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Soneva makes strides with solar energy

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Soneva, the award-winning sustainable luxury resort operator, is making significant strides in its commitment to renewable energy, with a focus on solar energy in the Maldives. For 2024, both Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll and Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll have targeted close to 50 percent of their energy needs to be generated from photovoltaic (PV) sources, thanks to the addition of new PV installations. Previously, the PV system at Soneva Fushi had supplied around 12 percent of the resort’s energy load.

Soneva has been able to expand its development of solar power based on the USD 10 million funding provided by German-headquartered Aareal Bank in December 2022. This has seen Soneva Fushi’s solar installations total 2.55MWp (megawatt peak) of power and 2.7 MWh (megawatt hours) of battery capacity, while at Soneva Jani, the installations total 2.75 MWp of power and 2.0MWh of battery capacity.

Pioneering sustainability in the luxury hospitality industry since 1995, Soneva is leading the hospitality sector’s transition towards a zero-carbon future, with aims to achieve fully carbon-free operations across its Maldives resorts.

“Our investment in solar energy demonstrates our commitment to sustainability at the same time as contributing positively to our bottom line,” says Bruce Bromley, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO at Soneva. “Embracing solar power on such a significant scale has substantially reduced our carbon footprint and demonstrates what is possible in the hospitality industry. The invaluable support from Aareal Bank has paved the way for integrating our energy systems with other renewable technologies, propelling us closer to our goal of achieving fossil fuel-free operations.”

To better harness the full potential of solar energy, Soneva is already exploring the potential of installing floating solar panels in the ocean surrounding its island resorts, in addition to new land-based locations. For example, the new Soneva Secret 2024 resort, located in the Maldives’ remote Haa Dhaalu Atoll, is implementing floating solar panels, which are projected to cover nearly 90 percent of the resort’s energy load. The resort also features an integrated ice storage system for air conditioning, setting a new standard for a higher penetration of renewable energy.

Soneva is also further expanding its existing sustainability strategies, such as rainwater harvesting and load shifting, to maximise the utilisation of renewables, while assessing alternative storage technologies to further enhance energy usage. These include flow batteries that offer longer lifespans and the capacity to store substantial amounts of energy, and thermal storage to sustain and regulate renewable heat.

“The financial sector plays a decisive role in the transition of the property sector toward a carbon-free future. At Aareal Bank, we are embracing this responsibility. It gives us great satisfaction to witness our joint efforts bearing fruits and contributing to sustainable development on multiple fronts,” states Thomas Adaemmer, Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific at Aareal Bank.

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Alila Kothaifaru Maldives plans Chinese New Year dining and wellness experiences

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Alila Kothaifaru Maldives invites guests to welcome the Chinese New Year with a refined island celebration taking place from 15 to 20 February 2026. The resort presents a curated programme of dining, wellness, cultural, and family experiences designed to honour the Year of the Horse in a serene and immersive setting.

In Chinese culture, the Year of the Horse symbolises strength, vitality, and forward movement which are values that resonate deeply with Alila’s philosophy of purposeful living, personal growth, and meaningful connection to nature. Reflecting this ethos, the resort’s Chinese New Year programme encourages guests to slow down, reconnect, and begin the year with clarity and intention.

“At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Chinese New Year is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate renewal and togetherness in a way that feels authentic and unhurried,” said Thomas Weber, the General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “Inspired by the Year of the Horse, our celebrations are designed to embody balance, resilience, and mindful progression which allowing guests to embrace the new year through enriching moments, shared traditions, and restorative experiences.”

The festivities are anchored by elevated Chinese New Year themed ‘Boat To Table” at Seasalt Restaurant, highlighting thoughtfully sourced ingredients and fresh island flavours, presented within a relaxed beachfront dining experience.

Cultural immersion continues with complimentary Dumpling Making Classes, offering guests a hands-on way to engage with time-honoured Chinese New Year traditions in an intimate and interactive setting.

Wellness takes centre stage at Spa Alila with Spring of Luck, a restorative ritual inspired by the season of renewal. Combining a Mandarin Body Renewal with a personalised massage, the experience reflects Alila’s holistic approach to wellbeing, by nurturing both body and mind as guests step into the new year.

Adding a creative and reflective dimension to the celebrations, Mandala of the Horse invites guests to participate in a guided session inspired by themes of strength, creativity, and forward momentum. The experience encourages mindfulness and self-expression, aligning with the resort’s emphasis on purposeful, design-led encounters.

Families are also invited to celebrate together with Festive Fun at Play Alila, featuring a vibrant line-up of Chinese New Year–themed activities for children and families, from arts and crafts to playful traditions inspired by the season.

Blending refined dining, mindful wellness, cultural discovery, and family-friendly moments, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers a meaningful and elevated way to begin the Year of the Horse, rooted in balance, intention, and the beauty of island life.

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Constance Moofushi achieves 11 years of Green Globe Platinum certification

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Constance Moofushi has announced its Green Globe Platinum certification for the 11th consecutive year, reaffirming a long-standing and deeply rooted commitment to sustainable tourism. More than a certification milestone, this recognition reflects an evolving journey in which sustainability is embedded in the daily fabric of resort operations — driven by the passion, creativity and dedication of every team member.

At the heart of Constance Moofushi’s approach lies a simple yet powerful principle: sustainability thrives when people lead. Each year, teams across the resort independently initiate sustainability projects shaped by their own work environments and values. From housekeeping and IT teams innovatively repurpose electronic waste, giving new life to old televisions and mattresses, or F&B teams celebrating local heritage by preparing and serving traditional Maldivian Bondi snacks, every initiative reflects a strong culture of environmental and cultural consciousness.

This grassroots approach has delivered measurable impact. Since 2023, Constance Moofushi has implemented FIT (Food Intel Tech), an advanced food waste monitoring system providing detailed visibility across preparation, buffet, and plate waste. This precise tracking enables teams to identify reduction opportunities and foster awareness throughout the resort. Through three years of consistent data collection and operational refinement, Constance Moofushi achieved the Best Food Waste Performance Award among all Constance Hotels & Resorts, a significant recognition demonstrating how data-driven management combined with genuine commitment delivers tangible outcomes and measurable progress.

What truly distinguishes Constance Moofushi’s sustainability culture is its authenticity Rather than approaching Green Globe requirements as a compliance exercise, the resort has cultivated an environment where environmental stewardship is a shared value. Engineering teams optimize energy and water systems to protect the fragile marine ecosystem. Guest experiences are intentionally designed to inspire ocean conservation awareness and appreciation for local culture. Staff wellness programs integrate with sustainability initiatives, recognising that employee well-being and environmental care are interconnected.

“This certification belongs to our people,” said Mevin Ramasamy, General Manager. “It reflects their creativity, care, and commitment to leaving the island better than they found it.”

Set within the Maldives’ pristine marine environment, Constance Moofushi reinforces this responsibility. Every decision, from material sourcing to waste management to community partnerships, carries meaning. The team at Constance Moofushi understands that recertification is not an endpoint, but a milestone along a longer path toward deeper sustainability integration.

The focus remains on advancing circular economy practices, strengthening local community engagement, and deepening the sustainability culture that defines the resort. Green Globe recertification validates a core belief: meaningful environmental change begins with people who genuinely care, supported by systems that measure progress and inspire continuous improvement.

The journey continues, driven by purpose, guided by data, and rooted in the belief that sustainability is not a programme, but a way of life.

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives becomes part of Global Hotel Alliance network

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced its official partnership with Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. This exciting milestone marks a new chapter for the five-star private island resort as it enhances its global visibility and connects with a wider community of discerning travellers seeking authentic, meaningful luxury experiences.

Through this collaboration, Kuda Villingili became part of an exclusive collection of over 950+ hotels across 50 iconic brands in 100 countries, offering the 34 million members of GHA’s award-winning loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY, a new gateway to the Maldives and its timeless island charm.

A sanctuary where time and space are redefined, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives is celebrated for its elegant overwater and beach villas, the largest swimming pool in the Maldives, eight exceptional dining venues, immersive wellness journeys, world-class surfing at Chicken’s Break, and enriching experiences tailored for couples, families, and adventurers alike. Being part of GHA’s global network further amplifies the resort’s presence in key international markets and deepens its connection with travellers who value exclusivity, authenticity, and experiential luxury.

Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, shared his enthusiasm: “We are proud to join Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest network of independent luxury hotels. GHA DISCOVERY is a powerful loyalty program that celebrates exceptional destinations and distinctive hospitality—values that resonate deeply with our brand. This partnership enables us to showcase Kuda Villingili’s unique island experiences to a global audience of discerning travellers. We are excited to welcome GHA DISCOVERY members to our resort and elevate their journey with our signature warmth, refined luxury, and heartfelt Maldivian hospitality.”

Unlike more traditional programmes, GHA DISCOVERY does not ask members to count points towards their next upgrade. Instead, members earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), an exclusive rewards currency. They also enjoy members-only Experiences curated by each hotel and have access to properties close to home, without a stay, through member-only Local Offers. Through its ‘Live Local’ concept, it creates a member community and offers access to local hotels’ facilities and events.

To celebrate the official launch and reward our guests, Kuda Villingili encourages registration for GHA DISCOVERY over the next three months. Members who register by 15 April 2026 and book directly through GHA are eligible to enjoy a complimentary KV Faru snorkelling excursion once during their stay.

For more information about the GHA DISCOVERY Programme and its loyalty benefits, please visit Global Hotel Alliance or GHA DISCOVERY.

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