News
Banyan Tree’s 30th anniversary: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites travellers to rediscover original Maldives in barefoot eco-luxury
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru joins the global celebration of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Banyan Tree, the flagship brand of Banyan Group. Honouring its legacy as the true barefoot eco-luxury Sanctuary for the Senses, the resort unveils newly refreshed villas, an expanded Our Marine Lab, two new restaurants – Saffron and Sangu Garden – and a collection of curated guest experiences. These highlights invite travellers to rediscover the romance of travel and experience the original Maldives as they connect deeply with the heartbeat of island life.
“We are proud to celebrate Banyan Tree’s 30th anniversary at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru,” says Hery Kuswoyo, General Manager. “This milestone reflects a deep commitment to sustainable tourism and preserving the essence of the Maldives as it was meant to be experienced. Through refreshed villas, immersive wellbeing experiences, and meaningful connections with the local community, we honour Banyan Tree’s legacy as a sanctuary for the senses while inviting guests to rediscover the original Maldives in all its natural beauty and authenticity.”
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s Refreshed Villas: Timeless Elegance Meets Maldivian Heritage Nestled in the North Malé Atoll, just a 25-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is an intimate sanctuary of 48 all-pool villas in a tropical paradise surrounded by white sand beaches, lush vegetation, and pristine coral reefs. This barefoot luxury retreat seamlessly combines privacy with direct access to the ocean’s wonders.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a heartfelt Maldivian welcome, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional Bodu Beru drums. The signature “barefoot ritual” invites them to ground themselves in the soft sands, embracing the island’s serene spirit. Check-in unfolds as a seamless, intimate experience as guests are guided directly to their villa, with a Toddy Master serving a traditional coconut drink in a ceremony that honours the essence of the island.
At the heart of the newly refreshed villas lies the Thundu Kunaa Art Wall, a handwoven masterpiece crafted by Maldivian artisans over 12 months, showcasing intricate patterns of cultural significance. Complementing this is an exclusive collection of watercolours by Male’s renowned artist, Ahmed Nazim, celebrating the Maldives’ rich maritime traditions. Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted with sustainability in mind, from handwoven textiles inspired by traditional Maldivian sarongs to richly grained wood chosen for its environmental sensitivity from Responsible Sourcing Supplier. Signature touches, such as handmade cotton mosquito nets and solar-lit outdoor spaces, create a seamless harmony between modern luxury and the natural charm of the Maldives.
Our Marine Lab: Pioneering Ocean Conservation
The expanded Marine Lab reinforces Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s leadership in marine conservation. Established in 2004 as the first resort-based facility of its kind in the Maldives, Our Marine Lab has been at the forefront for nearly two decades of dedication to marine conservation, led by the passion and efforts of the Banyan Group’s team of scientists, resident marine biologists, conservationists, and hospitality professionals.
The new facility includes a discovery centre with diverse marine biodiversity programmes, including hands-on conservation activities such as educational workshops, coral planting, reef cleaning, and guided snorkelling tours. The programmes offer a unique blend of education and action, allowing participants to contribute meaningfully to conservation while immersing themselves in the unparalleled beauty of the Maldives’ pristine marine ecosystems.
A key initiative is the Marine Environment Officer (MEO) Seedlings Programme, a groundbreaking collaboration with the Maldives National University (MNU). This first-of-its-kind partnership between the private sector and an educational institution offers a foundational course for a Bachelor’s in Marine Science, accredited by the Maldives Qualification Authority. Students receive certification from MNU and gain hands-on experience at the resort in coral restoration techniques such as micro-fragmentation and transplantation, maintaining coral nurseries, marine lab operations, and fish and coral biology. The program also includes essential skills like survey and data collection techniques, ecological studies, and a PADI Open Water diving course. Fully funded by Banyan Group’s Seedlings Programme, the course is offered free of charge, empowering local communities with the skills and knowledge to contribute to marine restoration.
These milestones mark the beginning of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s journey toward its own 30th anniversary in 2025. Over the years, the resort has become a benchmark for sustainable luxury and exceptional guest experiences. Its dedication to environmental stewardship was recognised at the TTM Awards 2024 by Travel Trade Maldives, where it was honoured as the ‘Most Sustainable Resort,’ reinforcing its position as a pioneer of eco-friendly hospitality in the Maldives with its holistic approach to environmental stewardship.
Serenity in Nature’s Embrace
New wellbeing experiences invite guests to connect deeply with nature while fostering a sense of relaxation and harmony. Guests can experience Lagoon Floating Therapy, where they drift effortlessly on gentle waves as guided reflection brings a profound sense of inner peace. For a more immersive journey, Underwater Meditation invites guests to descend into the tranquil depths of the ocean, synchronising each breath with the soothing rhythm of the sea.
Saffron Restaurant: A Celebration of Thai Culinary Artistry
Recently recognised in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024, Saffron is the Banyan Tree brand’s signature Thai dining experience, blending heritage recipes with a contemporary twist to create a feast for the senses and a deep connection to its destination.
As part of the weeklong celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru from 27 November to 7 December, the Grand Opening of Saffron Restaurant is headlined by Chef Tipaporn Phianthong (Chef Tipa), the Saffron Lead Chef for Banyan Group. Renowned for her innovative approach to Thai cuisine, Chef Tipa brings over a decade of experience at prestigious international resorts and gained widespread acclaim as a participant in Top Chef Thailand 2023.
Throughout the event, Chef Tipa presents a curated menu that reimagines authentic Thai flavours with modern sophistication. This culinary journey honours traditional Thai techniques while incorporating subtle local influences, promising an unforgettable experience of artistry and flavour.
Sangu Garden: A Gastronomy Journey Through the Maldives
Step into the serene elegance of the new Sangu Garden Restaurant, where nature-inspired design meets contemporary sophistication. Crafted with sustainable materials such as special bamboo and alang-alang leaves sourced from Bali, the space seamlessly harmonises with its surroundings, reflecting the resort’s eco-conscious ethos. The menu highlights responsibly sourced seafood, meats, and local produce, complemented by live cooking stations, interactive dining experiences and self-caught fish grills, culminating in a celebration of Maldivian flavours, timeless artistry, and sustainable living.
Michelin-starred Guest Chef Elevating Sustainable Dining at Award-Winning Madi Hiyaa The celebrations feature an exclusive dining experience at Madi Hiyaa, the Prix Versailles award-winning Japanese restaurant where stunning design meets sustainable luxury. For four nights only, Michelin-starred Chef Hideaki Nagaya takes centre stage, showcasing his masterful fusion of Japanese and French techniques and presenting a menu inspired by his philosophy of “pure, simple, and seasonal” cuisine. Set in the serene overwater pavilion with panoramic views, Madi Hiyaa’s distinctive bamboo structure creates an immersive dining experience that perfectly complements his refined creations.
Exclusive Dine-around concept
With the resort’s exclusive dine-around concept, guests can immerse in a culinary journey that celebrates the flavours of the Maldives and beyond and revel in the ultimate experience with the All-Inclusive package, offering unlimited drinks, afternoon tea, and exclusive offers on spa treatments, diving, and more.
News
Sun Siyam Iru Veli organises tree planting activity for Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day 2026, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Sun Siyam, hosted a purposeful evening inspired by this year’s global theme, Our Power, Our Planet. The evening brought together guests and team members for a meaningful tree planting ceremony along the shores of Magoodhoo Beach. It was an evening dedicated to celebrating the belief that everyday actions can lead to lasting environmental progress through collective, community-led effort.

The bamboo planted during this ceremony was chosen with purpose, representing more than a symbolic gesture. This fast-growing plant absorbs high levels of carbon dioxide, releases generous amounts of oxygen, and regenerates naturally from its root system. For small islands, it offers a thoughtful and space-efficient solution that supports greener landscapes while helping protect fragile coastlines. The planting also builds on a growing legacy at Magoodhoo Beach, where coconut trees planted during last year’s Eid celebrations are now thriving, adding new life and shade to the island’s natural beauty.

Sustainability at Sun Siyam Iru Veli is a year-round commitment shaped through everyday action. Earlier this April, 29 team members took part in a recycling training session led by the resort’s Training and Quality Assurance team, reinforcing environmental awareness across departments. Fresh herbs and produce grown on the island, including chillies, limes, coriander, rosemary, and pandan leaves, are incorporated into culinary experiences across the resort. Craftsmanship also plays a meaningful role, with statement planters, tabletops, and other design elements created in-house by the resort’s skilled engineers and carpenters using repurposed materials, reducing waste and transport impact while adding character and authenticity.

These initiatives reflect Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s year-round commitment to thoughtful hospitality, responsible island living, and the values of Sun Siyam Care. They are guided by a belief that meaningful progress is shaped through consistent action, and the resort remains dedicated to preserving the beauty of its surroundings while creating impactful experiences for the guests.
News
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort engages guests in Earth Day initiatives
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort marked Earth Day with a resort-wide celebration that brought guests closer to the destination’s natural environment and the sustainability practices that help preserve it. From coastal protection to responsible dining, the program was designed as a hands-on experience, reflecting the resort’s ongoing focus on sustainable operations and meaningful guest engagement.
The day began with a behind-the-scenes sustainability tour, inviting guests to step into the resort’s back of house to discover the facilities and initiatives that support its environmental efforts. The tour then led into a tree-planting activity, where guests planted Sea Lettuce and coconut trees. Selected for their strong root systems, Sea Lettuce trees can hold sand in place, making them particularly effective in reducing erosion and strengthening coastlines against wind and waves.

Guests were also invited to take part in a Lagoon Health Check, a guided coastal walk focused on monitoring shoreline conditions and collecting any waste found along the way. Nestled in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters where vibrant marine life thrives, making the experience as much about appreciation as it is about care. Through this proactive check, guests helped ensure the surrounding environment remains healthy and free of waste, reflecting the idea that sustainability is strengthened through consistent attention.
The celebration concluded with Garden to Plate, an elevated dinner that officially launched the resort’s new garden dining experience. Set amid lush greenery at a beautifully styled table decorated with seedlings and a flowing water fountain, the evening showcased a menu inspired by local ingredients harvested from the garden and demonstrated how thoughtful sourcing can shape a more sustainable dining culture. The multi-course menu included the resort’s signature Garden Salad, Tuna Tartare featuring local catch, and Executive Chef Alberto’s signature Mushroom Risotto.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort continues to advance broader environmental progress through efforts such as harnessing solar power and its recent Green Globe certification, reflecting the resort’s long-term commitment to sustainability across its operations.
To learn more about responsible travel at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, or to plan a rejuvenating tropical escape, visit westin-maldives.com.
News
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands expands Summer Collective programme for 2026
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has unveiled the return of its highly anticipated ‘Summer Collective’ for 2026, a season-long series of immersive moments designed to celebrate nature, wellness, culture, and creativity across the islands. Set against one of the world’s most extraordinary ocean landscapes, this year’s edition expands its programming with global talent, signature partnerships, and island-wide activations for all ages.
From June through August, the resort transforms into a living canvas of discovery bringing together celebrated wellness leaders, artists, chefs, and environmental advocates, creating opportunities for families to connect, explore, and learn together. Each element is thoughtfully curated to inspire curiosity, deepen connection, and foster meaningful engagement with the surrounding marine and island environment.

Younger visitors are welcomed through Ritz Kids, where interactive programming blends education, play, and purpose, while adults explore world-class wellness, culinary artistry, and cultural immersion across the resort’s iconic spaces.
June – Environment, Wellness, and Fifth Anniversary Celebrations
June marks the opening of the Summer Collective with a month dedicated to environment, ocean preservation, wellness, and celebration, anchored by the fifth anniversary of the resort’s opening. Throughout the month, guests can enjoy a dynamic lineup of island-wide bar takeovers from June 6-8 led by world-class mixology talent from Asia’s 50 Best Bars, such as The St. Regis Bar Jakarta, Punch Room Tokyo, and Bar Sathorn.

Environmental and ocean awareness programming offers immersive workshops, talks, and excursions led by the resort’s Naturalists, focusing on marine ecosystems, sustainability, and conservation that encourages families to discover and protect the ocean together. This is complemented by Visiting Hero eco-journalist Sarah Roberts from June 10-14, as well an ongoing collaboration with conservation partners, including the Olive Ridley Project, an official partner from June onwards.
The weekly Summer Collective calendar in June centres on restorative, nature-led experiences, with offerings such as a Kombucha Masterclass, daily fitness sessions, and engaging, educational environmental challenges designed for younger guests. Wellness takes center stage through Deep Blue Presence, the resort’s new emotional signature philosophy, brought to life through a three-day “Blue”-themed immersive journey led by yoga instructor Anabella Landa from June 20-22. The retreat, part of the Masters of Crafts:
Essence of Balance, honours both International Yoga Day and the launch of Deep Blue Presence with sunrise yoga, oceanfront breathwork, sound healing, and restorative spa rituals designed to align body, breath, and ocean energy.

July – Surf, Movement, and Adventure
July is dedicated to surf, movement, and ocean connection, highlighted by the return of world-renowned surfer Nic von Rupp, who will host a dedicated Surf Retreat from July 1-11. A great activity for families, guests of all ages are invited to engage in guided surf lessons across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, alongside inspiring talks on resilience and life in the ocean.

Building on this energy, the island’s weekly programming brings the theme to life through a dynamic mix of recreation, fitness, and marine exploration. Guests can take to the water with experiences such as turtle snorkelling, shark quests, and sunset dolphin cruises, or deepen their connection to the marine world through naturalist-led activities including coral regeneration, lagoon life discovery, and island ecosystem explorations. On land, sport-driven moments range from pickleball, padel, tennis clinics to beach volleyball, high-energy workouts, and sunrise yoga, encouraging movement at every pace. Creative workshops like surfboard painting and eco-craft sessions offer a more relaxed, yet still ocean-inspired, expression of the theme.
August – Art, Culture, and Vibrant Fari Islands Festival
August brings the Summer Collective to a creative and cultural crescendo, blending art, culinary innovation, wellness, and environmental storytelling. From August 13-15, the Fari Islands Festival presents a multidisciplinary cultural showcase featuring Wagyu Mafia’s culinary residency with three immersive beachfront dining moments at Beach Shack. Artist Tomislav Topic leads an expressive art collaboration through hands-on oil pastel workshops, alongside a curated island-wide exhibition and a site-specific installation at EAU Bar. The Olive Ridley Project will bring one Visiting Hero while wellness and lifestyle partnerships with Bamford and REFY by Jess Hunt, further enrich the stay through curated gifting, beauty rituals, and immersive wellness touchpoints.

Extending this creative spirit across the month, daily activities invite all ages to engage with art and nature in meaningful, hands-on ways. Experiences range from textured canvas painting, ceramic sculpting, and mosaic-making to playful workshops such as reef-inspired art, ocean slime creation, and tropical tie-dye. Marine discovery remains central, with naturalist-led sessions alongside interactive elements such as VR ocean adventures and guided lagoon snorkelling. Wellness continues with grounding rhythm of yoga, meditation, and beach fitness. Together, these elements create a thoughtfully layered program where artistic expression and environmental awareness come together in a distinctly island-inspired setting, designed to be enjoyed across generations.

To complete a summer of connection, the resort invites guests to experience the Maldives through its‘Embrace Island Life’ offer across its portfolio of private island resorts. Available to book now for stays through December 23, 2026, with a minimum four-night stay required, the offer is designed for a seamless and rewarding island escape. Inclusions such as daily breakfast and dinner, return transfers, create an effortless way to reconnect in one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. More details are here.
For more information, please visit the resort’s website.
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