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Thomas Weber: going back to roots at Diamonds Thudufushi, Diamonds Athuruga

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Maldives tourism industry is growing exponentially. At least a dozen new resorts are coming into market every year, with major international hoteliers joining hands with up and coming Maldivian hoteliers to develop iconic properties that beat their counterparts around the world in luxury service.

Amidst this rapid growth, only a few resorts have maintained the original ‘cut off from the world’ experience that the Maldives championed. Amongst those that have stayed true to the origins are Diamonds Thudufushi and Diamonds Athuruga Beach and Water Villas.

Located in the South Ari Atoll, the two resorts feature elegant beach bungalows and white overwater villas that stand out in the turquoise lagoon. But unlike most resorts in the Maldives, these villas have no TVs. So, instead of staying in their villas, guests are always out and about, firing up conversations with others, enjoying drinks by the beach, going for a swim in the sea or playing beach volleyball — all in all, treating themselves to a unique, beach holiday experience.

The teams at Thudufushi and Athuruga, especially current General Manager Thomas Weber, take pride in this originality. In an interview with Maldives Insider, the Swiss hospitality veteran speaks about sticking to this fading concept, all the while fine tuning it to attract the evolving traveller.

Maldives Insider: Can you tell us a little bit about your journey in the hospitality industry?

Thomas Weber: I grew up in the tourism industry, in a small ski resort in Switzerland. There you don’t have much choice; it’s either hotel business, ski teaching or plumbing. So my career was clear even from the beginning.

I started as an apprentice chef after school and worked in different kitchens. From there, I went to hotel management school, which marked the beginning of my formal career in hospitality.

I left Switzerland in 1991 to work at Hilton Hong Kong as a Restaurant Manager. After that, I went onto work as the Senior Assistant F&B Manager at The Table Bay Hotel Cape Town in South Africa, followed by an F&B Manager posting at Hilton Nairobi. After about four years in Africa, I went to India to work as the Executive Assistant Manager at Leela Palace Kempinski in Goa. I spent a little over three years there before going back to South Africa in 2003 to take up my first General Manager position at Kurland Hotel and Polo Club.

Since then, I have served as the General Manager at Movenpick Resort Al Nawras in Jeddah, Movenpick Hotel and Spa in Bangalore, and Oberwaid Kurhotel and Privatklinik in Switzerland. And I’m finally here in Diamonds Thudufushi and Athuruga in the Maldives.

Diamonds Athuruga. PHOTO/ MALDIVES INSIDER

MI: How would you describe your initial experiences in the Maldives?

TW: Working in an island has always been on my bucket list. I have been here for over a year now, and everyday is just as exciting as it was the first day I arrived here. There are many challenges, especially with the logistics. It’s also a different lifestyle from when you work in a city hotel. I worked in India for a long time. So I’m very familiar with the culture and mindset of employees as well as the bureaucracy in place.

Our parent company Planhotel Hospitality Group is very established here in the Maldives. These islands have been in operation for 30 years and some of our team members have been here for over 20 or 25 years. So there is a soul here. Those were my first impressions of the Maldives.

MI: What makes Thudufushi and Athuruga stand out in the market?

TW: The culture and soul of these properties make us stand out. Our white water villas are a unique selling point as well, not just because they are big and spacious with two open-air decks, but because they are visually unique and appealing.

MI: How do you see the competition?

TW: The competition is strong. New resorts with new concepts and state-of-the-art facilities are coming up in unprecedented numbers. Travel trends are changing as well. So we have to constantly evolve and be on our toes all the time.

But we have a clear vision and a strategy; we are not following every new trend. We have a very strong base of repeater guests and they like this concept. We are keeping this concept as it is. We have no TVs in the rooms and we will keep it that way. We have no swimming pool and there will be no swimming pool. We stick to this originality. It’s important to keep in mind that we don’t cater to every segment.

Guests play beach volleyball in Diamonds Thudufushi. PHOTO/ MALDIVES INSIDER

MI: What are the steps being taken in light of the growing competition?

TW: Since our resorts are very well-established, we can’t make big changes and there is no need for that either. We just need to fine tune the product and add more details.

Over the past few years, we have added a new Japanese restaurant and several other dining options in both the resorts. The beach bars have also been changed to resemble that of a plaza area. We have installed a faster internet connection. Our maintenance programme is carefully managed, especially since we use a lot of white paint.

Apart from the simple yet important additions to the physical product, we are offering a lot of new experiences to our guests such as more beach dining and live cooking options.

Instead of trying to capture new markets, we concentrate mainly on the European market, where we are very strong. But even in those markets, we are investing heavily in attracting the younger generation of travellers. We are also in the Japanese honeymoon market, which is a very niche market for us. It will remain a priority.

MI: What is the next big change guests coming to Thudufushi and Athuruga will see?

TW: As of this Winter season, we are introducing a service that enables guests booking our water villas to personalise their room and stay. Before you arrive, you can choose different personalisation options on our website. Suppose if you want a yoga mat in your room, a private house reef snorkelling excursion, a special setup for your arrival or to prebook your restaurant or a massage you can just select those options and we will have everything ready for you by the time you arrive.

MI: Can you outline the efforts being made to implement the new service?

TW: The idea is to treat guests as if they are our friends. We want them to feel like they are arriving in their family holiday home, just like they go to their own private holiday home in the hills or in the woods. With our existing all-inclusive concept, you don’t have to worry about bills and so on. We want to extend this hassle-free holiday experience and create a home feel.

There is a software, which works on both ends. The guest can choose their preferred options via our website. They can identify complimentary options as well as services like private excursions that carry an additional charge. These options will be communicated to the room attendant’s mobile phone. For example, they will be able to see from their phone that the guest at water villa no. 29 doesn’t want alcohol in the minibar or if they want a specific kind of pillow.

Diamonds Athuruga. PHOTO/ DIAMONDS RESORTS

MI: Thudufushi and Athuruga are big on marine research. Can you highlight some of the initiatives?

TW: We have a long-standing cooperation with Bicocca University through which a PhD researcher is always based here in the island to conduct extensive research on corals. We partner with Manta Trust, whose researcher is also based in the island, and with the Olive Ridley Project. Additionally, we have established a coral regeneration project.

Our efforts also extend to in-house initiatives to reduce plastic and to increase awareness amongst our employees about eco-friendly practices. We train our employees on proper handling of plastic waste and waste management in general. Once a month, we also go to a nearby deserted island to clean the beach.

Our social responsibility programme is very comprehensive as well. We import equipments and donate them to schools in nearby islands. We bring in experts to conduct educational programmes for locals. For example, teachers from the gastronomic school in Switzerland conducted a 10-day programme in Mahibadhoo island in January for young locals to show them what they can expect in a resort, especially in F&B.

MI: What are your thoughts on the future of tourism in the Maldives?

TW: Maldives definitely holds a great potential. It’s a unique place and a dream of many people around the world. On these islands, you are away from the hassle and daily troubles of the city life and all the negativity in the world. You are on a totally isolated place where you can just relax.

In countries such as China and India, more and more people can now afford to travel. With the introduction of small hotels and guesthouses in the local islands and the increased air connectivity, more tourists across all segments of the market are going to come to the Maldives. More locals are going to benefit through tourism as more and more job opportunities are going to open up.

A water villa at Diamonds Athuruga. PHOTO/ DIAMONDS RESORTS

MI: What should be done by the industry to support this rapid expansion?

TW: We need to develop more locals to take over supervisory and managerial positions. The hotel school needs to expand, as this growth creates demand for young Maldivians. Hospitality is a very demanding job. Sometimes we have to work day in and day out. So the young generation should be made aware of these realities, so that they can be as passionate about serving others as we are.

At the same time, we have to give them opportunities. Working with an international company like Planhotel Hospitality Group, there is the opportunity to move abroad and work elsewhere. Suppose if a Maldivian chef wants to develop his skills, he can work at our property in Switzerland, Kenya or anywhere else. A perfect example of this cross-property training is our resident manager, who has worked at our properties in countries such as Switzerland, Zanzibar and Malindi. Our head barman was also recently taken to Italy for a wine tour.

I grew up in a small village in Switzerland, but I have travelled all over the world. The key is to try and never stop. If you want to be the biggest chef in the world, there is nothing stopping you. You can be where you want to be, if you try. In terms of following your dreams, there is no better industry than hospitality. If you are passionate about what you do, there is nothing that you can’t achieve in this industry!

Drink

Golden encounter: Atmosphere Kanifushi and Bottega unite Maldivian soul with Italian craftsmanship

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Atmosphere Kanifushi is set to host a golden fusion of Maldivian spirit and Italian craftsmanship from 4 to 6 December, as Atmosphere Core presents a three-day celebration in collaboration with Bottega SpA, one of Italy’s most renowned lifestyle wineries.

Sandro Bottega, President and CEO of Bottega SpA, remarked, “The Maldives is an iconic destination, a paradise for leisure and diving. We are proud to showcase our selected wines at Atmosphere Kanifushi, in an expression of refined hospitality that blends seamlessly with the Italian lifestyle. I am certain that this three-day experience, dedicated to Prosecco, will beautifully unite the Bottega philosophy with the island’s soul.”

The celebration begins at Just Veg, the Maldives’ first vegetarian restaurant, where acclaimed Italian Chef Fabrizio Marino will curate exclusive lunch and dinner menus paired with signature Bottega vintages. On the second day, the festivities move to Pier Six, featuring elegant seafood pairings, followed by an evening of golden cocktails, sizzling teppanyaki, and Venetian carnival-inspired delights, set against panoramic lagoon views.

The event culminates in the Bottega Gala Gold Dinner on the beach, where all in-house guests will be invited to raise golden flutes of GOLD Prosecco DOC under the starlit sky. The evening will unfold to the sounds of live bands and DJ performances, with the ocean’s rhythm creating the perfect atmosphere for a night of elegance, indulgence, and unforgettable moments. Every element—from the cuisine and wine to the music and cinematic storytelling—will harmoniously come together to craft a truly immersive experience.

Bottega’s Head Sommelier, Elena Schipani, will personally host the pairings, guiding guests through the stories and characteristics of each vintage. All events will be complimentary under the Kanifushi Plan™, subject to pre-booking and availability. “Atmosphere Kanifushi has long been celebrated for its culinary creativity and heartfelt service,” said Raman Gomathi, Director of Food and Beverage. “This Golden Wine Encounter embodies our commitment to experiences that combine artistry with authenticity. The team has poured its heart into creating this first-of-its-kind celebration, a true reflection of our Joy of Giving philosophy.”

This golden celebration also symbolises Atmosphere Core’s growing relationship with Italy. In 2026, the group will debut its first European property, BORGO MONCHIERO Heritage by Atmosphere, in Piedmont—a region known for its rolling vineyards and exceptional gastronomy. The collaboration with Bottega SpA, alongside culinary artistry from Chef Fabrizio Marino, offers a glimpse into this exciting journey, uniting Maldivian warmth with Italian elegance.

A fourth-generation family estate, Bottega SpA epitomises quality, authenticity, and timeless design—values shared by Atmosphere Core. Together, they invite guests to a radiant celebration where fine wine meets the joy of island living.

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Awards

Kudadoo Maldives crowned Best All-Inclusive Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler

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Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, the ultra-luxury retreat renowned for redefining indulgence and privacy, has been named Best All-Inclusive Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler, one of the world’s most esteemed travel publications.

This prestigious recognition celebrates Kudadoo’s signature “Anything, Anywhere, Anytime” concept — a philosophy that allows guests to design entirely bespoke experiences tailored to their desires.

Part of the esteemed Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) portfolio, Kudadoo combines cutting-edge architectural design, pristine natural beauty, and an unwavering guest-first approach to create stays that are both intimate and extraordinary. Guests can savour private sandbank dinners under starlit skies, bespoke underwater dining, serene sunset cruises, and curated wellness journeys, all orchestrated to perfection.

The resort’s all-inclusive model transcends conventional definitions, removing boundaries for those seeking freedom, privacy, and absolute indulgence. Every detail — from world-class gastronomy and curated excursions to on-demand personal experiences — reflects Kudadoo’s commitment to limitless luxury. Whether it is a spontaneous snorkelling trip, a private cinema night on the deck, or a cultural discovery across the atoll, every moment is crafted with precision and heartfelt care.

“This recognition from Condé Nast Traveler is a proud moment for the entire Kudadoo team,” said Akira Shiota, General Manager of Kudadoo Maldives. “Our ‘Anything, Anywhere, Anytime’ philosophy enables us to deliver a level of personalisation rarely found in the world of luxury travel. Each guest enjoys a truly unique experience, and this award is a tribute to the dedication, creativity, and passion of our team in bringing these experiences to life.”

Ahmed Shaheen, Chief Commercial Leader of CCR, added, “Kudadoo continues to set new benchmarks for luxury hospitality in the Maldives. Being named the world’s best all-inclusive hotel by Condé Nast Traveler underscores not only the excellence of our service but also the success of our pioneering concept. We are immensely proud to provide experiences that guests will treasure for a lifetime.”

By earning this accolade, Kudadoo Maldives reinforces its status as a world-class resort and demonstrates how the notion of all-inclusive luxury can evolve to meet the expectations of today’s experience-driven traveller. The recognition stands as a testament to Kudadoo’s pursuit of perfection and its dedication to delivering the highest standard of personalised service in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

Earlier this year, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island was also featured among Condé Nast Traveler’s “16 Best Private Island Resorts in the World” for 2025 — further cementing its reputation as one of the planet’s most exceptional and exclusive escapes.

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Awards

Condé Nast Traveler honours Kuramathi Maldives among region’s best resorts

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Kuramathi Maldives has been recognised among the Top 20 Indian Ocean Resorts, securing the 18th position with a score of 93.54 in the Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, as voted by travellers from around the world.

Renowned as one of the Maldives’ most cherished island escapes for both couples and families, Kuramathi offers a wealth of experiences across its expansive setting. The island features a diverse collection of villas, restaurants, bars, and leisure facilities that blend luxury with natural beauty. From infinity pools overlooking the Indian Ocean to its famed mile-long sandbank, lush tropical gardens, vibrant house reef, and world-class diving, the resort provides countless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

Guests can spend their days paddleboarding across the crystal lagoon, snorkelling among marine life, or enjoying restorative treatments at the Kuramathi Spa. The resort’s accommodation options include beach villas seamlessly integrated into the landscape and over-water villas suspended above turquoise waters. For families or groups, the spacious Two Bedroom Beach Houses offer generous living spaces close to the reef or lagoon, while Bageecha Kids Club provides complimentary activities such as outdoor playgrounds, splash pads, football pitches, indoor play areas, and special excursions, including a hermit crab trail through the island’s jungle.

Kuramathi is also a destination for culinary exploration, with 12 restaurants serving an impressive range of cuisines—from continental buffets to Indian, Thai, French, barbecue, and seafood specialities. The signature restaurant, The Reef, presents freshly caught fish and premium cuts of meat, while the Laguna Bar and Champagne Loft offer panoramic sunset views paired with handcrafted cocktails. Flexible All-Inclusive packages allow guests to tailor their stay to their preferences.

Whether guests choose to unwind in the spa, explore the marine world, enjoy fine dining, or simply bask in the Maldivian sun, each stay at Kuramathi promises moments that endure long after departure.

This latest recognition from Condé Nast Traveler underscores the enduring appeal of Kuramathi Maldives—a place where guests can relax, reconnect, and rediscover the beauty of island living.

Commenting on the award, Bertrand Margerie, General Manager of Kuramathi Maldives, stated: “Kuramathi Maldives – where real nature meets true quality and genuine service. We are incredibly honoured to be recognised by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. This award is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated team and the unforgettable experiences we strive to create for every guest.”

The 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards received over 750,000 votes. The Maldives as a destination also achieved the top position in the Top Islands: Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 – Africa & The Indian Ocean category, securing 92.31 per cent of the votes, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s leading island destinations.

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