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.
Featured
Four Seasons Maldives brings Fire Horse energy to Lunar New Year celebrations
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives will welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with a week of Lunar New Year celebrations across Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa. Taking place from 16 to 24 February 2026, the programme will see both islands animated by the vibrant energy associated with this rare zodiac year.
Bold and spirited, the Fire Horse symbolises momentum, confidence and fresh beginnings. The celebrations are designed to reflect these qualities through a blend of cultural tradition, island elegance and family-focused experiences, positioning the Maldives as a fitting setting for the festive season.
Marking a first for the Maldives, the resorts will host an exclusive pop-up by Beijing’s Michelin-recognised Baiweiyuan Dumpling Restaurant, operating concurrently at both islands. Long celebrated in Beijing for its handmade dumplings and comforting soups, Baiweiyuan will present a menu featuring signature pork and chive dumplings, beef and onion fillings, and vegetarian options such as egg and tomato. Cold starters, including soy-braised pork trotter, will complement the experience.
Prepared fresh to order, the dumplings introduce an authentic taste of Beijing to the Indian Ocean, offering a culinary highlight that reflects the warmth and generosity associated with the Fire Horse.

Lunar New Year at Kuda Huraa
16–24 February 2026
At Kuda Huraa, Lunar New Year celebrations will unfold throughout the week in a lively, festival-style programme. Events begin with a Reunion Dinner at Café Huraa, followed by themed dining evenings, outdoor cinema screenings, a Pool Party and a Pop-Up Asian Market.
Evenings will include experiences such as a Secret Beach BBQ under the stars, a Mediterranean Market at Reef Club and an Asian Buffet at Café Huraa. Baiweiyuan’s dumpling pop-up will be available daily, allowing guests to enjoy the flavours of Beijing throughout the celebrations.
Kuda Huraa highlights include:
- Reunion Dinner on 16 February
- Family Feast Lunch, Seafood Night and Asian Buffet
- Secret Beach BBQ and Mediterranean Market
- Pool Party with DJ on 18 February
- Pop-Up Asian Market and outdoor movie nights
- Daily Baiweiyuan Dumpling pop-up
The Kuda Mas Kids Club will also host a two-week Fire Horse–inspired festival for younger guests, featuring activities such as lantern painting, snorkelling adventures, arts and crafts, dumpling making, tie-dye workshops, karaoke evenings and beach games. The programme is designed to encourage creativity, confidence and fun.
Lunar New Year at Landaa Giraavaru
16 February 2026
Landaa Giraavaru will welcome the New Year with a poolside celebration from 7.00pm to 10.30pm, featuring a Dragon Dance, live DJ and lantern-lit setting around the main pool. A Yu Sheng prosperity toss will symbolise abundance and good fortune, while live cooking stations will showcase celebratory flavours prepared by the resort’s culinary team.
Landaa Giraavaru highlights include:
- Poolside Lunar New Year celebration
- Dragon Dance performance
- Live DJ and festive ambience
- Yu Sheng prosperity toss
- Culture-inspired welcome drinks
- Baiweiyuan Dumpling pop-up available throughout the week
Across both islands, Lunar New Year at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is designed to bring families and friends together in the spirit of prosperity, connection and shared celebration. Guests are invited to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse through traditions that honour luck, abundance and meaningful togetherness.
Action
Simply summer at Milaidhoo: Invitation to slow living in the Baa Atoll
In a destination often defined by excess, Milaidhoo Maldives offers a different summer narrative: one of restraint, rhythm and rare stillness. Introducing Simply Summer, a seasonal escape that celebrates the art of slowing down within the UNESCO-protected waters of the Baa Atoll.
An intimate island sanctuary, Milaidhoo is designed for travellers who value time as the ultimate luxury. Days unfold unhurriedly, beginning with relaxed oceanfront breakfasts and shaped entirely by choice, from sunrise yoga and snorkelling in pristine coral gardens to long, private hours spent within the calm of one’s villa. Evenings are defined by elegant à la carte dining, inspired by seasonal flavours and served with effortless grace.
The Simply Summer offer enhances this experience with considered privileges rather than excess. Guests are invited to explore the Maldives’ natural wonders through manta ray encounters in the legendary Hanifaru Bay, indulge in restorative rituals at the overwater Serenity Spa, or discover the atoll through curated island adventures, all with exclusive seasonal savings.
A chilled bottle of Ruinart Champagne awaiting guests in their villa sets the tone on arrival, while flexible early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability) ensures that time is never hurried. Dining remains a central pleasure, with daily breakfast and à la carte dinners at Ocean Restaurant, complemented by generous dining credits across the island’s culinary venues.
Available for stays from 1st May to 31st October 2026, with a minimum stay of four nights, Simply Summer is an understated invitation to experience the Maldives at its most refined, quietly luxurious, deeply personal and guided by the gentle pace of island life.
Simply Summer – Key Inclusions:
- Daily breakfast at Ocean Restaurant
- Daily à la carte dinner at Ocean Restaurant
- USD 65 per person, per night dining credit (food-only) at other restaurants
- 30% savings on manta ray snorkelling in Hanifaru Bay (group excursion)
- 30% savings on selected treatments at Serenity Spa
- 30% savings on curated group excursions and island experiences
- Exclusive benefits when booking direct
Begin your Simply Summer at Milaidhoo.
News
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands to mark International Women’s Day with ‘Give to Gain’ programme
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will mark International Women’s Day 2026 with a three-day programme titled Give to Gain, celebrating generosity, shared growth and the collective strength of women through curated experiences from 7 to 9 March.
Anchored in the belief that when women thrive, communities flourish, the programme brings together the resort’s Ladies alongside women artists, practitioners and creatives from the local Maldivian community. Through a series of collaborative experiences spanning wellness, culinary arts, sustainability, creativity and culture, Give to Gain aims to create meaningful spaces for dialogue, learning and connection.

The celebrations begin on Saturday, 7 March, with wellness and sustainability-led activities, including a morning yoga session, a cooking class led by the resort’s pastry team, an eco-friendly candle-making workshop for young participants, and a coral restoration experience guided by the resort’s naturalists. These sessions reflect the programme’s emphasis on knowledge sharing and environmental stewardship.
International Women’s Day on Sunday, 8 March, will feature a diverse line-up of experiences ranging from marine encounters and sound healing to creative workshops and cultural gatherings. Highlights include a ladies’ dive, a watercolour artistic tea hosted by local Maldivian artist Shimha Shakeeb, and an evening Maldivian Night Dinner accompanied by live music, underscoring the programme’s focus on celebrating local talent and cultural expression.

The programme concludes on Monday, 9 March, with activities centred on nature, wellbeing and craftsmanship. Guests can take part in coral nursery snorkelling, botanical beauty rituals, floral design workshops and a themed afternoon tea prepared by the resort’s pastry chefs, offering a reflective close to the three-day celebration.
A central theme throughout Give to Gain is the empowerment and visibility of local women. By creating platforms for collaboration between the resort team and Maldivian creatives, the initiative highlights cultural pride while embracing contemporary expression. The programme reinforces the idea that generosity is not a loss, but a meaningful exchange that strengthens individuals, communities and the wider hospitality ecosystem.
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