News
SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS launches EarthCheck Certification initiative for RAH GILI MALDIVES
SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS has announced that RAH GILI MALDIVES, the brand’s debut property in the Maldives, has officially commenced its journey toward EarthCheck Certification. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to responsible development and operations across its growing constellation of private islands.
Located within a secluded dolphin sanctuary in South Malé Atoll, RAH GILI spans 8.7 hectares and is scheduled to open in February 2026. Designed with sustainability at its core, the resort will feature 74 villas and host up to 200 guests, supported by a team of 300 employees drawn from the Maldives and abroad. The location was chosen for its extraordinary marine setting, biodiversity, and cultural significance — and has guided every aspect of development from day one.
RAH GILI’s journey toward EarthCheck Certification demonstrates a proactive approach to environmental stewardship, aligning the resort with the most rigorous and science-based standards in the global tourism industry. EarthCheck Certification is awarded only after detailed auditing and performance benchmarking across multiple criteria — from energy consumption to community integration. By initiating this process during the pre-opening phase, SIX & SIX ensures that sustainability is not treated as a marketing line, but as an operational foundation.
Built With Intention
RAH GILI is being developed under a clear sustainability framework that integrates environmental infrastructure, operational systems, and guest touchpoints:
- A hybrid energy model powered by 2,000kW of solar and 2,500kWh of battery storage, offsetting over 540,000 litres of diesel annually
- A reverse-osmosis desalination plant and in-house bottling system, eliminating plastic water bottles throughout the resort
- A comprehensive waste management system, including waste segregation, composting for both kitchen and garden waste, and a zero-landfill strategy
- Construction materials selected for both low impact and local authenticity, including plantation teak, recycled glass, hyacinth matting, and locally sourced finishes
- Smart systems such as LED lighting and insulation across all roofs to optimise energy efficiency
The architectural narrative of RAH GILI is one of restraint and relevance. Materials were chosen not only for their sustainability profile but also for their ability to reflect the spirit of the place — creating a seamless connection between the built environment and the natural world.

Guided by Culture and Community
Equally central to the EarthCheck journey is the brand’s integration of local culture and social responsibility. The team, referred to as the Rayyithun — meaning “People of the Islands” in Dhivehi — are being trained not only in service excellence but in a philosophy of care, rooted in community knowledge and environmental guardianship. The team of 300 will form the backbone of daily life on the island, ensuring continuity between past traditions and future ambitions.
SIX & SIX is currently developing a series of CSR programmes to accompany the resort’s opening. These include initiatives in wellness, marine restoration, skills development, and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage — all designed in collaboration with local stakeholders and aligned with national priorities. By ensuring that local integration is woven into daily operations, RAH GILI aims to contribute positively to both the physical and social ecosystems of the Maldives.
The guest journey has also been designed to include immersive sustainability and cultural experiences — from coral propagation and reef protection workshops led by marine biologists to culinary activations and crafts that honour local traditions. These are not staged for effect; they are invitations to participate in a rhythm of life that is authentic, ongoing, and connected to place.
“RAH GILI MALDIVES represents the first step in a brand-wide vision grounded in integrity, respect for place, and long-term sustainability,” said Laith Pharaon, CEO & Co-Founder of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS. “By starting the EarthCheck certification process during the pre-opening phase, we ensure that these values are built into the foundations — not added on later. It is our intention that every guest who arrives at RAH GILI feels the result of that intention — not only in design, but in atmosphere, culture, and care.”
“Our approach combines global benchmarking with a deep commitment to the local context,” added Marc Gussing, Director of Operations. “RAH GILI is being designed not only to meet today’s standards, but to contribute meaningfully for generations to come. EarthCheck gives us the framework to assess our ambitions with scientific credibility and operational discipline.”

The First of a Collection
RAH GILI MALDIVES is the first of six resorts under development by SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS. The next to follow is DHON MAAGA MALDIVES, an ultra-luxury sanctuary set to open in late 2026. Each island in the collection will follow the same commitment to sustainability, design restraint, and cultural integration — tailored to the ecology and heritage of its setting. Select islands, including RAH GILI and DHON MAAGA, will also introduce Private Residences, offering long-stay ownership opportunities that uphold the same environmental and architectural integrity as the resort — quietly luxurious, low-impact, and thoughtfully integrated into the natural landscape. From private island experiences to design- led wellness concepts, every element of the SIX & SIX portfolio is intended to feel considered, rooted, and rare. With its sustainability approach led by science, its brand values guided by care, and its foundation grounded in the Maldives’ rich cultural rhythm, RAH GILI MALDIVES offers a blueprint for future-facing luxury.
This is only the beginning.
With care, always.
Culture
Family adventures and romantic escapes await this Eid at Kandooma Maldives
When the world feels noisy and the pace of everyday life unrelenting, there is something quietly powerful about stepping onto a stretch of powder-white sand and letting the Indian Ocean do its work. Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, nestled in the South Malé Atoll just 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, is inviting families and couples to do exactly that this Eid.
Whether you are travelling with children in tow or looking for uninterrupted time with the person you love, Kandooma has shaped experiences around both, without compromise.
Kandooma is an island that understands what you need right now explains Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing and Sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
“Short breaks and getaways are even more essential now. Being able to reconnect to yourself and with those you love matters deeply. Our private island paradise offers the backdrop for that kind of reset,” she said.
“People are looking for real value, especially given the cost-of-living pressures so many are facing globally. Kandooma sits in that sweet spot of mid-market pricing with a delivery that genuinely exceeds expectations. You get the turquoise ocean, the white sandy beaches, the tropical warmth and the kind of friendly Maldivian hospitality that stays with you long after you leave.”
Exclusive Packages, Only When You Book Direct
Booking directly from the resort unlocks packages unavailable elsewhere, including two standout Eid offers:
- Family Getaway (minimum 4 nights): Accommodation, WiFi, daily breakfast and dinner are all included. Children under 13 receive a special Kandoo Kids’ Club welcome gift, and on one day the whole family gets to make their own pizza lunch together, one of those small, sticky-fingered memories that lasts for years. On one evening, while the kids enjoy Movie Night at the Kids Club, parents slip away for a romantic beach dinner (set-up) just for two. The package also qualifies for IHG’s Kids Eat and Stay Free offer (children under 13) and Kandooma’s celebrated Dive Free Programme, which gives two certified divers two complimentary dives per day, with all equipment included. Terms and conditions apply.
- Island Romance (3 nights): Three nights built around the two of you. Accommodation, daily buffet breakfast and dinner for two, and in-villa welcome touches set the tone. During your stay, you will enjoy one breakfast in bed, a romantic beach picnic lunch and a beach dinner under the stars. Certified scuba divers also qualify for the Dive Free Programme, with up to two complimentary dives per certified diver per day, including all gear and air/Nitrox. Terms and conditions apply.
Kandooma’s reputation has been built over years of consistent delivery. The resort’s Kandooma Right surf break is one of the Indian Ocean’s most celebrated waves, drawing surfers from around the world. Its surrounding dive sites are considered among the finest in the Maldives, earning recognition from the diving community year after year.
The Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, a globally respected wellness brand, brings considered, holistic treatments to an already serene island setting. Six dining venues offer everything from relaxed beachside plates to candlelit dinners, drawing on international flavours and the freshest ingredients.
Accommodation choices span Garden, Beach and Overwater Villas through to expansive two-storey Beach Houses, suiting everyone from honeymooners wanting seclusion to families who simply need more space to breathe. Families appreciate the Family Beach Houses, the stunning 2-bedroom Overwater Villa with its spectacular sea view and the 3-bedroom Beach Pool Villa.
The full range of Eid Al-Adha Special Offers is available from the resort’s website.
News
Milaidhoo Maldives embraces mindfulness, movement and nourishment for Global Wellness Day
Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to celebrate Global Wellness Day 2026 under the theme “#JoyMagenta”, embracing its signature wellbeing philosophy built around three interconnected pillars: food, physical balance and peace of mind. Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll, the island offers a sanctuary where nature-led experiences, mindful nourishment and restorative practices come together to support holistic wellbeing.
Throughout the day, guests are guided through immersive experiences designed to awaken gratitude, creativity, connection and movement, each reflecting Milaidhoo’s commitment to wellbeing in harmony with the oceanic environment.
Morning begins with Gratitude on the Compass Pool Bar deck, where mindfulness meditation and breathwork invite stillness and clarity. Mid-morning, Creativity unfolds at Serenity Spa with a DIY coconut scrub workshop using natural island ingredients, celebrating sustainable self-care and the island’s nourishing food philosophy through the use of locally inspired botanicals.
Mid-afternoon brings Connection at the overwater Yoga Pavilion with couples stretching and sound healing sessions designed to deepen presence and emotional harmony. As evening approaches, Movement takes place during a sunset Vinyasa yoga flow at Ocean Stories Beach, where breath, motion and ocean rhythm align.
Throughout the experience, Milaidhoo’s culinary wellbeing approach complements the journey, with mindful dining options that emphasise fresh, locally inspired and nutritionally balanced cuisine to support physical vitality and inner peace. Food is presented not only as nourishment but also as a sensory extension of the island’s healing environment, reinforcing the connection between body and nature.
Milaidhoo Maldives’ Global Wellness Day celebration reflects the island’s deeper philosophy of holistic living, where food, physical movement and peace of mind are seamlessly integrated into every guest experience. The island’s intimate setting encourages reconnection with nature and self, allowing each moment to be experienced with intention and joy.
The day concludes with a renewed sense of vitality, emotional balance and calm presence, embodying the essence of “joy” that defines this year’s theme. Milaidhoo continues to place well-being at the heart of its experience, ensuring every stay supports lasting harmony in one of the world’s most tranquil island sanctuaries.
For those seeking to continue their journey of calm and renewal, explore the full Milaidhoo wellbeing experience here.
News
Fushifaru Maldives unveils overnight ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ escape
From candlelit dinners to sleeping beneath a canopy of stars on the largest natural sandbank in Lhaviyani Atoll, Fushifaru Maldives by BeKind Hospitality Group invites couples to experience one of the Maldives’ most unforgettable overnight escapes.
Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Fushifaru Maldives is redefining romantic island escapes with its extraordinary “Sleep Under the Stars” experience – an unforgettable overnight stay on the resort’s breathtaking private sandbank. This once-in-a-lifetime experience invites couples to disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other beneath a sky illuminated by countless stars. Combining barefoot luxury, romance and the raw beauty of the Maldives, the experience has been thoughtfully designed to create memories that last forever.
As the sun begins to set over the horizon, guests are whisked away to the secluded sandbank where an enchanting evening awaits. Candlelit dining by the ocean sets the tone for the night, with the sound of gentle waves providing the perfect soundtrack. Guests can then cosy up beneath the stars for a private open-air movie screening, before retreating to their beautifully prepared beachfront bed for a night unlike any other.
With no distractions, no crowds and nothing but the soothing ocean surrounding them, guests are given the rare opportunity to experience the Maldives in its purest and most intimate form. As dawn breaks across the horizon, the experience continues with a hearty breakfast served directly on the sandbank – the perfect way to begin the day before returning to the resort.
“At Fushifaru, we continuously seek to create meaningful and unforgettable experiences that connect guests with the natural beauty of the Maldives,” said Jumana Muhammad, Resident Manager of Fushifaru Maldives. “Our ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ experience is designed to offer something truly special – a rare opportunity for guests to disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other amidst the serenity of our stunning natural sandbank and a sky full of stars.”
More than simply an excursion, “Sleep Under the Stars” is a celebration of romance, nature and unforgettable moments. Whether marking a honeymoon, anniversary, proposal or simply a special escape together, the experience captures the magic of the Maldives in a truly unique and deeply personal way.
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