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Harvesting freshness from soil to table at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is more than a tranquil island retreat. Tucked within its lush grounds lies a budding initiative that is transforming sustainability and dining which is the resort’s very own organic farm, a project that embodies innovation and eco-conscious living.
The story of the organic farm began in August 2024, shortly after the arrival of the resort’s General Manager, Marlon Robert. With a vision to provide fresher, healthier produce for both guests and staff while championing eco-friendly practices, the organic farm took root. Guests dining at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives can now enjoy dishes featuring spinach, basil, watermelons, and pumpkins with each ingredient growing mere steps away from the resort’s kitchen.
Reflecting on the organic farm’s progress, General Manager at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Marlon Robert shared, “This initiative is just the beginning. Organic farming is a journey, and to truly witness its full potential and impact, we need to give it time. The results we’ve achieved so far are encouraging, and we’re looking forward to seeing even greater outcomes in the coming year.”
The journey to cultivate such a lush and productive farm has not been without its challenges. The team at the resort has embraced sustainable farming methods to ensure the farm thrives in the island’s unique environment. Composting organic waste from the resort enriches the soil, natural pest control methods keep the produce chemical-free, and crop rotation techniques maintain soil fertility.
Guests are invited to explore this verdant space through guided farm tours, where they can learn about organic farming practices and the resort’s sustainability initiatives. Plans are also underway to introduce culinary demonstrations that will feature ingredients freshly picked from the farm. These immersive experiences aim to educate and inspire, providing a deeper connection to the land and the resort’s eco-conscious ethos.
This is also the second organic farm initiative by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives, building on the success of the first farm at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon. Through hands-on workshops in the garden, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts are not just growing fruits and vegetables, but nurturing a vision for a more sustainable future.
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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