Featured
Kandima Maldives turns off lights to tune in for Earth Hour 2022
Every year, at 20:30 for one hour on the last Saturday of March, supporters in over 190 countries come together to celebrate the oh-so splendid nature. Earth Hour is more than just an hour of lights-out, it’s a movement for the future of generations to come and the vibrant Mother Nature.
This year on March 26, 2022 for Earth Hour, Kandima Maldives contributed to this global spirit of saving the planet by not just turning the lights down but also hosting an Earth Hour inspired special celebration for its guests. Kandima installed and created a ceremony in the Maldivian waters to mark the Earth Hour.
The ceremony started with the global identity logo with the 60+ symbolic Earth Hour sign, through fire lighting on the serene waters in front of the healthy Mediterranean restaurant, Azure for a barefoot BBQ under the stars. The event in itself was spectacular coupled with the beach candle lights, oh-so gourmet freshly grilled delicacies from around the world lulled by the romantic music of the live guitarist on vocals creating an enchanting moment. Now that’s a stylish way to end the night while relishing in the beauty and serenity of a tropical island!
Neeraj Seth, Cluster Director of Marketing Communication & Public Relations, Kandima Maldives and Nova Maldives, expressed, “As part of Kandima Maldives consistent efforts to bring more sustainability and awareness for the environment, internal and external eco-friendly practices, sustainability at the heart of designing guests activity offering is basic at Kandima. Our brand stands for being ‘rooted’ and so do our day to day running of the resort. We believe in leaving things a little better when they were found. So, we do make sure we do our little part by offering sustainability led activities at our oh-so exciting island desti(nation)”
Also on the cards for the Earth Hour was the Zero Mile Cocktail at the Breeze Bar! Made from freshly grown ingredients from the Fresh Labs on this kool island desti(nation), the Zero Mile cocktail is an explosion of freshness and flavours from locally sourced fruits and other ingredients! What’s even kooler is that it was complimentary for all the Kandima in-house kool cats to be part of the celebration for the whole day! Also did we mention that it was lights-out across this game-changing island desti(nation)? Paving the way for the sustainable Maldives, Kandima strongly believes in reducing their carbon footprint by actively taking innovative steps.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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