News
Coco Collection appoints General Manager for Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – Coco Collection has announced the appointment of Paul Vincent Benedict Brown as the General Manager of Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island, the ultimate private island retreat reserved for only the most discerning travellers. Secluded, secret and serene, Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island is one of the world’s most exclusive private islands and the pinnacle of the Coco Collection experience. Comprising one split-level Master Residence and 5 guest accommodations, the island offers ample space for a family or group of friends. With an infinity pool, a private Jacuzzi, Dining Room, Library, Cocktail Bar, and Gym, nothing but the sparkling waters of the surrounding lagoon and the colorful house reef will be able to beckon guests to endeavor beyond the island, and explore the riches of the natural beauty of the Maldives.Apart from cultivating an exceptional stay by ensuring nothing but royal treatment for his guests, Paul will oversee the efficient operation of Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island while working closely with Armand Chaudhary, the newly appointed COO of Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection. Trained by the Household of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Paul is the founder and owner of White Glove Consultancy Services, a company that specializes in educating resorts, villas, private households and butlers on everything pertaining to first class service. During his time at Buckingham Palace, Paul’s duties bestowed him with the privilege to serve at Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s pleasure, as well as taking care of visiting Heads of State. On numerous occasions, Paul was also chosen to work privately for individual members of the immediate Royal Family in Buckingham Palace and at their private residences. Paul received The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic as well as the President of Iceland’s Medal of Honor in 1990.
After his departure from Buckingham Palace, Paul served as House Manager and Butler for Timothy Landon in the UK and for notable TV producer Aaron Spelling in the USA, before deciding to move to Asia, where he joined The Royal Phuket Yacht Club as Director of Guest Services and was personally responsible for the VIP guests while training and managing the butler service team at the club. Before joining Coco Collection this June, Paul inhabited the role of Executive Assistant Manager at The Village Coconut Island in Thailand, where he oversaw the day to day operations of the property.
“I am excited to have taken on the responsibilities of General Manager here at the magnificent Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island in Maldives, and it is with great pleasure that I look forward to working with the team that has so successfully launched this extravagant island. With my experience of etiquette and protocol in the performance of butlering duties, I am confident that we will elevate service levels to new heights, ensuring a Uniquely Coco stay for our guests!” comments Paul Brown, General Manager at Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island.
Paul’s primary focus will be to warrant that guests of the island will be treated like true royalty and to create a sense of familiarity and intimacy for each guest that genuinely embodies the vision of Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island Maldives: Your time. Your space.
Cooking
Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept
Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa presents a new chapter in destination dining with the launch of its Secret Garden concept, a thoughtfully designed experience that brings guests into a secluded setting surrounded by nature, soft lighting, and carefully curated details.
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the island, Secret Garden is created for those moments that deserve more than a traditional dinner. The space is styled with flowing drapes, warm candlelight, and natural greenery, creating a calm and intimate atmosphere that feels both personal and special. It is a setting that invites guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy the evening at their own pace.
At the centre of the experience is a seven-course menu, crafted to guide guests through a balanced journey of flavours. Each course is presented with care, with live cooking moments adding a sense of theatre and interaction throughout the evening. The service remains attentive yet discreet, allowing the experience to feel seamless and uninterrupted.
Guests can choose between two tailored offerings. The Romantic Escape focuses on the dining experience itself, complemented by a beautifully arranged setup and personalised service. For those looking to extend the evening, the Ultimate Romance Experience adds thoughtful touches such as a welcome glass of champagne, a private cinema moment under the open sky, in-villa breakfast the next day, and special bed decoration to complete the occasion.
The concept also allows for additional customisation, from floral arrangements to bespoke messages and decorative details, giving guests the flexibility to shape the evening around their celebration, whether it is a birthday, proposal, or simply a meaningful time together.
With Secret Garden, Kuredhivaru continues to expand its dining experiences beyond traditional venues, offering guests something more personal and immersive. It reflects the resort’s approach to hospitality, where every detail is considered, and each experience is designed to feel natural, effortless, and quietly memorable.
For any reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 6563000.
Cooking
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
Modern travellers increasingly view a destination as a collection of flavours to be explored, often reserving their dining experiences at the same moment they book their stay to ensure a true sense of discovery.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has embraced this trend, aligning its “Premium Island Experience” with exclusive chef residencies that transform an island stay into a sophisticated, curated sensory adventure. This approach reflects the resort’s core philosophy in reimagining the guest experience in its 15 dining venues and bars.

Central to this refined vision, the resort’s Easter programme debuted with a bespoke four-course residency masterminded by Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch. Collaborating closely with Executive Chef Putu Wijana and Beverage Manager & Sommelier Sunil Kumar, Pietsch ensured every ingredient achieved a sensual harmony with its chosen vintage pairing—a true study in the art of culinary chemistry.

The residency was hosted at Islander’s Grill, the resort’s beachfront destination, where the “Land & Sea” menu showcased technical precision through signatures such as Hand-Cut Beef Tartare finished with a silken yolk and garden botanicals; Lightly Cured Cod jewelled with Beluga Caviar; and a succulent Beef Cheek with Seared Foie Gras and winter truffle.
The experience concluded with a Topfen Dumpling accented by papaya, yogurt, and almond. The menu featured curated pairings, including French Champagne and a selection of prestigious French and Italian wines.

“We strive for a synergy between Michelin-standard precision and the evocative pulse of local and regional provenance. This marriage of world-class craft enables us to elevate our flavour profile, establishing a new lineage of bespoke dishes that honour our heritage while setting a sophisticated benchmark for the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi dining experience,” highlighted Abdulla Atham, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Resort Manager.
News
The Standard Maldives targets Chinese market with new all-inclusive programme
The Standard, Maldives, part of the globally respected Hyatt portfolio, has announced an elevated lifestyle-led luxury retreat tailored for Chinese travellers in search of a truly memorable Maldives escape. By harmoniously combining Hyatt’s world-class hospitality standards with The Standard’s dynamic and social lifestyle ethos, the resort introduces a new benchmark for premium island living in the Indian Ocean.
Reached via a scenic seaplane journey from Velana International Airport in Male’, The Standard, Maldives features 115 beautifully designed villas, set either overwater or along the beachfront. Each villa includes a private plunge pool and lounge deck, offering generous space and privacy for families or groups of up to ‘2 adults + 2 children’. Designed to complement the Maldives’ natural surroundings, these stylish accommodations provide direct access to clear lagoons or untouched beaches, ideal for relaxation, play, and exploration.
Enhancing the overall stay, The Standard has recently elevated its Food & Beverage offerings and introduced a Premium All-Inclusive programme, allowing guests to enjoy unlimited access to curated dining, signature cocktails, and bold flavours across its lively culinary venues. From casual beachfront BBQs to all-day dining and sunset bars, indulgence is effortless and uninterrupted throughout the stay.
With the preferences of Chinese guests in mind, the resort offers Mandarin-speaking hosts and personalised services, ensuring seamless communication and thoughtfully tailored hospitality from arrival to departure. Feedback from Chinese visitors consistently praises the warm, attentive service, with particular appreciation for Chinese-speaking hosts who make each experience smooth, welcoming, and stress-free.
Completing the island experience, The Standard, Maldives offers a thoughtfully curated selection of excursions that invite guests to explore both the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the Maldives. From traditional sunset fishing and guided manta ray and sea turtle expeditions in the surrounding atoll waters, to world-class scuba diving across vibrant coral reefs, each experience is designed to connect guests with the beauty of the Indian Ocean. For those seeking cultural discovery, the resort also organises visits to nearby heritage islands such as Kendhoo Island, an 800-year-old living community where guests can gain rare insight into Maldivian traditions, craftsmanship, and local way of life. These immersive experiences add depth and meaning to every stay, creating unforgettable memories beyond the shoreline.
Blending Hyatt’s trusted service excellence, The Standard’s lifestyle-driven spirit, premium all-inclusive offerings, and villa designs created with family comfort in mind, The Standard, Maldives stands out as a leading choice for Chinese travellers seeking a Maldivian holiday that is luxurious, playful, and genuinely distinctive.
-
Family1 week agoHilton Maldives Amingiri introduces Candyland experience for Easter 2026
-
Family1 week agoJA Manafaru launches Easter programme with family-focused experiences
-
Family1 week agoHalcyon Private Isles Maldives curates immersive Easter programme
-
Meditation1 week agoSO/ Maldives marks Earth Hour with 120-day wellness challenge
-
Cooking1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives introduces Onda with Mediterranean-inspired menu
-
News1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi secures multiple nominations at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026
-
Cooking1 week agoThe Halcyon Private Isles Maldives announces Easter residency by Chef Dimitry Eremeev
-
News1 week agoThe Standard Maldives curates sustainability-focused Earth Hour programme


