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Fortifying Angsana Velavaru’s dedication to sustainability with Earth Day celebration

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Angsana Velavaru, an all-inclusive premium resort nestled in South Nilandhe Atoll and a leading advocate for environmental stewardship in the Maldives, celebrated Earth Day on 22 April with a series of impactful initiatives. With an emphasis on its dedication to sustainability, the resort hosted a range of activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting responsible practices. Earth Day is an annual event demonstrating support for environmental protection, coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG, which began in 1970.

The celebration commenced with the launch of “SustainLinen: Apron Collection” at Kaani Restaurant’s interactive breakfast pancake station. The linens, once adorning the resort’s villas and providing guests with comfort, were repurposed instead of being discarded – symbolising a remarkable transformation.

In July 2023, the Green Sustainability Team, comprising dedicated associates from various resort departments and sharing a vision of a greener, more sustainable future, introduced the “SustainLinen Tote Bag with Purpose” to resort associates. This initiative aimed to offer an eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic bags, thereby reducing plastic waste. Since September 2023, the team has extended this initiative to neighboring communities and in-house guests. To mark Earth Day, skilled tailors at the resort crafted 30 tote bags from discarded beach umbrellas for distribution to guests.

A tree planting session was held at 10:00 am led by the Angsana Velavaru’s Executive Assistant Manager – Food and Beverage Neil Firman with a total of 77 trees planted, followed by a reef cleanup from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm. During the cleanup, 14 participants removed 25 Pin Cushion Sea Stars, safeguarding the precious corals that adorn the underwater realm.

Meanwhile, kids engaged in bracelet making workshops at the Ranger’s Club from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, using repurposed fishing nets to create trendy accessories. This hands-on activity not only fostered creativity but also highlighted the importance of recycling and reducing marine pollution. Furthermore, families joined in an island cleanup effort from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Together, participants worked to ensure the island remained a sanctuary for both guests and natural ecosystem.

“We are thrilled to lead the Earth Day celebration with a renewed commitment to sustainability,” said Abdul Nasir Ibrahim, Executive Housekeeper, and Sustainability Champion at Angsana Velavaru. “Through initiatives such as repurposing fishing nets for trendy bracelets and engaging in eco-friendly activities, we aim to inspire positive change and foster a deeper connection to our environment.”

“At Angsana Velavaru, we invite guests, associates, and the local community to embrace sustainability and contribute to a more resilient and harmonious future,” added Muhamad Izuan, Marine Environment Officer. “We believe in the power of small ideas and collaborative efforts. There is always room for innovation and a deep sense of responsibility to nature and the community. Therefore, let us make every day Earth Day.”

Part of Banyan Group, a renowned international hospitality company committed to a greater purpose, Angsana Velavaru, an EarthCheck Gold-certified for eight years, presents a blissful tropical retreat. Boasting 79 secluded beachfront villas and a collection of 34 InOcean Villas, it offers a vibrant and immersive experience amidst the azure waters.

Angsana Velavaru walks the talk with a series of best practices that contribute to its sustainable journey:

  • Single-Use Plastic Bottles Elimination
  • Solar Panel Installation
  • Food Compost Machine Implementation
  • Rainwater Harvesting
  • Saltwater Chlorination Project
  • SustainLinen: The Story of Tote Bag with a Purpose

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Finding balance: Story of wellness at Ayada Maldives

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At Ayada Maldives, wellness is not an add-on to the guest experience, it is part of the island’s natural rhythm. Surrounded by the soothing sounds of the ocean and the vibrant energy of the tropics, guests are invited to rediscover balance through yoga, movement, and mindfulness, guided by the resort’s resident instructor, Satyam.

Rooted in Tradition

Satyam’s journey to Ayada began far from the turquoise waters of the Maldives, in the Himalayan foothills of Rishikesh — a town revered as the birthplace of yoga. There, he trained under some of India’s most respected teachers, completing over 500 hours of certified practice. Satyam also studied naturopathy, Ayurvedic Panchakarma, and therapeutic yoga, equipping him with a holistic understanding of the connection between body, mind, and spirit.

This depth of knowledge now shapes the wellness offering at Ayada Maldives, where each session blends authentic yogic principles with the serene energy of the island.

An Inclusive Approach to Wellbeing

From sunrise yoga on the beach to sunset meditation at the Zero Degree Pagoda, Satyam’s classes are designed to meet guests wherever they are in their journey. His teaching philosophy is simple — yoga should be accessible to everyone.

Beginners are gently guided through foundational poses, while experienced practitioners can explore more advanced techniques and breathwork. Beyond yoga, Ayada’s wellness programme also includes reformer Pilates, Tai Chi, high-intensity interval training, and even children’s yoga, ensuring that every guest — regardless of age or ability — finds their place in the island’s rhythm of movement.

Where Nature Enhances the Practice

What makes Ayada’s approach truly special is its setting. For Satyam, the island itself plays an active role in every session. The ocean breeze, the scent of tropical flora, and the gentle sound of waves create an atmosphere that naturally calms the mind and deepens the practice.

“The energy here is different,” he explains. “You can feel it the moment you start to breathe — the island encourages you to slow down, to be present, to reconnect.”

Wellness at Ayada Maldives is more than a daily ritual — it is an invitation to reconnect with oneself, to find stillness in motion, and to rediscover the joy of balance.

For more on Ayada Maldives’ wellness offerings, visit www.ayadamaldives.com.

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives announces GHA Double Nights promotion for Cinnamon DISCOVERY

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has announced an exclusive offer for members of its loyalty programme, Cinnamon DISCOVERY, part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). From 1 October to 30 November 2025, members can accelerate their journey towards elevated membership status with the Double Nights Promotion, earning double the tier credits for every qualifying stay across Cinnamon’s resorts in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Under this limited-time offer, each eligible night counts twice — meaning one night’s stay equals two tier night credits. This allows members to reach higher tiers in half the time or maintain their Titanium status with ease. To take advantage of the promotion, guests simply need to register, book directly with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts using promo code O25DBLNTS, and complete their stay within the promotional period.

Depending on their resorts in the Maldives and membership tier, Cinnamon DISCOVERY members can enjoy a curated selection of experiences and benefits during their stay. These include:

  • Four-course dinner by the beach (Steak or Seafood)
  • 30-minute spa treatment
  • Local island experience
  • Swim and snorkel experience
  • Resort credit
  • Dolphin watching
  • Sunset fishing
  • Kid stays free

Cinnamon DISCOVERY is part of GHA DISCOVERY, the world’s largest loyalty alliance of independent hotel brands, offering over 800 hotels across 100 countries. Guests can join Cinnamon DISCOVERY for free to start earning rewards and enjoying benefits immediately.

For more information or to register, visit www.cinnamonhotels.com.

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JOALI BEING earns global recognition with Two MICHELIN Keys, top 10 ranking in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

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JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ first wellbeing island, continues to strengthen its global reputation for transformative wellness experiences, having received two prestigious international honours in the same week.

The resort has been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide and recognised among the Top 5 Wellness Hotels in the World as a finalist for the inaugural MICHELIN Wellness Award 2025. In addition, JOALI BEING has been ranked #10 Destination Spa Resort in the World in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

The MICHELIN Keys 2025 were announced on 8 October during a global ceremony in Paris, marking a new milestone in the Guide’s hotel distinction programme. Introduced last year, the MICHELIN Key has quickly become the hospitality world’s equivalent of the MICHELIN Star — honouring hotels that offer truly remarkable experiences.

JOALI BEING’s Two MICHELIN Keys distinction recognises the resort’s exceptional design, service, and holistic approach to wellbeing. Guided by the Four Pillars of Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy, the island blends advanced scientific expertise with time-honoured healing traditions, creating personalised wellbeing journeys for every guest.

Adding to this recognition, JOALI BEING was also named among the Top 5 Wellness Hotels in the World as a finalist for the inaugural MICHELIN Wellness Award 2025 — a new accolade celebrating destinations that place wellbeing at the core of their philosophy. The other nominees were Bürgenstock Resort (Switzerland), Canyon Ranch Tucson (USA), Lily of the Valley (France), and The Retreat at Blue Lagoon (Iceland).

These properties were celebrated for redefining wellness hospitality through innovation, authenticity, and purpose — qualities that are deeply embedded in JOALI BEING’s ethos of Well-Living.

On 7 October 2025, Condé Nast Traveler announced its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, where over 757,000 readers voted for their favourite destinations, hotels, and resorts around the world. JOALI BEING was ranked #10 Destination Spa Resort in the World, securing its position among the most outstanding wellness sanctuaries globally.

The recognition reflects JOALI BEING’s ongoing commitment to crafting experiences that inspire renewal and balance — from its biophilic architecture and sound healing spaces to its immersive wellbeing programmes and mindful cuisine. Each element of the resort has been carefully designed to nurture both body and mind, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the new era of wellness hospitality.

Since its opening, JOALI BEING has positioned the Maldives as a global destination for wellness travel. Beyond spa treatments, the island offers integrative wellbeing experiences designed to foster transformation and growth. Every guest journey is guided by expert practitioners, nutritionists, and movement specialists, creating a personalised pathway to restore balance and vitality.

With these two international honours — from the MICHELIN Guide and Condé Nast Traveler — JOALI BEING stands among the world’s most celebrated destinations for wellness and luxury travel, reaffirming its vision to pioneer the future of Well-Living.

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