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By Nishang Narayan
Published on April 26, 2025
In March 2010, an injured Olive Ridley turtle named Oceane sparked the beginning of an extraordinary journey of conservation at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. This turtle’s rescue and rehabilitation marked the inception of one of the longest and most successful turtle rehabilitation programs in the Indian Ocean.
The journey began with the simple yet impactful act of providing care for Oceane, a female turtle found in urgent need of help. Her recovery was made possible with the limited resources available at the time, but soon after, the success of the program encouraged further developments. In 2011, thanks to a generous donation from a guest, a dedicated turtle pool was built, and in collaboration with the Reefscapers organization, the Maldivian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme (MSTCP) was established, marking the opening of the first turtle rehabilitation center at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru.
Over the past 15 years, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has rehabilitated more than 500 sea turtles, releasing over 280 back into the wild. Significant advancements during this time include the creation of an ocean enclosure, the development of prosthetic flippers, the introduction of satellite tagging, and the arrival of on-site veterinarians and upgraded medical facilities. Today, the program has a specialized team capable of performing complex surgeries with the help of cutting-edge technology like endoscopes, underwater ultrasound scanners, and laser therapy machines.
The Flying Turtles
In 2016, the “Flying Turtles” program was introduced to provide a permanent home for turtles that couldn’t be released due to injuries, such as missing flippers or buoyancy problems. Six turtles have been rehomed to international oceanariums and marine centers where they serve as ambassadors for their species. One notable story is that of Peggy, an amputee turtle who learned to dive again while living in an oceanarium in Belgium. In 2019, Peggy made a remarkable 5,700 km journey back to the Maldives, ultimately returning to her native grounds in India.
Innovative Educational Programs
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is committed to inspiring the next generation of marine conservationists. At Kuda Huraa, the Junior Marine Savers initiative allows young adventurers to assist with turtle care and learn about global conservation efforts. Additionally, Landaa Giraavaru offers a Marine Biology internship and a Trainee Marine Biologist program that introduces teenagers to the world of marine life through hands-on experiences. Many of the program's participants have gone on to pursue biology at university.
Prosthetic Limbs for Trooper
In February 2018, a juvenile Olive Ridley turtle named Trooper was rescued after being severely injured by ghost nets. After losing both front flippers, Trooper was fitted with innovative 3D-printed prosthetic flippers, thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between marine conservationists and technology experts. Trooper’s story became a symbol of hope for the future of turtle prosthetics, even though he passed away in 2019 despite the best efforts of the care team.
Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, shares his thoughts: “It’s been an incredible fifteen years of turtle-based learning, growth, and unforgettable moments. We’re excited to continue collaborating with international oceanariums and marine centers to raise awareness and help give turtles who cannot be released a place to call home. Our Flying Turtles serve as ambassadors for the ocean, spreading a message of hope worldwide.”
For those inspired to take action, the Turtle Team at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives advocates for simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding single-use plastics and choosing sustainable seafood. Ghost nets, which drift into the Maldives from other countries, remain one of the biggest threats to turtles, making advocacy for sustainably caught fish essential in protecting sea turtles everywhere.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on April 7, 2026
City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, and Walkers Tours have joined hands with FitsAir to introduce direct passenger flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo. This move is set to make international travel easier for travellers from Gujarat while opening up better access to Sri Lanka’s popular leisure destinations.
Operated by FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s first private international airline, the new route will run three times a week. The service is aimed at meeting the growing demand for overseas holidays from Gujarat, offering a smooth and direct travel option to Colombo.
With this improved connectivity, travellers can explore a range of premium stays under Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, including Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, and Cinnamon Red Colombo.
Gujarat is steadily growing as an important source market for Sri Lanka, supported by strong cultural connections and increasing interest in international travel. The launch of these direct flights is expected to strengthen tourism between Ahmedabad and Colombo, positioning Sri Lanka as a preferred short-haul destination.
Located in the heart of Colombo, City of Dreams Sri Lanka brings together entertainment, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences. Travellers can also opt for curated holiday packages that include stays at Cinnamon properties along with multi-destination itineraries across Sri Lanka, such as cultural trips to Kandy and beach getaways.
Nayana Mawilmada, President – Leisure & Property, John Keells Holdings, said, “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in the Indian market, particularly in Gujarat, which continues to show strong potential for outbound travel. This strategic partnership and the introduction of direct connectivity from Ahmedabad make it significantly easier for travellers to experience the unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and cultural richness that City of Dreams Sri Lanka and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts have to offer.”
Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President – Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, added, “Ahmedabad is an important and fast-growing market for us. With the launch of these direct flights, we are excited to welcome more travellers from Gujarat to Colombo. From the immersive experiences at City of Dreams Sri Lanka to the diverse hospitality offerings across Cinnamon properties, we look forward to delivering memorable stays tailored to Indian guests.”
Nalaka Amaratunga - Chief Executive Officer, Destination Management Sector, Walkers Tours commented, “This partnership marks an important milestone in enhancing connectivity between Ahmedabad and Colombo. By combining direct flights with thoughtfully curated travel packages, we aim to offer a seamless and enriching Sri Lankan holiday experience for travellers from Gujarat.”
Starting from 15 May, 2026, flights will operate three times a week between Ahmedabad and Colombo. Specially curated travel packages by Cinnamon, which include return airfare, a two-night stay with breakfast at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, and private airport transfers, offering a convenient and value-driven travel option.
Travel Schedule – Effective from 15th May
Ahmedabad → Colombo: 03:40 – 06:50
Ahmedabad → Colombo: 10:45 – 13:55
Colombo → Ahmedabad: 23:25 – 02:35
Colombo → Ahmedabad: 06:30 – 09:40.
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has introduced Google’s Find Hub share item location feature to make baggage recovery smoother and more efficient. The move adds an optional layer of support for guests dealing with delayed or missing baggage.
With this feature, guests using a compatible tracker tag or Bluetooth device can create a secure and temporary link that shares the location of their baggage. This link can be attached while reporting a lost or delayed bag, allowing Saudia’s ground teams to access real-time location details and speed up the recovery process.
The shared access is time-bound and automatically expires after seven days. Guests can also stop sharing the location at any point, ensuring they stay in complete control of their information throughout the process.
This update works alongside Saudia’s existing baggage handling systems, giving travellers better visibility and added reassurance during their journey. It is designed to make the experience more transparent while keeping things simple and user-friendly.
Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said: “Our focus is on giving guests confidence and reassurance throughout their journey. Initiatives like this reflect our broader commitment to clarity, transparency, and ensuring guests feel informed and in control at every stage of the experience. It is about strengthening trust and providing peace of mind through thoughtful, guest-centered decisions.”
By rolling out this feature, Saudia becomes one of the first airlines globally to adopt such technology, highlighting its focus on digital innovation and improved guest experiences.
The feature has been built with privacy in mind. Location details are shared only for baggage recovery purposes and remain accessible to the airline for a limited time. Once the process is completed or the guest decides to stop sharing, access is automatically removed.
Guests can use this feature by ensuring their device and tracker accessory are compatible and updated to the latest supported software versions.
By Author
Published on April 6, 2026
InterGlobe Enterprises’ lifestyle hospitality brand Miiro has strengthened its European presence with the opening of Miiro Spittelberg, marking its second property in Vienna.
Located in the historic Spittelberg District, just behind the MuseumsQuartier, the hotel is set within one of the city’s most culturally vibrant neighbourhoods. Known for its cobbled streets, artisan heritage, independent galleries, and lively café culture, the area offers an authentic window into Vienna’s contemporary creative scene.
Miiro Spittelberg features 132 guestrooms and suites, designed with a blend of warm neutrals, bold accents, natural textures, and soft lighting. Staying true to Miiro’s ‘Brilliantly Considered’ design philosophy, the rooms are crafted to provide a calming yet refined atmosphere, complete with plush beds, rainfall showers, cosy reading nooks, and premium toiletries.
The hotel’s design combines sleek modern lines with creative details, offering guests a space that feels both stylish and comfortable. Whether exploring Vienna’s iconic landmarks or unwinding within the property, the experience is designed to feel immersive and connected to its surroundings.
Dining at the hotel reflects a seamless all-day concept inspired by European café culture with an Italian twist. The experience is anchored by Poco, an Italian-inspired urban pizzeria and bar, adding a vibrant social element to the property.
Art plays a central role in the hotel’s identity, highlighted by an immersive ceiling mural that encourages personal reflection. This is complemented by a curated collection of works by Austrian and international artists displayed throughout the space. Additional amenities include a library, a 24-hour gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room.
Commenting on the opening, Neena Gupta said, “The opening of Miiro Spittelberg marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow Miiro in culturally rich European cities. Vienna’s artistic spirit and deep-rooted heritage make it a natural home for not just one but two of our properties, and the neighbourhood of Spittelberg reflects the lively, local energy we seek to celebrate.”
With this launch, Miiro continues to expand its footprint across Europe, with a growing portfolio spanning cities such as Paris, Barcelona, London, Gstaad, and Vienna, while InterGlobe’s broader international presence extends to destinations including Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, and Melbourne.
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