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Gili Lankanfushi commits to seagrass meadow conservation
Gili Lankanfushi, a pioneer of sustainable barefoot luxury in the Maldives, has reinforced its dedication to marine conservation through an ambitious seagrass preservation initiative. As part of its long-standing sustainability efforts, the resort has pledged to conserve 1,250m² of seagrass within its lagoon—representing more than 80% of the area’s total seagrass coverage.
This significant commitment was announced at the recent Seagrass Industry Leaders Circle launch event, held on Dhiffushi Island in Kaafu Atoll. The gathering brought together representatives from 17 leading resorts, each pledging to protect seagrass meadows—often referred to as the ‘lungs of the sea’ due to their essential role in carbon capture and supporting marine life.
Gili Lankanfushi’s pledge was delivered by resident Marine Biologist and Sustainability Manager, Renald Yude, who highlighted the ecological importance of seagrass ecosystems. “Seagrass plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity support, and coastal protection,” he stated. “Preserving this habitat is not only essential for marine health but also a vital step in our global climate response.”
The resort’s approach to conservation is grounded in scientific research and regular monitoring. Yude and his team conduct standardised quadrat-based surveys to assess canopy height, algal cover, sediment type, species composition, and wildlife sightings. These studies ensure a data-driven understanding of the health and development of the seagrass meadows, which serve as nurseries and sanctuaries for species such as turtles, rays, seahorses, and juvenile reef fish.
Gili Lankanfushi’s involvement in the July 2025 event underscores its leadership in marine conservation across the Maldives. Organised by Maldives Resilient Reefs and the Blue Marine Foundation, and officially inaugurated by the Maldives’ Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment, the event included a pledge-signing ceremony and educational workshops focused on the importance of protecting seagrass ecosystems.
Beyond seagrass preservation, Gili Lankanfushi continues to champion a wide range of sustainability initiatives. The island’s Coral Lines project provides a nursery for coral restoration, allowing new corals to grow and be reintroduced to the reef. Guests are invited to engage with this initiative, learning about coral rehabilitation and even adopting corals as part of the programme.
The island’s commitment to sustainability extends to its infrastructure and daily operations. All villas are built using sustainably sourced materials such as plantation teak, bamboo, palm wood, and recycled telegraph poles. Toiletries are offered in refillable ceramic containers to reduce plastic use, while a dedicated desalination plant supplies all drinking water in reusable glass bottles.
Partnerships with organisations such as the Manta Trust and the Olive Ridley Project further support the protection of vulnerable marine species, including manta rays and injured sea turtles. The resort also prioritises sustainable fishing practices, works to minimise single-use plastics, and provides sustainability training for all staff.
Located in the pristine North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, Gili Lankanfushi offers a serene retreat for couples, families, and solo travellers alike. With its eco-conscious ethos, stunning natural setting, and signature ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy, the resort remains a benchmark for responsible luxury in the Maldives.
JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is welcoming the holy month of Ramadan with a series of Iftar evenings at Lime Restaurant, inviting guests to gather in the spirit of reflection, gratitude and togetherness.
Recognising Ramadan as a time that brings families, friends and communities closer, the hotel has curated an Iftar experience designed to go beyond dining. The focus is on creating a welcoming environment where traditions are observed, conversations unfold naturally and shared moments are celebrated around the table.
Located in the heart of Malé, Lime Restaurant provides a warm and contemporary setting suited to a range of gatherings, from colleagues reconnecting after work to families and friends breaking fast together. Each evening reflects the generosity associated with Ramadan, featuring carefully prepared dishes, live cooking stations and a selection of sweet treats that balance traditional flavours with creative touches.
Iftar at JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is shaped by attentive service and thoughtful hospitality. Guests are welcomed into an atmosphere that blends comfort with understated elegance, allowing space for reflection while enjoying a relaxed dining experience. The hotel’s culinary and service teams work closely to ensure consistency, quality and authenticity throughout the season.
Whether for intimate gatherings or larger group celebrations, the venue offers flexibility supported by a culinary programme rooted in care and attention to detail. The Ramadan offering is designed to ensure guests feel at ease while enjoying a distinctive Iftar experience in the capital.
Throughout the holy month, JEN Maldives by Shangri-La invites guests to come together at Lime Restaurant to experience evenings defined by flavour, generosity and meaningful connection, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan.
Milaidhoo Maldives is hosting a wine pairing dinner celebrating Provençal elegance and gastronomy on 4 March 2026 at the resort’s Shoreline Grill. The evening will feature wines from Château Minuty and will be hosted by Sébastien Nore, Global Strategy and Export Director of Château Minuty, offering guests insight into the winery’s heritage and approach to fine winemaking.
Originally from Limousin, France, Nore brings extensive experience in the international beverage industry. His career includes roles with Kronenbourg Wineries and PepsiCo France, followed by senior leadership positions at Diageo and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. He has played a key role in expanding Château Minuty’s global presence and currently oversees the winery’s strategy, sales, communication and marketing, with a focus on innovation and the refined character of Provençal rosé.
During the dinner, guests will enjoy a curated selection of Château Minuty wines, paired with a bespoke menu created by the Shoreline Grill culinary team. The featured wines include:
- Château Minuty M de Minuty Rosé Magnum 1.5L – Artist Edition 2024
- Château Minuty Prestige Rosé 2024
- Château Minuty Rosé et Or 2024
- Château Minuty 281 2024
Beyond this event, the dinner reflects Milaidhoo Maldives’ wider commitment to gastronomy. The resort’s Gourmet Plan is designed for guests with a strong interest in food and wine, offering personalised, multi-course dining experiences throughout their stay. Each menu is crafted to highlight the relationship between carefully selected ingredients and complementary wines, with an emphasis on authenticity and balance.
The Château Minuty dinner marks the fourth wine-focused event hosted by Milaidhoo Maldives this year, underscoring the resort’s ongoing focus on curated culinary experiences. The evening is positioned as a sensory journey, combining refined flavours, thoughtful pairings and a convivial island setting.
Constance Hospitality has been recognised in the 2026 Traveller Review Awards by Booking.com, with its Maldivian resorts achieving some of the highest scores within the group’s portfolio.
In the Maldives, Constance Halaveli Maldives received an outstanding score of 9.8 out of 10, while Constance Moofushi Maldives achieved 9.7. The ratings, based on verified guest reviews, reflect consistently high levels of guest satisfaction and service delivery.
Constance Halaveli Maldives, known for its spacious overwater and beachfront villas, personalised service and refined dining concepts, continues to perform strongly among travellers. Constance Moofushi Maldives, positioned as a barefoot chic resort with an all-inclusive concept, also maintains a high guest approval rating, supported by its diving experiences and relaxed island atmosphere.
While the wider Constance portfolio across the Indian Ocean was recognised, the Maldives properties stand out as the group’s highest-rated resorts in the 2026 awards cycle.
Commenting on the recognition, Jean-Jacques Vallet, Chief Executive Officer of Constance Hospitality, stated that the awards reflect the professionalism and commitment of the teams on the ground. He added that guest feedback remains central to maintaining service standards and delivering consistent experiences across the group’s destinations.
The recognition reinforces the position of Constance Halaveli Maldives and Constance Moofushi Maldives as leading performers within the Maldives’ competitive luxury hospitality sector.
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