News
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa introduces Resident Marine Biologist & Earth Check Coordinator, Ciara McCarten
Maldives Promotion House – Ciara McCarten has been appointed Resident Marine Biologist & Earth Check Coordinator at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, the Hyatt Group’s first property in the Indian Ocean. Ciara offers weekly workshops and courses to measure coral, identify marine life and estimate fish stock, in order to educate guests, staff and local villagers on how to preserve, protect and nurture the environment.
Ciara will also be carrying out weekly reef fish surveys to support the Darwin Initiative and Marine Conservation Society UK ‘Darwin Reef Fish Project’. Guests, staff and locals also have the opportunity to participate in the Darwin Reef Fish Project’ and assist Ciara with surveys of the health and biodiversity of the reef.
Located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, Hadahaa has one of the healthiest reefs in the world – the abundance, diversity and topography of the coral is therefore second to none. Beginners and experts have the opportunity to dive and snorkel amidst these untouched reefs and discover the atoll’s rich and diverse marine life. There are over 125 endangered species including coral in the atoll and all can be found off Hadahaa – several species of stingray and sharks, critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles and Napoleon Wrasse are frequently seen.
“I am delighted to join the team at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. It is an honour to be a part of an organisation with such a strong commitment to the environment. The house reef which surrounds the island is full of healthy coral with high levels of biodiversity. This is a testament to the resorts conservation initiatives.” Ciara McCarten, Resident Marine Biologist and EarthCheck Coordinator at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Ciara studied for her Masters in Marine Environmental Protection at the University of Wales, Bangor. Prior to joining Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, she was a volunteer in Fiji carrying out daily fish, coral and invertebrate surveys, the Seychelles for the Global Vision International Marine Program and South Africa on a Great White Shark project.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is proud to be the first resort in Maldives to follow EarthCheck (formerly Green Globe) certification standards for construction and operations, and takes great care to minimise its effect on the environment by energy saving techniques, water conservation, solid waste management and community initiatives. Ciara manages a ‘Green Corner’ for staff and all employees to be educated about EarthCheck Standards.
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
Awards
Jalboot Group claims three honours at World Luxury Travel Awards 2026
Jalboot Group has won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, marking the second consecutive year the marine leisure and transport services provider has received recognition at the event.
The awards were presented during a gala ceremony held on 24 October at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Thailand.
Jalboot Group and its marine leisure brand, Koamas by Jalboot, received awards in three categories:
- Best Diving Experience in Maldives: Koamas by Jalboot
- Best Luxury Water Transfer in Indian Ocean: Jalboot Group
- Best Water Sport & Activities in Indian Ocean Islands: Koamas by Jalboot
The awards recognise the company’s operations across marine leisure and transport services in the Maldives, including watersports, resort-based recreational activities and inter-island water transfers.
RJ Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jalboot Group, said the recognition reflected the contributions of the company’s team across its operations.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised across three categories at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards. This milestone reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork of everyone at Jalboot. Our goal has always been to create experiences that reflect the essence of luxury and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, both on and beneath the water.”
Jalboot Group continues to expand its operations in the Maldives as a provider of integrated maritime solutions, including luxury yacht charters, marine transport and resort-based leisure services.
The three awards further recognise the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean’s marine tourism and transport sectors.
Action
Kandooma Maldives adds pickleball to recreational offerings
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
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