Maldives, the Wedding Destination

Photo: Wedding at Waldorf=Astoria Maldives, the Beach House

Destination Weddings in the Maldives are a true castaway experience, with its one island one resort concept providing love-struck couples with the utmost serenity, isolation and memories that last forever. Ever since Japan has taken the trend of overseas weddings; Maldives has been appended in their list of top international dream wedding escapes, with most weddings taking place in Spring and Autumn.

With an estimate of more than 60,000 couples getting married abroad, Maldivian resorts have captured their attention with alluring wedding packages catering to the distinctive needs of these couples and many pleasant surprises in store. Most of these packages includes a wedding cake, flowers, special candle lit-dinners, sunset cruises and champagne with a variance in offerings from resort to resort. For example, at Conrad Maldives, the renewal package offers spa treatments for the bride and the groom, photography and videography of the ceremony at the spectacular Underwater restaurant in addition to the aforementioned package elements. Guests can also opt for the additional services at a charge from Bridal Salon Maldives a private company based in Malé, offering professional Japanese hairstylists and make-up artists and a selection of wedding gowns and tuxedos for rental.

Weddings in the Maldives are all ceremonial and non-binding, yet it has never been more popular! Your fantasy wedding in an idyllic island setting, may it be ‘under water’ or 'on the beach’ with the backdrop of the magnificent sunset overlooking the pristine waters - truly a dream come true!

unwind® eco-tip| E-tickets versus Paper

E-ticket technology | Photo by: www.culturelabel.com

Use of e-tickets has been estimated to save an equivalent of 50,000 trees per year whereas paper tickets do the reverse. Some travel agencies and airlines have opted e-ticketing for its convenience, security and cost advantages as well as being eco-friendly. E-tickets contribute to reducing waste as well as energy and cost which would otherwise be used for producing paper tickets. You do not have to panic if your ticket is lost or stolen and for frequent travelers; e-ticketing can be exceptionally convenient as it provides real-time updates about the travel arrangements, promotions or discounts. When it comes down to choosing between paper and E-tickets, E-tickets is the best choice for both you and the environment.

unwind® news | Guin Batten Sets Record Crossing the Zero Degree Channel

Guin Batten successfully rowed across the Zero Degree Channel in a FISA standard coastal yesterday. Guin had been planning this attempt since she visited the Maldives in 2004, right after the tsunami. The Zero Degree Channel between Huvadhoo Atoll and Fuah Mulak Atoll is known for strong tides, ocean swells, local storms and also the world renowned surf break, Beacons. It was estimated that it would take up to 9 -10 hours to cross the channel but it took her 7 hours 16 minutes to cross the 60 kilometers distance from Vadhoo island in Huvadhoo to the beach at Fuah Mulak, taking small breaks to grab an energy drink once in awhile.

Her send off crew at Vaadhoo started with the traditional dance called "Fali Jehun" - an enactment of rowing in dance form and a grand celebration by the Fuah Mulak locals on her arrival. In an interview, Guin quoted that she hope her expedition will reignite the traditional sport of rowing in the Maldives and get the local women back out on the water.

Guin Batten is a British rower who had won silver medal in 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney Australia and set a record for the fastest and first female solo crossing of the English Channel. She is a member of Thames Rowing Club, Upper Thames Rowing Club and Leander Club.

Golfing in Paradise

Photo: Golf Club at Kuredu Island Resort

The Maldives is a destination of many persona's offering getaways uniquely Maldivian to sophisticated contemporary boutique resorts. The possibility of golf seemed unlikely to many and it came as a surprise when the Maldives made the headlines to develop a floating convention center and golf course recently. Though it is fairly new, golf is not a strange sport to the Maldives.

Kuredu Island Resort introduced the first golf club of its kind in the Maldives with a challenging 6-hole Par 3 course with an average length of a hole being 55 yards. This resort offers all golfing equipment free and if you need to improve your swing, a PGA qualified golf instructor is on hand for coaching individual or groups.

Recently premiered Beach House by Waldorf=Astoria Collection offers a sophisticated eighteen-hole virtual golf simulator letting you sample some of the world's best eighteen-hole golf courses with the comforts and ambiance in the Maldives at Waldorf=Astoria's Gentlemen's club.

Meeru Island Resort is also popular among many guests who prefer a budget resort that is closer to the airport. Meeru offers a golf driving range, putting green, 9 hole pitch and putt golf course among other land activities on the island.

Surely, there is nowhere more peaceful for the game of golf other than the Maldives!

Who’s Got The Hottest DJ?

Photo: DJ Monica Soldan is now spinning beats at W Retreat & Spa - Maldives

Set 15 steps below the ground, 15BELOW is the one and only underground nightclub in the Maldives. This club is located at W Retreat & Spa - a luxury playground as hip & happening as the club itself! What’s unique at 15BELOW? Apart from being the only subterranean club, 15BELOW features world-renowned international DJ’s who resides at the resort for two months!

15BELOW recently welcomed DJ Monica Soldan, renowned for her cool sounds and energetic sets – in complete harmony with the stylish W brand. She will be spinning electric records and a range of strong Brazilian grooves to minimal house with techno beats till May 31st. She’s known as the ‘glamour DJ’ for her works at VIP lounges, elite fashion events such as the Ford Models and Sao Paolo Fashion week, MTV and DJ-ing in 5 star international hotel brands from Brazil, London, Emirates and now the Maldives!

What is a nightclub without its spirits? 15BELOW features over 95 varieties of Vodkas - the largest collection in Maldives and other overwhelming choices of spirits and wines. The Mixologist is ready to serve your favorite cocktail – stirred or shaken! Dance the night away with the fabulous W guests to the cool beats of DJ Monica Soldan.

unwind® news | Akon Concert Shifts to the Maldives

Photo: Cover of Akon's "Konvicted" album

The R&B Singer Akon was forced to cancel his concert in Sri Lanka due to the protests and denial of visa into the country. Akon's video “Sexy Chick” involved scantily-clad women dancing suggestively next to the statue of Buddha, highly offensive to the Sri Lankan government and people.

Instead of canceling Akons' concert, Platinum Entertainment are already in talks with the Maldivian company Highrise Pvt. Ltd. who has agreed to act as their service provider hosting the Akon concert in the Maldives. The government of the Maldives has already given approval and the concert date is now scheduled for April 23, 2010.

Akon is a Senegalese-American R&B singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, businessman and philanthropist who is best known for chart-topping hits like "Lonely", "Smack That" and singing "We are the world" alongside 70 other artists in the fundraiser for Haiti earthquake victims.

Joshua Dick - Contributing Writer

Fall in Love the Way Celebrities Do

One&Only Reethi Rah

Looking for a romantic escape for this Valentines Day? What better way than to follow in the footsteps of some of the world's hottest celebrities? Join singer Fergie and Josh Duhamel in falling in love in paradise. The One and Only Reethi Rah in Maldives was proud to host the celebrity honeymoon couple. Called “paradise personified”, enjoy having a personal butler, getting massages at the luxury spa, and any pleasure money can buy. Unwind the way celebrities do today.

Joshua Dick - Contributing Writer

Stay Five Nights FREE at Soneva's

Become a Soneva Environmental Advisor this summer and earn five complimentary nights stay at Sonevas

Six Senses & Spa, the pioneer in eco-tourism in the Maldives is now initiating philanthropic escapes, a gratifying travel experience which is becoming a world-wide trend. The Soneva properties in the Maldives – Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili are renowned for their community involvement with projects like 'buy local ' which not only helps the environment but also generate local revenue streams; donating personal computers to schools; donating scanning equipment to the hospital in Baa Atoll; work with ECOCARE - a local environment NGO and more.

Soneva's are now inviting their guests to go ‘behind the scenes’ and discover how much more there is to the wonderful hospitality and rich culture within the Maldivian atolls. Book five nights and volunteer for five hours daily on the local community project of your choice, such as marine conservation, teaching children at a local school, planting trees (carbon-mitigation) and learning how to turn waste into wealth.

Of course, no good deeds go "unrewarded"! Your valuable contribution is awarded with five (additional) nights accommodation at the property of your choice - Soneva Gili or Soneva Fushi. This volunteer program is available to book between June 1 and October 12, 2010, so rush your inquiries to our design specialist to tailor your volunteer escape!

unwind news | Maldives Nominated for the World Travel Awards

Photo: Alila Villas Hadahaa is the first green globe certified resort in the Maldives

The World Travel Awards has announced its nominations for 2010 and the destination Maldives together with resorts, companies and its services has been nominated in several different categories among destinations in the "Indian Ocean". Maldives as a destination is nominated for Indian Ocean's Leading Destination, Cruise Destination, Cruise Port, Airport and Honeymoon Destination. For a nation moving towards being the first carbon neutral nation in 10 years, it is only appropriate that Maldives lead in the "Green Resorts" category with Alila Villas Hadahaa, Angsana Velavaru Resort & Spa and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru among the 5 nominations in this category. Countries like Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Seychelles and Sri Lanka are in the Indian Ocean category competing with the Maldives. We invite you to explore the full list of nominations.

The World Travel Awards is considered the equivalent of the Oscars of travel industry, being the most prestigious awards program in the global tourism industry. The awarding ceremony is held during the World Travel Fair in November. The winners are based on thousands of votes cast by travel professionals from over 160 countries.

Earth Hour in Malé

The bustling traffic in the capital city Malé will come to a halt on Saturday between 4 pm to midnight. The Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment has ordered this in conjunction with the Earth Hour day. Emergency medical and National Security vehicles will be an exception to this.

Several outdoor activities will take place in Malé from traditional 'bodu beru' music and social gatherings celebrating the Earth Hour. The residents and transients in Malé are all encouraged to switch off or reduce the power usage in their homes and participate. The national television - TVM will show a blank screen with the Earth Hour logo during 8 pm - 9 pm that night.

Resorts such as Shangri-La with special coconut oil based massages and W Retreat & Spa - Maldives with acoustic music at FIRE & 7-course raw Earth-inspired menus at FISH will be celebrating the Earth Hour with their guests. The unwind® office will be closed during the Earth Hour and encourage all our fans to participate in Earth Hour in their respective locations.

Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund), held on the last Saturday of March, that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change.

Surf's Up at Cokes!

Surf season's almost up in a couple of months, with the Southwest Monsoon between May and October creating the best waves.

Surfing was introduced in the Maldives through Tony Hussein Hinde, an Australian Surfer's whose ship wrecked on the shores of the Maldives in 1973 on his way to Africa. Instead of continuing the journey, he made the Maldives home, after falling in love with magnificent isles, and marrying a local. Though the surf culture is fairly new, Maldives has embraced its exotic waves and welcomed surfers ever since; and hosts International surfing contests such as the O'Neil Deep Blue.

One of the well known breaks - "Cokes" is aptly named after the Coca-Cola factory island nearby. It is located on the eastern reef of North Malé Atoll about 30 minutes boat ride from the airport. Resorts such as the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Chaaya Dhonveli and Meeru offers lessons for beginners and scheduled excursions for the professionals. Liveaboards such as the Four Seasons Explorer or Atoll Cruiser often offer special packages for surf groups. Contact our design specialist to design your surf escape.

This break provides a short but intense ride, with a steep barreling takeoff and then a shallow inside section that opens up even more than the takeoff. This is best on mid to high tide; however, can be surfed at low tide if the swell is big enough and the winds North West.

unwind® | travel tip

If you are an avid snorkeler, don't forget to check with your design specialist for resorts which encompass a healthy 'house reef.' The make-up of each island differs from each other, while some are known for its stunning beaches, some for its vast lagoons and others for its astounding house reefs with marine life that you can explore for days. Sometimes, these reef straddle the island far out with a stretch of lagoon in between them, which can be accessed by swimming for a distance or via boat. Some travelers find this a huge turn off.

Resorts like Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Vivanta by Taj, Alila Villas Hadahaa and Chaaya Ellaidhoo circumscribe stunning reefs that devoted snorkelers often rave about!

W Talents Prepares for Earth Hour

W Talents at W Retreat & Spa – Maldives captures the headlines once again as W-inner, the staff club is initiating special events to building up to the Earth Hour on March 27. Like any W campaign, style and creativity are naturally woven into the events. They are planning to start the day with a special environmental task-force in “I W Earth” t-shirts visiting each department and staff area demonstrating the correlation between energy usage and the impact on environment.

During the Earth Hour, a special candle lit dinner will be served to the W guests dining at FISH restaurant. All back-of-the-house lights and appliances will be switched off and the staff will convene at the courtyard for a carbon-free entertainment session with guitar-strung music under the divinely lit beautiful stars above.

W Talents are also taking a step further by pledging to reduce the use of electricity throughout the year by switching off unused appliances to do their part in saving the planet.

What do you plan to do during the Earth Hour on March 27?

Check-out events in your area here.

unwind® eco-tip | escaping to eco-spas

Eco-spa’s are your ideal way of experiencing luxury with an eco-friendly twist. These spas provide treatments that utilize products made from natural resources, which are non-toxic and biodegradable, in complete harmony with nature. Some products are customized in the spa’s itself which enables them to tailor products that not only suite individual clients, but is environment friendly as well. These treatments not only pamper you, but pampers the planet too!

Most of the Spa’s in the Maldives offer nature friendly treatments and therapies that help you to rejuvenate your body and soul, providing an additional to ease knowing that you are protecting the environment as well. Resorts such as Shangri La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Six Senses & Spa resorts, Four Seasons Collection and Alila Villas Hadahaa Maldives comprises spas that you can enjoy while eco-escaping!

unwind® news | Indian Military Expedition to the Maldives

Photo: Traditional Handcrafted Dhoni at Huvafen Fushi

Thirty six young Indian officers departed from Mumbai on a month long trip to Maldives today. The "Indian Army Blue Water Sailing Expedition" is to test the young officers leadership, teamwork, initiative and character. The route will cross over 3,000 nautical miles, stopping at Sri Lanka before sailing to Malé, Maldives. Expedition will be embarked with limited technology to challenge the officers ability to adapt and survive without regular supplies or technological devices on the 36-feet 1970 vintage yacht.

Joshua Dick - Contributing Writer

Nuts for Coconuts!

Photo: Coconuts at Coco Palm Bodu Hithi

The Coconut Tree was adopted as the national tree of the Maldives for its abundance and significance to the locals. From the leaves to its roots, every part of the coconut tree has its use. The unwind® Coconuts! series begins with the outer shell of the coconut.

The outer husk of the coconut seed is removed to make coir ropes and copra is used to create coconut milk or sometimes grated as a cooking ingredient. Bio char, a charcoal obtained from burning hard coconut shells, are also being used by Maldivians to achieve their goal of becoming the first carbon neutral country in the world. Coconut shells are made into "raa badhi" (toddy holders) and coconut shell spoons, which is a main attraction for tourists. From making ornaments, table wares or souvenirs, Maldivians have embedded the use of coconut shells for traditional art and crafts.

WATER - The Stuff of Life!

The international World Water Day marks yearly on March 22 as a means of advocating for sustainable management of freshwater resources and development. Water is a serious issue in the Maldives and when we say "water is life and death", we do mean it literally!

Did you know that 90% of the Maldives is water and the 10% that is land is scattered across 90,000 square meters within the Indian Ocean. Would you believe that a nation surrounded by water, still faces water shortages? Though the sea water is available in abundance, fresh water for drinking and sanitation is scarce in the Maldives as ground water is not safe for drinking. The Maldivian government along with foreign aid, private NGO's and international resorts are working to install desalination plants in populated islands.

Marking trans-boundary waters is a difficult task especially for a small island nation like the Maldives but extremely important as it contains most of our resources. Foreign fishermen often venture within the borders to fish illegally, especially extracting protected marine species like the coral, dolphins, shark and turtles.

In an article about Water, we certainly cannot leave out the effects of climate change on the Maldives. With the highest point of the Maldives bobbing only 1.5 meters above sea level, no wonder Maldives continues to be a strong advocate to curb global carbon emissions. Last year, the Maldivian cabinet donned on scuba gear and submerged underwater to highlight the threat of global warming to this low-lying nation.

At unwind® we believe that we all share a responsibility to manage and sustain the natural resources to ensure a safer future for the generations to come; hence we continue to present to you eco-friendly products and services.

Unwind Maldives: WATER - The Stuff of Life!

Photo: Alila Villas Hadahaa as seen from distance

The international World Water Day marks yearly on March 22 as a means of advocating for sustainable management of freshwater resources and development. Water is a serious issue in the Maldives and when we say "water is life and death", we do mean it literally!

Did you know that 90% of the Maldives is water and the 10% that is land is scattered across 90,000 square meters within the Indian Ocean. Would you believe that a nation surrounded by water, still faces water shortages? Though the sea water is available in abundance, fresh water for drinking and sanitation is scarce in the Maldives as ground water is not safe for drinking. The Maldivian government along with foreign aid, private NGO's and international resorts are working to install desalination plants in populated islands.

Marking trans-boundary waters is a difficult task especially for a small island nation like the Maldives but extremely important as it contains most of our resources. Foreign fishermen often venture within the borders to fish illegally, especially extracting protected marine species like the coral, dolphins, shark and turtles.

In an article about Water, we certainly cannot leave out the effects of climate change on the Maldives. With the highest point of the Maldives bobbing only 1.5 meters above sea level, no wonder Maldives continues to be a strong advocate to curb global carbon emissions. Last year, the Maldivian cabinet donned on scuba gear and submerged underwater to highlight the threat of global warming to this low-lying nation.

At unwind® we believe that we all share a responsibility to manage and sustain the natural resources to ensure a safer future for the generations to come; hence we continue to present to you eco-friendly products and services.

Where Do Celebrities Jet Set To?

Photo: Seaplane view of W Retreat & Spa - Maldives

Dancing with the stars judge, Bruno Tonioli awarded the Maldives a perfect 10 after his recent escape at the Centara Grand. A number of years back, the ultra-private couple Tom Cruise and Kate Holmes took refuge within the Maldives isle for their honeymoon while the British Billionaire Sir Philip Green assembled the likes of Ricky Martin, George Micheal, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony for his extravagant highly-publicized "private" birthday party at a certain luxury resort in Baa Atoll. European fashion designers like Gabbana and Alexander McQueen got inspired by the divine kaleidoscopic underwater world and grooved with Noami Campbell and her beau Russian Billionaire Vladislav Doronin to the beats spun by world renowned DJ's like DJ Des Mitchell and DJ Ravin.

Without a doubt, the Maldives has become a "Celebrity Magnet" since it opened doors with luxurious "one island one resort based" retreats. Apart from the allure of the swaying coconut palms, aquamarine lagoons and sexy sunset cocktails, the Maldives seems to hit the right note with these Paparazzi-laden personalities who have a different set of criteria than the average traveler. Perhaps, it is the combination of hospitality of the laid-back islanders and all-Villa based sanctuaries providing them the ultimate privacy that they seek.

unwind® news | Slow Life Cooking ‘Thari’!

Photo: Chef at Over-water restaurant at Soneva Gili

Six Senses is initiating The Slow Life Cooking ‘Thari’ gastronomic events featuring world renowned food connoisseurs.

The event premieres on March 23rd, with Chef Atul Kochhar, who was the first Indian Chef to earn the Michelin Star. Soneva guests can enjoy his titillating five-course gourmet cuisine on the beach and an opportunity sip cocktails at sunset with him on Soneva Gili's exclusive One Palm Island. The resort’s Resident Chef, Sanjeewa Ranasinghe plans to challenge Chef Kochhar to invent a zero carbon Slow Life menu for guests by using fresh local products like herbs from Soneva's organic gardens.

These mouth-watering events will continue throughout the year with the Australian Chef, Author and gastronomic traveler, Christine Manfield planned to visit in April. American Actress turned Sushi Chef Tracy Griffith, will also join later in the year to launch her latest product ‘Sushi American Style’.

SLOW LIFE stands for Soneva's philosophy - "Sustainable, Local, Organic and Wholesome - Learning, Inspiring, Fun Experiences" and "Thari" is Maldivian for star.

Rush your escape reservations to experience these exciting gourmet adventures with renowned Chefs from around the globe; and you as guests, be the judge of these exquisite cuisines!

The Japanese Way of Tea

Photo: Japanese Tea Ceremony at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a form of freeing your body and soul from the stress and daily chaos. Cha-no-yu (literally meaning hot water for tea) is not just a sophisticated ritual, but an experience in which you learn elegance, serenity, and courtesy towards yourself and others.

Discover the Principles of the Tea Ceremony:
Harmony (wa): Become one with nature and spirituality.
Respects (kei): Experience the mutual respect to each other within the tea ceremony which is alluring and cherishing.
Purity (sei): Free yourself from thoughts and the physical world.
Serenity (jaku): Relish in serenity and relax yourself.

Immerse yourself in the graceful traditional Japanese culture during your escape to the Maldives by choosing Ryokan Style Villas at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo. Your experience includes Ryokan style accommodations with Japanese hostess and traditional Japanese meal - "Kaiseki" experience it in retreat or at the Japanese restaurant. But the highlight is the authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony with tea and Japanese confectionery at the genuine Japanese Teahouse - an experience by itself!

The Precious Red Coral Share

Photo: Jewelry from Red Coral

Red coral have been a substance of extreme intrigue over the centuries! Starting from the Greek mythology which relates that seaweed turned red by the blood of Medusa; the Gauls used it as ornaments for their weapons; Romans believed it cured wounds and was also regarded as good luck charm. Currently, Precious Coral mostly associated with luxury and elegant jewelry, and it is one of the two officially recognized organic gemstones; the other is the pearl.

Here is a fascinating 2 minutes feature by Al Jazeera discussing the move towards a new regulation on export of Red Coral by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the threats it is causing the local red coral artisans in Italy. Click here to view the video.

Export of black or red coral products are prohibited in the Maldives. NGO's and resorts like the Banyan Tree and Four Seasons are striving towards increasing coral growth through coral planting and "reef ball project" that encourage the growth of live and healthy coral.

If consumer's pressure to reduce the exploitation of such coral products, corals will have a better chance at surviving the threats faced by climate change. Sign the Coral Pledge today!

unwind® news | RAF Veterans to Re-Visit Addu Gan

Photo: The RAF Crest

Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) has announced that 58 Royal Air Force (RAF) veterans who were stationed in Gan during the World War II is to re-visit the Maldives on March 22, 2010. In order to celebrate their return - the Island Aviation, Cosmos Monarch, Kaimoo and MTPB have organized several events. They will be officially welcomed at the airport on arrival. Some of these officers have had visited the Maldives on vacation since the base was closed.

The Maldives became a British Protectorate in 1941 with self-governing power in the hands of the Maldivian Monarchs and re-gained its independence on July 26, 1965; however, the British continued to maintain their air base in Gan at Addu Atoll until 1976. Following the handover, the air strip was recently developed as an airport and currently known as the Gan International Airport.

The reminiscent of the British base still remains intact in Gan and is a unique attraction for the locals as well as tourists staying at the Equator Village and Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives.

unwind® did you know | World's Most Beautiful Currency

Photo: A 50 Rufiyaa note - one of the most beautiful currencies in the World

The Maldivian currency - "Rufiyaa" is ranked second among the most beautiful bank notes in the world and is referred as a 'true beauty' as per an article published by CNBC. Apart from the intricate designs, it portrays the livelihood of the nation - fishing and coconuts. Even though Tourism has become the main economic support in the recent years, eco-friendly fishing continues to contribute to the GDP and coconuts dominate the flavorful Maldivian cuisines. The cowrie shell shown as a part of the decorative border along the bottom were the world's first international commodity currency and the Maldive islands were the primary supplier!

unwind® news | Honeymoon Tester Wanted

Photo: unwind on a hammock at Hilton Iru fushi Resort & Spa

Can you sip champagne while lying on a hammock slung between palm trees on a white sandy beach with the waves singing romantic lullaby's to you and partner? If so, you might be able to handle this 'horrendous' assignment!

Irish Times have teamed up with the Runaway Bride & Groom in search for the ultimate venue for destination wedding and most romantic honeymoon getaway in the world. This role involves traveling around the globe, staying for free in the most exotic locations on earth for a period of 6 months and receive a compensation of only €20,000.00.

Want the job? Why not apply?

unwind® eco-tip | Two for One

Soneva Fushi guests riding bicycles.

If possible, walk or use a bicycle. It not only helps the planet, but keeps you in shape as well!

Buy and eat locally grown and locally processed foods wherever possible, rather than food products shipped from long distances, which use more energy (fossil fuels for transport and generally more packaging). Natural foods are not only environment friendly but health friendly too!

Resorts like Soneva Fushi lend you bicycles to ride the many island trails and encourages walking or jogging. Did you know that most of the fresh fruits, salads herbs and mushrooms are supplied to the Soneva Kitchen from two large Garden areas at the resort? Think environment, think healthy.