News
Green Globe Recertification for VARU by Atmosphere
VARU by Atmosphere has secured the prestigious Green Globe Recertification for sustainable resort operations, following a rigorous audit encompassing over 44 mandatory core criteria. Located in the North-West edge of Malé Atoll in the Maldives, the 5-star resort offers a truly Maldivian experience by incorporating aspects of local traditions and cultures, structural design – fused together with bursts of chic tropical vibes.
Green Globe recognises organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable management, social responsibility, cultural heritage, economic stability and environmental conservation. Regarding this latest certification, Mei P Pun the General Manager of VARU by Atmosphere says, “Sustainability is at the core of our philosophy ‘Joy of Giving,’ and we believe in genuine, impactful changes. The goal is to create delightful guests experiences, while remaining respectful towards the local environment and community. For example, as part of biodiversity conservation, we are working towards building a coral garden. A frame of corals has been successfully tested, and the program will be launched this year”.
Sustainability is an essential part of the long-term business growth at Atmosphere Core, the company that manages VARU by Atmosphere. There is continuous effort towards driving CORE IMPACT — across Communities, Operations, Resources and Environment. Elaborating on this approach, Mei adds, “We are progressively integrating KPIs for sustainability into our performance management planning. While goal setting is important, I also believe in making the initiatives educational, fun and purposeful for both guests and colleagues. We hope that our efforts can drive real change and become tomorrow’s standard”.
As a part of the Atmosphere Colleague Development Program (ACDP), the Learning & Development team identifies, develops and encourages potential high performers. Following dedicated mentorship, the resort recently celebrated the graduation of four colleagues through the program. This achievement proves the efficacy of ACDP in sculpting hospitality leaders.
Community initiatives by the resort team reflect a genuine desire to make meaningful contributions to society. A recent initiative is the ‘Give Back Day.’ As a part of this program, the VARU team partnered with Fivathi Orphanage to organise a special Iftar event for 90 children. Similarly, the team recently organised a trip to nearby K. Huraa island to promote hospitality opportunities in for Maldivian youth, fostering economic empowerment and a sense of belonging within the community. During the pandemic, VARU by Atmosphere stepped up to support local communities by providing essential supplies to the Health Center. Contributions included face masks, new bed sheets, towels, and testing kits that served as a lifeline.
The resort embraces its responsibility to tread lightly upon the Earth by minimising operational impact on the island ecosystem. From energy-saving measures to waste reduction strategies, every aspect of operations aligns with environmental conservation goals. Noteworthy initiatives include 99% energy-efficient LED lighting, renewable solar energy infrastructure, paperless check in, island kitchen garden and a water bottling plant to eliminate plastic waste. By botting water in-house, the resort eliminates the use of more than 100,000 plastic bottles a year. There is also a focus on reducing waste generation, and recycling in partnership with leading recycling companies in the Maldives.
Water use is also carefully audited. Guests are encouraged to participate in the Towel and Linen Reuse Programme, wherein they can opt for a change of sheets and towels every third day to save water. A wastewater treatment centre ensures that grey water is used for irrigation and gardening, thus saving a considerable amount of portable water.
The resort also prioritises centralised sourcing while favouring local supplies, such as sourcing fish directly from local fishermen, and importing specialty items only. Furthermore, the team actively engages in reef and island cleaning activities, underscoring its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Maldives for generations to come.
Featured
ELE|NA marks World Asthma Day with guided wellness experiences
ELE|NA marked World Asthma Day with a series of wellness activities across its properties, focusing on the role of breath in overall wellbeing.
The programme was designed to highlight the connection between breathing, movement and daily health practices. According to the company, the initiative aimed to position respiratory health as an integral part of routine wellness rather than a purely clinical concern.
Activities began with guided breath awareness sessions combined with stretching exercises. These sessions focused on controlled movement and breathing techniques intended to improve mobility and support more regulated breathing patterns. The approach was structured to help participants reduce tension and restore a steady physical rhythm.
The programme also included Floating Sound Healing sessions, where participants were positioned on water while exposed to therapeutic sound frequencies. The sessions were designed to support relaxation and mental focus through controlled sensory input.
The overall programme combined breathwork, movement and sound-based therapy as part of a structured wellness approach. ELE|NA indicated that these practices were intended to support awareness, relaxation and physical balance.
The company operates across 12 properties, including OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, VARU by Atmosphere, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and RAAYA by Atmosphere, as well as properties in India.
Through the initiative, ELE|NA presented its wellness framework as extending beyond spa treatments, incorporating routine practices centred on breathing, movement and relaxation.
Cooking
Patina Maldives announces opening of KANDU in June 2026
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, renowned for its progressive approach to dining that seamlessly weaves together art, culture, and gastronomy, has announced the opening of KANDU at Patina Maldives in June 2026, an experiential dining destination dedicated to a modern expression of Maldivian cuisine.
Named after the Dhivehi word for the ocean channels that connect the Maldives’ atolls, KANDU is conceived as a fluid passage between sea and table, where natural currents, cultural memory, and culinary craft converge. Rooted in the elemental relationship between land and water, the concept reflects a dynamic and evolving interpretation of the Maldives’ rich gastronomic heritage.
As the only venue within the Fari Islands devoted entirely to contemporary Maldivian cuisine, KANDU introduces a “Dhivehi Modern Ocean-to-Table” philosophy, bridging island traditions with refined, modern techniques. Drawing from generations of island cooking, from the quiet wisdom of grandmother recipes to the distinct flavours of each atoll, the experience unfolds as a culinary journey across the archipelago.
KANDU offers a multicourse tasting menu designed as a narrative map of the Maldives, with each course reflecting the character and ingredients of a specific atoll. Traditional staples such as coconut, tuna, breadfruit, and native herbs are reimagined with precision and creativity, offering a refined expression of Maldivian flavour shaped by regional memory and contemporary technique.
Guided by the Indian Ocean as a living larder, KANDU emphasises a deep connection to place through ethical sourcing and sustainability. The restaurant partners directly with local fishermen for daily catches, supporting local communities while minimising environmental impact.
The beverage program highlights fresh, tropical, and largely non-alcoholic creations, presenting modern interpretations of traditional drinks such as Raa, Sai, and Kashikeyo-inspired cocktails, alongside inventive serves like a Bilimagu Whisky Sour. A curated selection of wines further enhances the dining experience.
Designed to reflect the natural textures and tones of the Maldives, KANDU features warm, earthy materials, open-air seating, and artwork spotlighting collaborations with local artists. The ambiance is complemented by a relaxed yet cosmopolitan soundtrack of downtempo and ambient music infused with subtle Maldivian influences.
“Maldivian cuisine has always been deeply personal to me. With KANDU, we wanted to honour the flavours many of us grew up with and reframe them through a more contemporary lens. This is a menu shaped by memory, by the ocean, and by the incredible produce of our islands. It is a celebration of where we come from, and where Maldivian cuisine can go next,” says Abdulla Rifzan, Chef de Cuisine at KANDU, known to many as Rippe.
Bold yet thoughtful, KANDU offers a new perspective on destination dining, honoring the past while sharing the evolving story of Maldivian cuisine with the world.
News
Sun Siyam celebrates Mother’s Day across its Maldives resort collection
This Mother’s Day, it is time to flip the script. No planning, no organising, no running around. Just a well deserved escape where everything is taken care of and every moment is designed with her in mind. Across its Luxury, Lifestyle and Privé Collections in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Sun Siyam has curated a series of experiences that go beyond the usual gifts, giving families the chance to truly spoil mum with something she will actually remember.
At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, part of the Luxury Collection, it is all about the ultimate mother and daughter escape, blending vibrant island energy with moments of real relaxation. Newly renovated water villas set the tone with a fresh, contemporary design, ideal for a chic island stay. The Spa by Thalgo is a highlight, offering over 165 treatments, including Signature Spa Journeys inspired by Polynesia and the Far East. These multi sensory experiences use elements such as sacred lotus and white Bora Bora sand to create something that feels immersive without being overwhelming. Guests can share a private hydrotherapy session or choose tailored treatments, from the Ultimate De-stress for daughters to advanced skincare rituals for mothers, all designed to help properly switch off. For something a little different, there is also the option to try a first dive together. The resort’s multi lingual diving centre, led by a female team, focuses on making the experience both safe and empowering, offering a great way to step out of the comfort zone and create a shared memory.
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection, everything is designed to help her slow down and feel looked after from the moment she arrives. Think curated wellness rituals that ease you straight into holiday mode, paired with simple, thoughtful touches that make the stay feel effortless. From a private dinner set just for the family, to a relaxed spa treatment just for her, the experience flows naturally under the stars from one moment to the next. The private Cinema by Moonlight adds a special touch to the evening, while guided snorkelling on the house reef and a glass-bottom kayak ride offer just enough adventure to keep things fun without ever feeling rushed.
Also within the Privé Collection, Sun Siyam Iru Veli is all about creating those standout moments that feel truly special. For Mother’s Day, it is the perfect place to go all out and spoil her, starting with a private sandbank experience where dinner is set in complete seclusion, surrounded by nothing but ocean views. For something equally memorable, the resort’s signature Haveeru Harmony, the Iru Veli Ritual offers a beautifully immersive couple’s experience inspired by island twilight, designed to bring a sense of calm, connection and complete switch off. Whether it is a sunset dinner, a shared spa ritual or simply uninterrupted time together, everything here is designed to feel personal, effortless and just a little bit extra.
In Sri Lanka, Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection, adds a cultural twist to the celebration. Join the resort’s chef on a local market visit before creating and enjoying a personalised Sri Lankan lunch together, or keep it simple with a beachside bonfire dinner, perfect for relaxed evenings by the ocean with family.
At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection, the focus shifts to creating those feel good moments that make her genuinely switch off and enjoy. It starts with thoughtful surprises arranged by the family, then moves into a mix of relaxation and light hearted experiences she can enjoy at her own pace. A visit to the overwater Ocean Spa offers a calm break with ocean views beneath your feet, while activities like the art studio and Maldivian cooking classes bring everyone together in a more relaxed and playful way. For something a little more energetic, the jet car experience adds a fun twist, perfect for sharing a few laughs and doing something completely different.
Over at Siyam World, also part of the Lifestyle Collection, the experience takes a more playful and unexpected turn, perfect for surprising her with something she would never see coming. One of the standout moments is a sunrise or sunset horse ride along the beach at the Maldives’ only horse ranch, a unique experience that feels both peaceful and unforgettable. For the evening, switch things up with a more indulgent setting in the underground wine cellar, where intimate dinners are surrounded by rare vintages and guided by the resort’s sommelier. It is the kind of experience that feels exclusive without trying too hard, and a great way to turn a simple dinner into something she will talk about long after the trip.
Across every destination, the idea is simple. Give mum the time, space and experiences she actually wants, without taking her away from the people she loves.
For those looking to extend the experience, Sun Siyam’s summer offers add an extra layer of ease, with exclusive savings and added benefits across the collection. Available for bookings until 31 August 2026, for stays until 31 October 2027, they offer the perfect opportunity to turn a simple celebration into something far more lasting.
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