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New era of sustainable luxury: Veligandu Maldives now fully powered by solar energy

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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.

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.

Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.

The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.

Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.

The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.

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JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia

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JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.

The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.

Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.

The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.

Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.

Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.

Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.

Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.

JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.

The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.

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Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa

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Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.

Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.

Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.

As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.

Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.

The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.

Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.

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