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

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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.

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Dusit expands Maldives’ presence with all-inclusive lifestyle resort near Male

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Thailand-based Dusit Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement with Pearl Atoll Pvt Ltd to manage dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives – a 125-key lifestyle resort on a private island near the main island of Malé.

Currently under construction and slated to open in 4Q 2024, the new resort will operate under Dusit’s upscale dusitD2 brand and will be the company’s first ‘all-inclusive’ property. In addition to spacious overwater villas and family suites ranging from 77 – 319 sq m, the lifestyle-driven resort will boast a kids club, multiple food and beverage outlets, a fully equipped gym, and a signature Namm Spa offering a wide range of Thai massage therapies and beauty treatments. Guests will find three main private beaches to relax on, plus a smaller ‘picnic beach’ for memorable meals on the sands.

Leveraging the resort’s proximity to Velana International Airport, which is only five minutes away by speedboat, the resort’s developers also plan to open a resort-based entertainment hub and small convention centre, catering to guests beyond the core resort experience. These will be announced at a later date and will also be managed by Dusit. Meticulous attention will be paid to ensure all resort elements seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment. Dusit’s group-wide sustainability programme, Tree of Life, will further solidify this commitment by implementing processes and systems that minimise environmental impact.

dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives will be Dusit’s second resort in the Maldives. The company also operates Dusit Thani Maldives, an award-winning luxury resort on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll – the Maldives’ first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

“We are delighted to be expanding our presence in the Maldives with dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, our first all-inclusive resort concept,” said Gilles Cretallaz, COO, Dusit International. “The Maldives is a strategic market for us, and this exciting addition complements our existing presence in the luxury segment by offering a distinct lifestyle experience for families and young couples seeking an unforgettable and accessible Maldivian escape. We are committed to exceeding guest expectations with innovative offerings and exceptional service, and dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives will be a shining example of this unwavering dedication.”

Fan Jianglin, Managing Director, Pearl Atoll Pvt Ltd, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Dusit International to manage our first resort in the Maldives. We were particularly drawn to Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, renowned worldwide for its warmth and attentiveness, and its proven success in the Maldives. dusitD2 Feydhoo’s prime location near Malé International Airport makes it incredibly convenient for guests, and we are confident that under Dusit’s experienced guidance, the resort will be a resounding success.”

Dusit’s portfolio of hotels, resorts, and luxury villas includes approximately 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands across 18 countries worldwide. In the Maldives, the brand runs the Dusit Thani Maldives resort in Baa Atoll.

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Awards

Atmosphere Core wins 4 World Travel Awards

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Atmosphere Core, an international hospitality company, took home four highly-coveted trophies at the 2024 World Travel Awards. This substantial win is an industry wide recognition of the exceptional guest experiences, personalised service and inspiring ‘Joy of Giving’ approach to hospitality that Atmosphere is renowned for.

The company’s ultra-luxury brand, THE OZEN COLLECTION secured two awards. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO received the Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort award, while Royal RESERVE at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI was named Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa. Elegantly designed with sprawling bedrooms, lush gardens and bespoke services, the Royal RESERVE had already won in this category back in 2023.

Two resorts within the company’s Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand also received significant recognition. Atmosphere Kanifushi won Maldives’ Leading Family Resort, clinching this accolade for five consecutive years from 2020 to 2024. The five-star, ‘Naturally Maldivian’ VARU by Atmosphere won the title of Maldives’ Leading Resort, following its 2023 victory in the same category.

The winners were revealed at a dazzling ceremony in Dubai on 6th May, perfectly coinciding with the leading Arabian Travel Market event where Atmosphere Core has a strong presence with its own stand to showcase the beautiful private islands in the Maldives and other upcoming destinations in South Asia. Bassem Nasr El-Ghandour, the Assistant Director of Sales for the Middle East and Ram Bhoyroo the General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi were present to receive the awards.

Stéphane Laguette, Chief Commercial Officer of Atmosphere Core said of their win, “These awards are a recognition of the passion and dedication of all our teams at the resorts who strive to create unforgettable moments for guests, elevating their holiday into a dream private island escape in the beautiful Maldives. World Travel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in the industry, and we are truly privileged to be recognised.”

World Travel Awards celebrates excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Rewarding and celebrating organisations that consistently raise the bar and provide unparalleled services to discerning travellers from all over the globe.

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Heritance Aarah Maldives’ Ocean Suites offer exquisite offerings

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Located in the scenic Raa Atoll, Heritance Aarah Maldives is a 40-minute scenic seaplane ride from Male. Surrounded by panoramic ocean views, the Ocean Suite Wing at Heritance Aarah boasts 26 duplexes over water. With a personal butler service, a private lap pool, direct ocean access from each room, and an exotic array of premium spirits and beverages, guests at Heritance Aarah’s Ocean Suites are offered a dine around experience consisting of 7 restaurants and 5 bars, each with their unique and differentiated offering. In every Ocean Suite is a private wine cellar well stocked with 16 exquisite wines, and a bar replenished twice daily with premium single malts, soft drinks, chocolates, and snacks.

The all-day dine-around concept at Heritance Aarah Maldives, offers a variety of cuisine from around the world. From the vibrant tastes of Maldivian and Sri Lankan gastronomy to ocean-fresh seafood and a premium collection of over 30 special beverages, every meal is a taste of an exotic destination.

The infinity pool, exclusive to the Ocean Suite wing, offers unparalleled relaxation against the backdrop of breathtaking ocean vistas. Ideal for honeymooners seeking a romantic escape or private events, the Ocean Suites wing provides an intimate setting away from the main resort.

In addition to the Ocean Suites, the resort offers a diverse range of accommodations, from elegantly designed Beach Villas to Ocean Villas with glass bottom floors, enveloping guests in the serene rhythms of island life. Beyond the indulgence lies a deeper commitment to sustainability, with Heritance Aarah being the first LEED Gold certified property in the Maldives. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Maldivian culture with a visit to the Live Maldivian Village Museum or restore balance and harmony at the Medi Spa, a sanctuary for the body, mind, and soul, set overwater with stunning views of the eastern coast.

To book your stay, please visit www.heritancehotels.com/aarah.

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