News
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru hosts historic ministerial meetings prior to CoP17 Global Summit or Sharks and Rays

Maldives.net.mv – The government of the Maldives is hosting a historic meeting of senior international officials at Four SeasonsResort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru on August 23, 2016 – 30 days before the world gathers in Johannesburg, South Africa, to vote on proposals to list silky sharks, thresher sharks and mobula rays at the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP17) of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Ministers and senior officials from the Maldives will welcome their counterparts from Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, Fiji, India, Mauritania, Senegal and Sri Lanka to the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve to discuss the crisis facing these species. Some of the attendees hail from nations with large fisheries while others with ecotourism contributing a large part to their GDP; yet no matter their background, they are gathering to reiterate that shark conservation is a priority issue worldwide.
Media are invited to join a tele-conference call from 11.30am – 12:30pm MVT (Malé time) on August 23, 2016.
Available for tele-conference interviews are:
- Honourable Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, Ministry of Environment and Energy, Maldives
- Chandrasiri Bandara, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Wildlife and Sustainable Development, Sri Lanka
- Honourable Associate Minister Lorna Eden, Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Environment, Fiji
- Luke Warwick, Director of The Pew Charitable Trusts, Global Shark Conservation Campaign, USA
Achmat Hassiem, a South African Paralympic medalist who lost his leg to a great white shark, and Virgin Founder Richard Branson are also slated to open the meeting via video messages. Over the past year, both have been outspoken about the need for further CITES protection for vulnerable shark species, and continue to voice their support. These video messages will be available for viewing by media.
About The Event
The Global Summit on Sharks and Rays at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru will be the first time these leaders have gathered outside of their region to focus on a pan-global discussion to ensure sharks and rays are a priority at this year’s CITES CoP.
These three proposals are already groundbreaking. Four years ago, it was thought to be near impossible to obtain global protection for commercially traded shark species under CITES. And now, never before in the history of CITES have any proposals garnered as much co-sponsor support – with 50 countries signed as co-proponents of at least one of the three proposals.
The arguments for support are significant. Despite each species suffering declines of up to 70 percent in all their known habitats, current fishery management measures have failed to adequately protect them. Globally, more than 100 million sharks continue to be killed annually, largely unregulated.
An Appendix II CITES listing will help ensure that the trade of thresher sharks, silky sharks and mobula rays is capped at sustainable levels – almost 10 percent of the global shark fin trade – so they may survive to benefit generations to come.
In the past month alone, African, Pacific and Latin American countries have met regionally to coordinate their support for these listings. This global summit will create a single voice that accurately harnesses the worldwide momentum and support for effective and enforceable shark protection worldwide.
For more information, visit www.pewtrusts.org/CITES2016
News
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives marks Thai New Year across island portfolio
This April, Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives invites guests to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Songkran, rooted in its rich Thai heritage, in a setting where turquoise lagoons and white sand shores meet time-honoured traditions. As a brand deeply inspired by Thailand’s culture and hospitality, Centara brings the essence of the Thai New Year to its collection of distinctive island resorts, where each celebration reflects authenticity, warmth, and a true sense of togetherness.
Across the Maldives, Songkran is thoughtfully reimagined through immersive experiences that honour these traditions while embracing the natural beauty of the islands, creating moments of joy, connection, and celebration. From family-friendly festivities to intimate beachfront gatherings, each resort offers a unique interpretation of Songkran, where water becomes a symbol of renewal and togetherness, and every experience is curated for you and yours.
At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, celebrations unfold in a lively, family-centric atmosphere. Days are filled with playful water activities, beachside games, and vibrant poolside gatherings, while afternoons bring the energy of a colourful Songkran carnival by the sea. As the sun sets, guests are invited to savour the bold and authentic flavours of Thailand through immersive dining experiences, where the spirit of the festival comes alive in a setting designed for shared moments and lasting memories.
At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection, the celebration embraces both tradition and togetherness. Guests can take part in a vibrant beachfront parade and traditional Thai games, capturing the joyful essence of Songkran against the backdrop of the island’s serene lagoon. As evening falls, the festivities continue with an enchanting Thai-inspired dining experience, complemented by cultural performances and lively entertainment. Younger guests are also invited to join in the celebration through playful and imaginative activities, ensuring a truly inclusive experience for all.
For those seeking an adults-only escape this Songkran, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives offers a unique take on the celebration. Inspired by the Thai concept of joy and togetherness, the resort brings guests together through light-hearted beachside experiences and playful moments by the sea. Evenings unfold into vibrant culinary journeys and lively entertainment, where music, flavour, and atmosphere combine to create a celebration that is both elegant and spirited.
This Songkran, Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives presents a celebration that goes beyond tradition, where each moment is an invitation to reconnect, to celebrate, and to create memories that linger long after the festival ends.
News
St. Regis Maldives expands and upgrades Two-Bedroom Family Villa
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has introduced its newly reimagined Two-Bedroom Family Villa, thoughtfully redesigned to offer an elevated experience for families looking to balance privacy with shared time together in a pristine natural island setting.

Now expanded from 334 square metres to an impressive 380 metres meters, the villa features an additional 66 square metres of refined indoor living space. This enhancement creates a more generous environment for families to gather, relax, and spend time together in comfort.

The layout has also been thoughtfully arranged, with a master bedroom located on the ground floor offering direct ocean views, while the second bedroom is positioned on the upper level and features two beds—ideal for children or friends travelling together.

Seamlessly blending contemporary design with the surrounding environment, the villa is fully equipped with intuitive iPad controls, allowing guests to personalise lighting, climate, and entertainment at the touch of a button.

At the heart of the transformation is the villa’s outdoor experience. The private pool, previously 15 square metres, has been re-envisioned as a striking 30-square-metre infinity pool, seamlessly extending toward the horizon and framing expansive views of the Indian Ocean. The beachfront has also been enhanced, offering a wider, softer stretch of pristine sand that flows effortlessly from the villa’s deck to the turquoise lagoon beyond.

True to the St. Regis legacy, guests will also enjoy the signature St. Regis Butler Service, ensuring that every detail of their stay is thoughtfully anticipated and effortlessly delivered—from personalised dining arrangements to bespoke island experiences.
Spacious, elegant, and serene, the redesigned Two-Bedroom Ocean Villa with Pool, offers a comfortable and well-balanced setting for families and friends to relax and reconnect, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives.
For more information and details, please visit www.stregismaldives.com.
News
Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
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