Featured
Fari Islands to triple solar power in 2025, advancing net zero goals
Fari Islands—a visionary four-island archipelago in the Maldives, home to luxury hospitality brands such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Patina Maldives by Capella Hotel Group, and the innovative Fari Campus—is advancing its journey toward a net zero future. In a significant stride for its renewable energy ambitions, the destination is set to triple its photovoltaic (PV) capacity in 2025, bringing total solar output to 6.4 megawatt-peak (MWp). Once operational, the solar infrastructure will be capable of supplying up to 50% of the islands’ energy needs on sunny days, with average penetration expected to remain just under that figure due to variable weather conditions.
Since its inception in 2021, the Fari Islands project—developed by Singapore-based Pontiac Land Group—has been rooted in sustainable architecture and low-impact construction. Recognised as the world’s largest hospitality project using offsite Mass Engineered Timber construction, the development avoided over 6,000 tons of carbon emissions during production and transportation. All villas were prefabricated to minimise marine impact, and designed with flat rooftops to accommodate solar panels, diverging from traditional Maldivian thatched structures. Sustainability remains central across the islands’ operations.
David Tsang, CEO of Pontiac Land Group, emphasised the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable development, stating, “This renewable energy expansion marks a significant milestone in our sustainability journey. By embracing clean energy, we are taking tangible steps to reduce our carbon footprint and support progress in the hospitality and tourism industries.”
Partnering with Swimsol, a leader in marine floating solar technology, Fari Islands is undertaking one of the region’s largest solar initiatives. Key projects expected to be completed by the end of 2025 include:
- Floating Solar System at Fari Campus: A 40-platform ocean-based installation featuring 2,160 PV panels, contributing 1,037 kWp—approximately 24% of the destination’s total energy demand. This system will include a dedicated battery house and is scheduled for completion in Q4 2025.
- Land-Based PV Systems at Fari Campus: An expanded network of solar panels now totaling 1,200 kWp installed across 19 residential and community buildings that serve the island’s staff.
- Solar Roof Expansion at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives: In 2024, the resort added panels to all 61 Ocean Villas and subsequently to its back-of-house facilities, Beach Shack restaurant, and Dive Centre, achieving a total capacity of 983 kWp. The resort has been awarded the 2024 Green Globe Certification and the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge for exceeding sustainability benchmarks.
Oscar Postma, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, remarked, “We are proud to contribute meaningfully to the Fari Islands’ collective sustainability goals. Our partnership with Swimsol moves us closer to our shared net zero targets.”
- Patina Maldives Solar Milestone: By 2025, the property is projected to operate fully on solar energy during daylight hours. The resort has installed 2,994 kWp of solar panels, with 980 kWp on an eastern land bank and the remainder on rooftops across villas, F&B venues, the FLOW Spa, and other resort infrastructure. An additional 2 MWh of battery storage is included to enhance energy resilience. Patina Maldives has earned back-to-back EarthCheck Silver Certifications and the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge.
Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives, stated, “Each milestone reaffirms our team’s dedication to conscious luxury and environmental responsibility. Together with Swimsol, we are shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Maldives and the world.”
Through innovative infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and a united vision, Fari Islands is setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the global hospitality landscape.
Featured
Dhigali Maldives closes festive season with dynamic New Year’s Eve party
The festive season at Dhigali Maldives concluded on a vibrant and memorable note, offering guests a series of celebrations that blended tradition, creativity, and island spirit. From a uniquely Maldivian take on Santa’s arrival to thematic experiences inspired by the elements, the resort transformed into a setting designed for joy and togetherness.
Christmas Eve brought guests to Capers, where a traditional buffet featuring a wide range of global flavours was accompanied by live music that set the festive tone. On Christmas Day, Santa Claus made his entrance not by sleigh but aboard a traditional bokkura, a gesture that delighted families gathered along the shoreline.
In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, Dhigali Maldives presented a programme themed around “The Four Elements of Nature.” The series began on 27 December with Earth, featuring a jungle trail, grounded yoga sessions, and spa treatments. On 28 December, the celebrations moved to East for Water, highlighted by a floating bar and zorb ball acrobats performing across the pool. Air followed on 29 December with an aerial silk performance on the beach, and Fire brought the energy to a peak on 30 December with traditional Bodu Beru drumming and a fire dance illuminating the night sky.
The festivities culminated on New Year’s Eve at East Beach, where all four elements converged for an immersive celebration. Fire dancers, live performers, and a pyrotechnic display lit up the sky in vibrant colours. Hungarian DJ Regán Lili headlined the night with a set described as electric, her soundscapes resonating across the island and drawing guests to the dance floor as they welcomed the new year. It marked a striking finale to a season of celebration at Dhigali Maldives.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
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