Maldivian tour operator Secret Paradise Maldives has successfully renewed its Travelife Partner Award, recognising the company’s continued commitment to responsible tourism, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The renewal acknowledges Secret Paradise’s progress in implementing responsible tourism practices and integrating sustainability across its business operations.

The Travelife Partner standard requires tour operators to meet more than 100 sustainability criteria covering office management, business operations, product development, international business partners and customer information. Based on the ISO 26000 guidelines on corporate social responsibility, the criteria address areas including environmental protection, biodiversity, human rights and labour relations.

Since its establishment in 2012, Secret Paradise has focused on demonstrating how tourism can generate positive outcomes for local communities and the environment. The company’s approach includes supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for communities, promoting responsible marine encounters and encouraging visitors to develop a greater understanding of Maldivian culture and the natural environment.

Commenting on the renewal, Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives, said: “Sustainability is an ongoing journey, one that requires continuous commitment, reflection and a willingness to evolve. There is always more we can do.

“We have always believed that tourism should benefit the people and places that make the Maldives so special. This means looking beyond the experiences we deliver to consider how we operate, the partners we work with and the impact our activities have on local communities and the environment. We are proud of the progress we have made and remain committed to doing more.”

Naut Kusters, Manager of Travelife for Tour Operators, welcomed the renewal, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability within the tourism industry.

“I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operator sector is obtaining momentum. The Partner renewal award of Secret Paradise will continue to inspire other companies in Maldives to follow the same path,” he said.

Travelife is an international sustainability certification programme for tour operators and travel agents, supported by more than 35 national travel associations worldwide, including ABTA in the United Kingdom, ANVR in the Netherlands and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

The programme comprises three stages: Travelife Engaged, Travelife Partner and Travelife Certified.

Following the successful renewal of its Travelife Partner status, Secret Paradise Maldives intends to further strengthen its sustainability practices as it works towards achieving Travelife Certified status.

Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is set to welcome contemporary artist Araceli Adams for an exclusive festive residency from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Bringing together art, nature and the joy of creative expression, the residency invites guests to discover the world of ceramics through immersive workshops inspired by the extraordinary marine life and natural beauty of the Maldives.

Known for her distinctive artistic interpretations of marine life on ceramics, Adams draws inspiration from the natural world, transforming everyday objects into expressive works of art. Through Araceli Adams, her creative practice celebrates the beauty and diversity of ocean life, making her residency a natural fit for Finolhu’s spectacular setting within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.

Throughout the festive season, guests will have the opportunity to explore their artistic side under Adams’ guidance, discovering the pleasures of working with ceramics in a relaxed and inspiring island environment. Designed for both beginners and those with a passion for art, the experiences encourage creativity, personal expression and a deeper appreciation of the marine world.

The residency begins with a meet-and-greet at Finolhu’s cocktail party on 21 December, offering guests an opportunity to meet the artist and discover the inspiration behind her work. An introductory pottery experience on 24 December will set the tone for a series of intimate creative sessions, followed by group masterclasses taking place between Christmas Day and 3 January.

Limited to just six participants per session, the masterclasses offer a more personal and engaging opportunity to learn from Adams while creating individual pieces inspired by the colours, textures and marine surroundings of the island. For guests seeking a more tailored experience, private pottery sessions will also be available, providing an intimate setting for individuals, couples and families to explore their creativity together.

The residency forms part of Finolhu’s festive celebrations, Magic by the Sea, bringing an artistic dimension to the resort’s seasonal programme. Beyond the traditional festivities, the collaboration offers guests an opportunity to slow down, discover a new creative pursuit and create meaningful memories through hands-on experiences.

The collaboration with Araceli Adams continues Finolhu’s commitment to bringing international creative talent to the island. Earlier in 2026, the resort welcomed celebrated British designer Matthew Williamson for an exclusive October residency, introducing guests to his distinctive world of colour, pattern and design through creative masterclasses and personalised experiences. In November, contemporary artist and photographer Yakov Khomich brought his artistic perspective to Finolhu’s Art Lab, further enriching the resort’s programme of immersive creative encounters. Together, these residencies reflect Finolhu’s growing reputation as a destination where art, design and island living come together.

Art and creativity have long been part of Finolhu’s distinctive island identity. With its contemporary design, vibrant atmosphere and dedicated Art Lab, the resort embraces creative expression as an integral part of the guest experience. The collaboration with Araceli Adams further reflects this philosophy, connecting guests with the island’s remarkable natural surroundings through art.

Set against the backdrop of Finolhu’s turquoise lagoon, pristine beaches and iconic two-kilometre sandbank, the residency offers a refreshing way to experience the festive season. Whether discovering ceramics for the first time or simply enjoying a shared creative moment with loved ones, guests are invited to embrace the freedom of artistic expression in one of the world’s most beautiful island settings.

Araceli Adams’ residency at Finolhu will take place from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, with group masterclasses scheduled between 25 December and 3 January and private pottery sessions available from 24 December to 2 January. Advance reservations are recommended due to limited availability.

For further information and reservations, visit www.finolhu.com or contact stay@finolhu.com.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives celebrates its second anniversary on 13 November, marking two years of bringing families together through distinctive and immersive island experiences, underwater discovery and memorable moments shared across generations. Under the theme ‘Two Years of Family Wonder’, the resort will mark the occasion with a series of specially curated activities inspired by its connection to the ocean, its natural surroundings and its continued commitment to creating meaningful moments for families.

In just two years since opening in November 2024, the resort has earned notable recognition across the regional travel and hospitality industry, securing several prestigious accolades for its approach to family hospitality. These include Best Resorts for Families at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, Best Family Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2026 and Best Family Friendly Hotel in the Maldives by Little Steps Asia 2025. This growing collection of industry recognition reflects the resort’s distinctive underwater-inspired setting, thoughtfully designed family accommodation and extensive range of experiences for guests of all ages.

“From the outset, our vision for Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives has been to create an immersive destination where families can come together, discover new experiences and make lasting memories. Every aspect of the resort, from its distinctive underwater-inspired setting and thoughtfully designed accommodation to its diverse recreational and dining experiences, has been shaped around the needs and interests of families travelling together. To have this vision recognised through leading regional travel and hospitality awards within just two years of opening is a significant achievement for our team. As we celebrate our second anniversary, we remain committed to evolving our family offering and creating even more opportunities for parents and children to connect, explore and experience the Maldives together,” said Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

A significant highlight of the anniversary programme is a distinctive underwater wine ageing experience, bringing together the art of winemaking and the unique marine environment of the Maldives. In collaboration with the resort’s Best Dives team, guests will be invited to witness the preparation, sealing and placement of selected wine bottles beneath the ocean. The bottles will remain submerged for a minimum of two months, with guests having the opportunity to reserve their bottles for collection on a future visit. The initiative adds an unexpected dimension to the anniversary celebrations, connecting the occasion with the island’s remarkable underwater surroundings.

The celebrations will also feature a selection of activities that reflect the resort’s connection to nature and its family-focused spirit. Guests can take part in a sandcastle carving activity along the shoreline, while a tree planting ceremony will further mark the occasion, with each tree symbolising growth, togetherness and a shared commitment to the island’s natural environment.

As Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives enters its third year, the anniversary celebrates not only the experiences and achievements that have shaped its journey so far, but also the continued ambition to create distinctive island experiences where families can discover, connect and make memories together.