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Coco Collection strengthens executive team with new appointments

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Coco Collection - Bodu Hithi

Maldives.net.mv – Coco Collection welcomes new General Managers for Coco Bodu Hithi, the stylish luxury boutique resort in North Malé Atoll, and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, the barefoot luxury eco-resort in Baa Atoll, as well as a Director of Marketing at the helm of the Marketing and PR team in the corporate head office.

To lead the marketing efforts of the group, Shafa Shabeer has been appointed as Director of Marketing for Coco Collection. With a Masters in Marketing and Strategy from University of Warwick, Shafa has in depth knowledge of the properties, having worked with Coco Collection from 2002 until 2013. During this time, she implemented property action plans with the ultimate goal to successfully position the brand in the luxury market. Having grown up with the Coco values instilled in her by Shabeer Ahmed, her father and the founder of the Sunland Group of Companies, she will ensure that Coco Collection maintains its status as a leading boutique luxury brand.

Coco Bodu Hithi sees the addition of a hospitality veteran as its new General Manager. Hailing from Greece with an educational background from the top-ranking Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland, Georgios Papazoglou’s career in the hospitality industry spans over 25 years and began in his home city of Athens. From here, he progressed to notable names in the industry such as Hilton, Club Med and Starwood, where he was responsible for the overall operations of two Starwood managed Hotels with a total of 766 keys. With a stellar background in hotel and resort operations, Georgios will take Coco Bodu Hithi to new heights of excellence in guest experience.

With strong Brazilian roots, Elza Artiaga has over 16 years of experience in the 5-star hotel industry as she joins Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu as its first female General Manager. Having successfully inhabited Senior Management roles within the Ritz-Carlton brand in city hotels and resorts in the USA and the Caribbean, Elza has a proven track record in developing her teams. Most recently, she was the Hotel Manager of the multi-award winning Carlisle Bay Resort in Antigua, a 5-star resort within the Campbellgrey Hotels. With excellent leadership skills, Elza will ensure to surpass the strategic goals of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.

“We take exceptional pride in announcing the appointment of these dedicated professionals, heightening the importance of our Maldivian roots as well as our passion to form a diverse team. With Elza and Georgios at the helm of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi, respectively, and with Shafa overlooking the Marketing efforts of Coco Collection, we are confident that we will be able to inspire our guests with unique experiences and provide the ultimate in guest services”, comments Armand Chaudhary, Chief Operating Officer of Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection.

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‘Around the World in Wonder’ brings culture, cuisine, celebration to Amilla Maldives

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The festive season is in full swing at Amilla Maldives, where the island has come alive with Around the World in Wonder, a journey through global cultures, flavours and traditions. Inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the celebration runs from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, inviting guests to explore the world without leaving the island.

A meaningful early highlight of the programme was Amilla’s 11th anniversary on 21 December, marked by a festive cocktail and cake-cutting ceremony, followed by a Maldivian Night with bodu beru performances. The celebrations continued with the Tree Lighting Ceremony, which formed the glowing centrepiece of an Italian-themed Masquerade Ball. The evening unfolded with Viennese waltz performances and a fire show, while carolers filled the air with gentle festive melodies.

Christmas Eve turned its focus to France, featuring the lively Dance of the Can-Can, a festive buffet and aerial hoop performances. On Christmas Day, Argentina took centre stage as Santa arrived by yacht and rolled into the festive train buggy, leading a joyful island parade and gift-giving moments. The day continued with a festive brunch celebrating flavour, fun and festive cheer.

Festivities will build towards New Year’s Eve, with the Around the World in a Cocktail party and Global Carnival Event, including live performances from the Hamilton Band, bongo beats, soaring saxophone, acrobats and fire dancers, culminating in a countdown to 2026 under the Maldivian night sky.

Every detail has been thoughtfully prepared by the Amilla Maldives team, allowing guests to relax, explore and celebrate in a setting shaped by nature, warmth and wonder.

Click here to explore the full festive programme at Amilla Maldives. For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com.

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Christmas at Fushifaru Maldives begins with tree lighting, Boduberu, kids’ activities

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Fushifaru Maldives welcomed the Christmas season in grand style, beginning with a mesmerising tree lighting ceremony on 20 December set against the serene sunset at Thundi, accompanied by live music and tantalising canapés to mark the start of the celebrations. The holiday season runs from 20 December to 6 January, offering a variety of family-friendly activities, including cupcake decorating, pool parties, Boduberu classes, sandcastle making, and tennis classes for the little ones.

On Christmas Eve, 24 December, guests enjoyed a truly unforgettable celebration. The evening began with Santa’s arrival and a sunset aperitif with kids’ gift-giving, followed by a Christmas Gala Dinner featuring an extensive selection of international cuisines. Seafood lovers delighted in a live grilled station featuring jumbo prawns, lobsters, fishes, clams, octopus, and many more, all beautifully displayed on the Maldivian Dhoni boat, alongside a dedicated Japanese corner offering fresh sashimi, oysters, and other delicacies.

For dessert, the chefs presented a heavenly assortment including mousses, crème brûlée, tiramisu, macarons, meringues, soufflés, and many more, ensuring every guest indulged in a sweet finale. The night culminated in a vibrant disco by DJ Elton and a breathtaking performance by Anastasia Gordienko, a talented hula hoops, LED, and aerial gymnastics performer, leaving guests in awe and perfectly closing the Christmas Eve celebration.

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Villa Nautica hosts Bollywood filmmaker Farah Khan for holiday stay

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Bollywood filmmaker and celebrated choreographer Farah Khan marked the festive season with a holiday escape to the Maldives, staying at Villa Nautica and experiencing the island’s signature mix of warmth, privacy, and ocean-side celebration.

A defining creative force in Indian entertainment, Farah Khan has shaped some of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable on-screen moments, from iconic dance sequences to blockbuster storytelling. Widely regarded as one of Bollywood’s most influential choreographers, she has worked across more than 80 films and received major recognition for her craft, including India’s National Film Award for Best Choreography and multiple Filmfare Awards.

Farah’s impact extends beyond choreography. As a director, she is known for beloved mainstream hits including Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om, and Happy New Year, bringing together spectacle, humour, and heart with a style that audiences instantly connect with. She is also a familiar face to viewers through television and entertainment formats, where her sharp wit and straightforward personality have made her a standout on screen.

Villa Nautica is located on Lankanfinolhu Island in the North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, making it an easy choice for travellers planning a festive season getaway in the Maldives. The resort is known for its yacht-life inspired spirit, shimmering lagoons, and a vibrant range of ocean experiences, including diving and watersports, paired with relaxed island luxury for all-day unwinding.

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