Business
Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa to open in October 2018

Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa, a member of global hospitality consortium Leading Hotels of the World, is set to open in October 2018.
Managed by Rome-headquartered hotel chain Emerald Collection, Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa is being developed on the island of Fasmendhoo in the northern Raa atoll, which is accessible by a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight or a 30-minute domestic flight from the main Velana International Airport to Ifuru Domestic Airport followed by a 20-minute speedboat ride.

An architectural rendition of an over water Presidential Villa to be built in Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa. PHOTO/ EMERALD COLLECTION
The island, which is composed of 20 hectares of land and 100 hectares of lagoon, will boast 120 luxurious villas — 60 on land and 60 over water — with their own private pool and Jacuzzi. The 120 rooms will also include one Royal Villa, two Presidential Villas (one on land and the other over water) and several varieties of Superior Beach Villas.
Four restaurants are to be built on the island, including:
- Aqua: The main restaurant is set directly on the beach featuring indoor air-conditioned and outdoor alfresco dining at its best, facing the clear blue ocean. A lavish buffet — starters with fresh seafood, vegetables, salads, meat, fish and local special dishes, fruits and dessert — will be available for breakfast and lunch.
- Mediterranean Restaurant: This restaurant will be situated on the water, and guests will enjoy the Mediterranean dining environment consisting of natural rustic stone, light wood and ocean breezes. The restaurant will also feature an open kitchen and wood fired oven where guests will be able to see how chefs prepare their delicious meals.
- Asian Restaurant: The resort’s oriental restaurant will be located in the middle of the forested island, creating a spectacular and innovative structure connected with the nature of the island. This restaurant will be the perfect choice for guests who want to discover the tasty and delicious creations of the resort’s Asian chefs, whose main aim will be to deliver an authentic flavour of the East while respecting the traditions of the past.
- Beach Grill Restaurant: Serving lunch and dinner on one of the best locations of the island, the Beach Grill Restaurant will be facing the crystal clear water of the house lagoon. The uniqueness of the restaurant is to be found in the vast selection of fresh meat, fish, shellfish, and vegetables cooked on a stone grill, which especially gives the dishes a smooth, matchless flavour. A pizza and pasta station will also be available in the beach club

An architectural rendition of a Prestige Beach Villa to be built in Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa. PHOTO/ EMERALD COLLECTION
The Emerald Spa will be a unique facility that offers a full range of spa services tailored to the guests’ every need.
Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa will have a sports centre that includes two tennis courts, one squash court and a football field. A dive and water sports centre will also be situated on the beach, allowing guests to use Hobie Cats, kayaks and kite surf under the eyes of the resort’s water sports team.

The arrival hall to be built in Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa. PHOTO/ EMERALD COLLECTION
Launched in 2013, Emerald Collection already runs two properties in Zanzibar, Tanzania: the Hideaway of Nungwi, which is located on the North West coast, and the beach resort called Dream of Zanzibar, which offers a superb choice of inclusive activities, dining and entertainment.
Emerald Collection’s Maldives resort will be its second property included in the portfolio of Leading Hotels of the World, which provides sales and marketing, advertising and public relations, financial services, quality control, and hotel inspections for more than 375 hotels and resorts in over 75 countries. The Hideaway of Nungwi in Zanzibar is already a member of the world’s largest consortium of independently run luxury hotels.
Business
BBM, Mamee Food Services partner to elevate Maldivian dining with Asian Cuisine Engagement Week

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), a key supplier to the Maldives’ hospitality industry, in partnership with Mamee Food Services, has launched the Asian Cuisine Engagement Week. The programme, running from 29th June to 4th July 2025, is designed to introduce premium Asian sauces to the Maldives foodservice sector and upskill culinary professionals.
The official launch was held on Monday at BBM’s venue partner, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS) at The Maldives National University (MNU). FHTS continues to be a key collaborator with BBM on industry events and culinary development. The event was attended by over 40 chefs from leading hotels and restaurants in Malé. Representatives from Mamee Food Services travelled to the Maldives to lead the session, which included live product demonstrations and technical training.

The focus of the initiative is the introduction of Mamee’s premium Asian sauces, including the Daebak range, which features a variety of Korean and East Asian flavours. The programme aims to support chefs in incorporating these new products into their menus, fostering innovation within commercial kitchens.
AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives, commented on the initiative, stating, “Our goal is to be a strategic partner for the culinary community in the Maldives. This collaboration with Mamee Food Services is a direct reflection of that commitment. By providing access to new products and facilitating hands-on training, we are investing in the skills of chefs and supporting the evolution of menu offerings across the country. This initiative aligns with our broader strategy to continuously elevate the culinary standards in the Maldives.”

He added, “We believe that introducing high-quality, authentic Asian flavours through our partnership with a globally recognised brand like Mamee will provide a new dimension to the dining experience for tourists and locals alike. This reinforces BBM’s role as a trusted partner for global F&B brands seeking to make a mark in the Maldivian market.”
Jennifer Chee, Director of Food Service at Mamee Food Service, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are incredibly excited to partner with Bestbuy Maldives to bring Mamee’s authentic Asian flavours to the vibrant culinary scene of the Maldives. This engagement week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase how our premium sauces, particularly the Daebak range, can inspire creativity and elevate dishes in professional kitchens.”
“We believe that by working directly with chefs and providing hands-on training, we can truly empower them to explore new culinary possibilities and deliver exceptional dining experiences to their guests. We look forward to seeing the innovative ways Maldivian chefs will incorporate our products.”

Following the launch in Malé, a dedicated follow-up session will be held at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi for resort-based chefs. This session will include participation from properties within the Atmosphere Core group, providing hands-on training focused on the scalable integration of Mamee products into commercial resort kitchens.


Throughout the week, the culinary team from BBM and Mamee will conduct on-site visits and tastings at selected restaurants in Malé, offering further technical support and guidance.
This joint initiative between BBM and Mamee Food Services is set to drive menu innovation and provide culinary professionals in the Maldives with the tools and skills needed to meet evolving consumer tastes.
Business
2025 sees Maldives reach 1 million tourist mark in record time

Maldives has welcomed its 1 millionth tourist of 2025 on 7th June 2025, the fastest that the country has achieved a million tourists in our nation’s history.
Kajal Singh, an Indian national, arrived in the Maldives today on IndiGo flight 6E 1131 at 12:55. She is visiting for her honeymoon at Bandos Maldives. This is her first trip to the Maldives.

Visit Maldives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), hosted a special celebratory event at Velana International Airport to commemorate this remarkable achievement.
“This milestone fills us with immense pride, reflecting the successful culmination of our destination marketing initiatives that showcase the true essence of the Maldivian experience,” stated Minister for Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim. “Welcoming one million tourists with such unprecedented speed is a powerful indicator of our global appeal, and I extend my sincere appreciation to all the hardworking individuals across the tourism sector whose dedication made this achievement possible.”

In a gesture highlighting the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the one millionth visitor, Kajal, was invited to participate in the “Five Million Trees Planting Program” initiated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Kajal planted a tree at Hulhulé as part of this nationwide effort to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and promote a greener Maldives for future generations.
“This achievement is a clear indicator that we are well on our way to attaining H.E President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s national tourist arrival target of 2.3 million for this year,” said CEO & MD of MMPRC Ibrahim Shiuree. “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with all our stakeholders, whose dedication and hard work are invaluable. Our commitment doesn’t end here; we are continually working to enhance the Maldives’ tourism industry and ensure the Sunny Side of Life remains a dream destination for everyone.”

The arrival of the 1 millionth tourist in 2025 marks a proud moment for Maldivian tourism, symbolizing the robust momentum generated by MMPRC’s strategic promotional efforts. Building on the resounding success of the recent Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, where the Maldives captivated the global travel trade community with its powerful and immersive showcase, this milestone highlights the effectiveness of our enhanced global visibility and affirmed key industry partnerships.
Complementing these efforts, the ongoing comprehensive Summer Campaign, with its multi-market strategy spanning Europe and key international markets, is actively driving increased visibility and stimulating early bookings for both the summer and upcoming winter seasons. MMPRC’s marketing initiatives such as high-impact campaigns, strategic partnerships, and targeted outreach are significantly enhancing the Maldives’ global brand, boosting booking confidence, and solidifying its position as a leading, year-round holiday destination.
Business
BBM: Stronger hospitality platform via Hotelier Maldives Awards, culinary development

Since 1990, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has been at the core of the Maldives’ hospitality supply chain. More than a distributor, BBM has become a trusted partner in shaping talent, raising standards, and building long-term capacity across the industry.
That commitment continues in 2025 through its title sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards, and its growing investment in culinary development and cross-industry collaboration.
Supporting the Ecosystem, Not Just the Event
BBM is the preferred partner for over 60 international brands. However, its true value lies in how it supports the people behind the brands. From chefs and service staff to back-of-house professionals, BBM works across the sector to create real impact.
This year, the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 expands its recognition with four new categories:
- Watersports Personality of the Year
- Diving Personality of the Year
- Airport Representative of the Year
- Resort Manager of the Year
These additions reflect a simple belief. Everyone who shapes the guest experience deserves to be seen. Not just the visible few. Everyone.
Hotel Asia and the Rise of Culinary Confidence
For more than two decades, BBM has served as the main sponsor of the Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge, endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).
This platform has consistently raised the bar by bringing over 25 WACS A-Grade international jurors to the Maldives each year. Through this effort, local chefs get to test their skills on a global scale.
To further encourage excellence, BBM launched the Chairman’s Trophy, awarded annually to the most promising Maldivian chef:
- 2023 — Chef Mohamed Adhil
- 2024 — Chef Ahmed Mazim
Each name marks a growing movement. Maldivian chefs no longer compete to participate. They compete to win.
Backing Global Exposure for Local Talent
BBM has directly sponsored Maldivian chefs to represent the country at global events, including:
- HOFEX 2017 in Hong Kong, where Chef Ahmed Fatheen and Chef Ismail Naseer earned silver
- La Sial 2018 in Abu Dhabi, where Chef Mohamed Adhil won both gold and silver
- FHA 2018 in Singapore, supporting emerging talent
- Asian Pastry Cup 2018, where Chef Aminath Hameed was recognized as a pioneering female chef
- Chinese Cuisine World Championship 2019, where Chef Ahmed Mazim won bronze
- World Chefs Congress and Expo 2022, where BBM sponsored six MNU students under its Building Young Talent initiative
Creating Spaces for Knowledge Transfer
Beyond competitions, BBM hosts world-class chefs to lead pro bono Masterclasses, including:
- Chef Bruno Ménard, holder of three Michelin stars
- Chef Edwin Leow, gold medalist at the IKA Culinary Olympics
These sessions are designed to be open, practical, and rooted in the everyday reality of resort kitchens.
Recognition with Purpose
BBM’s sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 is part of a larger support system. These awards are not marketing. They are memories. They capture the faces, names, and efforts of those who make the Maldives one of the most admired hospitality destinations in the world.
“When people are seen, they rise,” said Ali Afrah Hassan, Head of HR, Admin, and Corporate Affairs at BBM. “This platform is our way of saying you matter. Not just once a year, but every day you show up to serve.”
Whether through product support, recognition, training, or infrastructure, BBM is building something larger than supply chains. It is helping shape the culture of Maldivian hospitality.
-
Action1 week ago
Netflix’s ‘All the Sharks’ puts global spotlight on tiger shark paradise in Maldives’ Fuvahmulah
-
News1 week ago
Niyama Private Islands Maldives unveils transformed resort
-
News1 week ago
RAAYA by Atmosphere: Celebrating a year of castaway adventures
-
Cooking1 week ago
Savour July: Exceptional dining awaits at Barceló Nasandhura Male
-
News1 week ago
SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS appoints Edyta Peszko as Commercial Director
-
Culture6 days ago
Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to discover real island living in Kihadhoo
-
Featured1 week ago
Villa Park named leading family resort in Maldives by Travel + Leisure
-
News1 week ago
Coconut Bliss Indulgence: July exclusive at Wellness by Mandara, Barceló Nasandhura Male