Connect with us

News

Jumeirah Vittaveli celebrates success at World Luxury Spa and Restaurant Awards

Published

on

Jumeirah Vittaveli

Maldives.net.mv – Jumeirah Vittaveli has won three awards at the World Luxury Spa Awards and the World Luxury Restaurant Awards Gala 2016 in Switzerland.

The resort’s Talise spa won the award for: ‘Best Luxury Wellness Spa’ in the Maldives. The restaurant Fenesse won ‘Best French Cuisine’ in the Maldives and the Indian restaurant Swarna won ‘Best Indian Cuisine’ in Asia.

Graham Kiy, General Manager at Jumeirah Vittaveli, said: “This is an outstanding recognition for our resort and a tremendous honour for the entire team. Wellness, relaxation and excellent dining offerings are an essential ingredient of a perfect tropical island holiday. We are humbled to have been recognised as leaders in these disciplines.“

Jumeirah Vittaveli

The island’s Talise Spa, was recognised earlier in the year at the World Travel Awards when the spa won ‘Maldives’ Leading Spa Resort.’ The spa philosophy evolves around the concept of light and incorporating local ingredients into treatments. The signature treatments such as Kurubaa Kaashi utilise a fresh coconut scrub which is made on the island. The spa also produces its own 100% organic coconut oil which is used in treatments and available for purchase in the boutique.

Swarna opened in September 2015 and was named Asia continent winner for ‘Best Indian Cuisine.’ Passionate Executive Sous Chef, Francis Cornelious, prepares opulent meals for his guests in ancient Emperor Style – all served in private cabanas dotted throughout a serene beachside garden.

Fenesse was named ‘Best French Cuisine’ in the Maldives and serves contemporary and inspired French fine dining cuisine in a stunning overwater venue. Diners are seated on private terraces overlooking the Indian Ocean while dining on mouth-watering delicacies prepared by Chef William Talbot from Mauritius.

Jumeirah Vittaveli

Jumeirah Vittaveli also recently won ‘Grand Luxury Resort of the Year’ at the Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards – a step up from the ‘Maldives’ Luxury Resort of the Year’ award in 2015.

The World Luxury Spa Awards gives recognition and thanks to the luxury spa industry, setting benchmarks in quality, innovation and service for spas around the globe. Established as the world’s leading awards initiative for Luxury Spas, The World Luxury Spa Awards sets the spotlight on spas, attracting the attention of global spa-goers and industry experts. Voting is based on service excellence and is cast by spa guests.

The World Luxury Restaurant Awards™ inspires excellence and ignites healthy competition in the luxury restaurant industry. Voting is based on the food experience as a whole, combined with aspects of service excellence, presentation, quality and menu choices. Votes are mainly cast by guests, but also by industry professionals that approve and support the nominated establishments.

Drink

Kandolhu Maldives introduces new villas and gastronomic journeys

Published

on

Kandolhu Maldives has announced a new season of island experiences, highlighting the resort’s refurbished Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas and a series of exclusive dining collaborations with internationally acclaimed chefs. The resort aims to offer guests opportunities to rediscover its intimate setting through refreshed accommodation and elevated culinary events.

The newly enhanced Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas, each spanning 120 sqm, have been designed with relaxation and comfort in mind. The villas now feature a spacious bedroom, a light-filled bathroom with a deep oval bathtub overlooking the Indian Ocean, and a private deck furnished with sun loungers and a sun umbrella. A new 23 sqm private pool has also been added, alongside a hammock suspended above the water, offering uninterrupted ocean views.

The resort has also introduced a line-up of exclusive dining events, bringing together Michelin-starred chefs and distinguished winemakers. These collaborations, hosted at Olive restaurant, combine fine cuisine with curated wine pairings, promising immersive gastronomic experiences.

  • 3 October 2025: Chef Bernd Bachofer will present a degustation menu combining Japanese, Southeast Asian, and French haute cuisine. The evening will be paired with vintages from New Zealand’s Schubert Wines, led by winemaker Kai Schubert. Chef Bachofer, awarded a Michelin star in 2015, brings decades of expertise from renowned kitchens in Germany and Switzerland.
  • 23 November 2025: The Kandolhu culinary team, headed by Chef Justin, will prepare a five-course Mediterranean dinner paired with Stonefish wines. Wine expert Peter Papanikitas will guide guests through each course, providing insights into the pairings.
  • 3 December 2025: Michelin-starred Chef Theodor Falser will craft contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine in a five-course dinner for just 14 guests. Each course will be paired with fine Italian wines, offering an intimate dining experience.

Kandolhu’s Island Hosts, Claudio Stupan and Luciana Codiferro, commented, “Our vision has always been to create a space where guests feel both completely relaxed and deeply inspired. With refreshed villas and new culinary journeys ahead, we are proud to offer an experience that truly reflects the spirit of Kandolhu.”

Continue Reading

Featured

Bavarian traditions meet island living at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Oktoberfest

Published

on

Sun Siyam Olhuveli has announced that it will host its own take on Oktoberfest from 1 to 5 October 2025, bringing one of the world’s most recognised celebrations to a tropical island setting. The resort will combine Bavarian traditions with Maldivian hospitality, offering guests a week-long programme of music, food, and festivities.

A highlight of the event will be a performance by international DJ twins Kristina and Anna Grushina. With a strong global following of more than two million on social media and chart-topping success on Spotify, the sisters are renowned for their high-energy sets that transform any stage into a vibrant dance floor. Their performance on the resort’s beachfront is expected to be a key feature of this year’s festival.

Alongside live music, the festival will present German brews and themed culinary experiences inspired by Oktoberfest. Guests will be able to enjoy Bavarian-style dishes alongside a selection of hops and lagers served beachside. To add to the atmosphere, family-friendly activities and games will be organised throughout the resort, creating a spirit of connection and celebration in an island environment.

“We are excited to bring together international music talent, authentic gastronomy, and our island’s natural beauty in this celebration,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Every year, Oktoberfest and many other celebrations at Sun Siyam Olhuveli continue to highlight culture, community, and entertainment in a way that is unique to our resort and to the Maldives.”

The five-day festival will not only celebrate Oktoberfest but also demonstrate Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s ability to host immersive experiences that blend international entertainment with the relaxed lifestyle of the Maldives. Guests staying at the resort during this period will experience a beachfront festival of music, cuisine, and festivities designed to leave a lasting impression.

Continue Reading

Local

MU Maniku, key architect of Maldives tourism industry, dies

Published

on

Mohamed Umar Maniku (MU Maniku), a key figure in the establishment and growth of the Maldives tourism industry, has died in Singapore. He passed away on Saturday while in intensive care at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment for about a month.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Universal Enterprises announced:

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mohamed Umar ‘M.U.’ Maniku on 30th August 2025 at 0630 hrs Singapore time in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore. As Chairman of Universal Enterprises, he will forever be remembered as a pioneer whose vision, loyalty and integrity were felt by generations of industry professionals, who will remember him with deep affection and respect. He had been an integral part of the inception and growth of the tourism industry in the Maldives. We remember a man whose legacy cannot be confined to a date or a place.”

“To those close to him, M.U. Maniku was a guiding light. He was the steady hand that led Universal Enterprises through decades of change, and a mentor for many. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all who have offered support and condolences during this difficult time.”

Maniku was part of the group that opened Kurumba Maldives in 1972, the country’s first resort, widely regarded as the starting point of the modern tourism industry in the Maldives.

As Chairman and a principal shareholder of Universal Enterprises/Universal Resorts, Maniku oversaw the development of a portfolio that has included properties such as Kurumba, Kuramathi, Baros, Velassaru, Kandolhu, Milaidhoo and Huvafen Fushi.

Beyond the Maldives, he also served as Chairman of Mahaweli Reach Hotels PLC in Sri Lanka from 2012, reflecting the group’s cross-border hospitality interests.

Maniku chaired the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), which was formed in 1982 to represent resort owners and operators and to engage with government on policy and sector development. Under his leadership, MATI became a key platform for industry coordination and dialogue.

Contributions and legacy:

  • Pioneering market entry (1972): Helped establish Kurumba and proved the commercial viability of resort tourism in the country.
  • Resort development: Guided Universal’s expansion into multiple resort segments, supporting destination diversification and supply growth.
  • Institution-building: Long-time chairmanship of MATI, fostering private-sector collaboration on standards, training and policy.
  • Regional footprint: Leadership roles in hospitality ventures beyond the Maldives, including Mahaweli Reach Hotels.

Maniku had been hospitalised in Singapore for several weeks prior to his passing; local media had reported his transfer to intensive care at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.