News
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives Partners with Manta Trust, Strengthening Commitment to Marine Conservation
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives proudly announces its recent certification as a partner of Manta Trust, a global leader in manta ray conservation . This exciting partnership underscores Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s proactive efforts towards environmental stewardship and underscores its dedication to preserving the delicate marine ecosystems of the Maldives.
The Manta Trust is a globally recognized organization registered in England and Wales and is dedicated to the research, protection, and conservation of manta rays and their habitats worldwide. Through research, education, and advocacy, the Manta Trust strives to ensure the long-term survival of these majestic creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Guests visiting Sun Siyam Iru Fushi now have the opportunity to safely interact with manta rays if they are spotted during any resort excursion activities. This allows guests to create unforgettable memories while also respecting the natural habitat of the mantas. In addition, guests can contribute to citizen science by submitting their photographs to the Manta Trust. This helps researchers with the identification and tracking of individual mantas, providing valuable data on population dynamics and habitat preferences in the Maldives. To further enhance the experience, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi team members, who have received specialized training, are available to answer questions and provide insights into the captivating world of manta rays.
The resort pledges to actively support the Manta Trust’s initiatives through collaborative efforts, including participation in research expeditions, hosting educational programs, and engaging in community outreach initiatives throughout the year. In addition, the resort will educate its team members on responsible interactions with mantas and to actively contribute to manta ray conservation efforts.
Caitlin Ruth Rentell, Marine Biologist at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to join forces with the Manta Trust in their mission to conserve manta rays and their habitats. At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, we recognize the importance of preserving the marine environment for future generations, and this partnership underscores our ongoing commitment to sustainable practices.”
Sun Siyam Resorts is dedicated to operating sustainably and responsibly in the Maldives and Sri Lanka while offering authentic guest experiences. The group-wide Sun Siyam Cares program prioritizes sustainability through initiatives such as reducing energy and water use, managing waste to reduce plastic use, supporting community development, and investing in renewable energy. It also focuses on conservation efforts and work to preserve local heritage and cultural practices. By following these sustainability practices, the resorts aim to minimize the environmental impact, carbon footprint and contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the communities in which they operate.
For more information about Sun Siyam Cares and its sustainability initiatives, please visit the website at www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-cares/.
Villa Park has been recognised with the HolidayCheck Award 2026 for the second consecutive year, reflecting continued guest trust and consistently strong feedback.
Set on one of the Maldives’ largest natural islands in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) region, Villa Park is a standout choice for families seeking a lush, activity-filled escape. With tropical greenery woven throughout the island, long stretches of beach, and a wide range of experiences to suit every age, the resort offers the space and variety that make family travel feel effortless. From active lagoon days to slower, restorative moments, families can shape each day around what matters most to them.
Villa Park is also home to an extensive range of Beach Pool Villas, offering picture-perfect settings designed for easy indoor-outdoor living. Surrounded by palms and gardens, these private stays deliver the bright, tropical backdrop guests return for and love to capture.
For families, the island experience is elevated further by Park Players, positioned as the Maldives’ largest kids’ club, with a dedicated world of play, creativity, and discovery. The combination of nature, space, and things to do across the island continues to shape Villa Park’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ most trusted family resorts.
JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is set to mark Valentine’s Day with a curated rooftop dining experience at Azur Rooftop, combining ocean views, live music and a specially designed menu for couples.
Taking place against the backdrop of the Malé skyline and the Indian Ocean, the Valentine’s Day dinner is designed for couples seeking an intimate yet lively evening. The experience begins with a Tropical Sweetheart welcome drink, blending strawberry, lime and honey, followed by an amuse-bouche served as a shared moment between partners, featuring romesco mousse in a rye tart.
The dinner continues with a selection of starters including Indonesian chicken satay with peanut sauce and a chilled watermelon coconut gazpacho. A passion fruit and mango sorbet is served as a palate cleanser ahead of the main courses.
For the main course, guests may choose between roasted chicken with thyme and beet jus, seared seabass with smoked paprika mashed potatoes, or beetroot risotto finished with burrata. The dining experience concludes with a dessert sequence titled Kiss Me Goodnight, accompanied by petit fours such as dark chocolate passion bites and strawberry rose macarons. Illy coffee, teas, chilled juices and soft drinks are also included.
Live music performances by Akku will accompany the evening, adding to the rooftop ambience created by soft lighting, décor and panoramic views.
The Valentine’s Day dinner at Azur Rooftop is priced at USD 110 per couple, inclusive of all taxes and service charges. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +960 330 0888.
Nestled in the pristine waters of the Raa Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort introduces Swim with Nurse Sharks, a new guided marine experience offering guests a rare opportunity to encounter these gentle creatures in their natural lagoon habitat.
Located just minutes from the island, the calm, shallow waters provide ideal conditions for observing nurse sharks at rest and in motion. The one-hour experience operates three times a week by speedboat and is designed for small groups, making it suitable for families and confident swimmers seeking a meaningful connection with the ocean.
Guided with care and respect for the environment, the experience reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to marine awareness and responsible interaction with wildlife. Guests gain insight into the behaviour of nurse sharks while exploring one of the region’s few accessible snorkelling sites dedicated to this species.
Available at USD 95++ per person, with special rates for children under 12, Swim with Nurse Sharks adds a distinctive new chapter to the resort’s immersive ocean experiences.
For more information on “Swim with Nurse Sharks” at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, please visit the resort’s website.
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