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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
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.
At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.
The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.
Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.
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