The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort marked Earth Day with a resort-wide celebration that brought guests closer to the destination’s natural environment and the sustainability practices that help preserve it. From coastal protection to responsible dining, the program was designed as a hands-on experience, reflecting the resort’s ongoing focus on sustainable operations and meaningful guest engagement.

The day began with a behind-the-scenes sustainability tour, inviting guests to step into the resort’s back of house to discover the facilities and initiatives that support its environmental efforts. The tour then led into a tree-planting activity, where guests planted Sea Lettuce and coconut trees. Selected for their strong root systems, Sea Lettuce trees can hold sand in place, making them particularly effective in reducing erosion and strengthening coastlines against wind and waves.

Guests were also invited to take part in a Lagoon Health Check, a guided coastal walk focused on monitoring shoreline conditions and collecting any waste found along the way. Nestled in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters where vibrant marine life thrives, making the experience as much about appreciation as it is about care. Through this proactive check, guests helped ensure the surrounding environment remains healthy and free of waste, reflecting the idea that sustainability is strengthened through consistent attention.

The celebration concluded with Garden to Plate, an elevated dinner that officially launched the resort’s new garden dining experience. Set amid lush greenery at a beautifully styled table decorated with seedlings and a flowing water fountain, the evening showcased a menu inspired by local ingredients harvested from the garden and demonstrated how thoughtful sourcing can shape a more sustainable dining culture. The multi-course menu included the resort’s signature Garden Salad, Tuna Tartare featuring local catch, and Executive Chef Alberto’s signature Mushroom Risotto.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort continues to advance broader environmental progress through efforts such as harnessing solar power and its recent Green Globe certification, reflecting the resort’s long-term commitment to sustainability across its operations.

To learn more about responsible travel at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, or to plan a rejuvenating tropical escape, visit westin-maldives.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has unveiled the return of its highly anticipated ‘Summer Collective’ for 2026, a season-long series of immersive moments designed to celebrate nature, wellness, culture, and creativity across the islands. Set against one of the world’s most extraordinary ocean landscapes, this year’s edition expands its programming with global talent, signature partnerships, and island-wide activations for all ages.

From June through August, the resort transforms into a living canvas of discovery bringing together celebrated wellness leaders, artists, chefs, and environmental advocates, creating opportunities for families to connect, explore, and learn together. Each element is thoughtfully curated to inspire curiosity, deepen connection, and foster meaningful engagement with the surrounding marine and island environment.

Younger visitors are welcomed through Ritz Kids, where interactive programming blends education, play, and purpose, while adults explore world-class wellness, culinary artistry, and cultural immersion across the resort’s iconic spaces.

June – Environment, Wellness, and Fifth Anniversary Celebrations

June marks the opening of the Summer Collective with a month dedicated to environment, ocean preservation, wellness, and celebration, anchored by the fifth anniversary of the resort’s opening. Throughout the month, guests can enjoy a dynamic lineup of island-wide bar takeovers from June 6-8 led by world-class mixology talent from Asia’s 50 Best Bars, such as The St. Regis Bar Jakarta, Punch Room Tokyo, and Bar Sathorn.

Environmental and ocean awareness programming offers immersive workshops, talks, and excursions led by the resort’s Naturalists, focusing on marine ecosystems, sustainability, and conservation that encourages families to discover and protect the ocean together. This is complemented by Visiting Hero eco-journalist Sarah Roberts from June 10-14, as well an ongoing collaboration with conservation partners, including the Olive Ridley Project, an official partner from June onwards.

The weekly Summer Collective calendar in June centres on restorative, nature-led experiences, with offerings such as a Kombucha Masterclass, daily fitness sessions, and engaging, educational environmental challenges designed for younger guests. Wellness takes center stage through Deep Blue Presence, the resort’s new emotional signature philosophy, brought to life through a three-day “Blue”-themed immersive journey led by yoga instructor Anabella Landa from June 20-22. The retreat, part of the Masters of Crafts:

Essence of Balance, honours both International Yoga Day and the launch of Deep Blue Presence with sunrise yoga, oceanfront breathwork, sound healing, and restorative spa rituals designed to align body, breath, and ocean energy.

July – Surf, Movement, and Adventure

July is dedicated to surf, movement, and ocean connection, highlighted by the return of world-renowned surfer Nic von Rupp, who will host a dedicated Surf Retreat from July 1-11. A great activity for families, guests of all ages are invited to engage in guided surf lessons across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, alongside inspiring talks on resilience and life in the ocean.

Building on this energy, the island’s weekly programming brings the theme to life through a dynamic mix of recreation, fitness, and marine exploration. Guests can take to the water with experiences such as turtle snorkelling, shark quests, and sunset dolphin cruises, or deepen their connection to the marine world through naturalist-led activities including coral regeneration, lagoon life discovery, and island ecosystem explorations. On land, sport-driven moments range from pickleball, padel, tennis clinics to beach volleyball, high-energy workouts, and sunrise yoga, encouraging movement at every pace. Creative workshops like surfboard painting and eco-craft sessions offer a more relaxed, yet still ocean-inspired, expression of the theme.

August – Art, Culture, and Vibrant Fari Islands Festival

August brings the Summer Collective to a creative and cultural crescendo, blending art, culinary innovation, wellness, and environmental storytelling. From August 13-15, the Fari Islands Festival presents a multidisciplinary cultural showcase featuring Wagyu Mafia’s culinary residency with three immersive beachfront dining moments at Beach Shack. Artist Tomislav Topic leads an expressive art collaboration through hands-on oil pastel workshops, alongside a curated island-wide exhibition and a site-specific installation at EAU Bar. The Olive Ridley Project will bring one Visiting Hero while wellness and lifestyle partnerships with Bamford and REFY by Jess Hunt, further enrich the stay through curated gifting, beauty rituals, and immersive wellness touchpoints.

Extending this creative spirit across the month, daily activities invite all ages to engage with art and nature in meaningful, hands-on ways. Experiences range from textured canvas painting, ceramic sculpting, and mosaic-making to playful workshops such as reef-inspired art, ocean slime creation, and tropical tie-dye. Marine discovery remains central, with naturalist-led sessions alongside interactive elements such as VR ocean adventures and guided lagoon snorkelling. Wellness continues with grounding rhythm of yoga, meditation, and beach fitness. Together, these elements create a thoughtfully layered program where artistic expression and environmental awareness come together in a distinctly island-inspired setting, designed to be enjoyed across generations.

To complete a summer of connection, the resort invites guests to experience the Maldives through its‘Embrace Island Life’ offer across its portfolio of private island resorts. Available to book now for stays through December 23, 2026, with a minimum four-night stay required, the offer is designed for a seamless and rewarding island escape. Inclusions such as daily breakfast and dinner, return transfers, create an effortless way to reconnect in one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. More details are here.

For more information, please visit the resort’s website. 

From 16th to 18th April 2026, CROSSROADS Maldives once again became the epicentre of global culinary excellence as it hosted the second chapter of the exclusive “No Guests, Just Chefs” event. Following the success of its inaugural edition last year, this unique gathering brought together around ten Michelin-starred chefs from across the world for a private, immersive adventure designed purely for connection, creativity, and relaxation.

Curated by award-winning Chef Dharshan Munidasa, the concept was simple yet powerful, an invitation extended to fellow chefs to come to the Maldives, not to perform, but to unwind, socialise, and celebrate their craft. Hosted across his renowned restaurants, Ministry of Crab, Carne Diem, and Nihonbashi Blue at The Marina, the event created an intimate space where culinary talents could meet under the same roof and enjoy each other’s company away from the demands of their kitchens.

Reflecting on the journey, Chef Dharshan shared, “This is not about performance, it’s about connection. It’s about good food, good wine, and good company. This is what travelling to the Maldives to truly unwind should look like.” He further explained that the idea behind the event was also to introduce the Maldives in a different light, showcasing not only its natural beauty, but also the vibrant lifestyle and culinary offerings available at CROSSROADS Maldives and across his three restaurants within the destination.

Chef Dharshan expressed his appreciation to all participating chefs and extended his gratitude to the three partner resorts, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and SO/ Maldives for their role in hosting guests at their event. Special acknowledgement was given to the leadership teams, including General Manager Alex Traeger of SAii Lagoon Maldives, General Manager Frederic Lebegue and General Manager Olivier Moies-Delval of SO/ Maldives, whose collaboration ensured a seamless and memorable experience for all involved.

Sharing his thoughts on the event, Alex Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, said, “We are delighted to welcome more gatherings like this at SAii Lagoon Maldives, where guests can seamlessly blend holiday, work, and meaningful connections. Events like ‘No Guests, Just Chefs’ truly reflect the spirit of CROSSROADS Maldives, bringing people together to experience, unwind, and create unforgettable moments in one vibrant destination.”

The event also highlighted what makes CROSSROADS Maldives truly distinctive. Participating chefs were hosted across Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, SAii Lagoon Maldives, and SO/ Maldives, experiencing the destination’s signature split-stay concept, a seamless integration of different resort styles within one connected location. This allowed them to move effortlessly between accommodation, dining venues, and leisure experiences without the logistical challenges typically associated with multi-venue events.

According to Chef Dharshan, this ease of movement and proximity is what sets CROSSROADS apart. “With the close proximity of restaurants, accommodation, and extraordinary moments, this is the only place that could truly host an event like this,” he noted. The concept not only fosters collaboration but also allows participants to fully immerse themselves in the destination without disruption.

Beyond the kitchens, the chefs embraced the full CROSSROADS lifestyle, from curated dining journeys at The Marina to water sports excursions and leisure activities. Just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the destination offers both convenience and a sense of escape, making it ideal for niche, high-profile gatherings that combine creativity with relaxation.

At the heart of it all lies The Marina, a lively hub of dining, entertainment, and social energy, often described as the “Maldivian Riviera.” It is here that guests can enjoy a vibrant mix of rare moments, from world-class cuisine to lifestyle and retail offerings, all within one dynamic setting.

The success of this second chapter has already paved the way for the future, with Chef Dharshan confirming plans to host the event again next year. More than just a culinary gathering, “No Guests, Just Chefs” stands as a testament to CROSSROADS Maldives’ ability to redefine destination experiences where hospitality, gastronomy, and community come together seamlessly.