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Velassaru Maldives hosts 50th visit of Gerhard and Corina Klein

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Dr. Gerhard Klein, a General Practitioner from Lucerne, Switzerland, has found his sanctuary in the Maldives. For over 34 years, he and his wife Corina have returned to Velassaru Maldives – their annual and sometimes bi-annual escape from the demands of daily life. Their association with the resort began in 1991. Over 50 visits later, it’s no longer just a holiday destination – it’s their second home.

What keeps bringing them back? For Dr. Klein, it’s the perfect blend of relaxation and care. “Back in Switzerland, my job is to look after others. At Velassaru, I am the one being taken care of. Here, I am able to fully recharge my batteries,” he says. From the moment they step off the plane, they feel the warmth of a place that truly speaks to them. This year’s golden anniversary was particularly special with a celebratory welcome at the airport, thoughtful gifts like a sun hat and golf shirt inscribed with special Dhivehi messages, and even their own golf buggy to get around the island.

Dr. Klein’s mornings begin with snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters or a peaceful walk around the island, a ritual that has replaced his earlier days of diving from dawn until late afternoon. Afternoons are spent savouring the Maldivian dishes he loves, followed by unwinding at the Chill Bar at sunset with a Schweppes tonic and a cigar. “Everything is set up for me. The restaurant team even remembers the kind of juice I like or that I drink espresso,” he shares.

The resort holds countless memories for the couple, but this year stands out as truly exceptional. Dr. Kleine credits the visible presence of Denys Hordiienko, the General Manager, whose attention to detail ensures everything runs seamlessly. “It’s the little things – the staff remember your name, the food at all the different restaurants is amazing, and there’s always a sense of familiarity,” he explains.

Describing Velassaru to someone who has never been, Dr. Klein calls it “the most beautiful place in the world.” For him and Corina, it’s more than just a holiday – it’s a tradition, a place where they reconnect as a couple and leave feeling refreshed and cared for. Together they have created a lifetime of cherished moments, and they can’t wait to return to their island oasis again next year.

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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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