News
Nick Downing appointed Vice President, Per AQUUM
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.
Love
JA Manafaru celebrates romance with exclusive Valentine’s Day experiences
This Valentine’s Day, JA Manafaru in the Maldives invites couples to experience an unforgettable celebration of love, offering a range of exclusive romantic activities and indulgent packages set against the stunning backdrop of turquoise waters and pristine beaches. From intimate dinners to rejuvenating spa treatments, guests will find everything they need to create cherished memories with their love done.
JA Manafaru’s Valentine’s Stay Offer provides the perfect romantic escape, with up to 20% off Best Available Breakfast Rates, a romantic beach dinner featuring a three-course menu, a bottle of Prosecco or sparkling juice upon arrival, and a unique in-villa floating breakfast. Couples who purchase a 60-minute treatment will also enjoy an additional complimentary 30-minute spa treatment, along with the option to enhance their experience with island-hopping yacht trips and excursions (additional costs apply).
For those seeking even more memorable moments, the resort presents a series of exclusive experiences. Guests can treat their loved one to a Romantic Floating Breakfast, where a continental spread is served on a floating platform in their pool villa, accompanied by Moët & Chandon Brut, for a truly serene start to the day. Alternatively, couples can enjoy a Romantic Cellar Champagne Breakfast, which offers gourmet delicacies paired with Champagne in the resort’s unique underground wine cellar, available for a limited number of guests.
On the evening of 14th February, couples can escape to their own private paradise with the Valentine Castaway BBQ for two, a delectable and romantic BBQ dinner set up on the beach with Don Perignon. For those who desire a more enchanting setting, the Love Under the Stars Beach Dinner invites couples to enjoy a romantic four-course menu with Champagne, under the vast starry sky. Only a select number of exclusive slots are available for these intimate experiences.
For those seeking an extraordinary dining experience, the Valentine Private Wine Cellar Dinner offers a seven-course meal in a private wine cellar, perfectly paired with fine wines, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable evening.
Finally, to pamper guests on this special day, The Calm Spa Sanctuary offers a Valentine’s Special Spa Treatment from 12th to 14th February. The treatment includes a 90-minute spa session, a relaxing herbal bath, a bottle of sparkling wine, and a choice of Harnn product, with a heart-shaped cookie or chocolate to complete the experience.
With a selection of exclusive events and packages designed to celebrate love, JA Manafaru promises an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration, offering couples the opportunity to create lasting memories in one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
Cooking
From pizza to pasta: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives unveils Pibati Sul Mare
“Pibati” in Sanskrit translates to “to drink, absorb, or imbibe,” reflecting a profound connection to savouring and enjoying sensory experiences such as food and drink. Guided by this philosophy, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has unveiled a refined concept for its beachside restaurant under the leadership of Executive Chef Frank Wackerhagen. The newly reimagined dining destination invites guests to explore Italy’s cherished culinary traditions.
Renamed Pibati Sul Mare—Italian for “by the sea”—the restaurant serves lunch, specialising in artisanal pizzas and handcrafted pastas. Its menu features a harmonious blend of Italian classics and island-inspired flavours, such as the Margherita pizza and the exquisite Linguini allo Scoglio di Panna, a mixed seafood dish in a garlic cream sauce. These dishes are crafted with high-quality ingredients, including fresh, homegrown herbs cultivated on the island, creating comfort food that captures the island’s vibrant essence.
Nestled against the backdrop of stunning ocean views, Pibati Sul Mare offers a serene retreat for diners seeking a memorable culinary experience. The setting combines coastal charm with contemporary elegance, featuring airy, open spaces designed to immerse guests in the scenic surroundings. Soft, earthy tones and natural materials contribute to a warm and inviting ambiance, while exceptional service ensures every guest feels cared for and attended to.
Whether enjoying a gathering with family or savouring a moment of tranquility, Pibati Sul Mare provides an unforgettable dining experience. It promises to captivate the palate and create cherished memories that linger long after the visit.
Featured
Tripadvisor names Ayada Maldives Best of the Best Resort for luxury and excellence
Ayada Maldives has been recognised as the No. 1 Traveler-Ranked Best of the Best Resort in the Maldives by Tripadvisor for 2024. This prestigious accolade, based on authentic guest reviews, highlights the resort’s dedication to unparalleled luxury, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences.
This achievement reinforces Ayada Maldives’ status as a premier destination for discerning travellers. The resort has also received acclaim for its exquisite overwater villas, pristine beaches, and world-class culinary offerings, earning additional recognition across categories for hospitality excellence and sustainability.
Renowned for its timeless beauty and immersive luxury, Ayada Maldives continues to redefine the art of indulgence. The resort acknowledges the trust and support of its esteemed guests, which inspire ongoing efforts to set new benchmarks in luxury travel.
Located in the pristine Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ayada Maldives is a luxury resort offering an authentic Maldivian retreat. With a selection of opulent villas and suites, world-class dining options, and a wide range of recreational activities, the resort provides a personalised experience for every guest. Globally celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, exceptional hospitality, and vibrant social media presence, Ayada Maldives remains a standard-bearer for luxury travel in the Maldives.
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