Sun Siyam has reached a major milestone in its sustainability journey, with all five of its resorts in the Maldives achieving Green Globe Certification.

The certification spans Siyam World, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, recognising the group-wide efforts being made to embed more responsible practices into everyday resort operations, from renewable energy and waste reduction to marine conservation, community engagement and the preservation of Maldivian culture.

More than a sustainability label, Green Globe is one of the travel and tourism industry’s established international certification programmes. Its standard for hotels and resorts assesses businesses against 44 core criteria supported by more than 400 compliance indicators across four key areas: sustainable management, social and economic responsibility, cultural heritage and environmental protection. Certification is independently audited and renewed annually, requiring properties to demonstrate continued progress.

For Sun Siyam, achieving certification across its entire Maldives portfolio represents an important step in a much longer journey. Through Sun Siyam Cares, the group’s sustainability programme, environmental and social responsibility is increasingly integrated into both resort operations and the guest experience. The programme focuses on reducing energy, water, plastic and food waste; protecting biodiversity; supporting local communities; creating opportunities for Maldivians; empowering women; and preserving the culture and heritage at the heart of the brand. Across the resorts, those commitments are taking increasingly tangible forms.

At Siyam World, the Maldives’ first resort-based Plastic Upcycling Centre of its scale is turning discarded plastic into useful new products. Developed in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, the facility transforms materials including used containers and plastic drums into items such as outdoor furniture and planters, creating a circular solution to waste that would otherwise need to leave the island.

Beneath the surface, marine conservation has become another important part of Sun Siyam Cares. Dedicated marine biologists across the resorts lead coral restoration and reef conservation projects, with guests invited to take an active role through coral planting and adoption initiatives. Most recently, Siyam World launched Wreck to Reef, an ambitious long-term conservation project centred around a 66.36-metre former Maldivian tuna freighter, now resting beneath the waters of Noonu Atoll. Through natural coral growth and dedicated restoration, the wreck is being transformed into a living reef, creating new habitats for marine life while giving guests the opportunity to plant coral fragments directly onto the structure and become part of its evolution.

On land, Sun Siyam is equally focused on reducing its footprint through renewable energy. One of the group’s most significant investments to date is the rollout of large-scale hybrid solar systems at Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, combining solar generation with battery storage and real-time energy monitoring. Together, the installations have a combined capacity of 4,110 kWh and are expected to generate more than six million kWh of clean energy annually, reducing CO₂ emissions by more than 4,458 tonnes each year while significantly cutting reliance on diesel-generated power.

Waste reduction is being tackled from several directions. In-house water bottling, the elimination of single-use plastics, waste segregation and composting are complemented by the group’s PLEDGE zero food prevention programme, designed to reduce food loss and improve resource efficiency throughout resort operations.

The commitment also extends beyond the resorts themselves. As a 100% Maldivian-owned hospitality company, Sun Siyam continues to invest in local employment, apprenticeships and training opportunities for young Maldivians, while working with island communities and women’s development committees to create sustainable sources of income and strengthen local supply chains.

Preserving the culture behind the destination remains equally important. Through Sun Siyam Cares and the group’s wider Home of Maldivian Spirit philosophy, guests are encouraged to discover the Maldives beyond its beaches through local island visits, storytelling, traditional performances, celebrations and experiences that keep Maldivian heritage part of the modern resort experience.

“Achieving Green Globe Certification across all five of our Maldives resorts is something we are incredibly proud of, but for us this is not the finish line. Sustainability has to be part of how we operate every day, from the energy we use and the waste we produce to how we protect our reefs, support our communities and create opportunities for the next generation of Maldivians. This recognition belongs to our teams across the islands, whose commitment has made this milestone possible,” said Chaminda Upul Kumara, Group Sustainability Manager at Sun Siyam.

Behind the certification is a collective effort involving resort teams, Sustainability Champions, marine biologists, engineering and operations teams, management and colleagues across the group, all working towards shared sustainability objectives.

Guests can also become part of that journey. Through Sun Siyam Cares, a voluntary US$10 contribution per villa, per stay can directly support sustainability projects and activities across the portfolio, alongside opportunities to participate in initiatives including coral restoration, tree planting and conservation experiences during their stay.

Green Globe Certification across all five Maldives resorts marks an important chapter for Sun Siyam, while setting the direction for what comes next: measurable progress, greater transparency and a long-term commitment to protecting the natural environment and communities that have shaped the company since its beginnings in the Maldives.

Barceló Nasandhura has announced the launch of BMarket, Malé City’s premier rooftop market experience, debuting this Friday, 11 September, at the B.Heaven Rooftop from 17:30 to 22:30 .

Designed to elevate the capital’s social scene, this landmark event brings together gastronomy, local craft, and community, perfectly complemented by live musical performances throughout the night.

The event seamlessly blends culinary artistry with authentic Maldivian creativity. Guests can indulge in interactive food stalls featuring an exclusive Unlimited Tacos experience at just MVR 399 nett per person, alongside other gourmet Mexican delicacies starting at MVR 99 nett per person.

While enjoying the rooftop ambiance, visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore pop-up retail showcases. For its grand debut, BMarket features two of the Maldives’ most celebrated creative brands:

• The Clay Studio will present handcrafted with an exclusive complimentary Taster Wheel Throwing Class for two.
• Island Bazaar will showcase its signature line of modern artisan apparel, lifestyle accessories, and heritage-inspired lifestyle products.

“With BMarket, we are introducing a completely fresh destination concept for Malé City, one that brings world-class hospitality and local culture together in an elevated rooftop setting,” said Enric Reina, Hotel Manager at Barceló Nasandhura Malé. “By collaborating with exceptional local suppliers and creative talent, we are providing a sophisticated platform that takes Maldivian craftsmanship and lifestyle to new heights.”

Barceló Nasandhura Malé aims to establish BMarket as a signature recurring fixture on the city’s social calendar.

Picture golden sunsets, barefoot dance floors and flair bartenders spinning cocktails under fairy lights… This Festive Season, Fushifaru Maldives embraces celebration and togetherness, with subtle Coachella-inspired entertainment, styling and island experiences, forming the ultimate festive getaway in paradise.

Fushifaru is the place to be for the Christmas holidays. Guests will enjoy a fun-filled programme featuring lighting ceremonies, cocktail parties, DJ and live music, fire shows, flair bartending, cultural performances and spectacular New Year’s celebrations beneath the stars.

Families will find daily activities designed for younger travellers, from Christmas ornament making and sandcastle competitions to pizza-making classes, treasure hunts, mini Olympics, face painting and Boduberu workshops, creating memorable moments for guests of all ages.

Culinary excellence remains at the heart of every celebration at Fushifaru. Guests can look forward to an enticing calendar of themed restaurant evenings and memorable fine-dining experiences, from Lobster & Champagne dinners on the beach and indulgent steak nights with curated wine pairings to vibrant seafood celebrations accompanied by live entertainment. The season reaches its culinary peak with spectacular Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners, bringing together exceptional flavours, festive flair and Fushifaru’s signature island atmosphere.

As 2026 draws to a close, the island comes alive with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration featuring sunset cocktails, live DJs, entertainment, dancing and a countdown pool party that welcomes 2027 in true tropical style.

“At Fushifaru, the festive season has always been about bringing people together,” says Jumana, Resident Manager of Fushifaru Maldives. “This year we’ve created a celebration that feels vibrant, relaxed and authentically Fushifaru. From golden sunsets and incredible dining to live entertainment and meaningful family experiences, we want every guest to leave with memories that will last long after the holidays are over.”

The Coachella-inspired concept will come to life through vibrant festival-style décor, warm golden tones and playful pops of colour, creating a relaxed yet elevated island atmosphere. Sunset DJ sets, live music and stylish beachside gatherings will bring an energetic festival spirit to the celebrations, blending effortlessly with Fushifaru’s barefoot setting and signature golden festive theme.

Adventure seekers can complement the celebrations with watersports, sunset fishing, marine experiences and snorkelling or scuba diving activities, while those seeking relaxation can indulge in curated wellness experiences and seasonal spa treatments available throughout the festive period.

Whether celebrating Christmas with loved ones or ringing in the New Year barefoot on powder-soft sand, Fushifaru brings together luxury, adventure, entertainment and heartfelt Maldivian hospitality for a festive escape that feels truly unforgettable.
Festive Offer

Guests planning ahead can make the most of Fushifaru’s Early Bird Festive Escape, with savings of up to 25% on villa stays, 25% off extra person charges and 25% off return seaplane transfers for stays of five nights or more. Available for stays from 24 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, the offer makes it even easier to enjoy a Christmas and New Year escape filled with island celebrations, memorable dining and barefoot festive magic.

For Fushifaru sales enquiries and bookings, please contact reservations@fushifaru.com or visit www.fushifaru.com.