News
Coco Collection announces new public relations representation for key markets
Maldives.net.mv – With a steady growth in global markets, Coco Collection has reinforced its brand presence in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Russia with the appointment of Schaffelhuber Communications and to increase its reach in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia with Memac Ogilvy.
With Anke Schaffelhuber at the helm of Schaffelhuber Communications, the team comprises experts in the field of travel, tourism, fashion and lifestyle. Coco Collection is dedicated to creating stylish, sophisticated and sustainable holidays, and Schaffelhuber Communications offers an individual approach that is seamlessly integrated with this vision. Representing Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island, Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Russia, Schaffelhuber Communications will synergize with professional networks to communicate a truly timeless adventure.
Memac Ogilvy is a part of the largest marketing communications network in the world, focused on leading renowned brands through comprehensive planning and creative insights. With Coco Collection’s vision to become the world’s most desirable experience-led hospitality brand by offering surprisingly authentic touches at all of its properties, and Memac Ogilvy’s strategy to reinforce universal brand identity, Coco Collection’s appeal and reach throughout the Middle East will be amplified through the collaboration with this top-end PR agency.
“While Europe remains the leading market generator, only topped by arrivals from China, the Middle-Eastern and Russian markets have also shown a steady growth in their visitor numbers to Maldives. With Schaffelhuber Communications and Memac Ogilvy in place, Coco Collection will have a refined presence in these growing global markets” comments Shafa Shabeer, Coco Collection’s Director of Marketing. “Through this collaboration with our new partners, we also aim to highlight the visibility of our Maldivian roots and touches of local culture and tradition present in our brand.”
Coco Collection welcomed Schaffelhuber Communications and Memac Ogilvy to the growing team of partners in a journey to become the premier luxury holiday lifestyle resort brand in the region.
News
Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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