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Gili Lankanfushi announces new ‘Powered by Plants’ package for eco-conscious travellers

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Looking beyond immediate restrictions to sustainable travel news for 2021, much-loved Maldivian eco-resort Gili Lankanfushi is set to introduce a new ‘Powered by Plants’ package; a series of plant-based offerings and nature-based experiences to continue to strive to reduce the resort’s impact on the planet, and further facilitate responsible travellers in honouring their natural surroundings.

A recent survey from Original Travel on post-coronavirus travel showed that 30 per cent of respondents will want to travel more sustainably once restrictions are lifted and McKinsey’s report on luxury consumption post-crisis anticipates an intensified desire for more responsible consumption amongst luxury consumers.

Arriving at the resort, guests will settle into their villa with sweet vegan treats, feather and wool-free bedding and a complimentary bottle of reef-safe Australian gold botanic sunscreen so they can take a dip in the crystal clear ocean safe in the knowledge that they are protecting the surrounding eco-system.

Located in the languid waters of the North Male Atoll, just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Male, the resort’s 45 villas offer open-air living spaces, roof terraces and private decks with direct access to the lagoon below.

Its furnishings are inspired by the island and made by skilled craftsman using upcycled materials such as bed frames made from recycled teakwood and lampshades handwoven with recycled wire mesh to feature fish and sea turtles.

Whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner, guests will be treated to colourful and balanced plant-based menus, drawing inspiration from Maldivian culinary traditions and carefully crafted by Gili Lankanfushi’s executive chef Hari Govindaraj using organic herbs, vegetables and fruits lovingly grown in the resort’s very own organic garden without using harmful pesticides. Signature dishes include; Aloe Vera & Beetroot Tartar with Arugula and Seared Radish & Spinach Cannelloni.

All of the resort’s food waste will be processed in an advanced rocket composter, producing natural fertiliser which will continue to nurture the island’s extensive organic garden.

Nature-based days will begin with intention as guests will enjoy a private vinyasa flow yoga class on the beach before accompanying a local marine biologist on a guided snorkelling session, learning about Gili Lankanfushi’s pioneering Coral Lines Project which provides a nursery environment for new corals to grow, bolstering the house reef and monitoring survival types across coral genotypes.

The island’s dedicated marine biology team monitor the health and biodiversity of the ecosystems, measure light intensity and sea temperature, whilst also identifying and tracking manta ray and turtle populations, to educate guests about the underwater world through the guided trips.

They will also offer a new programme of additional lectures at their dedicated research centre, Gili Veshi.

For those eager to try their hand at a new skill to take home, there is the opportunity to learn plant-based tricks of the trade from Chef Hari in a private Gili Vegan Cooking Class where guests will prepare Maldivian curries, juices and smoothies using fresh ingredients found in the gardens.

After a full day of outdoor pursuits, guests can retreat to the blissfully secluded Meera Spa and enjoy a holistic and healing treatment using cruelty-free vegan products such as Voya’s ‘Serenergise’ body oil and ‘Feel the Heat’ warming gel to rejuvenate the body.

Powered by Plants at Gili Lankanfushi starts from $4,285 for five nights’ accommodation including all meals during the stay from Chef Hari’s plant based menus, plant-based in-room amenities, a Gili Vegan Cooking Class, a private dinner under the stars, a 60 minute treatment of choice, a private vinyasa flow yoga class, a guided snorkel with a marine biologist, and domestic transfers.

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Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar

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The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.

The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.

Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.

The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.

Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.

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Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground

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Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.

The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.

Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.

The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.

The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.

Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.

Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.

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World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.

The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.

Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.

InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.

Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.

The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.

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