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Pulse Hotels & Resorts appoint new General Manager and Resort Manager for Kandima Maldives opening in December 2016

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Grant JefferiesMaldives.net.mv – Pulse Hotels & Resorts has appointed new General Manager and Resort Manager for Kandima Maldives opening in December 2016.

Grant Jefferies is an Australian born, seasoned international hotelier whose passion for the industry developed from an upbringing in a family who owned hotels in Southeast Queensland Australia and which has resulted in an impressive career in hospitality spanning across the Pacific, USA, Europe and South East Asia.

Since graduating with a Masters in Business Administration from Columbia Business School in New York, Grant has gained over 29 years of invaluable experience in many aspects of the hospitality industry including hotels, resorts, cruise liners and casinos.

Testaments to Grant’s experience include being New York’s youngest appointed General Manager of the Soho Grand Hotel New York, overseeing the launch of numerous luxury resorts in the Maldives, opening the sub continent’s largest Spa Resort managed by Six Senses and playing a significant role in bringing Formula One Racing to India whilst Vice President of Operations for Jaypee Hotels & Resorts.

Grant has a proven track record of leading effectively and achieving results. He has a penchant for pre-openings and will apply his vast experience and expertise to Pulse Hotels & Resorts’ newest venture, Kandima Maldives.

Jeremy Nordkamp – Resort Manager of Kandima Maldives 
Born and bred Australian Jeremy Nordkamp is a pre-opening hotel specialist with a particular interest in remote and island resorts.

Jeremy is a passionate hotelier who brings more than 15 years’ experience to the role having previously worked with Mantra Group, Hilton Hotels and Voyages Hotels & Resorts at Sails in the Desert – Ayers Rock and Dunk Island.  He also spent many years managing operations at Accor’s 1000-bed Mercure Kingfisher Bay Resort on the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island, in Queensland, Australia.

Jeremy is results-driven with a passion for delivering 5-star service in hotel and resort environments. He is also known for his ability to develop high performance teams and cultures and is a welcome addition to the Kandima team in the Maldives.

Kandima Maldives is a new lifestyle resort and will offer guest the opportunity to experience the Maldives in a new way. The resort will offer a choice of 274 stylishly designed studios and villas, with eleven different categories to choice from, all of which have a private terrace and endless tropical views to enjoy.

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Sirru Fen Fushi introduces immersive summer programme inspired by the ocean

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Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort invites guests to experience “Ocean Harmony”, its Summer 2026 programme celebrating nature, wellbeing, and togetherness through a curated collection of immersive island experiences.

Defined by understated luxury and a deep respect for the natural environment, this summer season encourages guests to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the rhythm of island life. Set within a thriving marine ecosystem, Sirru Fen Fushi continues to position itself as a sanctuary where conservation, wellness, and meaningful travel come together.

This year, the island’s surrounding waters have welcomed three remarkable sea turtle species – olive ridley, hawksbill, and green sea turtles – alongside successful nest hatchings, ongoing ghost net rescue efforts, and the continuation of coral planting initiatives. These commitments reflect the resort’s long-standing commitment to protecting and restoring its fragile marine environment.

A Summer Anchored in Nature and Celebration

The summer programme is highlighted by Wild Luxury Week (1–8 June), a dedicated period of sustainability-focused experiences aligned with global environmental dates including World Reef Awareness Day (1 June), World Environment Day (5 June), and World Oceans Day (8 June). The season continues with further global observances such as World Sea Turtle Day (16 June), World Whale & Dolphin Day (23 June), and World Manta Day (30 September), each offering moments of reflection and engagement with the ocean.

Throughout the summer, guests are invited to take part in meaningful activities designed to deepen their connection to the island and its ecosystem, including coral planting, turtle research, Coralarium discovery, and shark snorkelling experiences.

Wellness, Movement, and Island Energy

Wellbeing remains central to the Ocean Harmony experience, with daily opportunities for balance and renewal through sunrise and sunset yoga sessions, Sirry Fit Run, archery, and guided wellness activities. These experiences are designed to complement the island’s natural rhythm, encouraging guests to reconnect with themselves in an environment of calm and clarity.

Family Connection and Shared Discovery

Summer at Sirru Fen Fushi is also a season of togetherness, offering families a range of curated experiences that blend play, creativity, and exploration. From art and sustainability workshops to beach adventures, lagoon exploration, destination dining experiences, and cinema under the stars, each moment is designed to create lasting shared memories.

Dining Under the Stars and Island Moments

Guests can also enjoy elevated culinary experiences that bring people together in unique island settings, celebrating the simplicity of shared meals under open skies and the natural beauty of the Maldives.

A Continuing Commitment to the Ocean

“Ocean Harmony reflects our ongoing dedication to preserving the extraordinary ecosystem that surrounds our island,” said the resort’s management. “From coral restoration to marine life protection and immersive guest experiences, our focus remains on creating meaningful connections between people and nature.”

Sirru Fen Fushi continues to evolve as a destination where sustainability and luxury coexist, offering guests an authentic island experience rooted in care, purpose, and discovery.

For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.

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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru welcomes guest chef for Thai gastronomy experience

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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites guests to discover an elevated dining journey at Saffron through an exclusive collaboration with Visiting Guest Chef Tipa, Head of Saffron at Banyan Group, who brings over a decade of culinary experience across Thailand and overseas.

Available from 17 June to 17 July 2026, A Southern Thailand Gastronomic Experience introduces a specially crafted, limited-time menu created exclusively for this one-month culinary collaboration. Designed as an immersive culinary journey at Saffron, the special menu presents a refined introduction of Southern Thailand’s rich culinary heritage through a contemporary lens.

Thoughtfully curated with harmony in taste, texture, and aroma, the menu celebrates Thai distinctive flavours through contemporary cooking techniques rooted in tradition. Signature highlights include Gai Yang Kor Lae, charcoal-grilled chicken served with Southern-style peanut sauce, and Gaeng Kiew Wan Nua, grilled beef tenderloin paired with aromatic green curry sauce.

Chef Tipa will be in residence at Saffron, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru from 15–19 June, bringing her culinary expertise to the island. Throughout her career, she has played an important role in shaping distinctive restaurant experiences and championing evolving perspectives within Thai cuisine for many Banyan Tree resorts in Southeast Asian region.

Beyond the dining experience, guests may connect more closely with Chef Tipa through two exclusive Thai Cooking Classes on 17 and 18 June. Designed as engaging and hands-on sessions, the classes invite guests to discover authentic techniques and inspirations behind Thai cuisine while creating meaningful moments of cultural discovery.

Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant, was introduced to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in 2024 as part of the resort’s transformation, bringing a deeper exploration of Asian gastronomy to the island. The restaurant celebrates Thai cuisine through Saffron’s signature touches – from its welcoming hand-washing ritual to curated rice selections through the Rice Master experience – inviting guests into a deeper appreciation of Thai culture and cuisine.

As Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru continues to evolve its guest journey, culinary is an important part of the resort’s transformation. Following its 2024 renovation, the resort expanded its dining experiences to include three restaurants and two bars, creating a variety of flavours and experiences for guests.

A Southern Thailand Gastronomic Experience will be available at Saffron from 17 June to 17 July 2026, with Visiting Guest Chef Tipa at the resort from 15–19 June 2026.

For reservations and enquiries, please visit the resort’s website

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NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort unveils voyage-inspired dining experience Caravela

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NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, a newly-opened sanctuary in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, has introduced Caravela, an immersive culinary journey inspired by the great maritime expeditions that shaped global gastronomy.

Blending Spanish culinary heritage with Maldivian provenance, Caravela offers a multi-sensory journey where each course unfolds as a chapter in the story of exploration, trade and cultural exchange. The concept takes its name from the caravel, the agile Portuguese vessel that enabled pioneering voyages between the 14th and 17th centuries.

Designed as an intimate, dinner-only experience for up to 12 guests, Caravela centres around a communal table, fostering connection and shared discovery. The inaugural menu, The Atlantic Voyage of 1487, traces the route of early explorers who sailed from Iberia along the African coast towards the Cape of Storms in search of a sea passage to India.

The five-course menu opens with First Light of the Atlantic, crispy King Crab fritters with ikura and lime-yuzu vinaigrette, before moving into Winds of the Cantabrian Sea, a torched Maldivian tuna loin with escabeche and subtle Moroccan spices. Crossing the Madeira Currents follows with local job fish, confit plantain purée and a prawn coral tuile. A green apple sorbet, inspired by the Wambugu Apples of western Africa, serves as a palate cleanser before the main course, Benguela Shores at Dusk: a 12-hour sous vide pork belly glazed with smoky chilli and Spanish chorizo jus. The voyage closes with Triumphant Return to Iberian Coast, an olive oil cake with port wine and blood orange gel, encased in a sugar sphere inspired by the Armillary Sphere, a symbol of Portuguese navigation.

Petit fours of caramelised torrija, coffee chocolate bonbon and South African milk tart complete the evening, alluding to the upcoming voyage that discovered the Americas.

Caravela’s narrative-driven approach will continue to evolve as future voyages launch, including The Pacific Voyage of 1492 and The Indian Ocean Voyage of 1498. Each new menu will introduce a distinct flavour map, encouraging guests to return and explore the histories that shape modern cuisine.

The concept was created under the direction of Resort Manager Melroy Fernandes, in collaboration with the resort’s culinary team, drawing on a deep appreciation for the Age of Discovery. Fernandes, a Master Sommelier, has also curated a thoughtful wine pairing experience alongside the resort’s sommelier team to complement each course.

On the launch of Caravela, Fernandes said, “NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is designed for travellers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences. Whether exploring the natural wonders of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and nearby Hanifaru Bay or embracing the tranquillity of our island, Caravela offers a journey of a different kind, one that connects history, culture and cuisine in a truly immersive way.”

Caravela completes NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort’s diverse dining portfolio, spanning all-day dining at Jumla, signature restaurants Alifaan and Kaiyo, beverage-led experiences at Atardecer, Handhuvaru, Madumaithiri and Splash Bar, and the Adrift destination dining concept.

The Atlantic Voyage tasting menu with wine pairings is priced at USD 190++ per guest and is available by prior reservation. For more information or to book, visit the resort’s website.

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