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Cora Cora Maldives earns Green Globe Gold certification

Published

3 months ago

July 30, 2026

Cora Cora Maldives has achieved Green Globe Certification with Gold status after receiving a rating of 93% in an onsite sustainability audit.

The Raa Atoll resort said the certification recognised the environmental, social and cultural initiatives delivered through its Freedom Footprints sustainability programme. The programme is guided by the resort’s position that the freedom offered to guests should be accompanied by responsibility towards the environment and surrounding communities.

According to the resort, the achievement reflects work undertaken across coral restoration, marine conservation, community partnerships, cultural preservation, resource management and guest education.

“This Gold status is a reflection of collaboration, shared responsibility, and the collective belief that hospitality can create a positive impact far beyond the guest experience,” Cora Cora Maldives said in its announcement.

The resort credited its guests, partners, suppliers, heads of departments and team members, known as Freedom Fighters, for contributing to the certification. It also acknowledged NSURE Private Limited for its role in the certification process.

Among the main initiatives under Freedom Footprints is a five-year coral restoration programme involving guests, employees, resort leaders and conservation partners. The project uses Reef Stars fitted with coral fragments to support coral growth and increase marine biodiversity across sections of the resort’s lagoon and house reef.

The resort’s 2026 Sustainability Management Plan states that more than 1,000 Reef Stars had been installed and over 15,000 coral fragments restored during 2025. The project is being implemented with MARS and SHEBA and also incorporates rope nurseries, coral clips, direct outplanting and planned microfragmentation techniques.

Members of the resort’s diving team and sustainability department have received training in the Society for Ecological Restoration-certified Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System and the Ocean Quest methodology. Guests can participate by tying coral fragments, adopting Reef Stars and joining guided sessions with the resident marine biologist.

Cora Cora Maldives also works with Save the Beach Maldives to share restoration knowledge with local island communities and encourage wider participation in reef conservation.

Marine protection efforts extend to sea turtles through partnerships with the Olive Ridley Project and the Atoll Marine Centre. The resort supports turtle rescue, rehabilitation, research and education, while its team contributes sighting photographs and data to help researchers understand turtle populations, migration patterns and threats. Educational activities are also conducted for guests and students from nearby islands.

Operational measures include reducing single-use plastics and monitoring the resort’s environmental and social impact. Cora Cora Maldives produces drinking water through desalination and bottles it onsite in reusable glass bottles. The resort estimates that its bottling plant prevents the use of more than 100,000 plastic bottles each year.

Plastic straws have been replaced with alternative materials, while bathroom amenities are supplied in refillable containers. The resort also monitors its direct and supply-chain impacts through EarthCheck software and conducts staff training on sustainable operations.

Its sustainability plan includes targets covering energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction and recycling. The resort has retained targets to reduce both energy and water consumption by 1.5%, while waste is transferred to the regional waste management centre at Vandhoo. It also works with organisations including Parley for the Oceans on recycling and waste-management activities.

The programme also covers local sourcing and community development. The resort purchases produce from local suppliers and pole-and-line-caught fish from Maldivian fishermen, while prioritising bulk purchasing and products that are biodegradable, recycled or supplied with reduced packaging.

Cora Cora Maldives supports vocational training and hospitality career development through internships for students from local educational institutions. Its community policy also includes local recruitment, healthcare support, purchases from neighbouring islands and support for small businesses.

At the resort’s Art Hut, a Maldivian artist produces and sells handmade souvenirs directly to guests and retains the proceeds. The resort boutique also carries locally produced crafts, with a percentage of sales from selected manta and turtle jewellery donated to conservation organisations.

Cultural preservation forms another component of the sustainability programme. The resort maintains a museum displaying archaeological objects under the required permits, trains employees to explain Maldivian culture to guests and communicates rules intended to protect historical objects, coral reefs and marine life.

Cora Cora Maldives said the Green Globe Gold recognition would serve as an incentive to continue developing its sustainability work.

“We are grateful for this milestone, but we also know the journey is far from over. There is still much to accomplish,” the resort said. “This recognition inspires us to keep pushing forward and protecting the natural wonders that make Cora Cora Maldives so special.”

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Patina Maldives announces Orthodox Christmas celebrations with Russian cuisine and live entertainment

Published

16 hours ago

October 18, 2026

m@ldives

From 4 to 7 January 2027, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, embraces the spirit of Orthodox Christmas through a celebration of Russian culinary traditions, live music and shared experiences for all generations. Set against the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean, the occasion brings together cherished customs and contemporary island living, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and discovery.

On 4 and 5 January, Fari Beach Club presents special dining experiences with Guest Chef Maxim Artyukhov, Brand Chef and Executive Chef of SATEEN GROUP. Drawing inspiration from the culinary heritage of the Don region, Maxim Artyukhov brings his interpretation of European and Russian cuisine to the island, combining locally sourced farm produce with contemporary culinary techniques and the rich flavours of regional gastronomy.

On 6 January, Helios Pavilion becomes the setting for an evening of culinary discovery and live entertainment. Christmas cocktails and refined canapés welcome guests before a specially curated menu brings together international delicacies and much-loved Russian specialities by Chef Maxim Artyukhov. The evening unfolds to the sounds of Anton Belyaev, founder and frontman of Therr Maitz. Blending indie, electronic, soul and pop influences, his live performance fills the evening with energy and festive spirit, while a spectacular fireworks display illuminates the skies above the Indian Ocean.

Younger guests discover the island through a programme designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and a sense of adventure. On 6 January, a Mindful Walk, Kids Yoga, Wildflower Challenge, Green Creations, outdoor games and an introduction to snorkelling invite children to explore their surroundings in new ways. The Padel Tennis Tournament brings guests together through friendly competition and shared sporting experiences. While parents enjoy the Christmas dinner, younger guests have their own dedicated space for play and entertainment.

On 7 January, Russian winter folklore comes to life with a special appearance by Ded Moroz and his granddaughter, Snegurochka. Beloved figures of the Russian Christmas tradition, they bring festive cheer to the island and delight younger guests with special gifts.

At Patina Maldives, Orthodox Christmas brings cherished traditions into a setting defined by natural beauty, thoughtful experiences and meaningful connections. From Russian culinary heritage and live music to moments of discovery for younger guests, the celebration offers an opportunity to come together, share the spirit of the occasion and create lasting memories by the Indian Ocean.

For more information, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com.

Cooking

Belgian Chef Wout Bru to bring exclusive dining experiences to Meyyafushi, Fushifaru Maldives

Published

19 hours ago

October 18, 2026

m@ldives

Acclaimed Belgian chef Wout Bru will bring his distinctive culinary vision to the Maldives for an exclusive residency across Meyyafushi and Fushifaru Maldives from 31 October to 7 November 2026, featuring two special dining experiences in celebration of Meyyafushi’s first anniversary.

Renowned for his modern-classical culinary philosophy, Chef Wout combines contemporary techniques with Mediterranean influences, placing quality ingredients and their natural flavours at the heart of his cuisine. His distinguished career includes international recognition in France and Belgium, with Le Grand Verre receiving its first Michelin star in 2023.

Chef Wout will personally host an exclusive dinner at Bubble Underwater Restaurant at Meyyafushi Maldives on 2 November 2026, followed by a second dining experience at Raakani Restaurant at Fushifaru Maldives on 5 November 2026. Each dinner will take place on one evening only, featuring a specially curated menu by the chef. Both experiences will be open to in-house guests and outside visitors, including guests staying at the sister resort and those visiting from surrounding islands, subject to availability and advance reservations.

The residency will begin at Meyyafushi, a premium all-inclusive resort featuring 94 private-pool villas and suites and distinctive dining concepts, before continuing at Fushifaru, an award-winning boutique resort celebrated for its authentic Maldivian character, pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.

“Food has a unique way of bringing people together and creating memories that stay with us long after a journey ends. Welcoming Chef Wout Bru to our islands is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Meyyafushi’s first anniversary while further elevating the culinary experiences we offer across both resorts. We look forward to sharing these special occasions with our guests and creating memorable moments that reflect our commitment to exceptional hospitality,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager of Meyyafushi and Fushifaru Maldives.

Through this collaboration, both resorts aim to elevate their culinary offerings, create memorable guest experiences and celebrate the connection between exceptional gastronomy and the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Meyyafushi Maldives:

Dinner date: 2 November 2026
Venue: Bubble Underwater Restaurant
Price: USD 450 net per person – 4 course wine pairing dinner
Reservations: reservations@meyyafushi.com
Website: www.meyyafushi.com

Fushifaru Maldives:

Dinner date: 5 November 2026
Venue: Raakani Restaurant
Price: USD 300++ per person – 5 course Michelin dinner
Reservations: reservations@fushifaru.com
Website: www.fushifaru.com

Both dinners are available to in-house guests and outside visitors, including guests staying at the sister resort and those visiting from surrounding islands, subject to availability and advance reservations.

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Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi brings together local, international female surfers

Published

20 hours ago

October 18, 2026

m@ldives

Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi with its renowned wave Lohis, recently welcomed an all-female surf group for a week of surfing, wellness, and meaningful connections. Beyond experiencing the Maldives’ world-class waves, the visit created an opportunity to bring together international surfers from Surferelle, a women-focused female surf KOL, and members of Surf Her Story, a local female surfing community, for an inspiring exchange of experiences, perspectives, and stories.

Connecting Women Through Surfing

The gathering brought together women from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, united by their shared passion for the ocean.

Through conversations and shared experiences, participants exchanged perspectives on surfing, personal growth, confidence, and the challenges women face in pursuing their passions.

What began as a meeting of surfers became a reminder that, despite cultural differences, women often share similar aspirations and challenges. The exchange offered an opportunity for mutual encouragement, new friendships, and inspiration that extended well beyond the water.

Surf Her Story: Empowering the Next Generation

Founded by former professional surfer Maju Freitas, with the support of local surfers Aya Naseem and Rishtha Suja, Surf Her Story is a community-driven initiative dedicated to introducing more girls across the Maldives to surfing.

The idea began four years ago when Freitas first visited the Maldives and noticed something missing from its incredible surf scene.

“I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God! This place has amazing waves… but WHERE ARE ALL THE GIRLS?'” she recalls.

Determined to make a difference, Maju created Surf Her Story to help more Maldivian girls discover the physical, mental, and social benefits of surfing.

Beyond developing surfing skills, the initiative aims to build confidence, encourage self-expression, and create a supportive sisterhood where girls can grow together, both in and out of the ocean.

“My biggest dream is for every girl to have the opportunity to experience the freedom, happiness, and empowerment that surfing has given me throughout my life,” says Maju. “I truly believe surfing can change lives, and through Surf Her Story, I hope to share that feeling with as many girls as possible.”

Giving Back to the Community That Makes Surfing Possible

As a surf destination, the Maldives offers extraordinary experiences to visitors from around the world. Lohis Maldives believes that the benefits of surf tourism should also extend to the local communities that call these islands home.

Welcoming Surf Her Story was a small but meaningful step toward that vision: creating space for local female surfers to connect with an international community, share their voices, and gain encouragement from women with different life experiences.

By facilitating these connections, the resort hopes to contribute to a future where more Maldivian girls feel welcome in the water, confident in their abilities, and supported in pursuing their ambitions.

At Lohis, the true value of surf travel lies not only in the waves we enjoy, but also in the positive connections and opportunities we leave behind.

The resort looks forward to continuing to support community engagement, celebrate women in surfing, and create experiences that bring lasting value to both visitors and the local community.