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Charity experiments health benefits of holidaying in Maldives

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Maldives Promotion House – A British holidaymaker has returned to the UK after taking part in a holiday health experiment in Maldives.

The trip was part of a unique trial called The Holiday Health Experiment, which seeks to better understand the health impact of different types of holidays on the body and mind.

Sarah Denning was one of 2,845 people across the UK who entered the competition to win one of three holidays to be taken between April and June 2012. She took her friend Sarah Bastida on the trip with her, she said, to make the experiment a “girls’ holiday”.

The two other winning couples went on very different types of holiday – one to Amazonian Peru the other to cultural Thailand.

The competition was organised by UK healthcare charity Nuffield Health and travel company Kuoni, with participants having to undergo a variety of medical and psychological tests before, during and after their trips.

The two Sarahs enjoyed 12 days of rest and relaxation, away from the stresses of work and everyday life.

Ms Denning, 53, said: “My first impression was ‘oh my god, this is paradise’. Turquoise water blending to deep, deep blue on the horizon, tropical green ringed by white sand. It was perfect.

“After arriving we quickly unpacked and went off to the clear, warm sea, snorkelling masks at the ready. The wonders of seeing such amazing sea life within two feet of the shore never diminished.

“Days were spent swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, sleeping, and eating, in no particular order.

“Evenings were spent in the bar, usually making small talk among ourselves, as everyone else seemed to be on planet honeymoon.

“We tried out lots of the activities on offer as well as the obvious draw of the sea, checking out the gym, a first time go at golf and hired a couple of rusty old bicycles. These were in fact massive fun to bomb around the island on.

“The highlight of the trip was a 24-hour cruise on one of the resort boats; we had a three hour sail to Kagi Island, inhabited by just one couple, a fantastic snorkel on the reef and a barbecue on the beach.

“We had a superb time – the most breathtakingly beautiful place I have ever been to, friendly people, lots to do – what more could you ask for?”

The medical data gathered before, during and after their trip in August is now being analysed by Nuffield Health and will be published in the new year.

Family

Easter goes playful at The Standard, Maldives with week-long Angry Birds celebration

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This April, The Standard, Maldives is redefining the traditional Easter holiday with a bold, high-energy island takeover inspired by the playful world of Angry Birds. Taking place from 1 to 7 April, the week-long celebration transforms the resort into a vibrant playground, blending pop culture, family-friendly activities and island indulgence against the turquoise backdrop of the Raa Atoll.

The programme places families at the heart of the festivities, with a variety of interactive experiences designed for guests of all ages. Children and parents alike can take part in “Birds vs. Pigs” puzzle challenges, test their skills at Slingshot Splash, and enjoy creative sessions such as Angry Birds-themed egg painting and chocolate truffle making. Highlights for younger guests include a Bunny Meet and Greet, an island-wide Easter Egg Hunt, and a lively pool party that brings a playful twist to the holiday celebrations.

For guests seeking a more relaxed pace, the resort’s spa offers a curated wellness programme throughout the week. Experiences include Aerial Sound Healing, Chakra Balancing and Therapeutic Yoga, alongside a Family Hammam designed to provide restorative downtime after a day of island activities.

As evening falls, the resort’s social energy comes to life with a dynamic line-up of entertainment. Guests can enjoy LED and fire shows, Full Moon beach parties and sunset cruises, while those with a competitive streak are invited to join Easter-themed music quizzes and bingo nights.

Dining is a central part of the Easter experience, with a diverse culinary programme curated for the occasion. In addition to the signature Easter Brunch, the resort hosts beachside barbecues, healthy food masterclasses and the “Happy Bunnies” Golden Hour, featuring crafted cocktails by the sea. For more intimate moments, private movie nights under the stars and exclusive beachfront dinners are also available.

To ensure a seamless holiday experience, guests may opt for the resort’s Premium All-Inclusive Package, offering access to the full range of activities, dining and beverages throughout the week. With its energetic programming and playful spirit, The Standard, Maldives delivers an Easter celebration that combines sun, sand and entertainment into a distinctive island escape.

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands launches conservation programme for environmental observances

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has announced a thoughtfully curated series of experiences in honour of World Wildlife Day (March 3), Earth Hour (March 28), and Earth Day (April 22). Designed by the resort’s Naturalists and Ladies and Gentlemen, the programme reflects a deep commitment to conservation, environmental education, and mindful well-being—inviting guests of all ages, including younger explorers, to engage meaningfully with the island’s extraordinary nature.

Surrounded by endless ocean, expansive horizons, and graceful coconut palms, these global environmental observances hold profound significance. At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, sustainability is seamlessly part of each guest’s journey, through conscious culinary practices, sustainable energy practices, organic Bamford amenities, and a commitment to zero single-use plastic. These dedicated days further illuminate the resort’s enduring responsibility to protect what frames each sunrise and sunset.

World Wildlife Day–A Celebration of Biodiversity

On March 3, guests are invited to discover the remarkable ecosystems thriving both above and below the surface. Guided by in-house Naturalists, guests may explore the diversity of fish species drawn to the resort’s coral gardens and participate in hands-on coral regeneration experiences that support reef restoration. As the day unfolds, a traditional Maldivian Dhoni sailing at sunset offers the opportunity to observe dolphins along the horizon—an elegant reminder of the delicate balance between nature and luxury that defines the island experience.

Earth Hour–From Sky to Sea

Earth Hour on March 28 honors the serenity of island life and the shared responsibility to protect it. The day begins at The Ritz-Carlton Spa with Echoes of the Earth, a grounding sound bath experience inspired by the rhythms of nature and aligned with the resort’s signature wellness philosophy, Deep Blue Prescription—aholistic approach rooted in balance, flexibility, and emotional wellbeing. Inspired by the transformative power of the Blue Mind state, this exclusive philosophy encourages deep connection with the ocean and the natural environment.

Guests may further explore the island from the sky through participation in the resort’s drone conservation project, which utilises aerial technology to detect and collect marine debris. Beneath the surface, guided snorkelling sessions provide insight into sea turtles and vibrant marine habitats that support coral regeneration. As dusk falls and lights are dimmed at 8:30 pm, guests gather beneath the Maldivian sky for a candlelit Earth Hour dinner at EAU Bar. A serene stargazing session led by Naturalists prior to that will offer a peaceful moment of reflection beneath a sky made even clearer by darkness; celebrating the planet while conserving energy to protect this extraordinary home.

Earth Day–Regeneration and Renewal

On April 22, Earth Day unfolds with sunrise ground yoga, embraced by the ocean’s endless blue and the soothing sound of waves, honouring the island’s natural rhythms and inviting guests to experience again the healing power of blue. The afternoon is dedicated to coral and tree planting initiatives, reinforcing the resort’s active role in ecological restoration and long-term sustainability.

Inspiring the Next Generation–Ritz Kids Environmental Programming

Through the Ritz Kids programme, younger guests are invited to explore the Maldives in a playful, creative, and age-appropriate way. Designed for children aged four to twelve and complemented by dedicated activities for teenagers, the programme is built upon four pillars: Nature, Exploration, Responsibility and Culture.

World Wildlife Day, Earth Hour, and Earth Day place environmental protection and species conservation at the forefront of children’s experiences. In Coral Crafters workshops, children create coral-inspired artworks while learning about reef ecosystems. Eco Craft–Save Our Ocean transforms recycled materials into ocean-themed art, encouraging awareness of waste reduction. Activities such as Butterfly Symmetry, Little Explorers Art Lab, and Starstorm Sketch Wall Paint blend artistic expression with environmental education. Teenagers may engage in the Fish Identification Quest, learn about marine megafauna; including manta rays, sharks, and sea turtles; or participate in Coral Regeneration Experiences. On land, the Bat Scavenger Hunt introduces ecological awareness through exploration and storytelling, while creative workshops and dolphin cruises foster a deeper understanding of the connection between art, wildlife, and the ocean.

Sustainable Luxury with Purpose

Through this comprehensive programme, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands demonstrates how refined hospitality and environmental stewardship coexist harmoniously. By integrating conservation initiatives, immersive education, and restorative wellness, the resort continues to inspire guests; especially its youngest explorers—to respect, protect, and celebrate the natural world that defines the Maldives.

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Drink

SO/ Maldives hosts tequila tasting and Lazuli Bar takeover for National Margarita Day

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On 22nd February, in celebration of National Margarita Day, SO/ Maldives turns up the island energy with an exclusive Tequila Tasting, Margarita Experience and beachfront Bar Takeover reaffirming its position as the Maldives’ most modern lifestyle luxury brand. Vibrant, design-led and socially vibrant, SO/ Maldives transforms the occasion into more than a cocktail celebration it becomes a full-sensory journey set against turquoise waters and powder-soft white sands.

A Curated Tequila Journey with Adonai Reyna

Leading the experience is Adonai Reyna, MMI Spirits Ambassador and one of the region’s most decorated mixology talents. With 16 years of experience across Dubai’s most renowned venues and accolades including Winner Havana Club México, Top 25 World Class UAE, Silver Trophy CME UAE and Winner Crystal Head Vodka Mexico, Reyna brings world-class craftsmanship to the shores of the Maldives.

Guests will join him for an immersive tequila tasting experience that delves into the heritage of Mexico’s iconic agave spirit. From understanding the terroir and production secrets to discovering the nuanced flavour profiles of blanco, reposado and aged expressions, the tasting goes beyond the glass. It is a refined exploration of culture, craft and complexity a sensorial journey designed for modern luxury travellers.

The Lazuli Bar Takeover: Where Sunset Meets Spirit

As golden hour approaches, the celebration shifts to the iconic coloured pool bar at Lazuli Beach Club the social heart of the island. Framed by white sand beaches and endless ocean views, Lazuli delivers effortless barefoot sunset vibes with a Riviera-inspired twist.

Under glowing Maldivian skies, Adonai Reyna takes over the bar with a bespoke Margarita menu crafted using premium tequilas, fresh tropical ingredients and innovative mixology techniques. Each cocktail is a statement balancing authenticity with contemporary flair, perfectly aligned with SO/ Maldives’ fashion-forward aesthetic.

The coloured pool bar becomes the centre of attention, drawing guests together in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere where music flows, cocktails sparkle and the shoreline becomes the ultimate dancefloor.

At SO/ Maldives, experiences are designed to blend global culture with island glamour. The National Margarita Day takeover is a natural extension of the brand’s identity vibrant, creative and unapologetically stylish.

Whether guests are tequila connoisseurs, sunset seekers or social explorers, 22nd February promises an unforgettable celebration where Mexican heritage meets Maldivian rhythm.

For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com.

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