Lifestyle
Ultimate guide to eco-friendly travel in Maldives
Dreaming of an idyllic vacation that leaves behind not only beautiful memories, but also positive impacts? Then, look no further than the breathtaking OBLU SELECT Sangeli Resort, an eco-friendly, paradise awaits your exploration.
With a commitment to sustainability, a revolutionary conservation initiative and the Sangeli Muraka Project, this resort offers travellers an unforgettable experience, all while preserving the pristine beauty of the Maldives.
Nestled in the heart of the Maldives, OBLU SELECT Sangeli Resort beckons travellers seeking luxury and adventure in equal measures. These travel tips serve as a beacon for conscious travellers, providing insights into sustainable practices that not only protect the environment, but also enhance their overall travel experience.
Reef-Friendly Sunscreen: A Must-Have Companion
As guests prepare to bask in the Maldivian sunshine, the importance of choosing reef-friendly sunscreen cannot be overstated. Traditional sunscreens containing harmful chemicals like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate can devastate coral reefs, leading to bleaching and long-term damage. OBLU SELECT Sangeli Resort offers a solution with its exclusive collection of Rash Guards. Crafted from recycled plastic bottles gathered from ocean waste, these Rash Guards provide UPF50 sun protection while ensuring the health of the marine ecosystem.
Education for Preservation
Embracing the principles of ecotourism, OBLU SELECT Sangeli encourages travellers to educate themselves about the natural wonders of the Maldives before setting foot on its shores. Understanding the fragility of seashells as potential homes for hermit crabs and the vitality of coral reefs as living organisms fosters a deeper connection with the environment. OBLU SELECT Sangeli Resort emphasises the mantra “Collect Anything But Memories,” encouraging guests to leave no trace and cherish the untouched beauty of the islands.
Sangeli Muraka Project: Crafting Change
In response to the alarming decline of coral reefs worldwide due to various environmental threats, OBLU SELECT Sangeli initiated the Sangeli Muraka Project in January 2019. This visionary project includes coral restoration, wildlife identification, community outreach, reef clean-ups and ghost net upcycling.
Adopt-a-Turtle and Embrace Sustainable Fashion
Through the Sangeli Muraka Project, guests can participate in impactful conservation efforts. Handmade crocheted sea turtle and manta ray soft toys, crafted by local artisans, serve as memorable souvenirs and symbolize support for reef preservation. Upon purchase of the toy, guests can choose the individual turtle to adopt and will receive a certificate of adoption as well as regular updates every time the turtle is resighted.
Furthermore, the resort’s collaboration with OceanЯ brings forth a line of eco-apparel made from 100% recycled polyester, equivalent to removing 1kg of plastic from the ocean. Additionally, colourful bracelets and sea turtle keychains, repurposed from discarded ghost nets, showcase the resort’s dedication to marine conservation.
Sustainability at OBLU SELECT Sangeli Resort
Committed to sustainability, OBLU SELECT Sangeli Resort proudly boasts its Green Globe certification. With a strong focus on responsible island ecosystem management, the resort leads by example in sustainable drinking water solutions and support for local communities. Each stay at the resort contributes to the preservation of the Maldives’ natural wonders.
Coral Conservation: A Triumph Over Adversity
Under the expert care of in-house Marine Biologists, the coral nursery at the resort’s main lagoon has flourished. Over 150 metal frames housing more than 7,000 fragments have been meticulously placed, nurturing the growth of a lush coral cover. Visitors can now witness the resurgence of marine life, including parrotfish, snappers, eagle rays, sharks and various other fish species and invertebrates.
Green Operations for a Greener Stay
OBLU SELECT Sangeli Resort’s commitment to sustainable operations encompasses biodegradable cleaning agents, saltwater desalination for potable water and efficient waste management practices. The resort’s twin-chamber incinerators and state-of-the-art compactors significantly reduce environmental impact. Furthermore, treated wastewater finds new life in irrigation and gardening, ensuring responsible water consumption.
For more information about OBLU SELECT Sangeli Resort’s eco-friendly travel tips and commitment to sustainability, please visit https://www.coloursofoblu.com/oblu-select-sangeli/sustainability
Entertainment
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives welcomes British duo The Whiskey Brothers for live performances
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is turning up the volume this October as The Whiskey Brothers bring their signature live performances to CROSSROADS Maldives for two evenings of music, energy and island entertainment.
Known for their engaging performances and distinctive musical style, The Whiskey Brothers will bring their sound to two of the destination’s vibrant venues, creating memorable evenings against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives.
The duo will kick off their performances at Hard Rock Cafe Maldives on 27 October 2026. Open to the public, including local residents, expats, and visitors, the evening invites music lovers to come together and experience the electrifying atmosphere of Hard Rock Cafe, where great music, dining and entertainment take centre stage.

On 28 October 2026, The Whiskey Brothers will continue their island performance at The Elephant & The Butterfly, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ signature beachfront restaurant. This exclusive performance is reserved for resort guests, offering an intimate evening of live music in a relaxed tropical setting.
The performances reflect Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ commitment to bringing its iconic music-inspired DNA to life through dynamic entertainment, engaging experiences and vibrant island programming.
Located within CROSSROADS Maldives, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives continues to celebrate the spirit of music, entertainment and island living.
Event Details:
- 27 October 2026 | 9:00 PM – 9:45 PM Venue: Hard Rock Cafe Maldives; open to the public, including locals, expats and visitors
- 28 October 2026 | 7:30 PM – 8:15 PM Venue: The Elephant & The Butterfly, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives; exclusive to resort guests
Entertainment
Former Savoy Hotel pianist Richard Sully to perform at V Villas Maldives at Mirihi
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection has announced a residency by British pianist Richard Sully from 4 to 9 November 2026, featuring a series of live performances alongside dining experiences, sunset cruises and evening gatherings across the resort.
Sully, a former resident pianist at London’s Savoy Hotel, has performed at venues across Britain and internationally. His repertoire includes popular music, light jazz, classic standards and compositions from film and theatre, which he performs entirely from memory.
The residency will begin on 4 November with sundowner cocktails and a Lobster Extravaganza on the beach, accompanied by a live piano performance. The opening evening will combine music with beachfront dining.
On 5 November, Sully will perform at AKOYA Sea Lounge, offering guests an evening of live music in the resort’s oceanfront setting.
The programme will continue on 7 November with a sunset cruise aboard the Mirihi Thari Sailing Yacht, bringing the musical experience onto the Indian Ocean.
On 8 November, Sully will present a sundowner performance at Muraka, before concluding his residency with a final evening performance at AKOYA Sea Lounge on 9 November.

The five scheduled experiences form part of the resort’s efforts to incorporate live entertainment into its dining and leisure offerings, allowing guests to enjoy music in different settings across the island.
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, part of the MGallery Collection, offers beach and overwater accommodation, oceanfront dining and marine experiences. The November residency will add a series of music-focused activities to the resort’s guest experience programme.
Fashion
KAYALI showcases Maldives as luxury brand destination with first global trip
Global fragrance brand KAYALI, founded by beauty entrepreneur Mona Kattan, selected Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa as the destination for its first-ever global brand trip, bringing together international content creators, influencers and media representatives for an experience combining fragrance, wellness and Maldivian island hospitality.
Held in September 2026, the event, titled KAYALI Island Spraycation, marked a milestone in the brand’s international engagement strategy. The programme featured two exclusive trips designed for its influencer and media communities, providing participants with opportunities to experience the brand’s fragrances alongside the resort’s accommodation, wellness facilities and marine excursions.

The Maldives was selected because of Kattan’s personal connection with the destination, which she has frequently described as one of her favourite places. Her experiences in the country have also influenced KAYALI’s fragrance development, including its Vacay in a Bottle collection, which draws inspiration from travel and destinations.

Located in North Malé Atoll, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa provided the setting for several brand activations, with villas, wellness experiences and guest activities incorporating KAYALI’s fragrances and visual identity.

Upon arrival, participants were welcomed with personalised amenities, fragrance collections and branded gifts. Guest accommodation featured KAYALI products, robes and sleep accessories, while the resort’s hospitality team collaborated on themed turndown experiences and personalised arrangements.

One of the programme’s highlights was a wellness experience at ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island, the resort’s dedicated wellness sanctuary. Inspired by KAYALI’s Yum Lip & Body Collection, the House of Yum: Layer With Love experience introduced participants to body care and fragrance layering through treatments and product demonstrations.

The itinerary also included the KAYALI Scent Lab, an interactive session exploring fragrance ingredients, formulation and the Middle Eastern tradition of combining different scents.
Kara Davis, the brand’s Vice President of Global Marketing, and Robert Nasser Sabet, Director of Global Sales and Education, guided participants through the development of KAYALI fragrances and the techniques used to combine different scent profiles.

Participants were introduced to fragrances from the brand’s portfolio, including Vanilla | 28, Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar | 42 and Yum Boujee Marshmallow | 81. They also received an exclusive preview of an unreleased KAYALI fragrance ahead of its planned October 2026 launch.

Beyond the fragrance sessions, the programme incorporated resort dining, themed entertainment and ocean experiences. A KAYALI movie night, inspired by the brand’s Boujee Kitty Caramel Milk fragrance, brought participants together for an evening of entertainment and personalised hospitality.

Guests also joined a dolphin-watching excursion aboard the Perfume Princess yacht, providing an opportunity to experience the marine environment surrounding the resort. The programme concluded with a farewell dinner that brought together participants from different international markets.

The trip followed previous KAYALI destination-based activations, including a visit to Cappadocia, Türkiye, associated with the launch of its Freedom fragrance collection in late 2025. However, the Maldives event represented the brand’s first global trip bringing together its international creator and media communities.

Founded in 2018, KAYALI has developed an international following through its fragrance collections and emphasis on scent layering. The Maldives trip formed part of its efforts to engage content creators and media through experiences that extend beyond traditional product launches.

For Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, the collaboration demonstrated the property’s capacity to accommodate international luxury brand events requiring customised accommodation, wellness programmes, dining and recreational activities.

The event also highlighted the Maldives’ potential as a destination for global beauty, fashion and lifestyle brand activations, where international brands can combine product storytelling with resort hospitality and destination experiences.

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