News

Celebrating World Wetlands Day at Canareef Resort Maldives

Published

12 months ago

February 2, 2025

As the world comes together to celebrate World Wetlands Day on February 2nd, Canareef Resort Maldives stands proud as a beacon of natural beauty and ecological preservation. Nestled in the heart of Addu City, a recently declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Canareef is not just a resort but a haven for biodiversity, boasting a stunning array of wetlands, lakes, and vibrant ecosystems. This World Wetlands Day, we invite you to explore the wonders of Canareef’s natural treasures and discover why it is one of the top resorts in the Maldives for nature enthusiasts.

At the heart of Canareef Resort lies the Canareef Eco Park, a sprawling sanctuary centred around the largest lake on the island. This eco-park is a testament to the resort’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Maldives. Home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and unique flora, the Eco Park offers guests an immersive experience into the natural world.

Here are some of the incredible species you can encounter at Canareef Eco Park:

Fruit Bat (Vau): The Fruit Bat, or Flying Fox, is a nocturnal marvel that plays a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal. These gentle creatures are often seen feasting on tropical fruits, contributing to the health of the ecosystem.
Grey Heron (Maakanaa): The elegant Grey Heron is a common sight in the wetlands of Canareef. With its long legs and graceful movements, this bird is often spotted wading in shallow waters, hunting for fish.
Maldives Water Hen (Kan’bili): As the national bird of the Maldives, the Maldives Water Hen holds a special place in the hearts of locals. This small, elusive bird is native to the Maldives and can often be seen darting through the wetlands.
White Tern (Dhondhooni): The White Tern is a striking seabird with pure white plumage and long, pointed wings. Known for its graceful flight, this bird is often seen soaring over the coral reefs and nesting in the trees of Addu Atoll.
Maldivian Little Heron (Dhivehi Raabondhi): This endemic subspecies of the Little Heron is a skilled hunter, primarily feeding on fish and insects.
Tilapia (Thelaapia): These freshwater fish are a common sight in the lakes and ponds of Canareef. Tilapia thrive in shallow waters and play a crucial role in maintaining the aquatic ecosystem.
Milkfish (Beyn’gu): The Milkfish, an indigenous species of the Indo-Pacific, is known for its impressive size and omnivorous diet. These gentle giants feed on algae and small invertebrates, contributing to the balance of the ecosystem.
Mud Crab (Kandoo Kakuni): The Mud Crab is a fascinating inhabitant of the mangroves and estuaries around Canareef. These crabs are an essential part of the coastal ecosystem, and their presence is a sign of a healthy environment.
Mangrove Whelk (Fulli): This unique brackish-water snail is commonly found in mangrove environments. The Mangrove Whelk plays a vital role in the nutrient cycle of the wetlands.
Crickets (Rafeegu): The nocturnal chirping of crickets adds a soothing soundtrack to the evenings at Canareef, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life.
Seashore Screwpine (Boakashikeyo): The Seashore Screwpine is a coastal tree known for its prop roots and spiky leaves. Its edible, pineapple-like fruits are a traditional food source, and the tree is also used for crafting and coastal protection.
Coconut Palm (Ruh): An iconic symbol of the Maldives, the Coconut Palm is deeply intertwined with local culture and daily life. From food and drink to construction, this versatile tree is a cornerstone of the Maldivian way of life.
Black Mangrove (Burevi): The Black Mangrove is a vital component of the coastal ecosystem. Its roots stabilize the shoreline and provide a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.
Sea Hibiscus (Dhiggaa): With its vibrant yellow flowers, the Sea Hibiscus is a beautiful addition to the coastal flora, helping to stabilize sandy shores.
Coastal Ironwood (Fithuroanu): This hardy tree is a natural protector of the coastline, offering windbreaks and shelter for wildlife.

Canareef Resort Maldives is more than just a destination; it is a sanctuary for nature and wildlife. By celebrating World Wetlands Day, the resort aims to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and their role in sustaining biodiversity. The wetlands and lakes of Canareef are not only a source of natural beauty but also a vital part of the global ecosystem.

As you explore the wonders of Canareef Eco Park, take a moment to appreciate the delicate balance of nature and the efforts being made to preserve it. Together, we can ensure that these precious ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.

This World Wetlands Day, join Canareef Resort Maldives to celebrate the beauty of nature and the incredible biodiversity that makes the island truly special. Let’s cherish and protect the wetlands, for they are the lifelines of our planet.

Love

‘Rosé All the Way’: SO/ Maldives plans beachfront Valentine’s Day celebration

Published

12 hours ago

January 26, 2026

m@ldives

Love doesn’t arrive loudly at SO/ Maldives, it drifts in with the tide, glows at sunset, and lingers long after the last note of music fades. This Valentine’s Day, the island invites couples to slow down, lean in, and write their own love story in paradise with Rosé All the Way, an intimate beachfront celebration at Lazuli Beach on 14 February 2026.

As the sky blushes pink and the lagoon mirrors the stars, Lazuli Beach transforms into a romantic sanctuary. Soft candlelight flickers, a soulful live band sets the rhythm of the evening, and the gentle sound of waves becomes part of the melody. Here, time feels suspended just two hearts, one island, and a moment that belongs only to you.

Couples are treated to a thoughtfully curated four-course dining experience, paired with a bottle of rosé champagne, designed to be savoured slowly, sip by sip, course by course. Every detail is intentional, every moment effortless romance without rules, elegance without pretense.

Celebrate love starting on The Citronee Club Beach with Rosé All the Way, an exclusive Valentine’s Day dining experience:

USD 380++ per couple for Bed & Breakfast guests
USD 240++ per couple for Half Board, Full Board and All Inclusive guests

Valentine’s Day is not confined to a single setting it’s a feeling that can unfold anywhere. From quiet moments on your private villa deck to laughter by the pool or barefoot walks along the shore, the island becomes a canvas for love, painted in your own style.

And for those who dream beyond the expected, romance takes on new dimensions. Drift across the lagoon aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni, or descend beneath the surface for an underwater celebration, where silence speaks louder than words and love knows no boundaries.

This Valentine’s Day, forget the clichés. Follow the feeling. Paint your story in paradise Rosé All the Way, only at SO/ Maldives.

For more information or to book your perfect festive getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com.

Cooking

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI to host Janice Wong’s ‘Chocolate Art & Serenity’ experience

Published

15 hours ago

January 26, 2026

m@ldives

The whispers of innovation are sweetening the Maldivian air once more as THE OZEN COLLECTION heralds the celebrated return of culinary visionary, Janice Wong. This April, the pristine shores of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will again become a canvas for her genius, hosting the exclusive ‘Chocolate Art & Serenity’ pop-up from the 27th to the 29th. Here, against the iconic overwater backdrop of the resort’s world-class outlets, CUVÉE, ORIGINꓱ and Vista del Mar, indulgence is redefined transformed into an immersive journey of edible artistry and sublime flavour.

The ‘Chocolate Art & Serenity’ pop-up will present a meticulously curated series of exclusive engagements. From intimate masterclasses for adults, where the alchemy of chocolate is unveiled, to engaging guided cooking activities for children, and a bespoke Cacao Bonfire Meditation Ceremony with Chef Janice Wong combining a guided sound healing session and an intention-setting ritual with a cacao-infused culmination, the programme is designed to enchant every guest.

Leading the series is Chef Janice Wong, a visionary often hailed as Asia’s “Queen of Desserts.” Over a celebrated 18-year career, Chef Janice has revolutionised the world of patisserie, transforming desserts into multi-sensory works of art. Her eponymous restaurant, 2am:dessertbar, became a global phenomenon, earning her two consecutive spots on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list and establishing her as a formidable force in the industry.

“My passion for culinary art has always been driven by a desire to test the limits of dessert making,” said Chef Janice Wong. “At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, chocolate becomes more than a confection, it is a medium where art meets design and mindfulness. Each creation is thoughtfully composed to encourage presence and curiosity, inviting guests to engage their senses and experience dessert as a moment of balance, creativity and wellbeing within this tranquil island environment.”

The event also underscores Atmosphere Core’s continued dedication to curating world-class gastronomic experiences. Anupam Banerjee, Vice President of Food & Beverage for Atmosphere Core, remarked, “Hosting a culinary artist of Janice’s calibre once again is a testament to our ongoing mission to deliver unparalleled, memorable moments to our guests. This collaboration reflects our company vision that true gastronomy transcends indulgence – it becomes a ritual of wellness, weaving artistry and nourishment into every experience. Her innovative approach aligns perfectly with our vision for OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI as an invitation to savour health, joy and artistry in every bite.”

This highly anticipated 2026 series builds upon the resort’s distinguished legacy, a narrative woven from pioneering gastronomy, the restorative wellness of ELE|NA Elements of Nature and deeply engaging guest experiences. Since its inception, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has masterfully curated moments where artistic expression and world-class hospitality converge, establishing an unwavering precedent for excellence that defines the very ethos of THE OZEN COLLECTION.

News

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi introduces reimagined water villas in design refresh

Published

18 hours ago

January 26, 2026

m@ldives

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has unveiled the first phase of its resort-wide design transformation, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the property under Sun Siyam’s newly launched Luxury Collection. The five-star resort introduces a reimagined portfolio of overwater accommodation, setting a new design direction rooted in refined island luxury and Maldivian craftsmanship.

Reimagined Water Villas & Horizon Water Villas with Private Pool

The newly reimagined over water villas are the first chapter of this design transformation. Sublime in form and feeling, they introduce a contemporary expression of rustic Maldivian luxury. Each villa frames the ocean, offering a serene open-plan layout and a spacious bathroom with a bathtub overlooking the lagoon. Private decks feature multiple lounging zones, suspended hammocks, and intimate corners in soft green tones, creating a sense of refined, lived-in luxury.

All Horizon Water Villas now feature a 22 sqm private pool and sunken seating, transforming the space into a sanctuary for sunrise rituals, slow afternoons, and cinematic sunsets. For couples and honeymooners, bespoke moments ensure every stay feels beautifully tailored.

The overwater portfolio features 40 Water Villas with Pool (123 sqm), 16 Horizon Water Villas with Pool (128 sqm), and 19 Sunset Horizon Water Villas with Pool (128 sqm), each offering a seamless blend of comfort and privacy.

Design Excellence Guided by Vision

Driven by the group’s commitment to positioning Sun Siyam Iru Fushi among the Maldives’ leading luxury resorts, Sun Siyam appointed international interior design consultants Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero—Founders and Creative Directors of the London-based Studio Sixty7—to lead the transformation. Their approach introduces a characterful aesthetic with muted tones, natural textures, and softly sculpted forms that evoke effortless barefoot luxury. Gently imperfect plastered walls, tactile finishes, and layers of breathable linen create a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere.

“Every element has been chosen to feel grounded and sensorial, inviting guests into a deep sense of calm,” said Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero.

“This transformation goes beyond aesthetics—it’s a careful orchestration of space, service excellence, and emotional detail,” highlighted Abdulla Atham, the hotel’s Resort Manager. “From villa layouts and in-villa experiences to the minibar selection, outdoor offerings, views, and quiet gestures from your butler, each moment is designed to immerse guests into the spirit of chic island living”.