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Niyama Private Islands Maldives goes platinum with Green Growth 2050 Certification

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Niyama Private Islands Maldives has announced its upgrading from Gold to Platinum Green Growth 2050 certification, recognition of its unrivalled commitment to sustainability in tourism.

Made up of over 1,200 low-lying islands, the Maldives is one of the most susceptible nations in the world to climate change. It is for this reason that Niyama Private Islands Maldives has since its inception dedicated itself to sustainable operations, leading the way in minimising its carbon footprint.

Green Growth 2050 sets the global benchmark for sustainability in travel and tourism. With over 400 indicators based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, UNEP Green Economy Principles and UNWTO Ethics in Tourism, it quantifies sustainability in a hotel’s design, operations, environmental stewardship, and also social and community development.

This year, Niyama Private Islands Maldives achieved a 90% score and Platinum certification, joining fellow Minor Hotels properties Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas and Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, the first in the Maldives to achieve this lofty recognition.

“Sustainability is not just a goal – it is a core part of our identity”, says Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of the resort. “We are honoured to receive Green Growth 2050 Platinum certification, which reflects the hard work of our entire team, as well as our commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and the local community. This award motivates us to continue pushing boundaries in sustainable luxury, hopefully inspiring others to do the same”.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives makes full use of the latest clean technology to conserve natural resources. Electricity consumption is lowered with inverter-type air conditioners and LED for maximum efficiency, all controlled by motion sensors to reduce wastage.

There is a reverse-osmosis plant on site to turn seawater into drinking water, greywater is filtered and recycled for use around the islands, laundry consumption is reduced thanks to a towel and linen reuse programme, and guest use reduced using variable-frequency pumps to control water flow.

This year, the resort managed an impressive 75% reduction in single-use plastics, replacing plastic amenities and bottles with refilables, wood, paper and glass. Waste is sorted, reused and recycled where possible, with a composter, compacter and incinerator on site to minimise landfill.

The environment of course plays a key role in the guest experience, and Niyama itself is pristine and green, with nurseries to conserve native plant species, and a chef’s garden to cultivate organic produce for guests. Marine life is protected with minimal interaction save for the nurturing of corals. There are also regular beach and reef clean-ups, and natural protection of the islands against erosion is provided by creeper plants.

Niyama operates very much as part of the local community, with snacks, coconuts and seafood sourced from neighbouring islands, Maldivian cooking classes and local island tours offered to guests, and local artisans employed for boduberu drumming and sand art. Maldivian culture and a sustainable way of life are also taught to the next generation at the resort’s kids’ club, ensuring Niyama’s sustainability efforts bear fruit over the long term.

Finally, through its Dollar Impact programme, matching guest donations dollar for dollar, Niyama supports worthy causes such as local schools and hospitals, the Holistic Approach to Reef Protection, a reef monitoring and rehabilitation programme carried out in partnership with American NGO Coral Reef CPR and Minor Hotels, and the Olive Ridley project that monitors the health of the Maldives’ beautiful sea turtles.

Awards

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives celebrates second consecutive win in Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

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Kuda Villingili Resort has announced that the leading five-star luxury resort in the Maldives has once again been recognized among the Top 10 Resorts in the Indian Ocean, securing the #7 ranking in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). This marks the second consecutive year that the resort has earned a coveted place on the list, a testament to its unwavering commitment to redefining luxury hospitality and crafting experiences that truly “redefine time and space.”

The Readers’ Choice Awards are one of the longest-running and most respected accolades in the global travel industry, celebrating the world’s best destinations, hotels, resorts, and experiences as voted by passionate travelers. Standing tall among some of the leading luxury hospitality resort brands in the Maldives, Kuda Villingili’s repeat recognition reflects its growing reputation as a distinctive Maldivian sanctuary that blends island elegance, meaningful connection, and genuine hospitality.

Set within the tranquil waters of the North Malé Atoll, Kuda Villingili invites guests to rediscover balance and belonging through immersive island living. The resort’s 75 villas and residences—ranging from spacious beach sanctuaries to stunning overwater escapes—all feature private pools and panoramic views, offering an intimate connection to the ocean’s rhythm.

Whether unwinding at the 150-metre pool—the largest in the Maldives, indulging in eight distinct dining venues that span 12 global cuisines, or surrendering to bliss at the private island overwater Kuda Villingili Spa, guests are immersed in a seamless blend of luxury and authenticity.

The resort’s location near Chickens Break, one of the Maldives’ most renowned surf spots, also makes it a favorite for adventure-seekers—while curated experiences for couples, families, and wellness travelers ensure that every guest finds their own rhythm of paradise.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from our guests,” said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives. “To be voted among the best in the Indian Ocean for two years in a row affirms our team’s passion and dedication to creating experiences that are both heartfelt and unforgettable. It’s a celebration of the people who bring Kuda Villingili to life each day.”

The achievement further reinforces Kuda Villingili’s position among the Maldives’ leading luxury resorts, setting it apart through its thoughtfully curated experiences, design aesthetics inspired by nature, and commitment to authentic Maldivian hospitality. With this renewed recognition, Kuda Villingili recommits to innovative experiences by expanding wellness, culinary and surf offerings, sustainability and community stewardship; maintaining eco-sensitive design and investing in local partnerships and by further enhancing personalization and connection redefining how guests feel at home, from pre-arrival to the final sunset.

A world where time and space are redefined, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers an unparalleled blend of sophistication and serenity in the North Malé Atoll. From gourmet journeys and surf adventures to mindful wellness rituals and family-friendly activities, the resort curates every experience to inspire connection and celebration.

This second consecutive award is more than a badge of honor — it’s affirmation from the very people who matter most: past guests, returning visitors, and new patrons who found something unforgettable at Kuda Villingili.

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Awards

Milaidhoo Maldives earns global recognition in prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards

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Milaidhoo Maldives has been recognised as one of the world’s best resorts in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, earning a place among the top global destinations. This international recognition reflects the resort’s enduring commitment to creating soulful, personalised experiences that capture the true essence of island hospitality.

Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo Maldives represents more than just a luxury retreat—it is a sanctuary where time slows and nature takes the lead. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, the island invites guests to rediscover life’s simplest pleasures and form a genuine connection with the natural world. For many, Milaidhoo is a journey of the heart—an intimate escape that celebrates authenticity, tranquillity, and human connection.

The resort extended its heartfelt appreciation to its guests for their votes and continued trust. “It is through the loyalty and support of our guests that we are able to grow, evolve, and refine what makes Milaidhoo so unique,” the team shared. “We are deeply grateful to those who have shared in our story and look forward to welcoming them back to create new memories together.”

Milaidhoo also paid tribute to its dedicated team—affectionately known as the Milaidhoo Family—whose passion and genuine Maldivian warmth lie at the core of every experience. The award, the resort stated, stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and heartfelt service.

As pioneers of authentic Maldivian hospitality, Milaidhoo remains deeply rooted in the cultural heritage and natural beauty that define the Maldives, continuing to offer a timeless experience where every guest becomes part of the island’s story.

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Meditation

Finding balance: Story of wellness at Ayada Maldives

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At Ayada Maldives, wellness is not an add-on to the guest experience, it is part of the island’s natural rhythm. Surrounded by the soothing sounds of the ocean and the vibrant energy of the tropics, guests are invited to rediscover balance through yoga, movement, and mindfulness, guided by the resort’s resident instructor, Satyam.

Rooted in Tradition

Satyam’s journey to Ayada began far from the turquoise waters of the Maldives, in the Himalayan foothills of Rishikesh — a town revered as the birthplace of yoga. There, he trained under some of India’s most respected teachers, completing over 500 hours of certified practice. Satyam also studied naturopathy, Ayurvedic Panchakarma, and therapeutic yoga, equipping him with a holistic understanding of the connection between body, mind, and spirit.

This depth of knowledge now shapes the wellness offering at Ayada Maldives, where each session blends authentic yogic principles with the serene energy of the island.

An Inclusive Approach to Wellbeing

From sunrise yoga on the beach to sunset meditation at the Zero Degree Pagoda, Satyam’s classes are designed to meet guests wherever they are in their journey. His teaching philosophy is simple — yoga should be accessible to everyone.

Beginners are gently guided through foundational poses, while experienced practitioners can explore more advanced techniques and breathwork. Beyond yoga, Ayada’s wellness programme also includes reformer Pilates, Tai Chi, high-intensity interval training, and even children’s yoga, ensuring that every guest — regardless of age or ability — finds their place in the island’s rhythm of movement.

Where Nature Enhances the Practice

What makes Ayada’s approach truly special is its setting. For Satyam, the island itself plays an active role in every session. The ocean breeze, the scent of tropical flora, and the gentle sound of waves create an atmosphere that naturally calms the mind and deepens the practice.

“The energy here is different,” he explains. “You can feel it the moment you start to breathe — the island encourages you to slow down, to be present, to reconnect.”

Wellness at Ayada Maldives is more than a daily ritual — it is an invitation to reconnect with oneself, to find stillness in motion, and to rediscover the joy of balance.

For more on Ayada Maldives’ wellness offerings, visit www.ayadamaldives.com.

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