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Amari Havodda Maldives Appoints Zafer Agacan as General Manager

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Zafer AgacanMaldives.net.mv – ONYX Hospitality has appointed Zafer Agacan as the General Manager for Amari Havodda Maldives.

Agacan has extensive experience in the hospitality industry with a career spanning over 20 years, of which nearly a decade was spent in the Maldives. Having started his career working in front office, he has since held various management positions at different international hotel brands in Australia, the United Arab Emirates, China and the Maldives. Before joining ONYX, Agacan was with Ayada Maldives Resort and Spa, where he held the role of general manager. Prior to that, he worked for four years with HiltonResorts and Spa across two of their properties – the Conrad Sanya Haigang Bay & DoubleTree by Hilton Sanya and the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort and Spa.
Commenting on his new role with ONYX, Agacan said, “I am looking forward to establishing Amari Havodda as a leading hotel in the Maldives. Tourism in the Maldives is strong and presents a great potential for a hospitality brand like Amari, which can provide access to the growing mid-market segment who aspire to visit the alluring destination. The hotel is ideally located on one of the pristine islands in the archipelago, enveloped by the exotic nature that the Maldives is renowned for. Guests may lounge away on the beachfront pool or enjoy the villas designed under the theme “Natural Simplicity”, whilst the guest rooms offer a contemporary and relaxing environment.”

Agacan will be responsible for the smooth operations of Amari Havodda during its pre-opening and once it begins operation in early 2016. The 120-villa property is located in the Southern Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, one of the most preserved atolls in the archipelago, offering a private hideaway. The resort will offer two principal villa types, “beach” and “overwater”, each providing uninterrupted views over the reef, the ocean and beyond.

Amari Havodda is owned by Crystal Plaza Resorts, a joint venture between Sri Lankan construction giant, Sanken Overseas and Singapore Hospitality Holdings, a Singapore based company specialising in resort investments. The resort will be managed by ONYX Hospitality Group.

Awards

Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026

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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.

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Cooking

Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day

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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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Awards

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition

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Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.

Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.

The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.

The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.

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