Day: October 23, 2024

Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, has earned the prestigious Green Globe Gold certification in recognition of its commitment to environmental, social, and sustainability initiatives. This achievement signifies five consecutive years of recognition for the resort.

The resort proudly announced its re-certification by Green Globe for 2024, marking another milestone in its continuous dedication to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social engagement. Since first receiving Green Globe certification for sustainable tourism in 2020, Grand Park Kodhipparu has consistently led in sustainable operations, ensuring every guest experience reflects its core values of protecting and preserving the unique ecosystem.

Grand Park Kodhipparu has consistently surpassed benchmarks in sustainable tourism. During its latest Green Globe onsite audit, the resort achieved an impressive 87% compliance, further highlighting its commitment to sustainable hospitality.

Notable achievements and initiatives for 2024 include:

Elimination of Single-Use Plastics: As part of its efforts to minimize plastic waste, the resort has completely eradicated single-use plastics. The transition to reusable straws since 2018 has prevented the use of around 450,000 plastic straws over the past five years. Additionally, the resort’s onsite bottling plant, operational since 2019, saved over 117,000 plastic bottles in 2023 alone, helping to conserve resources and reduce waste.

Coral Reef Restoration: The resort is actively involved in coral reef restoration to naturally enhance coral abundance and diversity. Through meticulous monitoring and innovative line nurseries with a 99% success rate, Grand Park Kodhipparu remains dedicated to strengthening the resilience of its house reef. In 2023, more than 35 coral colonies were successfully transplanted, enriching the vibrant underwater ecosystem that guests can explore.

Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity: Significant progress has been made in cataloguing the island’s flora and fauna, with over 115 species of trees and plants identified. Collaborating with the Olive Ridley Project, the resort monitors resident turtles, creating a deeper connection between guests and local marine life.

Solar Power and Energy Efficiency: In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, the resort launched a solar power system on Earth Day 2021, now providing over 10.56% of its electricity, saving approximately 150,000 liters of diesel annually. This commitment to renewable energy is complemented by energy-efficient lighting, water conservation, and environmentally friendly amenities across the resort.

Environmental Education and Awareness: The resort’s Resident Marine Biologist plays a key role in educating guests and staff on marine conservation and sustainability. Regular talks, guided snorkelling tours, and awareness sessions promote a deeper understanding of the fragile marine environment and the actions needed to protect it.

Grand Park Kodhipparu places a strong emphasis on its team members and the local community. With a diverse workforce representing 22 nationalities, the resort is committed to providing equitable employment opportunities. Training and development programs ensure every employee has the chance to grow professionally and contribute to sustainability efforts.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives extend beyond the resort, embracing local traditions and international celebrations to promote a sense of community and inclusiveness. Events such as World Oceans Day, Earth Day, and cultural festivities reflect the resort’s dedication to cultural appreciation and environmental advocacy.

Looking ahead to 2025, Grand Park Kodhipparu remains firmly committed to sustainability, guided by its comprehensive Sustainability Management Plan. The resort will continue to innovate and lead in responsible tourism, setting new benchmarks for environmental conservation and social responsibility in the Maldives.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been recognized by Fodor’s Travel in its prestigious Fodor’s Finest Hotels List for 2025, acknowledging the resort as one of the world’s top luxury destinations. This esteemed accolade highlights the resort’s dedication to delivering unmatched service, exceptional guest experiences, and a breathtaking setting amidst natural beauty.

The Fodor’s Finest Hotels List is an annual selection curated by Fodor’s Travel editors, celebrating the best hotels worldwide. After gathering insights from over 750 global experts and reviewing thousands of properties, the publication ranked The St. Regis Maldives among the top 100 hotels globally.

Vincent Pauchon, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, expressed his pride in receiving this honor, saying, “We are thrilled to be included in Fodor’s Finest Hotels List 2025. It is a privilege to be recognized on an international level among such a distinguished group of hotels representing the pinnacle of hospitality.”

As the first St. Regis resort set on a private natural island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort offers guests an immersive experience in a pristine tropical environment, enriched by the finest luxury and sophistication. Situated within an untouched landscape of white sand and surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the resort invites travelers to an exclusive paradise filled with unforgettable moments.

ourists visiting the Maldives will also be affected by a ban on the import and use of vaping devices, as announced by the Minister of Homeland Security, Ali Ihsan.

The government has declared a comprehensive ban on the import, usage, and distribution of all types of vaping devices, which will take effect in the coming months.

Starting from November 15, importing vaping devices and their components will be prohibited. Following this, from December 15, the use, possession, manufacture, sale, advertisement, and free distribution of vaping devices will also be banned.

During a press conference at the President’s Office on Tuesday, Ihsan confirmed that the ban extends to tourists entering the Maldives. He stated, “From November 15, if anyone attempts to bring vape devices into the Maldives, we will confiscate them at the border.” He further clarified that tourists will also be prohibited from using vape devices in the country from December 15 onwards.

When asked if there would be any exemptions for tourists, Ihsan mentioned that no special provisions under the law are planned.

“While some countries may grant tourists special exceptions, such as allowing alcohol in resorts, we have no intention of doing so for vaping devices,” he added.

Addressing multiple inquiries about the government’s decision, Ihsan emphasized the growing concerns over vaping among youth. He pointed out that vaping has been used as a way to introduce harmful substances to students, with reported cases of bullying linked to its use.

Ihsan also revealed that there have been instances where students were coerced by their peers into using vape devices, especially in schools. He noted that the Ministry of Education had confiscated thousands of vape devices from schools over the past year, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.