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Sol Kerzner steps down from Kerzner International

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KerznerMaldives.net.mv – Legendary hotelier Solomon ‘Sol’ Kerzner has announced his retirement as the chairman of Kerzner International Holdings. The move brings to a close one of the most dazzling careers in hospitality industry, with Kerzner top of the sector for decades.

The news came after Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) confirmed it had completed the purchase of a “significant” equity interest in the leading international Kerzner International. ICD is an investment arm of the Dubai government.

The chief executive of ICD, HE Mohammed Al Shaibani, will take on the role of chairman of the hotel operator, replacing Kerzner, while chief executive Alan Leibman will stay in position.

Kerzner, who founded the company in 1994, said: “I am exceptionally proud of all that has been accomplished at Kerzner International.

“This is a significant milestone in my life after a long and happy career in the tourism industry and I wish the company well.

“I am confident that with ICD’s guidance, the company will fulfil on its upcoming expansions towards further growth and global reach.”

With a career spanning more than 45 years, Kerzner, now 78, remains one of South Africa’s most admired entrepreneurs. He was born in Johannesburg and went on to build a hotel industry in South Africa that remains a testimony to his ability to turn grand visions into reality.

As the youngest of four children of Russian Jewish immigrants, his family started a hotel chain and, after graduating as a Chartered Accountant, Kerzner took over the running of the group and went on to create the most successful hotel group in South Africa, Sun International.

One&Only Reethi Rah

He later moved and expanded as a hotelier overseas with Kerzner International, which included the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas and the One&Only properties around the world, including Cape Town.

Kerzner International Holdings presently operates globally under the world-renowned One&Only and Atlantis brands, with international presence, significantly in Dubai with three resorts, two resorts in The Bahamas, and more in Mauritius, The Maldives, Mexico, South Africa and soon, Australia.

Kerzner arrived Maldives in 2001 and opened One&Only Kanuhura. They also built One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives in 2005 and still known as one of the top resorts in the world.

This new strategic move by ICD in the hotel and tourism sector in Dubai follows its acquisition earlier this year of Atlantis, The Palm resort. New projects under development include the new Atlantis resort in China, and four new One&Only resorts currently under development around the globe.

During his career Kerzner worked closely with his late son Butch, who shared his love of the hospitality industry until his tragic death in a helicopter accident in the Dominican Republic in 2006.

During their visit to South Africa in 2003 they announced their intention, as a company and a family, to make a sizeable donation towards the building of the new School of Tourism & Hospitality at the University of Johannesburg, which opened in 2005.

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Baros Maldives hosts special events in honour of PADI Women’s Dive Day

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Baros Maldives participated in the global celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day 2025, commemorating the occasion with a week of thoughtfully curated experiences that honoured the strength, curiosity, and connection shared among women divers. Held from 15th to 19th July, the initiative was designed to inspire confidence and camaraderie beneath the waves.

In the days leading up to the main event, female guests were treated to a 25% discount on their first or single dive. This included refresher and orientation dives along the renowned Baros House Reef, as well as Discover Scuba Diving sessions for those embarking on their first underwater adventure. These exclusive offers created an inviting and supportive environment, encouraging women of all experience levels to engage with Baros’ vibrant marine life.

The week culminated on 19th July with a complimentary dive led by the resort’s female dive instructors. Open to all certified women divers and those who had completed a Discover Scuba Diving experience during the week, the event brought together a spirited group of ocean enthusiasts for a memorable morning beneath the surface. The dive was marked by commemorative underwater photographs taken beside the official PADI Women’s Dive Day banner.

Ambra Dugaria, Dive Base Leader at Divers Baros Maldives, shared her reflections on the occasion: “At Baros, diving is about connection — to nature, to oneself, and to each other. PADI Women’s Dive Day is a powerful reminder that the ocean belongs to everyone. We are proud to provide a space where women feel empowered, celebrated, and free to explore.”

Led by Divers Baros Maldives, the initiative underscores the resort’s continued commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and community within the diving world. As a PADI Five Star Gold Palm Dive Centre, Baros remains dedicated to delivering safe, immersive, and inspiring underwater experiences for divers of all levels.

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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO celebrates Women’s Dive Month with captivating underwater exhibition

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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, in collaboration with TGI Maldives and Divernet—one of the world’s longest-established diving platforms—has launched an inspiring marine photo exhibition to commemorate Women’s Dive Month in association with PADI.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare underwater photographs taken by esteemed underwater photographer and writer, Richard Aspinall, during his recent stay at the resort. Based in the Scottish Borders, Aspinall has a longstanding background in wildlife conservation and heritage management, underpinned by academic training in ecology and conservation biology. His captivating images—from striking moray eels and elegant whitetip reef sharks to the vivid displays of blue-line snappers and clown triggerfish—offer a mesmerising glimpse into the flourishing coral ecosystems surrounding Helengeli.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by seven international female journalists, joined by TGI Maldives Operations Manager Greta Marcelli, General Manager Alain Trefois, and the wider operations team at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO.

“There is something truly magical about Helengeli. The reef is alive with untold stories. The marine life is phenomenal, and the energy of this island is unmatched. This exhibition, thoughtfully curated by our team, captures that essence—blending the wonders of the ocean with a message of empowerment. We are sincerely grateful to Richard Aspinall and Divernet for their remarkable imagery and collaboration in bringing this exhibition to life,” shared General Manager Alain Trefois.

In 2023, the resort became the first recipient of the PADI® Outstanding Contribution to Female Diving award. Continuing its commitment to inclusive diving, the resort hosted ten international female journalists in July 2024, offering them the opportunity to experience scuba diving and the breathtaking beauty of the Maldivian seas as part of the PADI Women’s Dive Day celebrations.

Building on this success, OBLU NATURE Helengeli has officially launched the 2025 International PADI Women’s Dive Month, in partnership with TGI Maldives and ELE|NA Ayur Spa. This initiative presents a specially curated programme for women throughout July, blending scuba diving with wellness experiences designed to foster confidence, connection, and serenity both below and above the surface.

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InterContinental Maldives enhances wellness offerings with Dr Shagnika Pradhan

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The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is enhancing its guest wellness experience by welcoming Dr. Shagnika Pradhan as a visiting practitioner from 1st August to 15th September 2025. Dr. Pradhan, who specialises in Naturopathy and Yoga Science, will offer a range of holistic treatments designed to restore balance in both body and mind.

With over seven years of experience, Dr. Pradhan employs a results-driven approach to healing that blends ancient Eastern traditions with modern therapies. Her expertise covers pain and stress management using techniques from traditional Chinese medicine, alongside herbal remedies, nutrition counselling, and yoga therapy. Her practice is rooted in providing personalised care that addresses the root causes of ailments.

During her residency at the resort’s AVI Spa, Dr. Pradhan will offer a comprehensive menu of exclusive wellness services. These include:

  • Naturopathic Manipulative Therapy: A custom blend of bodywork, spinal alignment, and sound healing to relieve stress and pain.
  • Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese technique to balance the body’s energy, effective for stress and pain. This also includes Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture to naturally boost collagen and circulation.
  • Sleep Enhancement Therapy: A four-hour ritual combining acupuncture, herbal massage, sound healing, and Yoga Nidra to improve sleep quality.
  • Specialised Yoga Therapies: Guests can choose from Yoga Therapy for overall wellbeing, Aqua Yoga Therapy for joint mobility in the water, and Anti-gravity Aerial Yoga in silk hammocks to build core strength and alignment.
  • Reiki Sound Healing: A spiritual session using Reiki energy, singing bowls, and chanting for emotional release.
  • Cupping Therapy: A traditional method to ease muscular tension and improve circulation. 

These bespoke sessions are part of the resort’s ongoing Wellness Journey programme, which features a curated selection of expert in-house specialists and visiting international practitioners. 

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