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Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands unveils conservation achievements and new green goals

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Part of the innovative Fari Islands lifestyle concept, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has embedded sustainability into its operations since its opening in 2021. Rooted in environmentally conscious architecture and design, the resort reflects on a year of significant achievements while outlining its goals for 2026.

Environment & Conservation

A destination that has become an iconic addition to the Indian Ocean is also a centre for environmental innovation and education. Under the guidance of its naturalist team, the resort launched a number of new and enhanced conservation programmes in 2025, engaging more than 1,000 guests. These initiatives included a new coral adoption programme that established a dedicated coral sanctuary, a coral nursery snorkelling activity for teenagers, and Ocean Discovery through VR, a virtual reality underwater journey designed to introduce guests to marine life from a fresh perspective.

Educational programming for children was expanded through the Little Conservationists initiative, which now incorporates fish cameras and hydrophones, enabling young guests to record underwater sounds and discover the hidden “voices” of the reef. The Eco Heroes activity was also enhanced with new ocean science experiments that help children understand currents, salinity, and ocean acidification through hands-on learning.

“Eye in the Sky” Ocean Plastics Detection and Research

Led by the resort’s naturalists in collaboration with a progressive research community, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands became the first resort in the Maldives to launch a UAV-based ocean plastics detection initiative. First introduced by Dr Melissa Duncan-Schiele, the project analyses how ocean plastics move with wind and currents and identifies areas of accumulation. The goal is to develop a methodology that can be replicated nationally for collective plastic monitoring.

Since opening, the resort has completed 902 drone flights. In 2025 alone, it carried out 84 surveys totalling more than 21 hours of flying time. To date, the resort has removed over 1,840 kilograms of ghost nets, including 450 kilograms this year. Research findings will be shared in 2026.

Marine Life Monitoring

The drone programme also documents wildlife activity, providing valuable insights into species behaviour and distribution. In 2025, more than 17 species were recorded, including a blue whale, a pod of orcas, ornate eagle rays, guitarfish, and blacktip reef sharks.

Through its partnership with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), the resort contributes sightings of sea turtles and reports of ghost gear. In 2025, 15 turtle sightings were submitted to the national database, and the team rescued six turtles found entangled in abandoned nets.

Coral Regeneration

The resort’s coral regeneration programme continues to restore degraded reef areas using coral fragments attached to rebar frames. In 2025, 140 new frames were planted, bringing the total to 243. More than 2,500 coral fragments were planted this year, with 290 guests participating.

A coral nursery trial was also launched to grow corals for direct transplantation onto the house reef. As a result, 25 healthy Acropora colonies were planted. A new coral sanctuary was opened this year, with guests able to visit the nursery via a designated swimming jetty.

Sustainable Practices 

In 2025, the resort significantly reduced its energy consumption and waste through property-wide initiatives. With the addition of a solar garden and an expanded rooftop solar panel network, solar capacity at Fari Islands increased threefold to 6.4 MWp—enough to supply up to 50 per cent of the islands’ energy demand.

The resort further strengthened its commitment to reducing single-use waste by replacing coffee pods with ground-coffee machines and introducing a range of food-waste initiatives, including repurposing fruit peels and offering coffee-scrub workshops for staff. The spa transitioned to fully digital intake forms, dramatically reducing paper use, while housekeeping implemented textile-waste reduction measures and expanded its slipper-donation programme for local communities.

New landscape systems, including motion sensors, photocells, and sensor taps, lowered water and energy use. A biodigester was introduced to improve wet-waste processing, while regular community planting and beach-cleaning projects on local islands encouraged engagement through donations of plants and compost.

Community Footprints

Through its Community Footprints programme, the resort continued to foster environmental awareness among young people. Its strong relationships with local schools enabled visits from the naturalist team, who hosted recycling competitions, delivered plastic pollution awareness sessions, and conducted mangrove-planting activities to highlight the importance of coastal ecosystems.

Within the resort, Ladies and Gentlemen took part in activities for 12 global environmental dates, including Plastic Free Day, Earth Day, Shark Awareness Day, and Ocean Clean Up Day. Thirteen clean-up events—both beach and underwater—were conducted, along with waste management training.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Maintaining its “plasticarian” ethos remains a priority. In 2026, the resort aims to reduce single-use plastics by 80 per cent. Reusable glass water bottles, bamboo-based personal consumables, refillable amenities, and sustainable straws are already in place. Bamford amenities, aligned with shared values of mindful living, are replenished on-site, and the resort’s desalination plant further reduces plastic imports. A targeted 5 per cent reduction in water consumption and a 20 per cent increase in compost production form part of next year’s ambitions.

Building on its 2025 achievements, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands aims to further elevate the guest experience with thoughtfully designed sustainability-driven activities, including its signature Masters of Crafts and Visiting Hero programmes. Details of the 2026 line-up will be announced in due course.

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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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