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Six Senses Laamu creates first code of conduct in Maldives for dolphin watching

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Maldives Promotion House – Six Senses Laamu has become the first resort in the Maldives to establish and implement a Code of Conduct for dolphin watching in order to protect the local spinner and bottlenose dolphins, and to ensure the future sustainability of their populations.

Fully committed to developing a sustainable business and eco-tourism, the resort has developed policies and procedures in line with the Green Globe 21 standards:  Energy Conservation, Waste Reduction, Nature, Island & Reef Protection, Social Responsibility. These policies and procedures are renewed at least annually to ensure that we are always current in our approaches.

Now, expanding on this commitment, the code of conduct for dolphin watching, rounds out the Six Senses Sustainability Policy for Six Senses Laamu: “To improve the ecological footprint of biodiversity conservation, preservation and restoration within the resort as well as nearby surrounding areas.”

Pioneering its successful application this code has been implemented by Rachel Lambert, our Resident Biologist, who has gained a range of Biological Science Degree at University of Oxford and Masters in Marine Biology of Environmental Management at University of London. Rachel has spent two seasons working together with UK marine mammal charity before coming to Maldives to join the Six Senses family. After working with Sea Watch Foundation on their Cardigan Bay Bottlenose Dolphin Monitoring project, Rachel creates this trail-blazing program.

“Loss of animals from the local ecosystem would have both ecological and economic impacts for the resort. A growing awareness of these issues lead to the development of local codes of conduct for the boats around dolphin population to encourage sustainable tourism. Therefore, a code of conduct has been developed for our boat drivers around our local Spinner and Bottlenose dolphin population”, says Rachel
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Some specifics of the Six Senses Laamu Code of Conduct include:

  • Keep at least 50 metres away – two boat lengths
  • Do not approach from directly behind or head on
  • Allow the dolphins to choose to approach the boat
  • No rapid changes in speed or rapid changes in direction – be predictable
  • 6 knots when within 150 metres
  • Do not cut them off or chase them
  • Do not separate mothers and calves

Six Senses Laamu offers Sunset Dolphin Cruises at USD 99 plus taxes per person.

About spinner and bottlenose dolphins

Dolphin watching is a positive activity as it allows people to see these highly intelligent and charismatic animals in their natural environment. In the southern Laamu Atoll, where Six Senses Laamu is found we are able to see two amazing types of dolphins – the spinner and bottlenose that swim and spin all along the seashell dappled shores of the resort.

Spinner dolphins are well known for their acrobatics and aerial behaviours. These dolphins come out of the water, front first, and twist their bodies as they ascend in the air up to 5.5 spins in one leap. The spinner dolphin lives in many tropical and subtropical waters, especially in the Maldives. Today this type of dolphin is listed on Appendix of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding covers the spinner dolphin for the Conservation of Cetaceans and Their Habitats in the Pacific Islands Region.

Bottlenose dolphins are known worldwide as Genus Tursiops, as they communicate through burst pulsed sounds, whistles, and body language. Their considerable intelligence has driven interaction with humans. The species sometimes shows curiosity towards humans in or near water. Occasionally, they rescue injured divers by raising them to the surface. If these amazing creatures save our lives, why would not us give them a space and same care in return? Therefore, Six Senses Laamu continues to develop and ensure a vibrant future for the further dolphin population and nature.

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Huvafen Fushi expands wellness offering with Aromatherapy Associates treatments

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Huvafen Fushi Maldives is expanding its wellness offering with two new longevity-focused treatments from Aromatherapy Associates, available now at Huvafen Spa, the resort’s iconic underwater spa.

The launch arrives as longevity becomes the defining word in luxury travel. Virtuoso’s 2026 travel data reinforces the shift, naming longevity tourism as luxury travel’s breakout segment, with wellness-focused hotel bookings up 28% and travellers increasingly seeking sleep optimisation, metabolic health support and measurable, long-term outcomes over one-off spa treatments. The Global Wellness Summit’s Future of Wellness 2026 report identifies women’s healthspan as a defining trend of the year, as spa and wellness destinations increasingly launch programmes tailored to female physiology across every life stage, from perimenopause through to menopause and beyond.

The new Recovery Reset and Pause & Reset treatments combine the therapeutic power of essential oils with advanced hands-on techniques, offering two distinct approaches to modern wellbeing: one supporting physical recovery and resilience, the other addressing the changing needs of women’s health.

Recovery Reset: restorative bodywork for active lifestyles

Recovery Reset is an advanced restorative body treatment designed to support muscular recovery, mobility and long-term physical wellbeing. Going beyond traditional aromatherapy massage, it introduces a range of advanced bodywork techniques:

  • Myofascial release – to help release deep-held tension and improve mobility
  • Advanced deep-tissue massage – to target areas of muscular tension
  • Targeted bodywork – to support physical recovery and ease of movement
  • Therapeutic aromatherapy – combining expert touch with powerful essential oil blends
  • Hot stone therapy – to further support muscular recovery and restoration

Ideal for active lifestyles, travel fatigue and guests seeking a deeper approach to massage, Recovery Reset brings together physical recovery and the restorative benefits of aromatherapy in one deeply therapeutic experience.

Pause & Reset: nurturing support through hormonal change

Pause & Reset is a nurturing treatment dedicated to women’s wellbeing, created to support the physical and emotional effects associated with hormonal change – from PMS and post-pregnancy through to perimenopause and menopause. As the sense of smell is closely connected to emotion and wellbeing, essential oils can offer valuable support during these transitions.

Following a personalised aroma consultation, guests select from three Aromatherapy Associates essential oil blends before experiencing an enhanced treatment incorporating:

  • Inhalation – using the guest’s personally selected essential oil blend
  • Balancing breathwork – to encourage relaxation and reconnection
  • Body brushing – to awaken the body and prepare for treatment
  • Restorative abdominal massage – providing a deeply nurturing focus to the treatment
  • Hand and foot reflex techniques – focusing on the endocrine and reproductive systems
  • Together, the treatments reflect a more holistic approach to longevity, recognising the importance of recovery, movement, rest and emotional wellbeing throughout different stages of life.

Aromatherapy Associates has been a pioneer in therapeutic aromatherapy for more than 40 years, combining expertly crafted essential oil blends with the healing power of touch to create transformative experiences for body and mind.

“We are delighted to introduce these new Aromatherapy Associates treatments,” said Tri Wardani, Director of Spa. “Our approach to wellness continues to evolve alongside the needs of our guests, and these new treatments allow us to offer highly personalised experiences that support both physical and emotional wellbeing in some of the Maldives’ most extraordinary spa settings.”

Guests can experience Recovery Reset and Pause & Reset at the underwater spa at Huvafen Fushi Maldives, alongside a curated selection of Aromatherapy Associates products to continue their wellbeing journey beyond the treatment room.

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Kandooma Maldives secures family resort and sustainability honours at LUXlife Awards

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has received two honours in the 11th annual LUXlife Hospitality Awards, named Best Family Resort 2026 – Maldives and recipient of the Sustainability Excellence Award 2026 – Maldives.

The LUXlife Hospitality Awards recognise businesses and individuals demonstrating excellence across the global hospitality industry, from hotels and resorts to dining, travel and wellness experiences.

For Kandooma, the two awards recognise areas that have become an important part of the island experience: creating memorable Maldives holidays for families while continuing to strengthen its approach to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

Speaking about the resort’s latest accolades, General Manager Andrew Drummond said the recognition comes at an exciting time for Kandooma.

“These awards recognise two areas that are incredibly important to us, and the timing couldn’t be better. We are delighted to have our family offering recognised, particularly as we have some exciting new developments ahead that will make the family experience at Kandooma even stronger when we become Kandooma Maldives on 1 October. The Sustainability Excellence Award is equally meaningful for our team. Sustainability is something we want to keep building on, finding practical ways to reduce our impact, protect the natural environment around us and, importantly, bring our guests along on that journey,” he said.

Kandooma’s family offering combines spacious accommodation, a dedicated Kandoo Kids’ Club, family activities on land and water, and the freedom of an island where days can be as active or relaxed as each family chooses.

Sustainability has also become increasingly embedded in resort operations and the guest experience, with initiatives spanning renewable energy, waste reduction and recycling, marine conservation, environmental education and community engagement.

The LUXlife Hospitality Awards 2026 are determined through LUXlife Magazine’s independent, merit-based research and evaluation process. Nominees are assessed against criteria including service quality, guest satisfaction, brand reputation and overall performance within their field. The awards are designed to recognise achievement on merit rather than the size, location or market influence of the organisation.

Located in South Malé Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a private island resort known for its relaxed atmosphere, natural beauty and strong connection to the ocean.

The resort offers 146 contemporary Garden, Beach and Overwater Villas, together with extensive family experiences, the Kandoo Kids’ Club, exceptional scuba diving including nearby Kandooma Thila, surfing, island dining and Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives will transition to Kandooma Maldives from 1 October 2026, operated by HPL Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Hotel Properties Limited. For stays and further information, visit www.Kandooma-Maldives.com.

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Madifushi Private Island celebrates Maldivian heritage on World Coconut Day

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Madifushi Private Island marked World Coconut Day 2026 with an extensive programme of cultural, culinary and community-focused activities celebrating the coconut palm and its enduring significance to Maldivian life. The resort brought together guests, its Rays team and neighbouring island communities for a celebration honouring one of the Maldives’ most treasured natural resources.

The celebrations began with an energetic coconut-gathering and dehusking challenge for the resort’s Rays team. Dressed in traditional Maldivian attire, participants ventured into the island’s natural surroundings to collect coconuts before racing to dehusk them within a set time. The teams embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and good humour, creating a lively start to the occasion.

Throughout the day, guests were treated to coconut delicacies and thoughtfully curated coconut-themed touchpoints across the resort. Specialised buffets at the island’s food and beverage outlets featured an assortment of coconut-inspired dishes alongside traditional Maldivian favourites, allowing guests to experience the remarkable versatility of the ingredient.

The celebrations continued into the evening with an immersive, hands-on cultural event showcasing the many traditional uses of the coconut and its palm. Guests were invited to personally experience these practices by trying their hand at coconut dehusking and coir-rope making, tasting coconut toddy and expressing their creativity through coconut painting. Each guest received a certificate of participation in recognition of their involvement and as a meaningful keepsake of their authentic Maldivian cultural experience.

A dedicated coconut mixology pop-up added a contemporary twist to the programme, with refreshing creations highlighting the tropical flavours of the coconut. The occasion also featured the soft launch of Madifushi Private Island’s own Heal\Me Coconut Oil, introducing a new wellness product inspired by the coconut’s long-established place in traditional island living.

Extending the celebration beyond the resort, the Madifushi team visited Muli and Mulah islands in Meemu Atoll to plant coconut palms as part of a wider, long-term community initiative.

In Muli, the team was warmly welcomed by the local community and joined members of the Island Council to plant coconut palms near the newly developed airport area. In Mulah, the resort collaborated with scouts from Mulah School to plant palms along the beach, encouraging young people to take an active role in nurturing their island environment.

“Coconut palms are deeply woven into Maldivian culture and everyday life. Nearly every part of the palm has traditionally served a purpose, from food and household essentials to craftsmanship and livelihoods. This celebration allowed us to share that heritage with our guests and Rays team while working alongside our neighbouring communities to create something meaningful for the future,” said Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island.

The community planting activities form part of Madifushi Private Island’s broader commitment to planting more coconut palms and strengthening its connection with the communities of Meemu Atoll.

From celebrating traditional skills and local flavours to planting new palms for future generations, World Coconut Day at Madifushi Private Island served as a meaningful reminder of the coconut’s endless possibilities and its special place at the heart of Maldivian island life.

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