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Four Seasons Resorts Maldives and “The Mosquito Lady” launch sustainable community mosquito control project
Maldives.net.mv – This August, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is engaging the support of one of the world’s leading bug-battlers to launch an environmentally responsible mosquito control initiative across 13 island communities in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Known as “The Mosquito Lady,” Trudy Rilling-Collins and her team will lead the pre-emptive six-week Baa Atoll Mosquito and Dengue Fever Control Project, initiated following the success of last year’s pilot program at Four Seasons two Resort islands, and five islands local to the Resorts.
Funded by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, Trudy and her team of ten volunteers will visit each of the 13 designated Baa Atoll islands in turn, working closely with health officers, schools and other community members to implement effective and sustainable mosquito control solutions. The volunteer team will comprise seven students from the University of California at Santa Cruz and young Maldivian volunteers, who will help facilitate the successful establishment of the project among the local islanders.
The project chiefly involves the identification and eradication of mosquito-breeding sites. In addition to significantly reducing mosquito populations without the use of chemicals, it will also reduce the potential risk of infection from dengue fever (a virus carried by the Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus species) amongst remote island communities.
Trudy was first enlisted by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives in 2011 to provide environmentally friendly solutions to unwanted monsoon-loving guests. Thanks to her highly targeted techniques, Four Seasons has been able to completely eliminate the use of fogging across both of its island Resorts, with the pilot community also experiencing significant reductions in mosquito populations.
The widely used technique of “fogging” – the spraying of harmful neurotoxin-filled insecticides – at best only deals with a small proportion of adult mosquitoes and at worst fails to tackle the more prevalent issue of incubating larvae. In contrast, Trudy’s innovative yet surprisingly uncomplicated methods tackle the root of the problem, eradicating mosquitoes’ watery lairs through regular clean-ups of waterlogged areas (such as stagnant water in tanks, drains and wells), the fitting of screens or filters, and even the addition of fish to wells. “Mosquito eggs can take as little as a week go from egg to biting adults,” Trudy advises. ”So 80-90 per cent of the problem can be solved by targeting breeding grounds.”
Trudy holds a diploma in Pest Management from University of California at Berkeley, and has extensive experience in biological research, and a fervent commitment to halting the toxic effects of pesticides in tropical regions. “The beautiful, ecologically sensitive marine life, essential for tourism, is being degraded by outdated and ineffective chemical-based pest management programs,” she warns. “Not to mention the long-term effects of fogging on human health.”
So far, The Mosquito Lady’s cost-effective common-sense approach has been widely welcomed by all who have experienced its efficacy and sustainability. She acknowledges, however, that the long-term success of her methods relies on the involvement of every individual in the project region. “We spend a lot of time raising local awareness and promoting sustainable health education,” she explains. “But each person will ultimately need to act responsibly for the good of their community.”
Four Seasons Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin commented: “Having reaped the benefits of Trudy’s staggeringly successful methods across our own island Resorts, we are delighted to be able to extend her expertise across the wider Baa Atoll community. As joint residents of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is essential that we work with our neighbouring islanders to implement methods of control that will help preserve both the natural beauty of the region and the long-term health of its inhabitants and visitors for generations to come.”
Easter at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa arrives as a season of renewal, set against a backdrop of turquoise waters and endless skies. From March 3 to 11, the resort unveils a carefully composed programme of culinary artistry and immersive experiences, designed for those seeking an elevated island retreat.
On this private sanctuary, Easter is reimagined as a time for gathering and reflection. For families, the resort’s Duplex Series, including the Two-Bedroom Duplex Beach Pool Villas and the Duplex Overwater Pool Villas, offers a sophisticated “home away from home.” These expansive, multi-level residences provide the space and privacy essential for multigenerational travel, ensuring that the joy of the season is shared in comfort beneath the open Maldivian skies.
The First Chapter: A Salutation to the Sea
The journey commences on Good Friday, April 3, with From the Sea. Hosted upon the Horizon Deck, this experience is less a dinner and more a sensory tribute to the Indian Ocean. As the sun dips below the lagoon, guests are invited to a ritual of purity
The Good Friday experience focuses on the simplicity of the sea. The menu features sustainably sourced seafood, prepared with precision to highlight natural flavours without pretence. Surrounded by panoramic lagoon views and the evening breeze, guests are invited to enjoy a rare moment of stillness, marking a serene start to the Easter season.
The Gathering: A Celebration of Togetherness
Easter Sunday on March 5 at Aailaa is a day defined by the ease of island life and the joy of a shared table. The morning begins with a celebratory breakfast featuring a curated selection of international specialties, followed by an evening Grand Buffet that balances traditional holiday favorites with modern, island-inspired creations.
Set against the backdrop of the turquoise lagoon, the day is designed for slow, meaningful moments. Whether it’s the lingering over seasonal desserts or the quiet comfort of a family dinner, the experience at Aailaa provides a refined space for guests to reconnect and celebrate the holiday in the heart of our tropical sanctuary.
Community by JW: A Garden-to-Table Journey
At the heart of the celebration lies a deeper connection to nature. Through the Community by JW initiative, guests are invited to reconnect with the land in the resort’s vibrant JW Garden.
Guided by the culinary team, participants harvest fresh herbs and seasonal ingredients before transforming them into interactive pastry creations. This immersive garden-led experience reflects the resort’s commitment to sustainability and mindful living, offering guests a meaningful way to engage with their surroundings while celebrating the essence of renewal.
A Sanctuary for Every Generation
The resort’s 60 private pool villas, each attended by a dedicated Thakuru (Butler), serve as a secluded base for the holiday. To explore the island’s natural beauty, guests of all ages are provided with complimentary bicycles, allowing families to wander the sandy paths at their own pace, from the quiet corners of the gardens to the water’s edge.
For younger explorers, the Family by JW Little Griffins’ Kids Club, one of the largest in the Maldives—offers a world of discovery with a rotating schedule of over 100 weekly activities. This allows parents the freedom to find their own balance through holistic wellbeing and island relaxation.
This Easter, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa offers more than just a holiday; it provides a return to what matters most. It is a season defined by elegance, intention, and the simple, timeless beauty of life lived by the sea.
The Savor the Endless package elevates the stay with a USD 300 resort credit per stay, complemented by daily breakfast, a three-course lunch, and a three-course dinner for two at select restaurants. A one-time floating breakfast served in the privacy of the villa adds an indulgent highlight, while a 60% reduction on food at Hashi and Shio invites guests to explore the resort’s culinary offerings. Earn up to 40,000 bonus points for Marriott Bonvoy® member. Additionally, guests can get complimentary non-motorised watersports provide effortless enjoyment on the lagoon, alongside the attentive service of a dedicated Thakuru (personal butler), complimentary bicycles, and a one-time 30-minute photography session with one printed keepsake to preserve moments in paradise.
For more information, visit the resort’s website.
Milaidhoo Maldives has announced the upcoming stay of internationally acclaimed photographer Greg Finck, who will host an exclusive photography workshop on Tuesday 21st April on the boutique private island.
Over the past 15 years, Greg Finck has become one of the most sought-after names in wedding and event photography, documenting exceptional celebrations across the globe. Beyond weddings, he has refined his artistic vision through travel and fashion photography, collaborating with renowned fashion houses including Elie Saab, Balenciaga and Rime Arodaky.
Greg’s signature style is elegant, natural and timeless, capturing his subjects in their most honest light. Influenced by legendary fashion photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino and Patrick Demarchelier, he continually challenges convention while maintaining a refined aesthetic. He has been named one of the world’s top wedding photographers by Harper’s Bazaar and has been featured in leading international publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, The New York Times and Martha Stewart Weddings.
During his time at Milaidhoo, Greg will lead an intimate workshop designed for photography enthusiasts and creative minds alike. Set against the island’s pristine shores and turquoise waters, the session offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most celebrated talents in an inspiring, natural setting.
This special collaboration reflects Milaidhoo’s commitment to curating meaningful experiences that connect guests with artistry, creativity and place.
For further information or to reserve a place at the workshop, please contact welcome@milaidhoo.com.
To celebrate World Sleep Day, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to embrace the brand’s Sleep Well philosophy through a week-long program of deeply relaxing experiences. Thoughtfully designed with rest in mind, the wellness-led offerings encourage guests to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with the benefits of truly restorative sleep in one of the Maldives’ most tranquil island settings.
From March 7–13, 2026, guests can enjoy a series of experiences designed to bring a deeper sense of calm to their stay, from a soothing Sleep Infusion Turndown featuring chamomile, lavender, and caffeine-free green tea, to quiet pauses inspired by the island’s natural rhythm.
Marking World Sleep Day on March 13, the resort will host a Yoga Nidra session, a guided meditation practice that induces a state of consciousness between sleeping and waking, led by Heavenly Spa by Westin. That evening, a sunset cocktail reception will offer a sleep-inspired twist, featuring drinks crafted to help support a restful night.
Guests can also explore The Nap Map that highlights peaceful spots across the island for daytime rest. Whether lounging along the resort’s white-sand shores, swaying gently in a hammock, or tucked away into a quiet corner amid lush greenery, each nap zone offers an invitation to slow down. An extended breakfast service until noon on March 13 adds the perfect reason to sleep in.
The celebration also spotlights the resort’s year-round commitment to sleep wellness. From Westin’s award-winning Heavenly® Bed to the Sleep Well Lavender Balm, infused with lavender and chamomile oils, every detail is designed to support a more balanced, restorative stay. Guests can also enjoy the Sleep Well Menu, featuring lighter evening dishes created to complement a calmer nighttime routine. Sleep-focused offerings extend to families, thanks to the resort’s partnership with Savvy Sleep pediatric specialists, who created The Westin Maldives Kids Sleep Manual to help children and parents enjoy a more restful getaway.
Beyond Sleep Well, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort continues to champion holistic well-being with experiences that help guests eat and move well throughout their stay. From the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio and scenic running routes to Gear Lending, yoga sessions, and treatments at the overwater Heavenly Spa by Westin™, the resort offers a wellness-led island escape designed for a full reset.
Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort blends contemporary overwater and beach villas with nature-led surroundings and purposeful wellness experiences, allowing guests to reconnect with themselves in one of the Maldives’ most serene destinations.
Plan your next Maldivian wellness getaway at westin-maldives.com.
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