News

Nick Downing appointed Vice President, Per AQUUM

Published

11 years ago

October 11, 2013

Maldives.net.mv – Per AQUUM has announced the appointment of Nick Downing as Vice President, Per AQUUM Retreats ∙ Resorts ∙ Residences, based in Bangkok.

Nick was part of the launch team of Per AQUUM from 2003 to 2006 when he served as pre-opening Director of Operations, followed by General Manager of Huvafen Fushi, Maldives. As Vice President of Per AQUUM, Nick is responsible for the overall leadership, direction and vision of the brand. He will also ensure that the core Per AQUUM values of making a difference though signature guest experiences, service and design remain central to the portfolio.

Commenting on his appointment, Nick says; “Returning to Per AQUUM as Vice President is a true honour. Over the last ten years, it has been clear that the teams involved have worked exceptionally hard to stay true to our original identity and the Per AQUUM brand DNA is still deeply embedded across the collection. The fact that each property has its own distinct individuality is a key factor in the continued brand appeal to guests. As joint venture partners in Per AQUUM, both Minor Hotel Group and Universal Enterprises have expressed their commitment to keep Per AQUUM strong, unique and independent and with the added resources behind us I am confident that our brand will continue to be known as an innovative leader in the premium luxury sector.” Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, Minor Hotel Group comments, “Nick is a proven, well rounded industry leader and his extensive brand development skills are indeed a tremendous asset to Per AQUUM. In addition, with a wealth of hospitality experience, he is well placed to take full strategic and operational leadership of the brand as we look to future development in locations such as the Middle East, Africa, Sri Lanka, and South East Asia. This is an exciting time for Per AQUUM we are delighted to have Nick on board.”

Prior to re-joining Per AQUUM, Nick spent the last two years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts as General Manger of W Retreat Koh Samui. Before that he spent four and a half years at Ativa Hospitality Corporation as General Manager of Hotel de la Paix in Siem Reap, Cambodia before being promoted to Director of Operations at the company’s Corporate Office in Bangkok. His earlier career, which started in the nineties, saw him work for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in his native Australia before moving to Hayman Island Resort, Palazzo Versace, and then Soneva Gili Resort & Spa in the Maldives as Executive Assistant Manager.

Awards

Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

m@ldives

Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.

This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.

Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.

The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.

Awards

Coco Bodu Hithi, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu shine at Seven Star Awards

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

m@ldives

Coco Collection, a leading Maldivian resort brand, has been honoured at the 2024 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, with both Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu recognised for their excellence in luxury hospitality.

Seven Stars Luxury and Hospitality Awards, celebrated as the premier authority in luxury recognition, serves as a trusted guide for the discerning travellers and lifestyle enthusiasts globally, particularly from India and Middle East.

Coco Bodu Hithi, known for its romantic charm and ambiance, has been named the Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort in the Maldives, highlighting its exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for couples seeking an idyllic escape.

Welcoming high-profile celebrities from India such as Mouni Roy and Surbhi Jyoti highlights the resort’s ability to cater to diverse guest profiles and needs, offering curated experiences that elevate every stay. Some of the most notable experiences include the Sunset Cruise and the intimate Dinner Under the Stars in a private pergola.

In addition, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, known for its environmental values, was honoured as the Best Barefoot Luxury Resort in the Maldives at the Seven Stars Awards. This recognition highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, even 25 years after its inception.

These core island principles, built on ecological measures, have helped the resort achieve multiple accolades at this year’s World Luxury Hotel Awards and be recognised in prominent categories that Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu passionately advocates for.

This winter, embrace the sunshine at Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu with the Discover Coco deals offering up to 40% off on spacious and comfortable villas. To reserve, contact reservations@cococollection.com and secure your extraordinary getaway.

Drink

Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar

Published

18 hours ago

November 21, 2024

m@ldives

Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.

Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.

Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.

The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.

To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:

Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.

Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.

Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.