S Hotels and Resorts PLC, a key player under Singha Estate PCL, is proud to celebrate a major milestone in sustainable hospitality. Its flagship lifestyle brand, SAii, has taken a bold step forward with SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Lagoon Maldives becoming the first and only venues in Thailand and the Maldives to receive GOLD certification from the Event Industry Council (EIC) under their Sustainable Event Standards. This recognition firmly positions SAii as a leader in eco-conscious MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and lifestyle travel.

This achievement follows years of strategic investments in upgrading event facilities to meet the rising demand for sustainable tourism. In addition to the EIC certification, SAii properties in Thailand have earned Green Globe certification for three consecutive years, with the Maldives properties maintaining the same for two years.

SAii Laguna Phuket

A frontrunner in Thailand, SAii Laguna Phuket boasts a 1,900-sqm ocean-facing event complex that adheres to TCEB’s Thailand MICE Venue Standards. The venue has eliminated single-use plastics by using reusable decorations, banning plastic straws, and offering recycling bins and green transport options. Each event’s carbon footprint can be measured using advanced technology to help organisers reduce environmental impact.

To further this commitment, the resort collaborates with Seeds of Change, a local organisation, to create upcycled eco beach bags from renovation materials—each handmade by community members and provided to guests. The SAii Spa offers herbal therapies using locally made products, and a Sustainable Sleep initiative has introduced eco-friendly King Koil mattresses across renovated rooms.

Guests also enjoy culinary offerings made with local ingredients, including produce from the on-site organic garden, and participate in activities such as beach clean-ups and cooking classes using regional produce.

SAii Lagoon Maldives

SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of CROSSROADS Maldives, is the first in the Maldives to receive GOLD certification from EIC. It features a 326-sqm Event Hall designed for over 400 delegates, incorporating Hilton’s “Meet with Purpose” concept. Events are planned with a focus on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainability—from solar-powered energy and LED technology to the use of locally sourced ingredients.

The resort’s Marine Discovery Centre, staffed by marine biologists, plays a key role in educational and conservation programmes like coral propagation, which are also integrated into corporate retreats. Cooking classes, digital document usage, and polystyrene-free planning further align the resort with eco-conscious hospitality trends.

SAii Phi Phi Island Village

Recognised in the Top 100 Sustainable Hotels and Resorts by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, SAii Phi Phi continues to innovate with a new eco trail experience. This offering includes kayaking, cycling, snorkelling, and more—each designed to highlight the island’s biodiversity. Corporate guests can also participate in mangrove planting, nature trails, stargazing, and marine workshops led by in-house biologists.

Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels and Resorts, shared, “At SAii, we have integrated sustainable practices into every facet of our operations and customer experience. The recognition from the Event Industry Council and Green Globe, along with our guests’ feedback, motivates us to further our sustainability agenda.”

Through such meaningful initiatives, the SAii brand reaffirms its role as a trailblazer in combining luxurious guest experiences with environmental stewardship—showing that it is possible to celebrate the planet while enjoying world-class hospitality.

This August, wine lovers heading to the Maldives are in for a rare sensory treat. At RAAYA by Atmosphere and VARU by Atmosphere, guests can immerse themselves in South Africa’s rich winemaking tradition with a special tribute to Glenelly Estate, an iconic name in Stellenbosch wines.

The exclusive wine events are scheduled from 10th to 12th August at RAAYA and from 14th to 16th August at VARU, curated as part of the fully inclusive RAAYA Plan™ and VARU Plan™. Guests can enjoy these experiences at no additional cost upon pre-booking.

Founded by the legendary Madame May de Lencquesaing, fondly known as Lady May, Glenelly Estate embodies the fusion of French winemaking philosophy and South African terroir. Even at the age of 80, Lady May ventured into winemaking in South Africa, transforming a historic fruit farm into a vineyard known for its graceful and complex vintages. This year, she celebrates her 100th birthday, marking a century of inspiration and achievement.

Continuing her legacy, Glenelly Estate returns to the Maldives for a series of in-resort wine events led by Cellar Master Dirk van Zyl. Raised in South Africa’s Robertson Wine Valley and trained in Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University, Dirk brings deep knowledge of terroir and a passion for storytelling through wine.

“Wine tells a story of time and place,” shares Dirk. “The upcoming events offer a unique chance to share Glenelly’s story, set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives.”

Beyond guest experiences, Dirk will also host workshops and blind tastings for the resorts’ culinary teams, enriching their knowledge to better guide guests through the Glenelly portfolio.

Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, notes, “It’s about more than wine — it’s about celebrating heritage and making it approachable. Our partnerships, like with Glenelly Estate, allow us to turn our island resorts into unexpected hubs for wine discovery.”

The wine initiative is part of Atmosphere Core’s wine program, launched in 2021 with THE OZEN COLLECTION and now expanded to include brands like COLOURS OF OBLU, Glenelly Estate, Bodegas Martín Códax, and Bottega SpA.

Whether sipping Lady May under a Maldivian sunset or enjoying a moonlit tasting session, guests can expect an unforgettable blend of storytelling, fine wine, and island charm this August.

Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City has proudly secured the number 2 spot as a Top Meeting Hotel in the Middle East and Africa, according to Cvent’s prestigious global rankings. The Cvent Top Meeting Hotels list highlights properties that excel in providing exceptional MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) experiences through close collaboration with event planners, excellent service, and customised event solutions.

Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City’s strong online presence is designed to meet the unique needs of event organisers, making it a leading choice for MICE business in the region. The rankings are based on detailed sourcing and request-for-proposal (RFP) activity through Cvent’s Supplier Network, one of the largest venue sourcing platforms worldwide.

The hotel boasts 16 modern meeting spaces, including the impressive Al Joud Ballroom, which spans 1,425 square metres and can accommodate up to 850 guests. As part of Dubai’s first integrated urban destination, it offers easy access to extensive event venues, over 1,600 rooms and suites, varied dining options, and exclusive lifestyle experiences such as the X-Golf Middle East simulator — ideal for post-event networking.

Its event facilities feature flexible layouts, advanced audiovisual technology, and a dedicated team of event professionals committed to flawless execution.

Mr. Soufiane El Allam, Complex Operations and Commercial Director at Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, said, “This recognition reflects our strong commitment to delivering world-class events in an inspiring setting. From large conferences to intimate executive retreats and special celebrations, we offer more than just a venue — we provide a platform for unforgettable moments.”

Graham Pope, Vice President of Cvent Hospitality Cloud, added, “Being named a Top Meeting Hotel is a significant honour that shows a property’s ability to engage event planners and deliver superior MICE experiences. In today’s competitive market, hotels that prioritise RFP responses and understand planners’ needs stand out. Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City’s achievement sets a high standard of excellence.”