation, from the environmental impact of ocean plastics, insights from the resort community’s drone research and shared observations of wildlife in the surrounding atoll. Presentations of ground-breaking research from the resort’s ‘Visiting Heroes’ programme included the work of renowned shark scientist Gibbs Kuguru and his conservation work tagging Blacktip Reef Sharks.
Closer to home, the resort was proud to engage in ten global environmental dates. Educational and inspired activities worked to raise awareness surrounding key calendar dates including; World Shark Day, World Dolphin Day, Ocean Clean Up Day, and Earth Day. A continuation of its Community Footprints programming, 11 beach clean-ups invited guests to support ocean debris collection on resort shores and the local islands of Dhiffushi and Gaafaru.
Creating a Sustainable Environment for the Future
The resort continues to grow its commitment to sustainable practices in its day-to-day operations, from increasing its production of renewable energy via its solar power infrastructure, purification of still and sparkling drinking water at its dedicated plant, treating greywater for landscaping, and a robust composting programme for daily food waste.
With a considered approach to luxury living, guests can expect to use reusable glass water bottles, bamboo-based personal consumables, refillable jars of amenities, and bamboo and stainless-steel straws. Organic Bamford amenities, with shared sensibilities of living consciously and in harmony with nature, are replenished on-site, while the resort’s desalination plant reduces the amount of plastic imported into the country.
For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives and for real-time updates follow the resort on Facebook and Instagram.
Family
Reethi Faru Resort celebrates Halloween with family activities and costume party
On 31 October, Reethi Faru Resort invites guests to discover a different side of the Maldives, as the island transforms into a tropical Halloween escape filled with family fun, creative costumes, music, themed dining and unforgettable island moments.
Set against the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Halloween at Reethi Faru brings together the playful spirit of the season with the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere of a Maldivian island. From afternoon activities for younger guests to an evening costume celebration, the programme offers something for everyone.

Halloween Fun for Little Ones
The celebrations begin with a dedicated afternoon of Halloween fun for younger guests. Children can get into the spirit of the occasion with face painting, themed games and specially curated activities designed to encourage creativity, imagination and plenty of laughter.
Families are invited to embrace the occasion together, with little ones transforming into their favourite Halloween characters before enjoying an afternoon of playful island adventures.
A Night of Costumes, Music and Celebration
As the sun sets and the island takes on a different atmosphere, the celebrations continue with the Halloween Costume Party.
Guests are invited to dress up and join an evening of DJ music, dancing and Halloween entertainment, with the island providing a unique tropical setting for creative costumes and festive fun.
From mysterious characters to imaginative creations, the costume party brings guests together for an evening where the unexpected feels right at home in paradise.
A Halloween Feast with a Tropical Twist
Food is at the heart of every celebration, and Halloween at Reethi Faru is no exception.
The resort’s culinary team will create a specially themed Halloween buffet, featuring a selection of international and local flavours presented with a creative seasonal twist. From the buffet to the bar, the Halloween spirit continues with specially prepared Halloween cocktails, adding a playful finishing touch to the evening.

Halloween Under the Maldivian Sky
Celebrating Halloween in the Maldives offers a setting unlike any other.
As darkness falls, the sounds of the ocean replace the bustle of everyday life, while the moonlight reflects across the lagoon and the island’s tropical surroundings create an atmospheric backdrop for the evening’s celebrations.
This combination of Halloween tradition and Maldivian island life makes the experience at Reethi Faru distinctive. The result is a celebration that feels festive and familiar, yet entirely at home in paradise.
Whether travelling with family, enjoying a romantic escape or simply looking to experience the Maldives in a different way, guests can join the festivities and create their own Halloween memories on the island.
A Different Kind of Halloween
On 31 October, Reethi Faru Resort invites guests to leave the ordinary behind and experience Halloween where tropical island life meets the spirit of the season.
With creative activities, costumes, music, cuisine and the beauty of the Maldivian night providing the backdrop, Halloween at Reethi Faru offers a celebration that is playful, atmospheric and uniquely island-inspired.
News
Nova Maldives invites independent travellers to reconnect during Solo Traveller Month
With solo travel increasing year on year, and more independent travellers seeking purpose, flexibility and meaningful connection, Nova Maldives opens its shores to the solo spirit for a late summer reset.
Following PADI AWARE Week centered on marine conservation and ocean stewardship, the month is set to take an inward turn for the return of Solo Traveller Month, dedicated to holidays for one, with thematic practitioner-led sessions and holistic experiences that can be enjoyed alone, or with newfound company.
A Weekend of Coming Home to Yourself
From 25-30 September, the resort will welcome Pika Dubey, award-winning ELLE Mental Wellness Expert 2025 and founder of The Head Space Lab to host three workshops open to all guests, designed to form a journey that promotes self-discovery, anchoring, and release:
- Notes to Self: Guided Journaling & Reflection: With prompts and helpful tips for guests to discover where they are, pause and reflect, and reconnect with what matters most to them.
- The Reconnection Circle: A heart-to-heart workshop on emotional wellbeing, boundaries and life transitions, using psychological frameworks, closing with a “letter to your future self” exercise to put insights into words.
- The Ritual of Release: A symbolic fire ceremony that turns reflection into action, letting burdens go and making space for what comes next.
Pika is an experienced professional who has dedicated her career to progressing mental health education and awareness across India. Having partnered with organisations to extend mental health access to underserved communities, and as an alumna of the National Healthcare Academy, Yale and Harvard, she brings a wealth of hands-on experience to equipping people with the tools to build resilience and cultivate inner peace at every stage in life.
The Journey Continues, At Your Own Pace
Beyond these sessions, travellers can also sample additional experiences at Nova that fosters stillness, with a chance to experiment with a retreat-style experience without signing up to a fixed schedule. The resort weekly programme ranges from group yoga across various modalities: from Vinyasa to Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) and Hatha, to sound baths with singing bowls, gongs and ocean drums, and Bodu Beru drumming classes rooted in Maldivian tradition, a meditative practice that encourages bonding through shared beats and vibrations.

Elsewhere on the island, solos can graze on plant-based Maldivian small bites at Soul Kitchen’s all-day dining, or slip beneath the surface to snorkel and dive alongside whale sharks and manta rays. For something more private still, curated sandbank escapes offer guests a slice of paradise entirely their own, after which they can settle into Mizu, the resort’s overwater pavilion, for a Teppanyaki dinner inspired by seafood and seaweed under the open sky.
These experiences reflect Nova’s belief in conscious connection, prioritising quality over quantity, where casual gatherings and shared moments create a natural setting for like-minded travellers to meet and connect over common interests.
Whether venturing out for their first solo trip or their tenth, Nova invites travellers to embrace a softer escape and experience the beauty of the South Ari Atoll. Beach Villas are available to book from £363/night and Water Villas from £439/night on Full Board, with up to 50% off room rates on nova-maldives.com.
News
Sun Siyam marks Golden Week across Iru Veli, Vilu Reef with dining and island experiences
This Golden Week, Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, two of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection retreats in the Maldives, invite guests to celebrate one of the year’s most anticipated holiday periods with seven days of island experiences centred around togetherness, gastronomy, wellbeing and discovery.
From 1 to 7 October 2026, both resorts will bring their own character to the occasion, combining thoughtful Chinese-inspired touches with the warmth, natural beauty and sense of place that define a Sun Siyam escape. From sharing memorable meals and slowing down at the spa to discovering the Indian Ocean together, couples, families and friends can experience Golden Week at their own pace.

Golden Week at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Golden Week is shaped around time well spent together, with gastronomy and shared experiences at the heart of the programme.
Chinese-inspired flavours and hotpot experiences bring a familiar taste of the occasion to the island, while lantern-lit evenings by the beach combine dining with live entertainment and the sound of the Indian Ocean. Maldivian touches are woven throughout the week, adding a strong sense of place and allowing guests to experience the destination alongside the celebration.

Beyond the table, the programme creates plenty of opportunities to slow down, reconnect and explore. Ocean Spa brings a restorative element to the week with a special herbal rejuvenation offer, while younger guests can enjoy playful cultural activities at Turtle Kidz Club.
For those looking for adventure, the waters surrounding Dhaalu Atoll offer another side to Golden Week. Guests can set out in search of whale sharks, discover the underwater world through scuba diving, or take to the lagoon with flyboarding and extended Jet Car rides.
Whether spent exploring beneath the surface or simply enjoying time together by the ocean, the week is designed to leave guests the freedom to experience the island in their own way.

For more information and to view the detailed programme of Sun Siyam Iru Veli, please visit the resort’s website.
Golden Week at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Golden Week takes on a spirited ocean-inspired character, bringing together vibrant dining, family experiences, wellbeing and aquatic adventure.
The culinary journey moves from dedicated Chinese live-cooking stations to seafood barbecues beside the Indian Ocean. For a distinctly Maldivian experience, Golden Catch & Grill invites guests to head out onto the water, catch their own fish and enjoy it freshly prepared in traditional island style.

The celebration continues beyond the dining table. The Spa offers restorative wellness rituals for guests looking to slow down, while Island Movie Magic brings families together for cinema by the sea.
Out on the water, family dive journeys, guided Seabob experiences, introductory scuba excursions and the snorkelling adventures offer different ways to discover the surrounding marine world. As the day draws to a close, Golden Hour Jet Car rides bring an exhilarating finish to the afternoon against the colours of the Maldivian sunset.

For more information and to view the detailed programme of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, please visit the resort’s website.
Two Islands, Two Ways to Celebrate
While Iru Veli and Vilu Reef each bring their own personality to Golden Week, both reflect the spirit of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection: intimate island escapes where experiences feel personal, days unfold naturally and the Maldives remains at the heart of every stay.
From sharing a hotpot beside the ocean and discovering Maldivian flavours to exploring tropical reefs or simply watching the sunset together, the programmes are designed around what matters most during Golden Week, having the time and space to reconnect with the people who matter.
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