News
Coco Collection and Sunland Hotels appoint Chief Operating Officer

Maldives.net.mv – Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection have appointed Armand Chaudhary as Chief Operating Officer to lead daily operations of the group of companies. While being based in the group’s new and stylish head office in the capital Male’, Armand will oversee the company’s four properties in the Maldives, namely the exclusive private island Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island, the stylish boutique resort Coco Bodu Hithi, the eco-focused luxury retreat Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, and the dive and snorkel resort Biyadhoo Island Resort. Besides restructuring daily processes and formulating the strategy for the company’s continued success, Armand will be responsible for the expansion of the highly successful Coco Collection beyond the borders of the Maldives.
Coming from an F&B background, Armand looks back on a 30-year long successful career in the global hospitality industry, which took him from reorganizing cruise operations, to the complete transformation of various resorts. He has been extremely effective in turning hotel and resort operations into highly profitable businesses. One of the highlights of his career was the successful launch of Club Med’s most luxurious product, the top end 5* Villas project in Mauritius, for which he also implemented and defined all standards and operating procedures.
Armand was a long-time employee of Club Med where he last served as the Regional Director of Operations for the West Indies, Mauritius, and Cruise Operations. During his time at the Club Med Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and Florida resorts from 2007 till 2008, Armand successfully converted several underperforming units into profitable business sectors and prepared the renovation project of Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida. He was also responsible for the re-invention of the overall brand image to suit the US market.
“It is my great pleasure to join one of the most established Maldivian hospitality brands with a portfolio of unique properties that each offers its own individual charm”, Armand comments. “It is with enthusiasm that I look forward to working with the committed team that has played such a key role in the successful positioning of Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection, as we will together lead the group of companies into a global future.”
Armand’s core focus will be the elevation of service levels to new heights for the recently launched private island retreat Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island, as well as the revision of general operational standards and procedures, to ensure that the company continues to follow its basic credo, to inspire and surprise guests with the unexpected – from expertly personalized service, over extraordinary culinary delights, to exceptional and uniquely Coco experiences.
Awards
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI wins ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at 2025 WTAs

THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced that OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has been named ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards, marking a third consecutive win and reaffirming its status as one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinguished villa experiences.
At the heart of this achievement is the resort’s crown jewel – the Royal RESERVE. Spanning 3,000 square metres, this exceptional villa redefines ultra-luxury in the Maldives. It features a private beach, expansive pool, personal spa treatment room with dedicated therapists, and opulent living spaces adorned with intricate handcrafted detailing. Guests are offered an array of exclusive privileges, including 24-hour private butler service, a personal chef for bespoke dining at the in-villa restaurant, and a private bar serving tailored beverages. The villa also boasts direct lagoon access and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, all enhanced by the signature RESERVE Experience – a promise of seamless, discreetly curated service.
This latest accolade continues a tradition of excellence for the resort, following its debut year that saw it claim multiple titles including ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Villa’.
Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, expressed her gratitude, “It is with heartfelt pride and deepest appreciation that we receive this coveted accolade from the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. This extraordinary distinction celebrates our passionate pursuit of crafting unforgettable journeys, where visionary design dances with gracious service amidst the Maldives’ breathtaking serenity. To be honoured by both our esteemed industry colleagues and cherished guests fills us with immense joy, strengthening our commitment to pioneering bespoke moments that linger in the memory long after departure. Every day, our team finds inspiration in turning dreams into reality, and this recognition fuels our devotion to perfecting the art of meaningful luxury.”
The 2025 win builds on a long-standing legacy of recognition for the resort, which was also recently nominated at the World Spa Awards 2025 as Maldives’ Best Wellness Retreat, thanks to its transformative ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa – a sanctuary renowned for innovative wellness practices and holistic rejuvenation.
The RESERVE Plan™ at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI sets the benchmark for all-inclusive luxury. It includes catamaran transfers, unlimited treatments at the award-winning ELE|NA spa, and elevated dining across seven distinctive venues. Guests also enjoy premium Champagne, curated ocean excursions, and personalised experiences with Best Dives. This seamless integration of indulgence and service exemplifies ‘abundant luxury’, making OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI one of the Maldives’ most exclusive and thoughtfully crafted escapes.
Awards
Baros Maldives wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort title at 2025 World Travel Awards

Baros Maldives has been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a recognition that underscores the resort’s enduring dedication to delivering heartfelt and intimate experiences that are quintessentially Baros.
Nestled in the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, the Baros Water Villas are a refined expression of effortless luxury and seclusion. Each villa has been thoughtfully crafted to offer direct access to the turquoise lagoon, spacious sun-drenched decks ideal for peaceful reflection, and, in select accommodations, private pools with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Every element is designed to foster connection—with nature, with oneself, and with the timeless essence of Baros.
Beyond the villas lies Baros’ legendary house reef—teeming with vibrant marine life and coral gardens. Guests are invited to explore this underwater wonder through serene morning swims or sunset snorkelling sessions alongside turtles and schools of colourful reef fish.
Proudly Maldivian-owned and welcoming guests for over five decades, Baros Maldives has built a legacy of authentic hospitality and understated elegance. With just 75 villas, a team known for its warm, personalised service, and curated island experiences, the resort continues to offer stays that feel deeply personal and memorable.
Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros Maldives, expressed gratitude on behalf of the resort, “Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests, partners and the entire Baros team. This recognition is an honour and a wonderful reminder that the spirit of Baros continues to resonate with those who return to our shores time and again.”
As Baros celebrates this milestone, travellers are warmly invited to experience—or rediscover—the quiet magic that makes the island an enduring favourite in the Maldives.
Awards
Angsana Velavaru wins top honour for Water Villas at World Travel Awards

Angsana Velavaru has been honoured as Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort at the prestigious World Travel Awards, cementing its reputation as one of the nation’s premier destinations for overwater luxury. The accolade highlights a growing recognition of travel experiences that blend privacy, spacious design, and understated elegance.
Situated in the serene South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru is home to the renowned InOcean Pool Villas—a collection of standalone overwater villas entirely surrounded by open sea and detached from the island’s main area. This thoughtful separation ensures an exceptional level of privacy and uninterrupted ocean vistas, creating an atmosphere that is both tranquil and refined.
Available in one- and two-bedroom configurations, the InOcean Pool Villas are designed for both flexibility and comfort. Each villa spans two levels and features a private infinity pool, an open-air deck, and generous living spaces. The rooftop terrace offers an additional retreat—ideal for sunset drinks, casual barbecues, or simply enjoying the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. These villas cater equally to couples in search of serenity and families desiring meaningful togetherness.
Guests also benefit from proximity to Azzurro Restaurant and Bar, an elegant Mediterranean-inspired dining venue perched over water. The restaurant delivers a carefully curated menu in a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance, complemented by sweeping sea views that enhance the overall dining experience.
Reflecting on the recognition, General Manager Ahmed Zahir expressed gratitude: “This award is a reflection of the unwavering dedication of our entire team. At Angsana Velavaru, we strive to offer a thoughtful and personalised stay. The InOcean Pool Villas represent a unique proposition in the Maldives—space, serenity, and a slower pace that deeply resonates with our guests. This honour encourages us to further elevate our standards and remain aligned with what matters most to those who choose to stay with us.”
This award stands as a significant milestone for Angsana Velavaru, underscoring its continued commitment to delivering ease, comfort, and heartfelt hospitality. In a destination famed for overwater accommodations, the InOcean Pool Villa experience distinguishes itself through simplicity, spaciousness, and a seamless connection with the natural world.
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