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Sun Siyam Chairman Predicts an Exciting New Era for Maldivian Hospitality

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The Sun Siyam Iru FushiMaldives.net.mv – The Chairman and Managing Director of Sun Siyam, Mr Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, recently announced bold new plans to expand his luxury hospitality brand in the Maldives and beyond. In a speech at the HICIO conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka that focussed on the challenges and opportunities for developing in the Maldives and taking Maldivian brands abroad, Mr Siyam revealed a new large-scale project currently in development on the island of Dhigurah in the Maldives as well as an additional The Sun Siyam property in Sri Lanka.

Mr Siyam, who launched his first Maldivian resort in 1998, manages the The Sun Siyam and Sun Aqua brands, with three luxury properties in the Maldives and one in Sri Lanka. His newest project on Dhigurah Island is, he revealed, his most challenging and ambitious project yet. The 600-room resort with 14 different room categories, no fewer than 15 F&B outlets, family-friendly accommodations and an underwater restaurant and wine cellar is evidence that the country is on the verge of a massive repositioning. It marks the Maldives’ turning point from a destination primarily for Europe’s rich to one that can accommodate a wide range of visitors from markets around the globe. On completion, the resort will be the largest tourism offering in the Maldives, creating more than 2,500 jobs for the local Maldivian community.

Sun Siyam brands will also be expanding across Sri Lanka, Mr Siyam announced. In addition to the Sun Aqua Pasikudah – the first 100% Maldivian owned and operated resort on foreign soil – Sun Siyam will be developing an overwater villa resort in Kalpitiya. This project comes at the perfect time for overseas expansion of Maldivian brands, Mr Siyam said.

“We have something really special in our island nation that can enrich both guests’ experiences and property investors’ portfolios,” he stated in his speech. “The Maldives has a form of home-grown service culture and industry know-how that is currently not being fully utilised to its full potential domestically, and certainly not on the international stage. Just like the well-known Swiss, Indian and Thai forms of hospitality, Maldivian hospitality can create desire and demand in any region.”

Though constructing luxurious resorts in remote areas such as the Maldives and Sri Lanka presents many challenges, such as access and logistics, these difficulties are worthwhile to overcome. International travellers, Mr Siyam stated, are seeking authentic experiences “based on love, romance, warmth and intimacy.” It is no longer necessary to recreate a Western travel experience in the Maldives; the time is now ripe for Maldivian developers to create truly Maldivian resorts both on home soil and abroad.

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Anantara Veli unveils all-female Michelin guest chef series

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An adult-only sanctuary set amid crystalline lagoon waters, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort unveils an inspired celebration of culinary artistry with its fourth Michelin Star Guest Chef Series, featuring an exceptional all-female lineup. Set within the tranquil beauty of the Maldives, acclaimed chefs from around the world bring their distinctive perspectives and Michelin-starred mastery to the island for a series of exclusive dining experiences.

From the sun-soaked coasts of Italy to the vibrant streets of Bombay and the refined ateliers of Paris, each residency offers guests the opportunity to savour refined flavours, creative expression and the evolving voice of women in global gastronomy, thoughtfully curated in Anantara Style.

Kick-starting the series back in January was Chef Caterina Ceraudo, whose Calabrian-rooted cuisine reflects the landscapes and traditions of Southern Italy through a contemporary lens. Known for her thoughtful approach to ingredients and refined techniques, her dishes honoured the connection between land, heritage and modern Italian creativity.

Chef Gabriela Chamorro brought the vibrant spirit of Dubai’s cosmopolitan dining scene to the island last February. Her residency showcased bold flavours and contemporary flair, with standout dishes such as a Buñuelo with tuna tartare, guava jam and black garlic aioli, balancing sweetness, richness and bright coastal notes in a single elegant creation.

Looking ahead, the series continues with an inspiring lineup of female chefs from around the world, each bringing their own perspective and culinary artistry to the island.

Among them is Chef Kelly Rangama, a Michelin-starred chef and winner of Top Chef France, known for weaving her Creole heritage into refined French cuisine. Her signature Rougail Saucisse elevates the beloved Réunion Island classic of smoky sausage, tomato and aromatic spices with contemporary finesse.

Also joining the series is Michelin-starred Chef Emily Roux, of the legendary Roux family. Known for her elegant and inventive French-inspired cuisine, Chef Emily has earned the recognition through her restaurant Caractère in London and her place within one of Britain’s most iconic culinary dynasties. Her Seared John Dory with beurre blanc and seasonal vegetables showcases her refined technique and mastery of balanced, expressive flavours.

From the land of the rising sun, Chef Nao Motohashi of Restaurant JULIA brings the precision and quiet elegance of Japanese cuisine to the series. Known for her refined approach to seasonal ingredients and meticulous technique, Chef Nao creates dishes that balance purity, harmony and visual artistry. Her cooking reflects the philosophy of Japanese gastronomy, where flavour, texture and presentation come together in thoughtful simplicity, offering guests a dining experience that is both delicate and deeply expressive.

Expanding the chef list from its usual Michelin-starred lineup, visiting chefs for the rest of the year include Chef Iris Jordan Martin of Restaurant Ansils in Aragon, Spain, winner of the 2025 Michelin Guide Young Chef Award, Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger of Riverine Rabbit in Birmingham, UK and Chef Niyati Rao of Ekaa in Bombay, India.

“We’re excited to have an all-female lineup this year. The culinary scene is a male-dominated industry, but there are many female chefs out there whom we believe deserves the same recognition and our team of chefs would benefit tremendously from this experience,” said Culinary Director, Chef Francis Purification.

He added, “Each residency features collaborative dinners with our chefs, cooking classes and a long table dinner, hosted by a member of our family, allowing guests to engage not only with delicious food but with the stories and inspirations behind it.”

For more information on the dinner, visit www.anantara.com or email fbcoordinator.amd@anantara.com.

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Loredana to attend Caravela opening at NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort

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NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort has announced the upcoming visit of Romanian artist Loredana, marking a cultural exchange between Romania and the Maldives.

Often described as “The Artist Who Turned Romanian Pop into an Evolving Art Form”, Loredana has played a significant role in shaping Romania’s music scene over several decades. Her work spans multiple genres, including Romanian folk, pop, electronic, and Balkan influences, reflecting an approach that combines traditional elements with contemporary styles. She is recognised for continuously evolving her sound, image, and performances, while maintaining a strong presence across generations through collaborations and creative reinvention.

During her stay, Loredana will serve as Guest of Honour at the opening of Caravela, the resort’s new fine-dining restaurant, scheduled for 26 March 2026. The restaurant is positioned as a refined culinary offering that integrates the standards of NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort with its natural island setting.

The visit also reflects growing interest among Romanian travellers in the Maldives, with NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort attracting guests through its location in Baa Atoll, marine environment, and hospitality offering.

Located in Baa Atoll, the resort provides a setting focused on open spaces and island experiences. The property continues to position itself as a destination for international travellers.

The resort stated that it is hosting Loredana as part of its efforts to highlight connections between music, culture, and gastronomy, while reinforcing links between Romania and the Maldives.

“We are truly honoured to welcome Loredana to NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort,” said General Manager Valentin Osolos. “Her visit represents a wonderful cultural connection between Romania and the Maldives, and we are especially delighted that she will join us as Guest of Honour for the opening of our new fine dining restaurant, Caravela. Moments like these celebrate not only gastronomy and hospitality, but also the growing relationship between our destinations and the shared passion for travel, culture, and meaningful experiences.”

The resort noted that such visits contribute to ongoing cultural exchange and tourism engagement between the two destinations.

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One&Only Reethi Rah’s five-star spa unveils Spring wellness programme

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One&Only Reethi Rah, the all-villa resort, invites guests to elevate their wellness at the One&Only Spa, which was recently awarded its second consecutive five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, making it the only spa in the Maldives with this recognition. A haven of quiet pampering, One&Only Spa is nestled amongst secluded lush tropical gardens and blends ancient healing traditions with modern techniques to offer bespoke treatments that promote long-lasting wellbeing.

This spring, One&Only Spa welcomes a curated programme of world-class visiting practitioners in March and April, promising a varied line-up of wellness and fitness experiences by acclaimed experts.

Discover the ancient practices of Ayurveda with Dr. Gopal Govindasamy, a naturopathic doctor and yoga expert from India. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Gopal is an established and leading authority in holistic wellness, having trained at the world-renowned Sivananda Yoga Institute. He has also earned an international reputation as Dr. Magic Hands, due to his exceptional ability to relieve and correct persistent and physical concerns, helping guide his clients towards lasting wellbeing and balance. Choose the Royal Indian Ayurvedic Journey for a full body massage that focuses on vital points of the body and improves your inner balance.

For those seeking bespoke and personalised training, celebrity trainer Lindley Zama brings 14 years of expertise in wellness and movement, with training programmes that focus on building a strong and resilient body. Whether at the resort’s Fitness Centre, at an outdoor workout on the beach facing the ocean, or even aboard one of the resort’s vessels as you cruise over the water, Lindley’s training sessions are thoughtfully designed to energise and prioritise spinal health and joint mobility through myofascial release techniques. Try his Myofascial Mobilisation session to release deep-held tension and as the perfect preparation for more intense training. Athletes can also choose Lindley’s Sports Performance Skills session which will be built around specific sports and goals and involve personalised conditioning to develop strength, endurance, and lasting performance.

Guests can also elevate their wellness through Pilates and yoga with Renee Watson, co-founder and co-director of The Source Cape Town, a premier Pilates and yoga studio and teacher training centre in South Africa. With extensive experience teaching Pilates, yoga, gyrokinesis, lynotherapy, and more, Renee has led workshops and courses worldwide to help her clients address their unique needs. Experience a workout on the versatile Pilates Reformer where an intentional session with Renee offers a full-body experience with deep core connection, postural awareness, and mindful movement and breathwork.

For fans of skincare, the One&Only Spa is currently partnered with world-renowned luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader to offer a selection of transformative, celebrity-approved treatments and products. Designed to amplify the power of TFC8® technology, the 60-minute Bespoke Facial delivers immediate results that leave the skin refreshed, balanced, and radiant, while the 75-minute Advanced Facial is a luxurious treatment designed to deeply rejuvenate and nourish the skin for a healthy and long-lasting glow.

Whether guests are seeking to dive into a new wellness journey or to deepen their existing habits, the One&Only Spa provides breathtaking natural spaces where holistic transformation unfolds effortlessly. From sunrise yoga to curated training sessions to deeply restorative therapies, every moment is both holistically therapeutic and personal, inviting guests to embark on or continue their spa journey in the relaxing landscapes of the Maldives.

For bookings and more information, please email guest.information@oneandonlyreethirah.com. For more information about the resort, please visit oneandonlyreethirah.com

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