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Volunteer Maldives: Offering the Real Maldives Experience

Maldives Promotion House – Registered in Maldives, Volunteer Maldives is an organization which was founded by Yvonne Habeeb and Michelle Flake, two professionals with a lot of experience in the global travel business, and ten years of experience living in Maldives.
With a strong travel and tourism background, Yvonne has lived in the Maldives for almost 10 years, while Michelle has also lived in the Maldives for some 10 years and has over 20 years of experience in the Travel Industry. While their main goal is to promote the Maldives as a destination not just for tourism, they highlight many areas that will benefit from foreign volunteers who can help with many of the programs offered to benefit local communities.
Volunteer Maldives has worked with other non governmental organizations and island organizations, setting up programs in a variety of social areas such as education and sports. According to the organization, they are planning on extending their programs to other islands as well.
“Many schools and NGO’s contact us on a daily basis wanting volunteers for various programs. We have some very exciting projects and events coming up over the next 12 months, which will be kept under wraps until the final details are organised,” Yvonne said.
The organisation has participated and worked alongside major events such as the internationally renowned Hay Festival which was held on 2010. They have also made various donations to the local community as a social responsibility, and are also planning on further projects.
“Into this year we have some very exciting new projects in Arts and Culture, and are developing our nationwide Conservation Program and highlighting events while working with both NGO’s and government departments,” Yvonne added.
Being one of the first foreign volunteer organisations in the Maldives, Volunteer Maldives has had tremendous support from government, private, and individual organisations and has built up trust and credibility from all sectors of the community.
Explaining her desire to assist Maldives Michelle explains it by saying that “the Maldives is one of the most stunning destinations in the world and I want to give people the opportunity to experience the true Maldives. Live with the wonderful island communities and really make a difference, whilst giving them the opportunity for a once in a life time experience.”
This small island nation of the Maldives is renowned for its unique beaches, crystal clear lagoons and world class tourist resorts. However, the local life is very different and the famed luxury does not reflect the lives of normal hardworking Maldivians.
“The Maldives is one of the most stunning destinations in the world, but behind the façade of five star resorts and privilege the tourists see, there is a whole different world where the local communities of gentle people need help with a host of areas such as teaching, medical work, and youth work to inspire people in this remote island nation,” Yvonne states.
Volunteer Maldives is indeed a very special experience where you can participate in a variety of projects and development programs to benefit local island communities to make a marked and substantial difference to Maldivians.
In order to benefit the locals, Volunteer Maldives works in cooperation with island communities, NGO’s and government schools ensuring that the volunteer’s skills are shown where they are most required. The volunteer placements offered by Volunteer Maldives includes teaching, the medical field, sports coaches, and community development among others.
By offering a “Real Maldives” experience to the volunteers, Volunteer Maldives grants the opportunity to touch the local people’s lives, to live among the native community and to integrate into the unique Maldivian culture, while savouring the beauty of Maldives. According to Volunteer Maldives their “Give Back” programme ensures that a considerable proportion of a volunteer’s placement fee goes back into the community.
Volunteer Maldives prides itself with “a core set of values that guides everything we do. At the forefront of that vision is the desire and commitment to make sure all volunteer projects are of an immense benefit, and sustainable to the small island communities we work closely with. For the volunteers, we endeavour to ensure that the valuable time given by our volunteers provides a fulfilling and unforgettable experience that they’ll carry with them throughout their lives.”
We at Maldives Promotion House support their efforts to develop the local communities. We wish them success in their future project. Keep it up Volunteer Maldives.
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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort appoints Santosh Singh as Yoga & Fitness Trainer and RunWestin Ambassador

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has announced the appointment of Santosh Singh, as the Yoga and Fitness Trainer. With over 7 years of experience, Santosh brings extensive exposure in ancient Yogic wisdom and advanced training techniques to realign and recharge the mind and body while you’re on vacation.
In his new role, Santosh will also serve as the RunWestin ambassador, guiding and assisting guests in maintaining their running routines with enthusiasm. Speaking on his appointment, Santosh expressed, “I’m beyond thrilled to commence this journey with the wellness-focused, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. As a trainer and a dedicated fitness enthusiast, I can relate to guests who may encounter challenges in maintaining their inner balance while traveling, and aim to guide them through their fitness and wellness goals while on vacation with my expertise.”

In line with the resort’s unwavering commitment to holistic well-being, the resort has introduced a range of activities, including Aqua Aerobics, Pilates, Yoga Nidra, and more under Santosh’s guidance. These activities provide a unique opportunity to tailor personalized programs for each guest, incorporating ancient practices, enjoyable activities, complementary therapies, and ample movement to celebrate each guest’s individuality.
General Manager, Vijay Kumar said, “At The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, the brand’s pillars of wellness are not just a concept; it’s a way of life. We believe that well-being is a journey, and every step matters. We want to empower our guests to prioritize their physical and mental health, making their stay a true rejuvenation of body and soul.”
For further details or reservations, please visit westin-maldives.com or reach out via email at mlewi.reservation@westin.com.
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Sun Siyam Iru Fushi welcomes marine biologist Caitlin Rentell to lead sustainable marine conservation initiatives

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives has welcomed Caitlin Rentell, a talented and passionate marine biologist, to their team. Caitlin brings her expertise and dedication to the forefront of marine conservation efforts, focusing on critical initiatives to protect the pristine marine ecosystems of the Maldives. With her arrival, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is enhancing its commitment to preserving the enchanting waters of this tropical paradise.
Caitlin’s primary responsibilities at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi will include spearheading coral restoration efforts, engaging with guests and island team members in educational outreach programs, creating activities for the younger guest of the resort with the Koamas Kids Club team to raise awareness about marine life conservation, and fostering eco-tourism initiatives through collaborations with NGO and other local islands. Her work will make a significant contribution to strengthening the reef ecosystem, ultimately improving the region’s overall ecological health. These initiatives will also serve as an invaluable resource for educational purposes, allowing guests to learn and appreciate the Maldives’ unique marine environment.
UK National, Caitlin Rentell, holds a degree in Marine Biology from the prestigious University of Plymouth, United Kingdom, and has dedicated her academic career to understanding the anthropogenic impacts on our precious marine environment, particularly focusing on the menace of plastic pollution. Throughout her studies, Caitlin developed a profound understanding of the challenges facing our oceans and the urgent need for action.

After completing her degree, Caitlin ventured to the Maldives and joined a sea turtle rehabilitation NGO located on a local island in the Lhaviyani Atoll. During her time working with the NGO, she gained invaluable experience in coral restoration and community outreach. She actively engaged with the local community to address pressing issues such as waste disposal, all while educating future generations about the importance of preserving the ocean and its unique ecosystems.
Caitlin’s passion for marine conservation and her commitment to involving local communities align perfectly with Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s sustainable values and dedication to preserving the Maldives’ remarkable marine heritage.
“Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is excited to welcome Caitlin Rentell to our team, and we are all looking forward to her leadership in the pursuit of sustainable marine conservation initiatives,” said Abdulla Atham, Resort Manager at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. “With her dedication and expertise, the resort reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of the Maldives’ natural beauty.”
Insiders
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives welcomes new Executive Chef Nguyen Minh Phuc

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has announced the arrival of its new Executive Chef, Nguyen Minh Phuc.
A native of Vietnam, Chef Phuc brings a wealth of experience since 2003 from hotels and resorts around the world, from the Kingdom of Bahrain to South East Asia including Accor Hotels in Vietnam and recently served as Executive Chef at Marriott Hotels in the Maldives and Bali, Indonesia. Chef Phuc holds a bachelor’s degree in Cuisine Art, Food Preparation and Cooking from Vietnam Tourism College as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
To mark his debut, Chef Phuc is launching the Boat to Table BBQ Night at the resort’s signature restaurant, Seasalt every Sunday. This unique dining experience allows guests to choose their own fresh seafood from a local fisherman’s boat, which is then cooked to their liking by Chef Phuc and his culinary team.
The Boat to Table BBQ Night is a celebration of the local community’s fresh ingredients, local products, and sustainable practices. Guided by Hyatt’s food philosophy “Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served.”, Chef Phuc is committed to supporting the local community, especially the fishermen in the Raa Atoll Maldives, and reducing food waste. This new dining experience introduces guests to a different way to experience the Maldives.
Each week, a fisherman’s boat will park by Seasalt restaurant and the fishermen will carry a basket of fish directly from the boat to the grill area to display their catch. Customers are then invited to choose the fish they would like to eat, and the chef prepares the fish in front of them and grills it directly on charcoal according to the diners’ preference.
“I am so pleased to be joining the team at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. I have long been an admirer of the resort and the way it incorporates sustainable practices and local customs into its programming for guests. While creating my debut menu for the resort, it was important to me to celebrate the local fishermen, giving them the chance to show guests that their food is truly authentic and local, and creating a space for guests to connect and engage directly with the fishermen,” comments Chef Phuc.
“The Boat to Table menu will give guests of the chance to taste a variety of freshly caught fish, all native to the Maldvies, and gives us the chance to help them minimise food waste by choosing the correct size of fish according to their appetite.”
Guests at the Boat to Table BBQ Night can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including sashimi, ceviche, tartare, and grilled fish fillets. All of the food is prepared on the spot, ensuring that the seafood is as fresh as possible and minimising food waste.
Chef Phuc will also be bringing his signature cooking style to the rest of the resort’s restaurants, which include Umami, Pibati, Mirus Bar and the recently opened The Shack.
For more information email to kothaifaru@alilahotels.com
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