News
Canareef Resort Maldives marks environment week with series of impactful activities
From June 1st to June 8th, 2024, Canareef Resort Maldives has hosted a series of environmental, sustainable, and educational activities in celebration of World Reef Day, World Environment Day, World Ocean Day, and Global Wellness Day. This week-long event, aptly named Environment Week, showcased the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and ocean conservation. Through engaging and meaningful activities, Canareef involved both guests and staff in initiatives designed to preserve the pristine environment of the Maldives, establishing a tradition that underscores the resort’s dedication to environmental sustainability.
World Reef Day – June 1: Coral Transplanting
Kicking off Environment Week on June 1st, Canareef Resort commemorated World Reef Day with a coral transplanting event at Bar-Kuda Beach. This initiative aimed to preserve and restore the precious coral reefs, which are critical ecosystems under threat from climate change and human activities.
The featured coral, an Acropora Latistella (branching coral), was transplanted into the lagoon between Canareef Island and a nearby uninhabited island at a depth of approximately 3.5 meters. This location was chosen for its controlled environment and favorable water flow, which provide ideal conditions for coral growth and easy access for caregivers.
World Environment Day – June 5: A 100 for the Environment! Tree Planting
On June 5th, in celebration of World Environment Day, Canareef’s team and guests came together to plant trees around the resort, reinforcing their commitment to a sustainable future. Each sapling planted is a testament to their dedication to protecting the planet.
Guests had the opportunity to contribute to reforestation efforts by planting 100 fruit and vegetable trees throughout Canareef. These included mango, coconut, and drumstick trees, among others. By planting these trees, the resort is not only helping to mitigate climate change but also creating habitats for local wildlife and enhancing sustainability.
World Ocean Day – June 7: Awareness Program and Nurdle Hunt
In honor of World Ocean Day on June 7th, Canareef Resort, in collaboration with Maldivian environmental expert Shaziya Saeed, hosted a special awareness program. This session educated guests, team members, and local students from Seenu Atoll School on the crucial role of ocean conservation.
Saeed’s engaging presentation covered topics such as the phenomenon of milky seas, coral growth, the ocean’s contribution to oxygen production, and ways to protect our seas. Following the program, participants applied their newfound knowledge during a fun and impactful nurdle hunt at Meera Beach, cleaning the shoreline of these harmful plastic pellets.
Global Wellness Day – June 8: Wellness Activities
To celebrate Global Wellness Day on June 8th, Canareef Resort organized a series of activities promoting physical and mental well-being. The day began with a rejuvenating yoga and meditation session at Dhoni Bar for guests and staff, focusing on breathwork and mindfulness to foster a sense of centeredness and renewal.
In partnership with Maldivian Aero, the resort also hosted a 2K run and walk, starting at Meera Bar and ending at Bar-Kuda Beach. This event encouraged participants to stay active and create lasting memories under the beautiful Maldivian night sky.
Canareef Resort Maldives is dedicated to operating sustainably and responsibly, while offering authentic guest experiences. The resort prioritizes eco-friendly practices through initiatives such as reducing energy and water usage, managing waste to minimize plastic use, supporting community development, and investing in renewable energy. Additionally, the resort focuses on conservation efforts and preserving local heritage and cultural practices.
By adhering to these environmental practices, Canareef aims to minimize its impact and carbon footprint, while contributing to the socio-economic well-being of the communities it serves. The successful execution of Environment Week highlights Canareef’s ongoing dedication to preserving the environment and its role as a steward of the Maldives’ natural beauty.
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
-
Cooking6 days agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
Action1 week agoMichael Owen leads Easter football camp at Avani+ Fares Maldives
-
News1 week agoThe Standard Maldives targets Chinese market with new all-inclusive programme
-
Cooking6 days agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept
-
Action1 week agoRadisson Blu Maldives image shortlisted for Monaco environmental award
-
Business1 week agoCoca-Cola Maldives launches World Cup-themed promotion
-
News1 week agoMilaidhoo Maldives welcomes visiting Thai healer for spa residency
-
News1 week agoBeneath and beyond the reef, Machchafushi Island tells a story of nature