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Fari Islands to triple solar power in 2025, advancing net zero goals

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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.

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Rupi Kaur and FKJ headline closing night of Fari Islands Festival 2025

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The closing evening of the Fari Islands Festival on 21 September concluded with poetry, music, and community gatherings across the Fari Islands.

Guests assembled at Amarta, Patina Maldives, for Rupi Kaur’s performance, Echoes of Connection. Set against the backdrop of James Turrell’s Skyspace, the internationally acclaimed poet engaged the audience with verses exploring love, healing, and human connection, creating a memorable sunset experience.

The programme continued at the Fari Marina Fiesta, where food stalls, artisan showcases, and live music contributed to a lively atmosphere. Visitors explored works by Maldivian creators while sampling diverse culinary offerings and refreshments under the night sky.

The evening culminated with performances by DJ Umar and Kim Turnbull, followed by FKJ’s headline set. Blending jazz, funk, and electronic sounds, FKJ’s performance brought the festival to a vibrant conclusion, closing the three-day event with a celebration of artistry and shared experiences.

The final night reflected the essence of the Fari Islands Festival: creativity, culture, and community.

The next edition of the Fari Islands Festival is scheduled for 13–16 August 2026.

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Jumeirah Olhahali Island unveils year-end visiting practitioners programme

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Jumeirah Olhahali Island has unveiled its year-end programme of visiting practitioners, welcoming a series of internationally recognised experts to guide guests through tailored journeys of renewal. Hosted at the resort’s overwater Talise Spa, the residencies are designed to support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, complementing a wider calendar of seasonal experiences curated to inspire balance and rejuvenation.

From 15 September to 30 October, Portuguese osteopath Odete Cruz will bring over 15 years of experience in structural, craniosacral, and visceral techniques. Her treatments are individually tailored to improve circulation, enhance mobility, and ease muscular tension, while reflexology sessions aim to encourage detoxification, balance, and relaxation.

Between 1 and 30 November, Dr Tridendra Shakya will join the resort, offering nearly two decades of global experience. A graduate in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, with advanced training in acupuncture and psychology, he combines traditional healing with contemporary wellness practices. Guests will be able to explore acupuncture, reflexology, cupping, therapeutic yoga, yoga nidra, and stress management, alongside Ayurvedic marma therapy, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong. His sessions are designed to promote pain relief, detoxification, rejuvenation, and long-term vitality.

The final residency of the year will be led by Satya Morillas Mir, from 3 December to 1 January. Through her ‘Global Balance Method’, she integrates traditional Chinese medicine, craniosacral therapy, Chi Nei Tsang, reiki, yoga, and meditation. Her approach, which also incorporates breathwork and energy healing, encourages self-reflection, renewal, and reconnection—providing guests with an enriching way to embrace the festive season and begin the year ahead.

In addition to the visiting practitioners, Jumeirah Olhahali Island has curated a series of seasonal experiences to mark the final months of the year. These include full moon wellness rituals featuring guided meditation and vibrational sound healing, as well as workshops and spa journeys aligned with international wellness days such as World Mental Health Day, Menopause Awareness Day, and World Heart Day.

October will also mark the introduction of new treatments developed in collaboration with GROUND Wellbeing. These include The Grounding Ritual and The Balancing Ritual, designed to support mental and hormonal health.

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Equator Village wins Silver at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

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Equator Village has been recognised at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, receiving the Silver Award in the category of Leading Heritage Hotel/Resort.

Located in Addu Atoll, the resort is noted for its colonial-era character, expansive gardens, and proximity to Gan International Airport, offering a setting that combines convenience with tranquillity. The award reflects Equator Village’s continued focus on preserving heritage while providing authentic Maldivian hospitality.

Resort Manager Mohamed Waheed said the recognition was a tribute to the efforts of the entire team and the loyalty of guests. “This award belongs to our team, who consistently go above and beyond to provide memorable stays, and to our guests, whose support and encouragement inspire us to improve every day,” he said.

The South Asian Travel Awards is regarded as one of the leading regional platforms recognising excellence in travel and hospitality. It highlights the achievements of destinations, resorts, and service providers across South Asia.

Equator Village has expressed its gratitude to its guests, partners, and staff for their continued support and reaffirmed its commitment to offering a blend of heritage, comfort, and Maldivian hospitality to travellers from around the world.

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