News
Jumeirah Vittaveli appoints new Executive Committee Members
Maldives.net.mv – Jumeirah Vittaveli in the Maldives has made a number of senior leadership appointments.
Benedict Hopkins is now the Director of Finance, Lijo John is the new Director of Revenue Management and Mike Audrain has been appointed Director of Human Resources.
Amit Majumder, the General Manager of Jumeirah Vittaveli, said: “A strong team is made of dedicated and experienced professionals and therefore I am very pleased to have Lijo, Mike and Benny as part of the Executive Committee. The collective knowledge and experience they bring to the team in their leadership roles is vital in taking the resort to greater heights through enriched guest and colleague experiences.”
A native of the UK, Benedict’s career has spanned many industries and continents. He previously worked with Jumeirah as Director of Finance at Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel, Azerbaijan and has worked across various industries including banking, auditing, risk management, bio-tech, mining and educational services across Russia, UK, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. He entered the hospitality world as Finance Director at Soneva Fushi, Maldives.
An Indian national, Lijo began his career in Revenue Management in the Middle East where he worked with the Hilton Group of Hotels. During his time with Hilton, Lijo set up a Cluster Revenue Management Centre and developed his expertise in pricing strategy and rate structure. Lijo has worked in the Maldives before and held the position of Revenue Manager at One & Only Reethi Rah. He is familiar to the destination and unique market conditions that apply to his new role.
Hailing from the UK where he started his career, Mike’s career has given him a great insight into people management and training. He first worked with Eldridge and then with Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants. In the Middle East, Mike worked with Grand Millennium Abu Dhabi and Dusit Thani Dubai, before he moved on to his most recent role, as Director of Human Resources of the Morgan’s Hotel Group, at the Mondrian in Doha, Qatar. He has previously worked with Jumeirah, as HR and Development Manager, which was crucial in developing and implementing the expansion plan for the growth of the Jumeirah Living luxury serviced apartments.
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W Maldives sets coral restoration benchmark with Sea of Stars activation
Following the launch of SEA OF STARS, W Maldives has successfully concluded a landmark week of sustainability-driven experiences that brought guests, marine experts, and the resort team together in celebration of ocean conservation and creativity.
The event kicked off on 26 October with an exclusive screening of Peixinho (Little Fish) at FIRE, hosted by award-winning wildlife filmmaker and conservation biologist, Kaushiik Subramaniam. The film, a moving story of ocean stewardship and intergenerational change, was followed by a mix-and-mingle session where guests connected with Kaushiik to discuss the power of storytelling in inspiring environmental action, along with the MARS Sustainable Solutions team on the reef restoration project.

The momentum carried into the following days as the W Maldives team, led by the resort’s Sustainability Manager, Harald Schaller, together with MARS Sustainable Solutions, completed the installation of 400 Reef Stars and 6,000 coral fragments across the resort’s house reef on 28 and 29 October. Guests joined the marine biologists in assembling and deploying the hexagonal reef structures, turning collaboration into tangible impact. The two-day reef star creation and installation marked a key milestone in one of the Maldives’ largest coral restoration projects.
“With all Reef Stars successfully installed, we’re excited to see this restored reef become a thriving ecosystem,” says Kate Janetski, Marine Program Lead for Maldives & Caribbean and Global Training Manager at MARS Sustainable Solutions. “The partnership with W Maldives shows what can happen when science, hospitality, and community come together for a shared purpose. Seeing guests and the resort team work side by side to restore this reef is a powerful reminder that protecting our oceans can be a collective and inspiring experience.”

With the success of SEA OF STARS, W Maldives is setting its sights even higher, Under the vision of Amila Handunwala, the resort’s General Manager and Chair of the Marriott Maldives Business Council, this activation marks just the beginning of a wider movement to make W Maldives, and eventually, Marriott International properties in the Maldives, a driving force in coral restoration across the archipelago.
“Our reef has always been the heart of W Maldives,” says Amila Handunwala. “SEA OF STARS is more than a single event, it’s the spark of a long-term journey. Our goal is to strengthen W Maldives’ stance as a leader in marine restoration and to extend this initiative to other Marriott resorts in the Maldives. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and set a new benchmark for sustainability in hospitality.”

The W Maldives team will continue to collaborate with MARS Sustainable Solutions to monitor coral growth and reef resilience in the coming months and years. Guests are also invited to be part of this journey by joining guided house reef snorkeling sessions with the resort’s marine biologist to learn more about the ongoing coral restoration program.
This initiative is part of W Maldives’ evolving and growing sustainability strategy, which extends beyond its reef restoration work. The resort continues to enhance its biogas plat, waste management system, and solar energy operations, building a more self-sustaining and environmentally conscious island ecosystem. Each initiative reflects the resort’s approach to modern luxury, one that connects guests to nature through innovation, community, and car.
News
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives launches biggest Black Friday sale with up to 80% off, free transfers
Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Maldives has launched its most significant Black Friday offer to date, giving travellers the chance to experience the Maldives with exceptional value. With up to 80% off stays and complimentary round trip transfers, the promotion brings the beauty of the Maldives within closer reach for guests seeking turquoise lagoons, soft white sands, and the signature warmth of the brand’s hospitality.
This year’s Black Friday promotion also includes a selection of Book Direct Benefits available once during the stay. Guests may choose from exclusive dining experiences, spa treatments, marine excursions, or resort credits depending on the property, enabling them to personalise their island holiday with added value.
Set in the sparsely populated Vaavu Atoll, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives offers guests uninterrupted access to abundant marine life, a wide lagoon, and expansive ocean views. Its contemporary overwater villas and strong culinary positioning, including the acclaimed Marlin Restaurant, make it ideal for travellers seeking tranquillity with a touch of adventure. Guests booking direct can further enhance their stay with experiences such as a dolphin watching excursion, one of the resort’s available Book Direct Benefits, offering the chance to witness pods of spinner dolphins in their natural habitat. View offer.
Spanning a spacious island, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is ideal for families and travellers seeking a lively atmosphere, offering a range of activities for both adults and children, from water sports to guided excursions. Its close proximity to Malé makes it a convenient choice for both long and short stays. Guests booking direct can enhance their experience with a swim and snorkel excursion, one of the available Book Direct Benefits, providing the chance to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life. View offer.
Now elevated as a five star adults only island, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a peaceful escape shaped by expansive white sand banks and a distinctive split island concept. Designed for travellers seeking quiet seclusion and an unhurried pace, it is an ideal choice for couples. Guests booking direct can indulge in a 45 minute spa treatment, one of the available Book Direct Benefits, for a rejuvenating experience that blends traditional techniques with ocean view serenity. View offer.
Recognised for its easily accessible house reef, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is well suited for divers and snorkellers eager to explore marine life directly from the resort. Its strong diving heritage and intimate island layout make it a favourite among underwater enthusiasts. Guests booking direct can enjoy a sunset fishing excursion, one of the available Book Direct Benefits, offering the chance to experience Maldivian waters as the sun sets over the horizon. View offer.
The Black Friday offer applies to a minimum stay of four nights. Booking is valid from 18 November to 4 December 2025 and stay dates run from 18 November 2025 to 30 November 2026. At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, stay dates are available until 31 March 2026 due to renovation schedules.
Travellers seeking more information or wishing to make a reservation may visit the dedicated Black Friday page here.
News
Milaidhoo introduces new spa menu featuring exclusive, innovative treatments
Milaidhoo Maldives has announced the launch of its new Serenity Spa menu, introducing a collection of therapies designed to support physical and mental wellbeing. The refreshed menu encourages guests to relax, reconnect and experience moments of calm on the boutique island.
Set above the turquoise waters of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers an elevated setting for rest and renewal. With four overwater treatment suites and an oceanfront yoga pavilion, the spa provides an environment where guests can slow down and unwind. From facials and body treatments to massages, each experience is crafted to guide guests towards a sense of inner peace.
Wellbeing at Milaidhoo follows a holistic philosophy, drawing on natural elements and time-honoured healing traditions. The new therapies reflect this approach, offering intuitive, personalised care that aims to restore balance. Each treatment is designed with the understanding that wellness is individual, and the spa team tailors every session to meet the guest’s specific needs.
A highlight of the new menu is the LYMA Laser, a skin treatment available exclusively at Milaidhoo in the Maldives. Using advanced technology, the LYMA Laser promotes skin regeneration, reduces fine lines and improves overall tone, providing visible results without invasive procedures. Guests can enjoy the treatment while taking in the soothing atmosphere of the island.
The updated spa menu also features treatments using premium products from Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates and Obsidian Skincare for Men, selected for their quality and effectiveness. Locally inspired remedies, informed by island traditions, complement the offering, bringing together authenticity and contemporary wellbeing. Milaidhoo has also partnered with Margaret Dabbs London to introduce its globally recognised nail and grooming services to the resort.
Personalisation remains central to Milaidhoo’s approach to wellbeing. This extends beyond the spa to include nourishing cuisine and opportunities for digital disconnection, encouraging guests to experience the island at an unhurried pace. The aim is to create an atmosphere where relaxation emerges naturally.
Serenity Spa is positioned not only as a place for pampering but as a refuge for reflection and reconnection. It offers guests the chance to engage with the island’s calming environment and rediscover a sense of equilibrium.
Guests wishing to explore the full menu of treatments can download the new Serenity Spa brochure, which outlines the complete range of offerings available at the spa.
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