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.
Love
Romance in nature: Valentine’s week at Eri Maldives
Newly-launched Eri Maldives introduces its first Valentine’s programme A Love Set in Nature (10–16 February 2026), offering a nature-rooted, pared-back celebration of love designed for couples seeking presence, simplicity and meaningful time together.
Love, Shared at the Table
At the heart of Valentine’s at Eri is an intimate dining experience centred on an exquisite six-course Aphrodisiac Menu, paired with a chilled glass of Rosé Champagne at Soul Kitchen’s beach area or The Jetty, with live music and ocean sounds. Couples can also sample a Jumbo Valentine Cocktail designed for two at Sip & Dip, or opt for private dining at a secluded corner on the beach or in-villa with the Under the Canopy of Stars experience.
Adventures for Two
For couples who connect through discovery, Eri’s Valentine’s programme invites love to unfold through shared adventure, where guests can cement their love and Dive into Forever with a private Discover Scuba Diving session, welcoming learners of all levels. For a more elaborate adventure between sky and ocean, travellers can also sign up for the Tides & Togetherness combo excursion, which combines a 30-minute jet ski ride with a 45-minute guided snorkelling among Eri’s world-class house reef.

Slowing Down Time
As day gives way to dusk, the Golden Hour Serenades offers a gentle sunset cruise across the lagoon, with sparkling wine in hand and live guitar drifting as a prelude to the evening. Slipping into wellness, Between Sea & Stars offers another balanced alternative for guests to treat loved ones to a calming 60-minute aromatherapy massage and a private dinner at sunset with Champagne, giving travellers a reason to linger.
Curated for those wanting stillness to stay, Maldivian Ocean Dream offers an extended moment of rest, with a couples’ ritual lasting for an hour and half, using flowing palm stroke techniques inspired by the sea with aromatherapy to release tension.
A Love Story – Extended
Catering to couples who want it all, Eri’s full-day An Eternal Love Story itinerary offers a complete romantic journey that removes the need for choice. Thoughtfully curated, the experience flows from a Champagne breakfast and an afternoon of spa serenity into an evening of sunset cruising and dinner accompanied by Dom Pérignon Champagne, with a private photographer on hand to quietly capture the moments.
To top it all off, guests booking a minimum of two body massages during Valentine’s Week are invited to enjoy a complimentary 30-minute Foot Massage.
Sky Studios start from £313 per night on a Full Board basis, with 40% off applied when booking directly with Eri Maldives.
Action
Bestbuy Maldives supports health, wellness as Main Sponsor of MNU Marathon 2026
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), one of the Maldives’ leading and most trusted distribution partners to the hospitality and retail sectors, served as the Main Sponsor of the MNU Marathon 2026, organised by Maldives National University (MNU) and held in Hulhumalé on 13 February. The event drew over 1,500 runners and focused on promoting fitness, health and wellness, active lifestyles, and community unity, as part of a long-term sponsorship arrangement.
As Main Sponsor, BBM maintained a strong on-ground presence throughout the marathon, with high brand visibility and activations designed to engage participants and spectators.

A key highlight was BBM’s collaboration with Unilever – Vaseline, with free product samples distributed to all marathon participants, reinforcing messages around skincare. Additional brand activations included a dedicated Cornitos stall offering free nacho samples, and a Godrej Aer booth focused on product sampling and brand awareness. BBM also distributed Cavin’s milkshake samples to runners at the finish line.

BBM’s participation extended beyond sponsorship, with more than 50 BBM employees taking part in the marathon as runners. Representatives from Unilever International also joined the run, underscoring a shared commitment to wellbeing and community engagement.
“Supporting the MNU Marathon aligns closely with BBM’s commitment to healthier communities and meaningful national partnerships,” said Ali Afrah Hassan, Head – Human Resources, Administration & Corporate Affairs at Bestbuy Maldives. “It was especially rewarding to see our colleagues participate as runners alongside the wider public, demonstrating that wellbeing is part of our culture, not just our sponsorship. We are proud to work with MNU to create a positive platform that brings people together around health, wellness and unity.”

Through its portfolio of internationally recognised FMCG and consumer lifestyle brands—spanning food and beverage, personal care, and home care—BBM continues to support initiatives that create shared value for communities, partners and customers across the Maldives. The company’s involvement in events such as the MNU Marathon reflects BBM’s broader commitment to championing positive lifestyles, strengthening local partnerships, and backing platforms that bring people together with purpose.

BBM noted that the event strengthened its partnership with Maldives National University and provided an opportunity to connect directly with the Maldivian community in an uplifting setting, reinforcing BBM’s role as a responsible corporate partner supporting national initiatives.
Cooking
Maagiri Hotel invites guests to celebrate Ramadan with daily Iftar
Maagiri Hotel has announced the availability of a daily Iftar experience throughout the holy month of Ramadan, inviting families, friends and corporate groups to gather and break their fast in a welcoming setting.
The Iftar buffet will be available every day during Ramadan and will feature a selection of traditional Ramadan dishes alongside international cuisine. Prepared by the hotel’s culinary team, the buffet will include local specialities, Middle Eastern favourites and a range of global offerings designed to cater to diverse preferences.
In addition to its daily Iftar service, Maagiri Hotel has introduced early booking benefits for corporate groups. Groups of 1 to 49 guests will be eligible for a 10 per cent discount, while groups of 50 guests and above will receive a 15 per cent discount. These corporate rates are available for bookings confirmed on or before 18 February.
The Ramadan Iftar programme reflects Maagiri Hotel’s focus on providing shared dining experiences centred on tradition, hospitality and togetherness during the holy month.
Guests and corporate organisers may make reservations or seek further information by calling 331 8484 or 722 8484, contacting the hotel via Viber on 722 8484, or emailing events@maagirihotel.com.
-
Culture1 week agoKuda Villingili presents family-focused Eid al-Fitr experience in Maldives
-
Cooking1 week agoMichelin-starred Chef Jaume collaborates with One&Only Reethi Rah’s TAPASAKE for four-hands dinner
-
Entertainment1 week agoStrong demand sees Kandooma Maldives 2026 concert series selling out early
-
Featured1 week agoSun Siyam Resorts marks Valentine’s season with multi-resort celebrations
-
Love1 week agoCOMO Cocoa Island, COMO Maalifushi unveil Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day celebrations
-
Featured7 days agoCoco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu curate distinct Valentine’s escapes
-
News5 days agoJW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites families to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in island luxury
-
Action5 days agoInterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort launches ‘Swim with Nurse Sharks’ experience


