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From Chinese New Year to iftar: a month of celebrating culture and sustainability in the Maldives at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

This February, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru presents a month shaped by sustainability and festive celebration in the Maldives.
 
Rooted in Banyan Group’s ethos of Embracing the Environment, Empowering People, the month reflects how island life, heritage and hospitality are deeply connected.

Zero-Waste Week | 1–7 February

Sustainability in action, built on decades of commitment

Zero-Waste Week is not a standalone initiative, but a part of the environmental stewardship that Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has practised since its opening in 1995.
 
The week begins with a Mangrove Awareness Talk and a community clean up at Huraa Island in recognition of World Wetlands Day, emphasising the importance of the interrelationship between wetlands, reefs and island ecosystems. This marks the start of a series of guest, local community and associate activities designed to make sustainability visible, practical and approachable.
 
Key activities throughout the week include:
  • Creative workshops using recycled materials led by our talented resident artist Abdulla, transforming waste into purposeful art
  •  A ‘Save the Reef’ snorkelling activity to remove marine debris, followed by a zero-waste picnic on a local sandbank
  •  A DIY natural body scrub session at Sangu Garden, connecting wellbeing with nature and mindful resource use
  • Tie-dye workshops at Naiboli Bar, Banyan Tree and Nest, Dhawa in collaboration with local Craft House, where old garments are repurposed through craft and colouring.

Chinese New Year Celebration | 17 February - A celebration of reunion and abundance

On 17 February, Sangu Garden at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru hosts a Chinese New Year Festive Dinner, where Chinese symbolic dishes and traditional flavours come together in a beachfront setting.
From live noodle soup stations and seafood displays to Peking duck, dim sum and festive desserts, the evening celebrates prosperity, reunion and togetherness in a distinctly Maldivian night by the ocean.

Ramadan Traditions Honouring Local Culture | 18 February – 19 March

For Ramadan, both resorts observe this important time in the Maldives with dining experiences that respect the sacred rhythm of Iftar and the spirit of gathering after sunset.
 
At Dhawa Ihuru, International Iftar Buffet Nights take place throughout Ramadan at Riveli Restaurant, offering rotating global cuisines that honour the sacred rhythm of Iftar.
 
On Eid Al Fitr celebration night, families and friends may join the celebration at Riveli restaurant, Dhawa Ihuru or at Sangu Garden, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, for a special festive night of reflection and togetherness.
 
These evenings reflect the Maldives’ sense of place – where warm hospitality and cultural respect come together.

Source: visitmaldives.com, retrieved 2 February 2026

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