News
Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa in Maldives earns Green Globe sustainable certification
Maldives.net.mv – The Maldives are among the few destinations with unspoiled ecological hot spots – rich in biodiversity. In line with the John Keells corporate philosophy, various energy initiatives are carried out at the Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa.
For years, the Chaaya Lagoon Hakuuraa Huraa in the Maldives has demonstrated a strong commitment to the seamless integration of sustainability throughout its value chain, implementing policies and sound environmental practices that allow an eco-friendly and ethical operation on all levels. Those efforts recently earned Green Globe certification.
“Our entire team is enthusiastically involved in environmental protection, and we strive to live the pledge ‘I will be green,’” said Mr. Nalinda Liyanage, General Manager at the Chaaya Lagoon Hakuura Huraa. “We encourage our partners, guests, staff, and local communities to join our actions, which include environmentally-friendly waste disposal, composting programs, reuse and recycle programs. It is our goal to continuously identify all potential impacts on the environment, and manage such impacts whilst using our resources in a sustainable and efficient manner.”
The Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa resort initiated a project called “Walk Way Lights Powered by Nature,” with the objective of generating electricity using sea water (wave) and solar power, utilizing materials with a zero/low cost, including leftover wood, discarded bulbs, old generator battery, solar panel and power generator made in-house. The use of natural resources to generate electricity has reduced the consumption of diesel, thus minimizing the carbon footprint. Other best practices include the installation of solar panels for hot water heating, the collection of rainwater for use, and the reuse of treated waste water for gardening and flushing purposes. A number of vegetables and herbs used in the kitchen are grown on the resort’s own organic farm.
CSR activities are numerous at the Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa, and range from regular tree planting campaigns to educating local schoolchildren at Mulee Educational Center on the importance of protecting the environment. Beach and reef cleaning was organized on World Tourism Day and on World Oceans Day, with the participation of guests and staff members. Island cleaning is done on a daily basis in the inhabited island of Sitthihura and the Robinson Island that is used by the guests. The resort has also taken serious steps to mitigate the spread of diseases, such as Dengue and HIV Aids. A Dengue Control Campaign and an HIV-Aids Awareness program were conducted with the involvement of the community, guests, and staff.
Surrounded by an azure ocean lagoon replete with the wonders of the underwater world, this is a paradise for diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, and canoeing. Accommodation at this spectacular beach hideaway includes 70 over water bungalows and 10 beach bungalows. Guests can enjoy outstanding food at the resort’s restaurant, special candle lit dinners are available. Set in an open, natural environment, the resorts’ Chavana Spa makes a heavenly escape.
News
ONE Atmosphere: Atmosphere Core enters extended-stay market with fourth brand
Leading hospitality company, Atmosphere Core has announced the launch of its fourth brand, ONE Atmosphere, marking its strategic entry into the extended-stay segment. Designed for today’s work–live–travel flow, ONE Atmosphere will offer fully serviced apartments that combine the freedom and expanse of residential living with the consistency of hospitality, including branded amenities, seamless concierge services, and thoughtful design details.
Speaking about the launch, Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director, Atmosphere Core, said, “As travel becomes more fluid and work becomes borderless, guests expect more than a hotel room, they expect a lifestyle solution. They want a space that adapts as they move through different cities, work patterns, and rhythms of everyday life. ONE Atmosphere is designed to meet this shift by offering a reliable model of flexible living that blends the warmth of home with the precision of hospitality. Our spaces will be consistent, functional, design-led, and deeply attuned to how people live today.”
Building on this guest-centred philosophy, the design of ONE Atmosphere will focus on efficient layouts, layered with calming materials and curated local art to create intuitive environments that feel welcoming, practical, and visually inspiring. Every element will aim to enhance comfort and usability while reflecting a sense of place.
ONE Atmosphere apartments will be built for living, not simply staying overnight, with hotel-style services operating quietly in the background. Across all locations, the brand will deliver ‘ONE Experience’, a portable sense of home ideal for long stays, relocations, project assignments, holidays, and hybrid travel. This experience will be further strengthened by a comprehensive suite of amenities and leisure, work, and convenience features, under the ‘ONE Promise’, elevating intelligent serviced living into a lifestyle statement. Together, these amenities and services will create a holistic, flexible environment.
Commenting on the brand’s growth potential, Sandeep Ahuja, Managing Director, ONE Atmosphere, said, “The serviced apartment sector is expanding rapidly yet remains highly fragmented. With ONE Atmosphere, we aim to establish a unified standard that can scale with ease while delivering a consistent, comfortable, and efficient experience. By leveraging the operational discipline we’ve developed across our award-winning resorts in the Maldives, we are confident in our ability to set a new global benchmark for extended-stay hospitality”.
ONE Atmosphere’s launch pipeline features a mix of metropolitan, urban, and leisure destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Gulf countries, with further international markets under evaluation as part of the brand’s long-term global rollout.
Entertainment
New Year’s Eve Gala at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La to feature live performance by Nasooh
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La is preparing to host a vibrant New Year’s Eve Gala Night on 31 December 2025, inviting guests to welcome 2026 with an evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and festive celebration.
The event will be headlined by Mohamed Nasooh, one of the Maldives’ emerging musical talents whose voice has earned national recognition. Nasooh first rose to prominence as a former vocalist of the popular band 2ofus, which represented the Maldives internationally and achieved notable success as the 2nd Runner-Up at the Battle of the Bands International. His growing popularity on TikTok, combined with his expressive vocal performances, has made him a well-loved figure among audiences of all ages.
Guests attending the New Year’s Eve Gala Night can look forward to a memorable live performance from Nasooh, who will bring his distinctive vocal style and stage presence to the celebration as the country ushers in a new year.
Adding to the excitement, the evening will also include a special grand prize, with details set to be announced soon. The announcement has already generated anticipation and is expected to be a highlight of the event.
The Gala Night will offer an elegant dining experience and a festive atmosphere, providing an inviting setting for families, couples, and friends wishing to celebrate the start of 2026 in style. The full programme and menu will be shared in the coming days.
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La welcomes guests to join this exceptional evening—an occasion filled with music, flavour, and celebration marking the arrival of the new year.
Awards
Hulhule Island Hotel extends global leadership with 14th consecutive World Travel Award
Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) has announced its win as “World’s Leading Airport Resort 2025” at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards (WTA), held this year in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Tourism leaders and industry pioneers from around the globe gathered for the Grand Final Gala Ceremony to celebrate the finest achievements in global travel, tourism, and hospitality.
This prestigious accolade marks HIH’s 14th consecutive win in this category — a milestone that underscores the hotel’s unwavering commitment to excellence, comfort, and world-class service. In addition to this achievement, HIH has also been honoured as “Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport Hotel” nine times, first earning recognition from the World Travel Awards in 2009.
Speaking on the achievement, Ali Shakir, Group General Manager, said: “It is an honour to receive such a prestigious global award once again. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust of our guests. Hulhule Island Hotel continues to stand proudly in all its glory, delivering exceptional experiences year after year. We remain committed to setting the gold standard for airport hospitality in the region and beyond.”
Hulhule Island Hotel extends heartfelt gratitude to its valued guests, partners, and dedicated team members for their continued support in achieving this extraordinary milestone.
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