Featured
Six Senses Laamu formalises partnership with Olive Ridley Project
Six Senses Laamu has established an official partnership with Olive Ridley Project.
Although Six Senses Laamu has been working together with the Olive Ridley Project since 2016, the official partnership allows the resort to achieve its objective of creating a sanctuary for turtles in Laamu atoll.
As part of the partnership, research on feeding in sea grass habitats and nesting in beach habitats on Six Senses Laamu and surrounding islands will complement the existing photo identification work. Sea turtle biologist Nina Rothe will be based at the resort to facilitate guest interaction with Six Senses’ resident Green and Hawksbill turtles, both of which are on the endangered species list. Kid’s activities and evening presentations at the resort will inform guests about sea turtle biology, the critical role they play in coral reef ecosystems and the threats they face.
Six Senses Laamu is located on Olhuveli island in Laamu atoll, a nesting beach for Green Turtles. In 2017, the resort hosted eight turtle nests and welcomed over 500 hatchlings into the world. The 2018 nesting season has begun with three nests in the last month and it is expected to welcome its first hatchlings in mid-June 2018.
“We are thrilled to formalise the already beneficial relationship we have with Olive Ridley Project and welcome Nina to the team. The great work in sea turtle conservation and plastic pollution they do across the Maldives will be central to achieving our conservation objectives in the Laamu atoll,” General Manager Marteyne van Well was quoted in a statement, as saying.
The Olive Ridley Project is a UK registered charity with the mission of protecting all species of sea turtles, including the Olive Ridley sea turtle for which the organisation is named. Olive Ridley sea turtles are rarely seen in Maldives and most encounters occur when they are unfortunately trapped in discarded ghost nets drifting into the country’s waters by ocean currents. The Olive Ridley Project’s important work involves removing ghost nets and other marine debris from the sea, rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea turtles and raising awareness about the dangers of ocean pollution to the livelihood of sea turtles.
AN Olive Ridley sea turtle trapped in a ghost net. PHOTO/ MARTIN STELFOX
The Olive Ridley Project’s national database consists of over 3,000 individual turtles and Six Senses Laamu’s marine biologists have been contributing photo IDs from Laamu atoll since 2016, while simultaneously building their own database of about 350 individuals. The aim is to study the turtles’ population and reef residency patterns in order to inform significant conservation objectives. Six Senses Laamu also contributes data on the ghost nets found, which the Olive Ridley Project uses to determine the origin of the nets, educate people on the dangers of ghost nets and the importance of preventing them, as well as inform policymakers on net design that is least likely to cause entanglement.
“We are excited to partner with Six Senses Laamu as we continue our charitable aims of rescuing sea turtles, combating plastic pollution and raising awareness,” Martin Stelfox, Founder and CEO of the Olive Ridley Project, said.
Six Senses Laamu is the only resort located in the Laamu atoll, which lies in the southern part of the Maldives. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the resort prides itself on its commitment to sustainable operations and development as outlined by Agenda 21 and Green Globe Benchmarking.
At Six Senses Laamu, most of the villas and facilities are built overwater. However, beach villas and on-land dining is an option. All villas offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, with an amazing view to the Ocean and Maldivian nature.
Six Senses Laamu offers a wide range of dining options, with cuisines from around the world, a swimming pool with a sunken bar, an ice cream parlour, an overwater wine cellar and a signature Chill bar. Many activities, excursions and options are available for everyone to enjoy, both overwater and underwater, in addition to the Six Senses Spa.
Coco Bodu Hithi has been recognised on the global stage, winning Best Waterside Hotel (Riverside, Lakeside, Seaside) at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026, held on 3 November 2025 in the UK. It is the second consecutive year the resort has been honoured by the publication, following last year’s win for Best Service, reaffirming its focus on heartfelt Maldivian hospitality and refined island living.
Described by Condé Nast Johansens as an “over-water, over-indulgent Maldivian island outpost,” Coco Bodu Hithi offers an intimate retreat of comfort and calm. The resort’s 32 Water Villas and 24 Coco Residences, each measuring 184 square metres and featuring private pools, provide secluded spaces set above the lagoon, where nature, design, and comfort come together to reflect the island’s romantic ambience.
Known for contemporary design infused with Maldivian heritage, the resort continues to welcome travellers seeking time by the sea, complemented by culinary collaborations with celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs. The experience balances privacy and comfort throughout a guest’s stay. With turquoise waters, quiet spaces, and experiences designed for connection and shared discovery, the resort presents a considered take on island living.
Located 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the island combines accessibility with seclusion—close enough for convenience, yet removed for privacy and serenity. As part of Coco Collection, the resort offers bespoke experiences, attentive service, and sustainable practices, shaping stays that feel personal and reflective of relaxed, authentic island life.
The Standard, Maldives, the stylish and unconventional resort in Raa Atoll, announces the launch of its most generous offering yet: the Premium All-Inclusive package, timed to complement its highly anticipated Festive 2025 programme. Titled “Unlimited Play – Eat. Sip. Repeat,” the package is designed to provide guests with a hassle-free, elevated island experience, ensuring every moment is infused with fun and luxury without reaching for the wallet. The move reinforces The Standard’s commitment to offering unscripted fun and memorable stays in the Maldives.
The Premium All-Inclusive
The Premium All-Inclusive package covers all daily meals across four dining venues, including the signature specialty restaurants. At the heart of the offering is the unlimited premium beverage programme: guests can enjoy free-flowing Champagne; choose from over 50 premium wines, prosecco, and sparkling selections from around the world; and access top-shelf spirits with crafted cocktails and mocktails available all day and into the late-night hours at Todis and by the pool.
Beyond dining, the package includes further inclusions. Every villa receives a daily replenished, fully stocked mini bar featuring two bottles of premium wine, two spirits, and four beers. For stays of six nights or more, the Ultimate Indulgence is unlocked, granting each adult a complimentary 45-minute spa treatment—either a restorative massage or a DIY hammam experience. In addition, guests receive one complimentary Adventure Time excursion per stay, selecting from a sunset fishing trip, a lucky dolphin cruise, or a romantic sunset cruise.
Festive Season 2025
As the year draws to a close, The Standard, Maldives invites guests to join the Festive 2025 celebrations, an immersive programme that transforms the island into a lively setting of parties and bespoke gastronomy. From Christmas Eve through the New Year, the resort’s playful spirit will feature uniquely Standard activities, decorations, and a curated line-up of entertainment for guests of all ages.
Highlights of the Festive 2025 calendar include exclusive themed beach parties, culinary journeys crafted by international chefs, and dedicated events for families. The celebrations will culminate in a high-energy New Year’s Eve gala with performances, fireworks over the lagoon, and dancing to ring in 2026 in The Standard’s signature style.
“At The Standard, we believe true luxury means freedom; freedom to play, indulge, and live in the moment without a second thought. Our new Premium All-Inclusive is all about that: seamless, generous, and fun. From Champagne breakfasts to late-night cocktails, it’s the easiest decision guests will ever make on holiday,” said Justin Swart, General Manager, The Standard, Maldives.
The Standard, Maldives aims to offer a celebratory experience this year by coupling the convenience of the Premium All-Inclusive with its Festive 2025 programming, setting the stage for a holiday season where preferences are catered to from the first welcome bubbles to the last dance of the New Year.
Celebrating the spirit of modern Maldivian hospitality, VARU by Atmosphere has expanded its culinary offering with two new dining venues: Teppanyaki Over Water and Cellar at NÜ. Designed for both first-time and returning guests seeking authentic, inventive experiences, the additions broaden the resort’s gastronomic landscape.
At Teppanyaki Over Water, seasoned chefs transform the art of teppan grilling into a live culinary performance above the lagoon. Premium seafood, wagyu and sushi are prepared with precision and flair, complemented by sake cocktails and fine soju. The speciality restaurant delivers dishes straight from the grill to the plate, in an ambience that reflects the spirit of Japanese hospitality.
As sunset draws over the Indian Ocean, Cellar at NÜ offers an elegant overwater wine-degustation lounge where evenings unfold with sophistication. Guests can explore rare vintages and special selections paired with curated chocolate, cheese and charcuterie platters. The centrepiece is a six-course Royal Wine Pairing Dinner.
“At VARU, our cuisine, design and service are intuitive and inventively curated,” said Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager of VARU by Atmosphere. “We continue to evolve in meaningful ways. With Teppanyaki Over Water and Cellar at NÜ, we’ve created culinary journeys that are intimate, enriching and true to the island’s generous spirit — offering guests new reasons to return, season after season.”
For special occasions, romantic evenings or those wishing to discover new cuisines, the two overwater venues add an extra layer of indulgence and celebration beyond the VARU Plan™, and are available for guests to pre-book.
Located in North Malé Atoll, VARU by Atmosphere has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025, ranking among the top 1% of listings worldwide. Its signature restaurant, Kaagé, has also received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 for the fifth consecutive year, underscoring the resort’s reputation for dining excellence. With these thoughtfully introduced experiences, VARU by Atmosphere invites guests to embrace an unforgettable, Naturally Maldivian island adventure.
-
Awards1 week agoManta Air named ‘Best Seaplane Company – Indian Ocean Islands’ at 2025 World Luxury Travel Awards
-
News1 week agoThe Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort unveils festive season programme with beachside Christmas, Gatsby-themed New Year
-
News1 week agoCinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives transitions to five-star adults-only resort
-
Action4 days agoSheraton Maldives partners with tennis pro Jackson Withrow, yoga expert Dawn Sim for guest experiences
-
Awards1 week agoMercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
-
Awards1 week agoHat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
-
News1 week agoKuda Villingili Maldives welcomes New Year with music, memories, magic ‘Through the Decades’
-
Featured1 week agoAlila Kothaifaru Maldives aligns festive events with World of Care commitments