Featured
New era of sustainable luxury: Veligandu Maldives now fully powered by solar energy
Veligandu Maldives Resort Island has reached a significant milestone in its sustainability journey with the successful completion and full operation of its Solar Energy Initiative—a major advancement towards cleaner and greener island living. Following two weeks of comprehensive testing, the resort can now operate entirely on solar power for up to eight hours a day under optimal sunny conditions. This remarkable achievement underscores Veligandu’s long-standing commitment to responsible tourism while continuing to deliver world-class luxury experiences.
The transition marks a substantial reduction in the resort’s dependence on diesel generators and contributes meaningfully to minimising its environmental footprint. It also exemplifies how innovation and sustainability can coexist harmoniously within the essence of authentic Maldivian hospitality.
The initiative began in July 2024, when Veligandu partnered with Swimsol, an Austrian company renowned for pioneering solar energy solutions across island nations. Following months of detailed consultations, design assessments, and strategic planning, the first phase of the project—completed ahead of the resort’s grand reopening on 10 November 2024—introduced the solar infrastructure without battery storage. The final phase, including the installation of a 1,668-kW battery storage system, was completed and launched on 19 September 2025, marking the full realisation of Veligandu’s solar energy vision.
Today, the system comprises 3,003 solar panels generating up to 1,441 kW of power, supported by advanced battery storage technology. Together, they enable the resort to run entirely on solar energy for up to eight hours each day, reducing daily carbon emissions by approximately 4,750 kilograms of CO₂. This milestone represents a major step forward in the resort’s mission to lead by example in sustainable island operations.
“This is an incredible milestone for Veligandu and for sustainable tourism in the Maldives,” said Fathuhulla Ibrahim, General Manager of Veligandu Maldives Resort Island. “On a good-weather day, we can now power the entire island purely through solar energy, allowing our generators to rest for up to eight hours—something unimaginable just a year ago. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Owners for their vision and investment in a greener tomorrow. Their foresight has enabled us to transform our operations and reduce our carbon footprint in a meaningful way. I also wish to thank our dedicated team and partners who have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality.”
He continued, “The impact is truly transformative. For the first time in forty years, guests visiting our back-of-house area can experience the generator room in complete silence—a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come. And for our guests, the experience remains seamless. Imagine spending your day snorkelling, diving, or enjoying water sports under the Maldivian sun, returning to your villa where your air conditioning, lights, and water are all powered by clean solar energy. Without even realising it, you become part of this sustainability journey. This achievement belongs to every member of our team, our partners, and our guests who share our belief in a greener tomorrow. Together, we are shaping the future of sustainable luxury tourism.”
This strategic development marks a new chapter in eco-conscious hospitality, aligning Veligandu Maldives Resort Island with global sustainability goals and reinforcing the Maldives’ position as a leader in responsible island tourism.
“By integrating renewable energy into our daily operations, we are not only safeguarding the fragile environment that makes the Maldives so extraordinary, but also strengthening our competitive position in the luxury travel market,” said Ahmed Shaheen, Chief Commercial Leader of Crown & Champa Resorts. “Today’s traveller is more environmentally aware than ever before. Our transition to clean energy reflects both our understanding of this shift and our responsibility to lead by example.”
Looking ahead, Veligandu Maldives plans to expand its renewable energy storage capacity and incorporate advanced energy management systems to further enhance operational efficiency and stability. The resort’s long-term vision is to operate entirely on solar energy, positioning itself as a model for sustainable island operations in the region.
Part of the Crown & Champa Resorts collection, Veligandu Maldives Resort Island is celebrated for its intimate charm, turquoise lagoon, and eco-conscious approach to luxury. Reopened in November 2024 as a five-star ultra-luxury resort, Veligandu blends authentic Maldivian warmth with progressive sustainability initiatives—redefining barefoot luxury for the modern traveller. With its solar-powered operations now fully functional, Veligandu continues to demonstrate that true luxury lies not only in comfort and beauty, but in the harmony between people, place, and planet.
Featured
Centara Hotels & Resorts marks Valentine’s Day with island-wide celebrations in Maldives
Centara Hotels & Resorts is marking Valentine’s Day across its four Maldivian resorts with a collection of curated experiences designed to reflect different expressions of romance, from wellness and gastronomy to shared adventure and quiet celebration. Set within the Maldives’ natural environment of open horizons, white-sand beaches and private island settings, each property presents a tailored programme for couples seeking time together in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives will mark Valentine’s Day on 14 February with a programme of romance-themed experiences set within its island surroundings at The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts. The day is designed around shared activities and curated moments intended to encourage connection and creativity.
Evening celebrations begin at Coco Drift with the Salaan Galaan Valentine’s Soirée, followed by a four-course beachfront dinner accompanied by selected beverages, personalised cocktails, live entertainment and musical serenades. The celebrations conclude with an intimate sip-and-paint session under the night sky.
Couples may also unwind with the Grand Valentine’s Ritual at Spa Cenvaree, a 105-minute treatment comprising a massage and body wrap designed for shared relaxation. Guests can further personalise the occasion by arranging fresh floral bouquets through the front office.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives
At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Valentine’s Day is presented through a full-day programme of shared experiences set in North Malé Atoll. Activities include sunrise yoga, a tree-planting ceremony and henna art, offering couples a blend of relaxation and meaningful engagement.
The evening programme centres on a mixology masterclass, followed by a candlelit dinner at Sailhouse Beach featuring seafood, Asian-inspired dishes, desserts and free-flowing beverages. The night concludes with an outdoor movie screening beneath the stars.
Spa Cenvaree complements the celebrations with a Valentine’s Indulgence ritual, a 120-minute couples’ treatment that includes a body scrub, massage and bath ritual paired with sparkling beverages. Floral arrangements may also be arranged through the front office.
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives
From 10 to 14 February, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives will host a series of Valentine’s experiences designed to reflect personal moments and shared celebration. Highlights include vow renewal ceremonies at Reef Beach and private canapé and champagne experiences at Aqua Bar.
On Valentine’s Day, couples may begin with a floating breakfast served in-villa, followed by a choice of dining experiences ranging from international buffet dining to a four-course gourmet dinner at the Love Hut, complete with sparkling beverages and floral arrangements. Additional options include a three-course beachfront dinner at Reef Beach, a relaxed BBQ and movie night at North Beach, and an evening DJ programme at Coral Lounge.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, an adults-only resort in North Malé Atoll, will host a refined Valentine’s celebration on the evening of 14 February. The highlight is a seven-course beachfront dinner at Waves Beach, paired with sparkling beverages and accompanied by live music.
The evening continues with an after-dinner beach gathering, extending the celebrations in a relaxed setting. Guests may also opt for a package that includes an in-villa breakfast with sparkling beverages the following morning.
Across its Maldivian portfolio, Centara Hotels & Resorts presents Valentine’s Day as an opportunity for couples to celebrate through shared experiences, thoughtful dining and time spent together in distinctive island settings.
Featured
Art, wine and storytelling take centre stage at Milaidhoo Maldives
Milaidhoo Maldives is hosting a four-day creative residency this March that brings together art, wine and storytelling in a series of intimate island experiences guided by internationally recognised curator Vera Alkhova.
From 25 to 28 March 2026, the resort will present the Art Spirit Residency, welcoming Alkhova, founder of Art Spirit, to its private island setting in the heart of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The residency is designed as a relaxed exploration of creativity, taste and inspiration, set against Milaidhoo’s natural surroundings.
An art consultant, curator and educator, Alkhova is known for making contemporary art accessible through storytelling rather than theory. Through Art Spirit, she curates immersive experiences that encourage dialogue and personal interpretation, including her established programme How to Read Contemporary Art. Her residency at Milaidhoo is structured around conversation-led sessions rather than formal lectures, with the aim of sharing art in an engaging and approachable way.
Taking place during the same month as International Women’s Day, the residency also reflects on the creative contributions of women. This theme is most clearly expressed in the opening experience, Women in Art, which highlights female voices and influence within contemporary artistic expression.
The programme also aligns with Milaidhoo’s focus on gastronomy and fine wine. Each experience is paired with carefully selected wines and hosted within the resort’s restaurants, where the evening themes are reflected in ingredient-led menus. The format is intentionally informal, in keeping with the atmosphere of the boutique island resort.
Programme highlights include:
- Wednesday, 25 March – Art Stories & Wine Tasting | Women in Art
- Friday, 27 March – An Artist’s Table | Wine and Art Dinner | Love of the Painter and His Muses
- Saturday, 28 March – Art Stories & Wine Tasting | Marine Life
With Alkhova’s curated insights and Milaidhoo’s considered hospitality, the Art Spirit Residency brings together art, wine and shared conversation in a setting designed to encourage reflection and connection.
Milaidhoo Maldives is accessible via a 35-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport, or by a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport in Baa Atoll followed by a 15-minute speedboat journey to the island.
Drink
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli welcomes Glynn Purnell for Tastemaker Series
Glynn Purnell, the Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur and television personality known as “The Yummy Brummie”, will bring his modern British cooking to the Indian Ocean this April as part of the Tastemaker Series at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.
With a career spanning more than 35 years, two Michelin-starred restaurants and a long-standing presence on British television, Purnell’s residency will take place from 3 to 6 April. His ingredient-led approach will be presented through a curated programme that includes a signature tasting dinner, an intimate cooking class and a closing experience hosted at The Whale Bar, offering guests the opportunity to engage with his cuisine in an informal setting.
Purnell began his culinary career at the age of 14 through a hotel kitchen work placement before refining his skills at the Metropole Hotel and at Simpson’s Restaurant, where he contributed to the restaurant’s first Michelin star. His professional training also includes working alongside chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, as well as experience in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe. Purnell later made history by earning Birmingham’s first Michelin star for Jessica’s in 2005, followed by a Michelin star for Purnell’s, which the restaurant has retained since 2009.
In addition to his restaurant work, Purnell is a well-known figure on British television. He has won Great British Menu twice and has returned to the programme as a mentor. His television appearances also include Saturday Kitchen, and he co-presented My Kitchen Rules UK alongside Rachel Allen on Channel 4.
Recognised for combining technical precision with an approachable style, Purnell’s residency forms part of the St. Regis Maldives’ 2026 Tastemaker Series, a programme designed to showcase international culinary talent through immersive guest experiences. His emphasis on seasonal, responsibly sourced ingredients and sustainable practices aligns with the resort’s broader commitment to considered luxury and culinary quality.
Set on Vommuli Island, the residency offers guests the opportunity to experience contemporary British gastronomy in a distinctive island setting, with rare access to one of the UK’s most influential chefs.
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