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CNN explores how luxury tourism in Maldives is heading in a greener direction on ‘The Journey Matters’
Maldives is the world’s lowest lying country, making it incredibly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. With tourism and its related sectors accounting for over 40 percent of the archipelago’s economy, it has become more important than ever for the local travel industry to embrace sustainability. In a brand-new 30-minute special called ‘The Journey Matters’, CNN explores how Maldives’ luxury tourism sector is heading in a greener direction – a move that is increasingly crucial for its future survival.
The programme first travels to the Male Atoll, home to a 45-villa luxury resort called Gili Lankanfushi, where, like the rest of Maldives, the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly obvious. CNN hears from marine biologist Jocelyn Panjikaran, the resort’s sustainability manager who looks after the day-to-day operations of the green initiatives across the property – a role which is now common to resort life in the Maldives, as hotels look to adopt more sustainable practices. CNN also meets Ahmed Majid, the resort’s chief engineer whose first-hand experience of the country’s changing landscape has made him more environmentally conscious and supportive of the evolving sustainability standards.
It’s then off to the Laamu Atoll to meet Aminath Angeela, a sea turtle biologist with the Olive Ridley Project, an NGO working to rescue turtles and their habitats. Around this atoll, the NGO has identified over 730 green and hawksbill sea turtles. Angeela monitors their nesting activity and oversees the overall turtle population in the area. Her work is part of the Maldives Underwater Initiative, spearheaded by the Six Senses Laamu resort located on the atoll, which focuses on research, education, and community outreach to better protect and understand local marine life. The initiative’s research coordinator Miriam Staiger also takes CNN out to see one of the ocean’s most vulnerable species – seagrass.
Next, CNN heads to Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, where chief engineer Priyantha Kulathunga shows us one of the property’s most defining features: a solar panel installation on the roof of the resort’s social hub, made up of nearly a thousand solar panels built over an area of more than 17-thousand square feet. The installation powers the entire resort, including the villas, restaurants, compost and recycling machines, as well as water treatment and bottling stations. The resort’s general manager Brad Calder explains that he’d like to see the resort’s solar initiative scaled up even further, as Kudadoo looks to do more in making the archipelago greener in the future.
Finally, ‘The Journey Matters’ travels to Fari Campus, one of four manmade islands that make up the Fari Islands. Here, CNN meets two young Maldivians who are working their way up in hospitality at the Patina Maldives resort, and hears from them about the changes they hope to bring to the table, such as serving up plant-based food at Patina’s restaurant Roots.
All articles under this series are being published under Destination Maldives on CNN Travel: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/destinations/maldives
Airtimes for 30-minute special:
- Sunday, 9th October at 12:30am, 9:30am and 12:30pm HKT
- Monday, 10th October at 5:30am HKT
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, part of Centara Hotels and Resorts, has marked its first anniversary, highlighting a year of operations as a luxury island resort within The Atollia development.
During its first year, the resort has received international recognition, including being named among Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotels in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 and listed among the Top Ten Best Maldives Resorts in the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
Since opening, the resort has offered a collection of beachfront and overwater villas, along with two- and three-bedroom residences designed to provide privacy and space. Accommodation options include private pools or Jacuzzis, with design elements incorporating contemporary architecture, natural materials and Thai-inspired influences.
The resort’s concept draws on Thai heritage, reflected across its wellness, dining and guest experiences. At SPA Cenvaree Retreat, treatments are inspired by traditional Thai wellness practices. Dining options across the resort include live cooking experiences at The Gallery, Mediterranean-inspired seafood at Bluefin, and beverage offerings at venues such as Sunset Social, The Club and Coco Drift.
Guests can also take part in a range of leisure and recreational activities, including water sports and marine experiences. The resort caters to a variety of travellers, offering facilities for families, including a kids’ club and an entertainment zone for teenagers, as well as spaces for private events, group stays and corporate gatherings.
Commenting on the milestone, Jorge Fernandez said the resort combines elements of Thai heritage with the Maldivian environment to create a distinct guest experience. He noted that recognition received during the first year reflects the resort’s approach to hospitality, sustainability and service, while also acknowledging the role of guests and staff in its development.
As it marks its first anniversary, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives continues to focus on delivering curated guest experiences, with an emphasis on hospitality, design and sustainable operations within the destination.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has introduced a new Beach Reads programme, designed to encourage guests to engage in reading as part of a broader focus on mindful travel and leisure.
The initiative aligns with emerging travel trends highlighting a growing interest in literary-inspired experiences, where travellers seek meaningful activities that combine storytelling with natural surroundings. The programme aims to provide guests with opportunities to disconnect from daily routines and engage in quieter, reflective moments during their stay.
At the centre of the initiative is a rotating Book of the Month, selected to reflect themes such as wellness, nature and exploration. Guests are informed of the selected title prior to arrival and may request a complimentary physical copy, which is delivered by the resort’s Island Curator. The programme is intended to create shared points of engagement among guests, encouraging discussion and interaction through a common reading experience.
From 1 May, selected areas of the resort will be designated as Book Nooks, offering spaces for reading and relaxation. These include shaded cabanas, a netted lounge area within the adults-only The Retreat, and an overwater jetty swing overlooking Maamunagau Lagoon.
The Beach Reads programme also incorporates a personalised approach. Guests are invited to share their reading preferences, including preferred genres and publications, through a pre-arrival form. These preferences are used to curate tailored reading selections, which are made available during their stay.
As part of the initiative, guests are offered plantable bookmarks as a keepsake. The biodegradable bookmarks are designed to be planted after departure, reflecting the resort’s approach to sustainability and providing a reminder of the reading experience during their stay.
Through the Beach Reads programme, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort positions reading as an integrated part of the guest experience, combining leisure, personal reflection and environmental awareness within the island setting.
Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.
Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.
During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.
The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.
Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.
Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.
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