News
EarthCheck certifies Centara Grand Maldives
Maldives Promotion House – Tourism industry’s leading environmental management, benchmarking and certification company, EarthCheck has recognized the environmental performance of Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives with Bronze Benchmarking.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, has always believed passionately in green and sustainable tourism, a policy that is at the heart of the company and which engages every property in its portfolio.
With the company rapidly expanding deeply embedded philosophy is more important now than ever.
“Each of our hotels and resorts operates to strict environmental standards,” says Thirayuth Chirathivat, Centara’s chief executive officer. “This means involving staff, and also whenever possible guests, with the result that there is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and that everyone feels they have a personal contribution to make.”
Centara also strives to comply with regional and international environmental laws and legislation.
Along with this very positive approach, Centara has begun working in conjunction with EarthCheck, the specialist organisation that sets the benchmarks for environmental awareness and conservation for the international hospitality industry.
“Working with EarthCheck involves the use of their Environmental Management System, a series of practical tools for the benchmarking and certification of operations practices,” says David R Good, Centara’s vice president for operations, whose responsibility covers the environment.
“The environmental performance of each property is monitored against policy, benchmarking the indicators against baseline and best practices. The environmental and social impact is measured through the EarthCheck Online Self Assessment. All results are assessed and verified by third party auditors on an annual basis.”
Centara has started with 10 hotels under this Earthcheck programme. Four hotels have recently achieved Silver Certified status and another six hotels have achieved Bronze Certified status.
Centara has now committed to have all of its self-owned Centara Grand properties to be Silver Certified by 2014.
In order to achieve Bronze Certified, participating hotels are required to have a sustainable policy in place, including key major indicators for energy, water consumption, recycling waste and waste sent to landfill, and paper usage.
To achieve Silver Certification all participating hotels are required to have a sustainable policy in place and to implement an environmental action plan for proper monitoring and measurements on 10 key performance areas, namely greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency/conservation and management, management of freshwater resources, ecosystem conservation and management, social and cultural management, land use planning and management, air quality protection, waste-water management, waste management, and environmentally harmful substances.
Business
BBM Hulhumalé Phase 2 opening promotion winner receives Honda Airblade
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has presented a brand-new Honda Airblade motorbike to the winner of a lucky draw held to mark the opening of its newest wholesale outlet in Hulhumalé Phase 2.
The outlet, located at Lot 20286 on Nirolhu Magu, opened on 16 February 2026 as part of BBM’s expansion of its wholesale operations.
To celebrate the opening and thank customers for their continued support, BBM introduced a special lucky draw exclusively for customers who made purchases from the new outlet on its opening day.

Customers who purchased products during the opening were eligible to enter the draw, with a Honda Airblade motorbike offered as the grand prize.
The lucky draw was conducted on 13 August 2026, with Ibrahim Shifaz of Vagthun Vaguthah outlet selected as the winner.
Shifaz was recently presented with the ceremonial key to the Honda Airblade by AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives.

The promotion formed part of BBM’s activities surrounding the opening of its Hulhumalé Phase 2 outlet, which provides customers with access to the company’s range of wholesale products from the growing residential and commercial area.
Bestbuy Maldives is a supplier and distributor serving businesses across the Maldives, including customers in the hospitality, food service and retail sectors.
Drink
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes SUSHISAMBA Dubai for exclusive pop-up
SUSHISAMBA Dubai, the multi-award-winning dining destination perched 51 floors above The Palm Jumeirah, is taking its renowned energy to the shores of the Indian Ocean. From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 September 2026, SUSHISAMBA Dubai arrives at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for an exclusive three-night pop-up at EAU Bar, spotlighting Dubai’s thriving hospitality scene on an international stage.
Highlighting Dubai’s status as a global dining capital, this island takeover brings together two powerhouses of luxury hospitality. Running nightly from 7PM to 10PM with two dinner seatings, the pop-up features a curated dining experience led by Brand Chef Kitak Lee, brought to life by live performances from SUSHISAMBA’s iconic samba dancers, a signature element that made the venue one of Dubai’s most sought-after spots, for an unforgettable celebration by the sea.

Set against the pristine oceanfront backdrop of EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a ultra-luxury resort known for its legendary Aris Meeha service, immersive Maldivian traditions, and world-class epicurean offerings across its island destinations, guests will experience SUSHISAMBA’s signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culture. The exclusive pop-up will feature a bespoke menu of signature dishes crafted with the highest standards of culinary artistry, complemented by SUSHISAMBA’s bar team serving craft cocktails infused with exotic ingredients.

“This collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we take the electric spirit and culinary excellence of SUSHISAMBA Dubai to one of the world’s most spectacular luxury destinations,” said Brand Chef Kitak Lee. “We look forward to bringing our signature blend of flavours, theatrical energy, and world- class hospitality to EAU Bar for three unforgettable nights.”

Whether dining under the stars or enjoying inventive mixology by the ocean, guests can expect an immersive journey defined by elevated dining, dynamic entertainment, and the unmistakable SUSHISAMBA spirit.

Event Details:
Venue: EAU Bar, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Dates: September 25–27 2026
Seating Schedule:
Friday, September 25:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM
Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM

For bookings and more information, please contact the reservations team at +960 400 0999 or maldives.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands website here.
Entertainment
Sun Siyam Olhuveli turns three islands into Carnival of the Isles this festive season
Forget the traditional festive getaway. This December, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection by Sun Siyam, is turning three interconnected islands into one vibrant celebration as Carnival of the Isles returns from 21 December 2026 to 8 January 2027. Bringing together world-class entertainment, island culture and unforgettable experiences, this year’s line-up is headlined by BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra’s Jeremiah Asiamah, alongside returning British Rapper & DJ Ironik, Canadian Belly Dancer Nourah, and LA-Based Performance Company Wildfire Arts.
Created exclusively for Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Carnival of the Isles reimagines the festive season through the vibrant lens of island life. More than a holiday programme, it transforms the resort into one continuous celebration where music, culture, food and adventure unfold across three unique islands, each with its own atmosphere yet connected through one unforgettable experience. From sunrise wellness sessions and family adventures to waterfront celebrations, beach clubs and after-dark entertainment, guests are invited to discover a festive escape that feels spontaneous, social and unmistakably Maldivian.

Leading this year’s entertainment programme is Jeremiah Asiamah, one of the UK’s most exciting DJs and broadcasters. Best known for his influential shows on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra, Jeremiah has become a defining voice in Afro House, Amapiano and global electronic music. From Glastonbury, Wireless Festival, Notting Hill Carnival and Ushuaïa Ibiza to collaborations with Prada Beauty, London Fashion Week and Arsenal F.C., his unique blend of music, fashion and culture has made him one of the UK’s most exciting creative talents. This festive season, he brings his signature festival energy to the shores of the Maldives with an exclusive series of performances for Carnival of the Isles.
Returning by popular demand is DJ Ironik, the British rapper, DJ and producer behind the Platinum-selling hit Tiny Dancer (Hold Me Closer) featuring Chipmunk and Elton John. Renowned for his crowd-pleasing sets that effortlessly blend chart favourites with club classics, Ironik returns to headline the resort’s biggest beach parties and New Year’s celebrations, keeping the energy high long after sunset.

Adding an entirely different dimension to this year’s programme is Nourah, the internationally acclaimed Canadian belly dancer whose performances combine the elegance of traditional Middle Eastern dance with contemporary artistry. Having captivated audiences at luxury resorts, international festivals and prestigious events around the world, her graceful performances bring a sense of theatre and cultural richness to the island’s festive evenings.
Completing the line-up is the return of Wildfire Arts, the Los Angeles-based performance company celebrated for transforming outdoor spaces into immersive theatrical experiences. Combining breathtaking aerial performances, fire artistry, LED productions and acrobatics, the internationally acclaimed troupe has appeared everywhere from global festivals to productions for organisations including SpaceX. At Carnival of the Isles, they will once again transform the beachfront into an unforgettable open-air stage.
At the heart of the celebrations is The Grand Carnival of the Isles, a spectacular weekly event that transforms the beachfront of the Beach Pavilions into one of the Maldives’ most exciting open-air entertainment experiences. Inspired by the colour, rhythm and energy of the world’s great island carnivals, guests can wander through lively street-style markets, discover roaming performers and live music, experience breathtaking circus acts, enjoy interactive games and family entertainment, or embrace the excitement of water sports before the celebration continues with sunset DJ sessions and unforgettable evenings beneath the stars.

The festive calendar extends far beyond the carnival itself, with signature experiences unfolding throughout the season. Guests can gather for the magical Christmas Tree Light-Up Ceremony, welcome Santa Claus as he makes his tropical arrival by the beach, raise a glass at the Christmas Gala Cocktail and celebrate together during the elegant New Year’s Eve Gala and spectacular countdown to 2027. Along the way, colourful moments such as the annual Olhuveli Colour Run, Kids Futsal League, international Street Market, beach parties, themed dining experiences, sunset cruises, wellness sessions, sports tournaments and family activities ensure there is always something new to discover from sunrise to starlight.
More than a festive escape, Carnival of the Isles is where music, culture and island life come together across three unforgettable weeks in the Maldives. Join the celebration at Sun Siyam Olhuveli and discover this year’s festive programme and special offers.
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