Featured
MOPA, partners launch waste segregation programme in Kudahuvadhoo island

The Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance (MOPA), together with the organisation’s partners and the Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Council officially launched the ON THE GROUND, IN THE SEA: WASTE SEGREGATION MODEL ISLAND KUDAHUVADHOO programme in Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, on Thursday.
The launching ceremony was attended by MOPA officials and Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Council Members, as well as representatives of key partners Male Aerated Water Company Limited (bottlers of “Coca-Cola” beverages), Dhaal Atoll Education Center, Live and Learn, Dhaalu Airport, Manta Air, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Women’s Development Committee, International Pole and Line Fishing, Kudahuvadhoo Waste Management Center and West Marine.
In his opening remarks, the Founder and Chairman of MOPA, Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim highlighted that the Waste Segregation Model Island programme was one of the flagship projects of MOPA. He noted that the programme was conceptualised early last year, and expressed his satisfaction that the endeavour had become a reality, with MOPA being able to handover the much-needed bins and bags required to implement a full-scale segregation of waste on the island. “Kudahuvadhoo can become the first island to fully comply with the new waste management regulation, including segregation at household levels”, he added.
The ceremony at Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Waste Management Center was kick-started by handing over the waste collection bins to officials of the Dh. Kudhuvadhoo Island Council. This was followed by a community awareness and educational session on solid waste management, segregation at source and recycling, which was held at Dhaalu Atoll Education Center. The session was attended by the Centre’s students, their parents and the Members of the Dh. Kudahuvadhoo Council.
MOPA’s initiative provides over 1000 bins in total, with each household being allotted two bins, 4 gunny bags for the collection of Metal & Glass Wastes, Plastic Waste and Other (Mixed Wastes). This allows to complete the facilitation of the households to segregate 4 types of waste (Organic Waste, Plastics, Metal & Glass, Other (mixed wastes) and the waste management centre to efficiently collect and manage the island’s waste. Island Council through the Kudahuvadhoo Waste Management Center (KWMC) then facilitates daily collection from the households and take the segregated waste separately to the KWMC.
MOPA’s program also includes transporting all collected PET bottles from Kudahuvadhoo to Malé. From there, the plastic is exported for recycling by Parley Maldives. Since its inception in September 2020, MOPA has collected over 40 tonnes of plastic.
The programme on Dh. Kudahuvadhoo also involves educating and raising public awareness on solid waste management and recycling. MOPA thanks the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology for their support and assistance in preparing the programme material.
At Thursday’s launching ceremony, Ibrahim Fikuree, the President of the Island Council thanked MOPA and its partners for their support, and reiterated the commitment of the Council and the island community to successfully implement the programme. “We are focused on become the first island to fully comply with the new regulation”, he said.
Family
Island living redefined: Le Méridien Maldives offers enriching family retreat

Set against the backdrop of a tranquil lagoon and unspoilt beaches on the private island of Thilamaafushi in Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa provides an ideal setting for multigenerational travel. Emphasising connection, creativity, and discovery, the resort offers families a tropical haven where shared moments unfold effortlessly—from the stillness of sunrise to the warm hues of Au Soleil’s golden hour.
The resort presents two-bedroom beachfront and overwater villas, thoughtfully designed to balance privacy with shared living. Each villa comprises a master bedroom and twin room, a private pool, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and direct access to either the lagoon or the shoreline. For those seeking greater exclusivity, the three-bedroom Thilamaafushi Beach Villa delivers an expansive indoor-outdoor living experience, complete with a private beach, infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and direct access to the turquoise sea—ideal for larger family holidays or special occasions.
Families are encouraged to build their days around meaningful activities, with curated experiences tailored to all ages. Guests may snorkel the vibrant house reef, take a dolphin cruise, or engage in friendly matches on the padel court. Evenings bring a sense of togetherness, with karaoke, bingo, and open-air cinema creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
Le Méridien’s sun-drenched Au Soleil offers a vibrant gathering space for families to enjoy live music, refreshments, and signature treats. Poolside games and summery beverages are served alongside ocean vistas, while children can savour Le Scoop homemade gelato in a laid-back beachfront setting—an ideal stop between island escapades.
Reinforcing the resort’s dedication to sustainability, the Marine Conservation Hub provides an engaging educational experience for guests of all ages. Families can explore the local marine ecosystem with the resident biologists and take part in hands-on conservation efforts during their visit.
The Greenhouse, one of the Maldives’ largest hydroponic gardens, complements these efforts. Guests are invited to participate in the Family Foraging experience, where they can learn about hydroponic farming, harvest fresh produce together, and enjoy a communal Harvest Table—an experience designed to spark curiosity and environmental mindfulness in younger guests.
At the Le Méridien Family Kids Hub, children are immersed in a world of creative learning. This vibrant space hosts a variety of daily activities including arts and crafts, junior mixology classes, marine awareness sessions, and a signature kids’ night camping experience. While children are engaged, parents can unwind at the overwater Explore Spa, join a Sip & Paint session at La Vie bar, or enjoy bespoke destination dining. Babysitting services are also available for toddlers and infants, ensuring parents can enjoy peaceful moments throughout their stay.
The resort’s six restaurants and bars offer diverse dining experiences suited to every palate. Mediterranean cuisine is served at Riviera, while Japanese specialities and Teppanyaki are featured at Tabemasu. Velaa Bar + Grill offers wood-fired pizzas, and Turquoise provides a broad international menu. Each venue delivers a unique culinary journey, blending global flavours with locally sourced ingredients.
With sweeping views of the ocean and soft white sands, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa promises an enriching family escape where connection, exploration, and joy are seamlessly woven into each day.
Families booking the Family Adventure offer will enjoy a range of added benefits, including complimentary stays and meals for children under 12, daily half-board for the whole family, access to the Kids Hub, daily marine education sessions, non-motorised watersports, and more. The offer is available for bookings and stays through to 31 December 2025.
Featured
Milaidhoo Maldives celebrated for culturally immersive stays by Wanderlust

Milaidhoo Maldives has earned a coveted spot in Wanderlust Magazine’s ‘Wandersleep’ list, celebrated under the ‘Sense of Place’ category for stays that offer a deep connection to their destination. This recognition highlights the resort’s commitment to authenticity, culture, and meaningful travel.
Nestled in the breathtaking Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo is more than a luxury island retreat—it’s an intimate expression of Maldivian heritage. Thoughtfully designed by a local architect, the resort’s aesthetic draws inspiration from traditional Maldivian homes, featuring thatched roofs, open-air living spaces, and the use of natural materials throughout. This careful attention to design fosters a sense of belonging, allowing guests to engage deeply with the spirit of the islands.
Milaidhoo’s identity is rooted in its local ownership. As a proudly Maldivian family-owned resort, it offers not just exceptional service, but genuine warmth and hospitality that reflect the island’s culture. From coral conservation experiences to fishing excursions with local fishermen, every element of the guest journey is curated to offer a sense of connection—to people, to place, and to purpose.
The island’s gentle rhythm of ‘slow living’ invites guests to unwind and embrace island life at its purest. This ethos extends to the culinary experience at Ba’theli, Milaidhoo’s signature restaurant, where traditional dhoni boats float above the lagoon, serving dishes infused with the spices and stories of the Indian Ocean’s ancient maritime routes.
Milaidhoo’s inclusion in Wanderlust’s ‘Wandersleep’ list affirms its status as a destination that goes beyond luxury, offering travellers a meaningful and memorable stay steeped in a true sense of place.
Featured
Renowned holistic practitioner Ranjith Saj brings healing expertise to NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort

NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort is welcoming Ranjith Saj, a renowned holistic practitioner from Kerala, India, for a limited-time residency offering bespoke Ayurvedic and energy healing therapies.
With over 17 years of international spa expertise and a heritage grounded in traditional Indian medicine, Ranjith is celebrated for his intuitive, integrative approach to mind-body wellness. His treatments blend Ayurveda, reflexology, meridian therapy, and energetic detox techniques—ideal for guests seeking both physical rejuvenation and emotional clarity.
During his residency, Ranjith will present a dedicated signature menu, customised to suit individual wellness needs. Each session begins with a personal consultation and is designed to help restore the body’s natural equilibrium.
Signature Treatments:
- Muscle Energy Rebalance: 60 minutes – USD 135 | 90 minutes – USD 210
- Immune Booster Vedic Therapy: 60 minutes – USD 135 | 90 minutes – USD 210
- Foot Reflexology: 60 minutes – USD 135
- Vital Energy Restoration with Shiatsu: 60 minutes – USD 135 | 90 minutes – USD 210
- Blend of Healing (Detox + Reflexology): 75 minutes – USD 150
Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in guided chakra balancing meditations and Qigong movement sessions, enriching their wellness experience and deepening internal harmony.
Set against the backdrop of Havodda’s pristine natural surroundings, these therapies offer a space for profound restoration—where stress melts away, energy realigns, and the body reconnects with a sense of ease.
“This residency reflects our commitment to meaningful wellness,” said the Resort Manager. “Ranjith’s presence offers our guests something more than relaxation — it’s a return to personal connection and inner stillness.”
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