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Hawksbill Turtle nests protected at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has taken steps to secure the nests of hundreds of eggs from a returning Hawksbill Turtle who has selected the western shores of the private island paradise as her nesting beach.

“We are thrilled to have discovered the nest which is a good indication that the turtles feel safe and welcome at Kandooma,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

“The Hawksbill Sea Turtles are critically endangered and it’s our responsibility to protect our environment, ecosystems and keep these beautiful creatures safe. Education plays a big part in what we do at Kandooma helping our guests to understand the journey and how precious the nests are.”

Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys Imbricate) have the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Status as critically endangered. The turtles are understood to live 30-50 years and range in size from 66 to 95cm at maturity. Maturity is not defined by age, it varies and depends on food availability. The turtles, carnivores, mate approximately every two years in secluded lagoons off their nesting beaches. They nest two to five times per season and in the Maldives with the warm Indian Ocean the females lay an average of 100 to 180 eggs per nest. The incubation period is approximately two months.

Mark explains that the turtles go from the water up the beaches to the vegetation line to nest. When nesting is not spotted in progress, shallow track marks left in the sand up to 85cm wide with the telltale symmetrical marks that the forelimbs make are a solid indication.

“Our team will now monitor the nests and as it becomes closer to the big day when the eggs hatch, the protective nets around the nests will be removed to allow the baby turtles to start their life’s journey. It’s pretty neat to see, albeit from a distance,” Mark said.

Mark explains that the Resort has some simple rules in place at the island regarding hatchlings including no bright lights, no loud noises, take care where you walk, and if you see a hatchling disoriented or heading inland, gently turn it around to face the sea and alert one of the staff. The nests are fenced to protect them from people stepping on the nest as it is soft sand from top to bottom. The hatched turtles have to climb out of the nest as they mimic swimming in the sea.

“Only 1 in 1,000 will make it to maturity. The turtles have many predators, among them humans, sharks, triggerfish and grouper, while discarded nets known as Ghost nets as well as erosion are also a threat,” adds Mark.

Located in the South Male atoll just 40 minutes from the airport by boat, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful, natural island paradise.  White sand beaches, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters form the backdrop for leisure pursuits and some of the best scuba diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas.  Families are well catered for with a choice of 2- and 3-bed villas and the Kandoo Kids’ Club with its fun activities programme.  Six food and beverage outlets ensure healthy appetites are satisfied and the flavours of the Maldives are explored.  Guests seeking time out and relaxation will enjoy sun-loungers and hammocks dotted around the island.  Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers a tranquil escape for body and mind.

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‘The Curse of the Vigani’ takes over Oaga Art Resort this Halloween

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On October 31, Oaga ArtResort invites guests on a Dhathuru to the island of Maaranfushi, where a day of beachside BBQ, traditional Maldivian picnic fare, live music and games slowly gives way to something much darker.

As sundown approaches, Dhon Hassanube makes his first appearance at Oaga, introducing guests to the story of the Vigani, a mysterious demon once bound to Maaranfushi to protect the islands of the Maldives from its curse. But with the Vigani said to have returned, Hassanube has some explaining to do.

The story will unfold across the island, with new characters and mysterious entities revealed along the way. Guests are guided through an island tour, meeting those caught within the curse and uncovering fragments of its story as they go. What begins as a Dhathuru soon becomes a Cursed trick or treating Island Tour, leading to unexpected encounters, storytelling and a Halloween special dinner at Kaa Kada.

The soundtrack to the story comes courtesy of Project Groove, bringing live music to the Dhathuru, while Amney and Faudi take the stage at Kaa Kada for an evening of live storytelling and music. The final chapter unfolds at Raa Baa, where Suvāsthi’s Unethical Projection brings the tale of the Vigani to life before Cursed Groove takes over for a night of Halloween revelry.

For families and younger guests, Fiyoh Kids Club has its own little Dhathuru of Halloween fun, with trick or treat basket decorating, costume making, games and playful activities for young explorersto create their own chapter of the story.

From the first clues at Maaranfushi to the final chapter at Raa Baa, this Halloween invites guests to become part of a story that unfolds around them. Come curious, follow the clues and keep an eye out for who, or what, you might meet along the way.

The Curse of the Vigani awaits at Oaga Art Resort this Halloween.

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Fushifaru Maldives unveils five-day celebration for ninth anniversary

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Nine divine years of this exquisite island paradise in Lhaviyani Atoll… Fushifaru Maldives gears up to celebrate its ninth anniversary this October with a special programme of experiences taking place from 20 to 24 October 2026, culminating in the resort’s official anniversary celebration on 24 October.

Over the past nine years, Fushifaru has established itself as an award-winning boutique resort in The Maldives known for its intimate barefoot island atmosphere, personalised service, rich Maldivian character and memorable guest experiences.

To mark the occasion, the resort has created a programme designed to bring guests, team members and the island community together in true #FeelingFantastic spirit. Celebrations will begin with Bodukakka–Guest Chef Challenge, inviting guests to team up with Fushifaru’s culinary team for a friendly cooking competition inspired by local flavours. Guests can also take part in a SUP Race around the island, with the winner receiving a romantic sandbank dinner for two.

Guests will also witness Fushifaru’s connection to the natural environment through Coral Planting and Guided Snorkelling, offering guests the opportunity to contribute to marine conservation while exploring the island’s underwater world.

The celebrations will culminate on 24 October with Fushifaru’s official 9th Anniversary Celebration, bringing together guests and the Fushifaru team for an evening dedicated to nine years of memories, friendships and exceptional experiences. The milestone reflects Fushifaru’s continued focus on creating meaningful and authentic Maldivian experiences while building lasting relationships with guests from around the world.

For Fushifaru sales enquiries and bookings, please contact reservations@fushifaru.com or visit www.fushifaru.com.

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Meyyafushi celebrates first anniversary with three days of island experiences

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Meyyafushi will celebrate its first anniversary from 1 to 3 November 2026 with a three-day programme of wellness, gastronomy, entertainment, culture and meaningful island experiences.

The anniversary marks an important milestone for the five-star Premium All-Inclusive resort, which has spent its first year welcoming guests to experience its distinctive combination of contemporary luxury, immersive dining, recreation and connection. To celebrate, Meyyafushi has curated a programme showcasing some of the resort’s most memorable experiences.

The festivities will begin with a serene Sunrise Floating Sound Bath at the Sky Lounge, offering guests a peaceful start to the celebrations, a Golden Cocktail Hour and Gala Dinner await in the evening, followed by a vibrant Glow in the Dark Grand Party.

The second day will focus on both sustainability and gastronomy. Guests will be invited to join a Coral Planting Journey, supporting the resort’s marine conservation efforts and pillar of kindness #KindnesstotheEnvironment, followed by an exclusive four-course Dinner with Chef Wout Bru, a renowned Belgian Michelin-starred chef.

On the final day, guests can enjoy a refined Wine & Charcuterie Tasting Experience at overwater Wine Cellar Raa, before the celebrations conclude with a Cultural Show and Bonfire, bringing together music, tradition and the relaxed spirit of island life.

Meyyafushi’s first anniversary represents not only a celebration of its opening year, but also the beginning of a longer journey focused on creating meaningful connections between guests, people and the natural beauty of the Maldives.

For Meyyafushi sales enquiries and bookings, please contact reservations@meyyafushi.com or visit www.meyyafushi.com.

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