News
Mariya Shareef appointed as Resort Manager at Summer Island Maldives

Maldives.net.mv – Mariya Shareef has become one of the few Maldivian women ever to hold position of Resort Manager at a Maldivian resort. On 1 September, Mariya was appointed Resort Manager of Summer Island Maldives, located in Kaafu atoll.
In her new role, Mariya takes on the responsibility for the day-today management of the resort, advising the Board of Directors on strategy, and helping develop and grow the Summer Island Maldives brand.
Mariya is a veteran of the Maldivian tourism industry with a career spanning fourteen years. She was previously Business Development and Marketing Manager for the Kaimoo THS group of companies, a post she held since 2013. In this role, Mariya helped with the re-development of Summer Island Maldives and was responsible for branding and marketing the resort in the months leading up to its re-opening last year.
Commenting on the appointment, Mohamed Manih Ahmed, Managing Director of Kaimoo THS Group said: “Mari is young, energetic and full of exciting ideas and has an excellent gauge of the innovations and developments in global tourism. “Mari’s experience, her academic achievements, and her natural business acumen will enable Summer Island Maldives to grow and consolidate its reputation as one of the most exciting holiday hotspots in the Maldives.”
Commenting on her new appointment, Mariya Shareef said: “Summer Island Maldives has always been close to my heart. It’s not only the beautiful island that makes it special, but also the amazing team and their hard work. I am proud to be a part of this team, and I thank the directors for trusting me in this role. It’s a pleasure, everyday, to see smiling faces and I’m confident that as a team we can continue to be one of the best resorts in the Maldives.”
Summer Island Maldives Resort prides itself on offering tourists an authentically Maldivian, barefoot slice of paradise at an affordable price.
One of the Maldives’ first resorts, and wholly Maldivian owned, Summer Island Maldives recently underwent a complete redevelopment. The resort now boasts fresh and zesty rooms, a spa, international restaurants, a rustic beach bar, a dive center and water sports center. Summer Island Maldives retains, though, the family-friendly, natural atmosphere that has made it such a popular destination.
Summer Island Maldives offers an all-inclusive holiday, with a variety of rooms including water villas, at 4 star prices.
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Where tranquillity meets adventure: discover The Atollia’s twin resort experience

The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts is more than a destination; it is an experience in constant motion. Situated on a single island, it is home to two distinct realms, each with its own unique rhythm and atmosphere. United by a sweeping lagoon, the refined tranquillity of Centara Grand Lagoon Resort Maldives and the lively, family-centric energy of Centara Mirage Lagoon Resort Maldives are seamlessly connected, inviting guests of all generations to discover their personal paradise.
At one end of the island lies Centara Grand Lagoon Resort Maldives, a sophisticated retreat where the warmth of Thai hospitality meets the natural beauty of the Maldives. Elegant beachfront and overwater villas, styled in soothing neutral palettes, offer panoramic ocean views and secluded stretches of sand. Guests are immersed in serene privacy, enhanced by exceptional dining and transformative wellness experiences.
Across the lagoon, Centara Mirage Lagoon Resort presents a vibrant and playful atmosphere. Inspired by the underwater world, this resort encourages families to explore and connect. At its heart is an expansive water complex featuring lagoon pools, exhilarating slides, and the Maldives’ longest lazy river. Contemporary villas include bunk beds in every family room, while the Kids’ Club, water playground, and Games Room cater to children and teenagers alike. With varied dining options and wellness spaces tailored for both adults and younger guests, every moment is designed for shared enjoyment and discovery.
As part of The Atollia Destination Plan, visitors are invited to indulge in more than ten distinctive dining venues across both resorts. From refined overwater restaurants to lively beachfront grills, each setting offers a unique character, showcasing Thai, Italian, Mediterranean, and pan-Asian cuisines crafted through a fusion of traditional and contemporary techniques. Together, they establish The Atollia as a destination rich in flavour, connection, and cultural expression.
This commitment to immersion continues into the realm of wellness. Guests have full access to the holistic offerings of both resorts, each defined by its own rhythm and style. At Centara Grand Lagoon, Spa Cenvaree Retreat is a sanctuary of calm, specialising in Thai and Ayurvedic therapies delivered with quiet expertise. Here, wellness is approached as a journey, with retreat-style programmes, guided rituals, and deeply personalised care.
At Centara Mirage Lagoon, traditional healing is reimagined through sensory-based treatments at Spa Cenvaree, while younger guests are introduced to the concept of well-being through the playful Candy Spa. Together, these offerings form a dual experience rooted in heritage and crafted for all generations.
The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts is a place where private moments and shared experiences exist in harmony with the breathtaking surroundings of the Indian Ocean. Here, serenity, connection, and discovery are not mere concepts but the essence of everyday life. Guests of all ages—grandparents, parents, and children—are encouraged to move at their own pace, finding joy in both quiet reflection and vibrant adventure.
From ancient spa rituals to whimsical therapies for younger guests, The Atollia offers a rare and thoughtful balance. Wellness here transcends amenity; it becomes a way of life. Dining is not simply nourishment, but a curated journey through ten distinctive culinary experiences. Every activity is designed to be immersive, meaningful, and adaptable.
In a nation renowned for its natural beauty and luxurious escapes, The Atollia sets itself apart—not as a singular resort, but as a complete destination. For the curious, the culinary enthusiasts, the wellness seekers, and multigenerational travellers alike, this is the Maldives redefined: elevated, imaginative, and alive with possibility.
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SAii Lagoon Maldives introduces brand signatures in wellness-led evolution

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton – part of the SAii Hotels & Resorts portfolio under S Hotels & Resorts – has officially relaunched with a refreshed brand identity built around the philosophy that ‘Peace of Mind is the Ultimate Luxury.’ In this renewed chapter, the resort positions itself not merely as a destination, but as a sanctuary of calm where personalised service, nature-inspired design, meaningful encounters, and sustainability are central to the guest experience.
The relaunch arrives at a moment when international travellers are placing increasing value on mindful journeys — prioritising not only physical comfort, but emotional clarity, genuine connection, and thoughtful care. SAii Lagoon Maldives’ new identity has been crafted in response to this shift, embracing slower, more intentional travel with a focus on wellbeing and cultural resonance.
This evolution signals more than just a visual rebrand. The introduction of Brand Signatures — a collection of curated experiences offered across the resort — marks a fundamental transformation. Designed to foster joy and tranquillity, these initiatives include:
- SAii Gurus, a team of friendly local experts who provide a warm welcome and help guests uncover authentic experiences and hidden gems;
- SAii Wellness Gurus, wellness specialists who deliver tailored care through yoga, guided meditation and spa therapies;
- Sensory Reception, an arrival experience that soothes with natural elements, calming aromas, and serene lighting;
- Digital Detox, an invitation to disconnect from screens and reconnect with self, nature, and companions, with electronic devices securely stored and charged;
- Fresh, Healthy, Happy, a dining philosophy that champions sustainably sourced ingredients and wholesome preparation across its signature outlets: Terra & Mar, Mr. Tomyam, Miss Olive Oyl, and the SAii Beach Club.
Guests can also enjoy refreshed spaces and an updated visual identity, with the newly imagined SAii Beach Club and SAii Spa anchoring the resort’s wellness-centric transformation. These enhancements aim to reflect SAii’s vibrant, relaxed spirit.
Alongside its guest-centred innovations, the resort maintains a strong commitment to environmental and community stewardship. SAii Lagoon Maldives has achieved Green Globe certification for three consecutive years and recently earned Gold Certification from the Environmental Impact Certification (EIC) by The Events Industry Council. Its sustainability efforts span the elimination of single-use plastics, carbon footprint reduction, marine conservation, and partnerships with local artisans and producers to support the regional economy.
Alexander Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and Crossroads Marina, remarked, “At SAii Lagoon Maldives, peace of mind begins the moment your toes touch our sun-kissed sands. More than just a stay, it’s a multi-island escape where ease, connection and purpose converge. From overwater serenity to underwater discovery, our refreshed identity and Brand Signatures ensure every moment is crafted with care — for our guests, the planet, and the communities around us.”
Featured
.Here Maldives to redefine ultra-luxury with dual-island concept

Set to open in December 2025, the new ultra-bespoke private islands of .Here aim to redefine luxury travel in the Maldives. Envisioned as the pinnacle of modern hospitality, the retreat promises an elevated guest experience through intuitive service, transformative encounters and complete seclusion. Spanning two natural islands named Somewhere and Nowhere, .Here is designed to appeal to the world’s most discerning travellers, combining understated luxury with a sense of playfulness, all while placing the guest at the heart of the experience.
Nestled within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for vibrant marine life and outstanding snorkelling and diving, the islands will feature just nine exclusive residences. A dedicated restaurant and bar will serve imaginative fusion cuisine inspired by global flavours. Guests of .Here will also have access to the amenities of the nearby Finolhu Baa Atoll, offering the opportunity to blend peaceful retreat with more lively diversions.
The project has been conceived by architectural firm KulörGroup, whose design respects and accentuates the slender shape of the islands. The concept balances immersive natural beauty with tailored luxury, catering to today’s elite travellers. Each residence will offer views of both sunrise and sunset and a unique mix of jungle canopy and vibrant turquoise waters—an embodiment of the duality that lies at the core of the brand’s identity.
On the island of Somewhere, expansive villas are positioned across both beach and sea, creating a hybrid of overwater and beachfront living for those unwilling to choose between the two. Each villa includes a 47-metre sky infinity pool complete with a cascading waterfall, and the interiors span over 1,200 square metres. Five residences comprise three en-suite bedrooms for up to eight adults, while two larger villas offer four bedrooms and over 1,400 square metres of space, accommodating up to eleven adults. Amenities include a bar, kitchen, indoor and outdoor living areas, water sports centre, 24-hour in-villa dining, and a dedicated Roohu (butler).
Nowhere, the second island, is intended as a fully private booking, exemplifying a new standard in exclusivity. It consists of a three-bedroom overwater villa of 1,000 square metres with a 15-metre private pool, and a five-bedroom Presidential Villa set across 2,400 square metres with a 28-metre pool and a private beach. Designed to accommodate up to 24 adults, Nowhere also houses the Fehi Spa and the resort’s fitness facilities.
Fehi Wellness, named after the Dhivehi word for ‘green,’ is reserved for guests staying on Nowhere, although treatments can also be arranged in-villa for those on Somewhere. The spa’s bespoke treatments merge ancient healing traditions with modern science, offering options such as salt stone and jade stone massages and aquatic reflexology. Each programme is tailored to individual preferences, further reflecting the island’s theme of duality.
Service across the island is elevated by the presence of a dedicated Roohu—meaning ‘soul’ in Dhivehi—assigned to each residence. These butlers are tasked with curating deeply personal and entirely unique guest experiences, operating with discretion and precision.
The dining experience is centred around the restaurant and bar, Safar, meaning ‘journey’ in Dhivehi. Open around the clock, resident chefs craft bespoke menus for guests to enjoy in-residence or at the overwater venue. From fine dining to relaxed beach picnics and villa-side barbecues, each meal is an invitation to discover new flavours.
Design elements across .Here have been conceived by the award-winning British studio Muza Lab, led by Inge Moore and Nathan Hutchins. Their interiors draw from the textures and tones of the natural environment, incorporating carved timbers, stones, and marbles that pay homage to Maldivian craft and culture, such as Dhoni boats and traditional Feyli sarongs.
Access to .Here is via a 30-minute scenic seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Malé, completing the journey to a destination that promises to be unlike any other in the Maldives.
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