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Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort showcases career opportunities in the Youth Challenge 2016

Published

10 years ago

August 9, 2016

Maldives.net.mv – The Talent & Culture team of Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort (AccorHotels) took part in the Youth Challenge 2016, an exhibition cum fair organized by the Ministry of Youth & Sports from 4th – 6th August 2016 at Dharbaaruge;, Male’ Maldives.

This year’s fair featured around 64 stalls by various participating organizations including government bodies, local and national universities, resort companies and private institutions.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort offered the latest job opportunities to a captive audience of potential youths, parents and those aspiring for a professional career in the area of hospitality. The Talent & Culture team of AccorHotels, Maldives took this as an opportunity to promote the upcoming “Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort” scheduled to open in November 2016 while developing a better understanding among youth on the importance of work ethics in the hospitality industry.

The AccorHotels stall showcased all AccorHotels brands, corporate initiatives and people’s philosophy through an attractive pictorial collage to create an awareness among the visitors about the company. The stall was inspired by the local theme using materials that reflected the charm of Maldivian island aesthetics and décor’. The stall was designed keeping “glocal” approach that combined AccorHotels brand values, initiatives and philosophy infused with local character and setting through an attractive story board. A special social media photo frame was a big hit among the visitors. The resort also organized a poster making competition during the event and had an on the spot quiz activity to keep the visitors engaged.

Youth Challenge aimed to provide youth an opportunity to have direct contact with institutions, universities and other such organization that offers a variety of career fields.

The objective of this fair was:

To provide the opportunity for youth to gather information on higher education and internship / apprenticeship opportunities within the global village.
To create an opportunity for the youth to network with employers from various sectors and explore the diversity of jobs that avails in the country.
To provide a platform for youth to serve as an apprentice that would be beneficial for the employer and the employee.
A golden opportunity for youth to gather information on education, employment and training opportunities in different fields of interest.
An opportunity to have direct contact with many varieties of career fields.
Business venture opportunities and exposure for entrepreneurs
Awareness on youth volunteer organizations and institutions.

The event created high visibility for the public and support to create opportunities for participants and visitors.

“To this end, the Talent & Culture team of AccorHotels, Maldives was able to give a chance to youth of Maldives to expose themselves to the world of hospitality and survival skills in the “real world” through interactions and counseling. The total walk-ins to our AccorHotels Stall was more around 209 footfalls and we highly benefitted with the event as we were able to get good candidates profiles for our pre-opening HR database for upcoming job requirements while promoting our new upcoming resort and company values. Apart from this there was a great learning in terms of getting to know other resort companies, engaging and networking with fellow industry colleagues and getting an opportunity to interact with ministry and other regulatory bodies under the same roof while sharing thoughts for cross learning and exposure”, says Vaibhav Garg – Cluster Director of Talent & Culture – AccorHotels, Maldives.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort is located 385 kilometers south of the Male’ International Airport. A 55 minute domestic plane flight is required to reach Kooddoo Island. Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort will provide one of the best value full-service resort options in the Maldives mid-scale sector with 68 Villas including 43 Over Water Villas and 25 Beach Villas. 20 villas include a private swimming pool. The accommodation highlight is the best-in-class Sunset over Water Pool Villas. Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort is the only resort directly accessible via domestic plane with no requirement for an additional speedboat transfer. It is the first airport resort in Southern Maldives located at Kooddoo Airport in GA Atoll, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort is scheduled to open in November 2016.

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Beach dinners, Santa and fireworks feature in Niva Dhigali festive line-up

Published

57 mins ago

June 3, 2026

m@ldives

Niva Dhigali has unveiled its comprehensive festive programme for the upcoming December Festive Season, inviting guests to experience a blend of traditional holiday charm and vibrant island celebrations. The resort’s itinerary features a classic Christmas theme, exclusive culinary events, and a dynamic New Year’s Eve celebration headlined by Hungarian celebrity DJ Liliana Reagan, offering a memorable end-of-year escape in the Maldives.

The festivities commence on 21 December 2026 with a heart-warming Tree Lighting Ceremony on the beach, setting a classic Christmas tone against a tropical backdrop. This is closely followed by an elegant Starlight Beach Dinner, where guests can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted culinary experience beneath the Maldivian night sky. The holiday spirit continues to build towards Christmas Day, highlighted by the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, bringing joy and festive magic to the resort’s youngest visitors.

Throughout the festive period, guests can rejuvenate with a daily selection of Festive Elixirs. These refreshing, health-forward blends are expertly crafted to capture the vibrant energy of the island and support wellness during the holiday indulgences. Families and active guests are also encouraged to participate in a variety of engaging events, including outdoor chess competitions and spirited beach Olympics.

The seasonal celebrations culminate in a spectacular New Year’s Eve event titled: Where Freedom Celebrates. The evening transitions smoothly from an abundant gala dinner to an electrifying beach party, led by celebrity DJ Liliana Reagan. Her energetic performance, paired with a spectacular fire ritual and midnight fireworks, ensures a vibrant and unforgettable welcome to the new year.

For more information or reservations email: reservations@nivadhigali.com or call +960 6586060.

Cooking

Chef Nawal Alkhalawi leads Eid culinary programme at JOALI BEING

Published

4 hours ago

June 3, 2026

m@ldives

JOALI BEING has concluded its Eid al-Adha celebrations, which took place from 25 to 31 May 2026, bringing together families, culture, culinary discovery and shared experiences through a curated programme inspired by generosity, togetherness and reflection.

A central feature of this year’s celebrations was an exclusive culinary residency by Saudi chef Nawal Alkhalawi, who joined the island from Jeddah to present a series of dining experiences inspired by contemporary Saudi cuisine, heritage and storytelling.Throughout the residency, Chef Nawal introduced guests to the flavours, traditions and rituals that shape Saudi family life, using food as a platform for cultural exchange and connection.

One of the highlights of the programme was Chef Nawal Alkhalawi’s Dinner, held on 29 May at MOJO. The family-style sharing experience drew inspiration from the hospitality and flavours of Saudi Arabia, featuring signature dishes such as Whipped Date Butter with charcoal bread and her “Jewels of the Red Sea” selection.

The dinner continued with slow-roast lamb shoulder served with curated shawarma accompaniments, before concluding with a contemporary dessert of white peach, apricot rose and coconut yoghurt. Guests were also served a Saudi date and cheese platter showcasing regional flavours.

The following day, families gathered at the Culinary Learning Centre for Chef Nawal Alkhalawi’s Family Cooking Class. Designed as a hands-on experience for guests of different generations, the class explored the culinary meeting point between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Participants prepared Spiced Prawn Tartare with Lime and Black Lime Aioli in Tapioca-Wild Rice, reflecting the connections between the two regions through ingredients, techniques and shared coastal influences.

In addition to the residency, JOALI BEING’s Eid programme featured a range of family-focused culinary and lifestyle experiences. These included energy bar making, waffle and pizza workshops, afternoon tea rituals, chocolate masterclasses, destination dining experiences and the Eid Sunset Soirée, where guests gathered on FLOW Beach for a golden-hour celebration with music and ocean views.

Other experiences during the week included private villa dining, breakfasts at the Turtle Tree House and a special Eid edition of the Indian Ocean Dinner, offering families and loved ones opportunities to mark the occasion in different settings across the island.

JOALI BEING said the celebrations reflected its commitment to creating spaces where guests can reconnect with themselves and one another while embracing the island’s philosophy of the Joy of Well-Living.

Cooking

Taj Exotica introduces Sol & Sea, a new celebration of Indian coastal cuisine

Published

5 hours ago

June 3, 2026

m@ldives

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives has introduced Sol & Sea.

Perched elegantly above the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Sol & Sea is an exclusive overwater dining destination at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, offering an intimate culinary journey inspired by the rich coastal traditions of India.

Thoughtfully designed for only 16 guests, this refined dining experience combines uninterrupted sunset views, bespoke service, and the soulful flavours of India’s coastline in a setting defined by understated luxury and island serenity.

At Sol & Sea, the art of the traditional Indian coastal thali is elevated through sophisticated presentation and carefully curated regional flavours. Drawing inspiration from the coastal kitchens of Indian Western Coastline each menu celebrates the richness of Indian spices, the freshness of ocean harvests, and the depth of authentic culinary heritage.

As twilight settles over the lagoon and the horizon glows in hues of gold and amber, guests are invited to savour an immersive dining experience surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Maldives. Every detail — from the gentle sea breeze and candlelit ambience to the thoughtfully paired flavours — has been designed to create moments of connection, indulgence, and lasting memory.

Elegant, intimate, and destination-led, Sol & Sea offers a distinctive expression of luxury dining where the warmth of Indian hospitality meets the timeless beauty of the ocean.

Experience highlights:

Exclusive 16-seater overwater dining venue
Signature Indian Coastal Thali experience (Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian option)
Curated sunset dining atmosphere
Personalised and intimate guest experience
Ideal for couples, honeymooners, and celebratory occasions
Elevated luxury dining concept unique to the Maldives

As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean and the evening unfolds beneath the stars, Sol & Sea invites guests to discover a soulful expression of coastal India surrounded by the serenity of the Maldives.