News
Lights out for Sheraton Maldives and W Maldives
Resort goes dark as part of worldwide movement for environment
Maldives Promotion House – It’s lights out for Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and W Retreat & Spa – Maldives.
Both resorts will join millions around the world in turning off lights for Earth Hour 2013 to illuminate a powerful message about environmental awareness and action.
Earth Hour 2013 takes place on March 23 at 8:30 p.m. local time. Created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour is the largest movement for the planet in human history, spanning 7,000 cities, 152 countries, with a digital reach of 200 million.
This year’s theme is “Uniting People to Protect the Planet.” With that in mind, Sheraton Maldives and W Maldives will activate a range of energy-saving measures during Earth Hour.
At W Maldives, Ku – the W Insider, invites all guests at the Retreat to meet at FIRE beach and savor on fresh catch of the day while a Boduberu band sets the rhythm to fire limbo dancers. When it is time to switch off, experience a candle light foot Reflexology and a scalp massage under the moonlight at Away Spa. Guests up for more action magnify and release your own sky lantern at FIRE beach.
Guests at Sheraton Maldives will begin the day by taking part in the coral planting in the lagoon as part of the resort’s environment sustainability initiatives which also facilitates guests to contribute to protecting the planet. Guests gather again at sunset for pre-dinner cocktails at the Anchorage Bar while enjoying the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean before a special Earth Hour BBQ buffet dinner on the beach to end the historical night.
Both resorts will also be taking other measures such as: turning off exterior signage lighting; dimming or turning off non-essential interior lighting; using candlelight in appropriate public areas such as restaurants and bars; among others.
Last year, Earth Hour broke records to cement itself as the largest voluntary action for the environment. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off.
People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.
“It’s a privilege for us to support such a powerful movement with such a simple gesture,” said Peter Foreman, Director of Sales & Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts – Maldives. “Earth Hour also reflects a philosophy we try to practice year-round: The small steps each of us take can make a big difference together.”
Starwood’s pioneering Global Citizenship philosophy reflects the same dedication to sustainability among its 171,000 associates worldwide. In 2012, more than 650 hotels participated in Earth Hour in various ways.
This year will mark Starwood’s fifth annual participation in Earth Hour, making it one of the largest worldwide companies to make a pronounced global statement with a voluntary hour of darkness. Earth Hour is just one of the many ways Starwood acts in support of its 30/20 by 20 goals, which is the company’s commitment to reduce energy consumption by 30% and water consumption by 20% by 2020 across its entire portfolio.
Featured
Sun Siyam Olhuveli launches Coral Frame Adoption programme on Earth Day
To mark Earth Day, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection within the House of Siyam, launched its new marine conservation initiative, the Adopt A Coral Frame experience, during a morning event held on 22 April at Milano Beach on Dream Island.
The initiative forms part of the resort’s wider marine conservation efforts and is designed to give guests a direct way to engage with coral restoration while supporting the protection of the surrounding reef ecosystem.
During the launch, guests were introduced to the coral restoration process through a hands-on experience that explained how new coral growth can be supported through frame-based planting. Under the programme, guests are invited to select and adopt a coral frame, attach healthy coral fragments to it, and take part in placing it within the lagoon to help form a new reef structure.
The process begins with the collection of healthy coral fragments under the guidance of the resort’s marine biologist. These fragments are then secured to specially designed coral frames and placed in selected areas within the resort’s coral garden, where conditions are intended to support growth and marine biodiversity. Guests who adopt a frame will also receive updates on its progress, including photographs shared every six months.
The resort said the programme is intended to make coral conservation more accessible to guests while also highlighting the role of reefs in supporting marine life, protecting coastlines and maintaining ocean ecosystems.
Chaminda Upul, Group Sustainability Manager for Sun Siyam, said the initiative was designed to give guests an opportunity to contribute in a direct way.
“Earth Day is a reminder that even the smallest actions can shape something far greater,” he said. “With Adopt-A-Coral Frame, we wanted to create an experience where our guests can leave a positive mark on the ocean. It’s simple, it’s meaningful, and it stays with you.”
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, said the resort wanted to create an experience that combines guest participation with long-term environmental value.
“At Olhuveli, we believe the best experiences are the ones that stay with you long after you leave. Adopt-A-Coral is our way of inviting guests to be part of something lasting, while caring for the natural beauty that makes this place so special,” he said.
Part of the proceeds from each coral adoption will go towards Sun Siyam Care, the group’s sustainability platform, supporting marine conservation and reef restoration efforts.
Through the launch of Adopt A Coral Frame, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is combining guest experience with reef restoration, reflecting a wider focus on environmental engagement within its island operations.
Featured
Atmosphere Core reports progress on energy, waste and coral restoration
Atmosphere Core has released its latest sustainability report, the Core Impact Report 2025, outlining progress across its Maldives operations in areas including energy use, waste management, marine conservation and community engagement.
Published on Earth Day 2026, the report sets out the company’s efforts to integrate sustainability into day-to-day operations and longer-term planning, at a time when tourism businesses face increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable environmental and social performance.
According to the report, Atmosphere Core generated 7.9 million kilowatt-hours of solar power over the past year, with renewable energy accounting for 13 per cent of its total energy demand. The company also reported that waste-to-value systems, including the conversion of 140 tonnes of organic waste into biogas energy, contributed to savings of more than 2.1 million litres of diesel and helped avoid over 5,700 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The report also details progress in reducing single-use plastics across Atmosphere Core’s portfolio of nine resorts. To date, the company said it has eliminated more than 2.1 million plastic bottles and 1.48 million plastic straws. These measures are supported by a centralised sourcing model aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing waste across the supply chain.
Marine conservation remains a central part of the company’s sustainability programme. According to the report, more than 16,600 coral fragments have been planted across 360 reef frames as part of restoration efforts intended to support reef regeneration around its resorts.
The report also highlights the work of the Atmosphere Foundation, the company’s non-profit corporate social responsibility arm, which is currently supporting 26 projects focused on education, livelihoods and community resilience. Among these is a bamboo-planting initiative that has established more than 3,700 plants across 45 locations in the Maldives.
Atmosphere Core said sustainability is embedded across the business rather than treated as a separate initiative, reflecting a broader shift in the hospitality sector towards operational accountability and measurable outcomes.
Commenting on the report, Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said: “At Atmosphere Core, sustainability is not a parallel initiative; it is fundamental to how we operate and grow. The Core Impact Report reflects our commitment to moving beyond reducing impact to creating lasting value for our communities and ecosystems.”
“As we look ahead, our focus remains on scaling these efforts in a meaningful way, ensuring that each of our resorts contributes to a more resilient and regenerative future,” he added.
Through the report, Atmosphere Core is positioning its sustainability strategy around data-led progress in environmental management and community engagement, while aligning its operations with wider industry expectations on climate and destination stewardship.
Action
SO/ Maldives introduces ‘Fight Fit’ wellness activation
On Saturday, 25 April 2026, SO/ Maldives will stage its “Fight Fit” island activation as part of the resort’s ongoing 120 Days Fitness Challenge, bringing together fitness, wellness and local collaboration in a resort-wide programme.
Developed in partnership with Fight Soul Maldives, a local fitness collective focused on combat sports, the activation is designed to offer guests both participation and live viewing experiences while also bringing a local element into the resort’s wellness programming.
A key part of the activation is the Muay Thai Guest Workshop, where guests will have the opportunity to train with fighters from Fight Soul Maldives. Open to different fitness levels, the sessions will introduce the basics of Muay Thai through drills, technique-based training and group activity.
The programme will extend across the island through a series of activities including sunrise yoga, beach combat training, aqua yoga accompanied by DJ music, and sunset fight showcases. According to the resort, the aim is to combine physical activity with the island setting through a range of structured wellness experiences.
The activation will also include a healthy menu developed to support fitness and balanced living, in line with the resort’s wider wellness focus.
Guests will also be invited to take part in a skincare workshop and ritual linked to the launch of products from Comfort Zone. The experience will introduce skincare practices based on science and sustainability as part of the broader wellness programme.
In the evening, the programme will continue with foam parties, fire dance performances, and live Muay Thai and kickboxing exhibitions featuring athletes from Fight Soul Maldives.
Through “Fight Fit”, SO/ Maldives is presenting a wellness-led island activation that combines fitness, lifestyle programming and collaboration with local talent.
-
Awards1 week agoAtmosphere Core secures British Airways Holidays awards across five Maldives resorts
-
News7 days agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi introduces immersive wellness programme with Regina Gimranova
-
Drink1 week agoLily Beach announces guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn
-
Featured1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives unveils new Premium All-Inclusive package
-
Featured1 week agoWorld Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
-
Featured1 week agoAngsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
-
News1 week agoAlila Kothaifaru Maldives expands wellness programme with curated experiences
-
Celebration1 week agoCentara Maldives resorts to mark Songkran with Thai-inspired celebrations



