News
Coco Collection appoints Group General Manager and Head of Sales and Marketing

Maldives.net.mv – Coco Collection, the iconic Maldivian luxury hospitality brand, is pleased to announce the appointment of Antony Paton as the Group General Manager and Andrew Ashmore as the Head of Sales and Marketing.
As Group General Manager, Antony Paton will oversee the operations of all three properties in the portfolio. With 40 years of experience, knowledge and background of the travel and hospitality industry, Paton’s recent role as General Manager of Galle Face Hotel in Sri Lanka saw him lead a $30m restoration and re-launch of the hotel in 2015. He has a deep understanding of the Maldives and the luxury market with the successful opening of Six Senses Laamu in 2011, and as the Managing Director of Operations at the Soneva resorts after that. His time with Soneva saw him lead the operations for Soneva Fushi, former Soneva Gili in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand. With past experience of having served the royal family of Jordan, their majesties King Hussein and Queen Noor, Antony is well accustomed to anticipate the needs of individuals who lead high powered lifestyles.
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Andrew Ashmore brings a wealth of experience in sales and marketing to his new role at Coco Collection. Most recently, he served as Chief Marketing Officer of Hashoo Hotels, Pakistan’s largest hotel chain. During Ashmore’s time there, he was overseeing all the marketing operations of the hotel group and was responsible in developing their vision and strategy in an environment that was challenging for tourism and hospitality. Prior to that, a prominent period of his career was with the renowned Hyatt group. With a Hyatt career that began in 1985, Ashmore’s last role was as Vice President of Global and Operational Sales for Hyatt hotels across EAME and India saw his strategic role in handling and managing over 350 key global sales accounts across the region from 2011 to 2013.
“I am very pleased to extend a very warm welcome to both Antony Paton and Andrew Ashmore who joins the dynamic team at Coco Collection. Paton will be leading the teams to reinforce personalized service and to deliver a consistent brand experience to all guests of the properties within the collection. Together with the experienced team at the corporate office, Ashmore is devising a strategy to boost our sales and marketing efforts, and to strengthen Coco Collection’s image among the luxury market. With Paton and Ashmore at the helm of the teams, we are looking forward to a very successful year ahead!” comments Shabeer Ahmed, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection.
Entertainment
The Presets to ignite nights in exclusive Kandooma Maldives showcase in April 2026

Imagine your favourite music festival—but swap muddy fields for white sands, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. In April 2026, acclaimed electronic duo The Presets will trade stadiums and festival crowds for an exclusive beachfront series of shows at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, offering fans an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime island escape curated by Music in Paradise.
From Coachella to Splendour in the Grass, The Presets—Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes—have made their mark on the global stage. But this time, they’re doing things differently. From 11–18 April 2026, fans will experience a week of sun-drenched luxury capped off by three electrifying live performances, including a sunset DJ set on the beach and an exclusive rooftop party at the resort’s Sunset Bar.
“We’re beyond excited to host The Presets at Kandooma,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Their energy, talent, and incredible live shows are a perfect match for our vibrant island setting. Guests can expect something truly unforgettable.”
With a career spanning two decades, The Presets are electronic music royalty in Australia. Their breakout 2008 album Apocalypso went triple platinum and produced the festival anthem “My People.” With multiple ARIA Awards, APRA Songwriter of the Year titles, and collaborations like the RAKA EP with Golden Features under their belt, the duo continues to shape the sound of electronic music worldwide.
Their 2018 album HI VIZ soared to the top of iTunes within hours of release and included hits like “Do What You Want” and “Martini,” both nominated for major Australian music prizes.
Fans can now secure the Early Bird Gold Experience Package for A$3,790 per person (twin share) for seven nights in a Beach Villa—saving over $1,000. This VIP experience includes:
- Entry to 3 Nightly Exclusive Events
- 3 Intimate Performances
- Meet & Greet with artists
- Professional Photo with artists
- Music in Paradise Welcome Bag
- Music in Paradise Event Poster
- Event commemorative t-shirt
- Return shared Speedboat airport transfers
- Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
- Delicious buffet breakfast daily at Kandooma Café
- Tea, coffee & bottled water in-villa, and replenished daily
- Complimentary snorkel trip & use of snorkelling gear
- Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee
Additional packages offering different villa types are also available exclusively from Music in Paradise here. All packages exclude airfares.
News
Embudu Village achieves Travelife Gold certification for sustainability

Embudu Village, one of Maldives’ most cherished island resorts, has been awarded the Travelife Gold Certification, a globally recognised mark of excellence in sustainable tourism. The certification encompasses a resort’s environmental footprint, impact in the community, as well as labour standards, and the protection of biodiversity.
Embudu Village previously held the Travelife Silver Certification. Following a recent evaluation, though, the resort successfully met Travelife’s comprehensive criteria for Gold Certification. This accomplishment reflects Embudu’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Travelife, a leading international sustainability certification body for hotels and resorts, evaluates properties against a strict checklist. Certification is awarded after an in-depth, on-site audit conducted by an independent auditor. The findings undergo a comprehensive quality assurance review before Travelife confers certification status.
Expressing his gratitude in receiving the certification, Ramsay Perera, General Manager of Kaimoo Resorts, said: “Our team is thrilled to be recognised with the Travelife Gold Certification. This reflects our longstanding commitment to sustainable tourism and protecting the natural beauty of Maldives.”
As one of the Maldives’ pioneering resorts, Embudu continues to lead by example, proving that authentic island hospitality can go hand in hand with sustainable practices. With the Travelife Gold Certification, Embudu Village strengthens its promise to offer guests a meaningful holiday experience in the heart of the Maldives.
Awards
Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa recognised in Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards

Building on Amilla Maldives’ recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, Javvu Spa is celebrating its own honour in this prestigious global listing.
Nestled within the island’s lush jungle and bordered by the Indian Ocean, Javvu Spa offers a peaceful retreat where modern wellness gently blends with nature’s rhythms. This recognition is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the spa team’s dedication and Amilla’s ongoing focus on personalised, intuitive care for the wellbeing of its guests.
This honour follows Amilla Maldives’ own recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, positioning the resort as one of a select group of destinations worldwide to be acknowledged for both its resort and spa. The dual recognition reflects a thoughtful commitment to excellence across the guest experience, from island living to holistic wellness.
Javvu Spa’s inclusion in the 2025 Star Awards further strengthens its role as a leading wellness destination in the Maldives, offering guests a serene sanctuary to restore, reconnect and renew.
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