News
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands celebrates 2023 ocean conservation highlights

Forming part of the coveted Fari Islands’ lifestyle concept, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has been championing environmental education since its opening in 2021. A destination that’s fast become an iconic addition to the Indian Ocean, is also home to a hub of innovation when it comes to environmental conservation. The resort steps lightly in to 2024 celebrating its continued dedication to the protection of our natural world.
‘Eye in the Sky’ Drone Technology
Spearheaded by resort naturalists and a progressive research community, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ sophisticated ocean plastics’ monitoring program works to conserve one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems with the use of drones. In partnership with British PhD researcher Melissa Schiele, drone technology has been developed and deployed in and around the atoll to better understand the location and movement of ocean plastics, including discarded fishing nets (ghost nets). With immediate impact resort teams are able to locate and remove otherwise hard to find debris identified by drones.
In 2023 the resort’s naturalist team and dive network removed 19 ghost nets with an estimated weight of 1100kg. These ghost nets travel in to the east Indian Ocean via strong ocean winds and currents experienced in the region from mid-December. In 2023, the resort successfully rescued five olive ridley sea turtles found entangled in abandoned nets. Two turtles were released immediately, with three rehabilitated by the Olive Ridley Project’s veterinary team at the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre in Baa Atoll, before a successful reintroduction to the ocean. A rehabilitated turtle named ‘Muraka’, released on the 16th of August 2023, was fitted with a GPS tracking device to allow guests and followers to trace her journey.
Since opening, the resort has achieved 751 drone flights aiding critical research in to plastic aggregation, location of ghost nets and ongoing monitoring of wildlife. In a first-of-its-kind image collection and data processing project, impressive data from the drone initiative was drawn for collaborative use to inform, educate and drive positive change long-term. Over 21 ocean species were observed in 2023, from the Ornate Eagle Ray, Black Tip Reef Shark to Melon-Headed Whale.*
Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program
Home to the Maldives’ first Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continues to collaborate with the world-renowned oceanographic explorer and environmentalist to provide guest experiences with preservation of the planet at its core. In 2023 the program planted 40 coral frames as part of its coral regeneration initiative, using coral frags from the Pocillapora (Cauliflower corals) and the Acropora (Table coral). 25 of these abundant nursery frames, and successful new habitats for ocean life, can be seen by guests in the shallow waters of the resort’s welcome jetty on arrival.
The resort will welcome Jean-Michel Cousteau in 2024 from the 8th to 18th April. An inspired educational residency will include exclusive guest experiences and Q&As with the legendary explorer.
Community Footprints
As part of its Community Footprints’ programming, and with focus on environmental awareness for the planet’s future generations, the resort’s relationships with local schools enable visits with its naturalist teams to share research and educate. In 2023 five educational excursions to local islands took place including schools in Dhiffushi and Gaafaru. The visits took a deep dive in to ocean conservation, from the environmental impact of ocean plastics, insights from the resort community’s drone research and shared observations of wildlife in the surrounding atoll. Presentations of ground-breaking research from the resort’s ‘Visiting Heroes’ programme included the work of renowned shark scientist Gibbs Kuguru and his conservation work tagging Blacktip Reef Sharks.
Closer to home, the resort was proud to engage in ten global environmental dates. Educational and inspired activities worked to raise awareness surrounding key calendar dates including; World Shark Day, World Dolphin Day, Ocean Clean Up Day, and Earth Day. A continuation of its Community Footprints programming, 11 beach clean-ups invited guests to support ocean debris collection on resort shores and the local islands of Dhiffushi and Gaafaru.
Creating a Sustainable Environment for the Future
The resort continues to grow its commitment to sustainable practices in its day-to-day operations, from increasing its production of renewable energy via its solar power infrastructure, purification of still and sparkling drinking water at its dedicated plant, treating greywater for landscaping, and a robust composting programme for daily food waste.
With a considered approach to luxury living, guests can expect to use reusable glass water bottles, bamboo-based personal consumables, refillable jars of amenities, and bamboo and stainless-steel straws. Organic Bamford amenities, with shared sensibilities of living consciously and in harmony with nature, are replenished on-site, while the resort’s desalination plant reduces the amount of plastic imported into the country.
For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives and for real-time updates follow the resort on Facebook and Instagram.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru weaves wellbeing into World Wellness Weekend celebrations

Angsana Velavaru is marking World Wellness Weekend with a series of holistic activities designed to support physical and mental wellbeing. From 19 to 21 September, the resort is hosting three days of complimentary sessions led by its in-house yoga instructor.
Each morning begins with aqua aerobics at the Kuredhi Pool, combining gentle resistance and the movement of water to awaken the body. On 20 September, attention shifts to an evening sunset yoga session, guiding participants through a flow of movement and breath as the sun sets over the island. The programme concludes on 21 September with sunrise yoga on the beach, a practice blending pranayama and ashtanga elements in the calm of dawn.
The resort’s wellness approach extends beyond the weekend, with a range of treatments available at the award-winning Angsana Spa. Therapists draw upon traditional Asian techniques to restore balance and energy, offering treatments such as body polishes, facials, and holistic massages with natural ingredients. Guests may also take part in personalised wellness rituals designed to nurture both body and mind.
Located in South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru integrates wellbeing into the island experience. From yoga and spa therapies to the tranquil pace of island life, the resort provides an environment where health and renewal are at the centre of the guest experience.
News
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa welcomes Dr Jyoti Kodwani for festive wellness programme

This festive season, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa unveils a unique wellness collaboration designed to inspire deep renewal and inner alignment. From 15 December 2025 to 15 January 2026, the resort’s Vidhun Spa will host Dr. Jyoti Kodwani, known as “Jazz”, the visionary founder of The Sacred Chakras, for an exclusive residency offering transformative therapies rooted in ancient wisdom and modern wellness science.
Nestled in the untouched Huvadhu Atoll, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is renowned for its immersive natural beauty, sustainability ethos, and mindful luxury. Dr. Kodwani’s approach seamlessly aligns with the island’s spirit—offering guests the chance to reconnect, release, and restore through personalized healing experiences.
With over a decade of yogic immersion, Dr. Kodwani specializes in emotional and mental well-being, biohacking for longevity, and energy healing. Her diverse background includes training in sound therapy, breathwork, trauma release, chakra healing, Pilates, and neuroscience-based modalities, allowing for a deeply integrated healing experience.
During her residency, guests will have access to a thoughtfully curated range of therapeutic sessions, including:
- Cupping Therapy – A traditional healing technique that stimulates circulation, eases tension, and supports detoxification.
- Mukha Vedha Reflexology & Sensory Activation – A multisensory experience using facial reflexology, Ayurvedic rituals, and acupressure to restore energetic balance.
- Sacred Immersion: In-Water Sound Ritual – A deeply calming floatation experience using vibrational sound healing in warm water for cellular-level relaxation.
- Quantum Alignment Brainwave & Chakra Synchronization – A fusion of brainwave entrainment and chakra work for inner clarity and conscious reset.
- Shoonya Flow Yin & Sound Healing – A meditative session combining Yin yoga and therapeutic sound to release stored tension and elevate emotional well-being.
- Golden Energy Activation & Manifestation Ritual – A sacred energy cleansing ceremony designed to awaken clarity, intuition, and intention.
Guests are invited to begin their journey with a complimentary consultation, allowing Dr. Kodwani to recommend a personalized pathway to healing based on each individual’s emotional and energetic needs.
“Our collaboration with Dr. Jyoti Kodwani brings a rare depth of healing and presence to the island,” says Anshul Sharma, General Manager of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. “Her work beautifully complements our vision of Hadahaa as a sanctuary for conscious living—where guests reconnect with themselves and nature in its purest form.”
This limited-time wellness residency is available exclusively during the festive season and is by appointment only.
Tucked within one of the most untouched and biodiverse atolls in the Maldives, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is a refined escape rooted in nature and authenticity. With just 51 luxurious villas and an award-winning 360° house reef, the resort invites travelers to experience the beauty of simplicity and the richness of mindful connection. A proud recipient of the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating, Hadahaa stands as a beacon of eco-luxury and heartfelt service.
Discover the resort’s full calendar of seasonal celebrations, special events, and exclusive experiences in its Festive Brochure. To learn more or to make a reservation, please contact reservations.parkhadahaa@hyatt.com or visit www.experienceparkhyattmaldives.com.
Honeymoon
Honeymoon in style: Exclusive romantic benefits at Ayada Maldives

Set amidst a postcard-perfect setting of powdery sands and turquoise seas, Ayada Maldives is a sanctuary made for love. A favourite among newlyweds and couples alike, the resort offers a seamless blend of privacy, indulgence, and romance, making it an ideal escape for honeymooners seeking something extraordinary.
To make each celebration even more special, Ayada Maldives now offers exclusive honeymoon benefits for couples staying four nights or more. The experience begins with a warm welcome: a bottle of sparkling wine in the villa, setting the tone for what will be a truly memorable getaway.

Guests can indulge in a beautifully curated in-villa breakfast, served once during the stay, a private moment to savour the island’s calm beauty together. And to elevate the experience further, honeymooners enjoy a romantic dinner for two at one of Ayada’s signature restaurants: either the Asian Kai Restaurant or the breezy, oceanfront Ocean Breeze. The set menu features dishes that celebrate global flavours and local inspirations, crafted for an intimate evening under the stars.

Known for its expansive villas, lush gardens, and personalised service, Ayada is designed for moments that matter. Couples can choose from overwater suites, beach villas with private pools, or even a secluded sunset-facing haven, all with the added benefit of thoughtful experiences tailored for two.
For couples beginning a new chapter, Ayada Maldives is more than a destination, it is the perfect setting to fall in love all over again.
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