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Carpe Diem Maldives celebrates a decade with resort expansion

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Since 2008, the award-winning hospitality group Carpe Diem Maldives has been growing its fleet of luxury dive and surf liveaboard cruises, sharing the beauty of the Maldivian waters with adventurous travellers.

Adding to the existing three high-end liveaboard cruise vessels, the private island of Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa is scheduled to open June 2018 in the northern Raa atoll.

With an emphasis on an activity-driven atmosphere, the resort’s tagline, Social by Nature reflects an easygoing travellers’ finesse against the backdrop of a healthy house reef and a significantly large lagoon.

Each of the 115 private pool villas at Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa have sliding doors leading on to a large deck with a shaded seating area and a sun-drenched plunge pool. Ten accommodation choices have been designed with a modern and social traveller in mind to offer a vibrant addition to this revered Indian Ocean destination.

Introducing a new room category to the Maldives market, five Overwater Pool Villas are dedicated to solo travellers looking to share twin bed accommodation, omitting the need for a single supplement.

A full-board stay for all guests at Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa includes house wines and beer, as well as access to an inflatable water park in the private lagoon. Bespoke and signature dining choices, a contemporary spa, and an overwater tapas and sunset club with a transparent dance floor combine with a myriad water sport experiences to create a truly unique, forward-thinking resort.

Speaking on the expansion, Amir Mansoor, Managing Director of Carpe Diem Maldives, says, “From our first boat a decade ago, Carpe Diem Maldives has grown to become a collection of three unique liveaboard dive and surf cruises, each catering for 20-22 guests. We are the only liveaboard operator in the Maldives to offer diving adventures with a team of all-Maldivian Dive Masters.

With the expansion into resorts, Carpe Diem Maldives becomes the only hospitality brand in the country to offer year-round liveaboard cruises that can be combined with a resort stay. This vibrant new offering and collection of activities brings a fresh approach to holidays, one that also meets the changing traveller demographics to this popular destination.”

Renowned for delivering a sense of discovery, adventure and excellence, Carpe Diem Cruises have established a solid relationship over the years with the top echelons of the diving and leisure travel industry.

“Our guests now have a wider array of choices – go diving or surfing on a luxury cruise for a few days, or stay in one place with a naturally soft, white-sand beach, spa and a multitude of dining options where like-minded travellers meet… Even better, do both!” explains Assistant Managing Director Agnes van Linden.

“We’ve taken the knowledge and experience gathered over the last 10 years, listening to our guests’ preferences, observing the changing demands from global travellers, to create a resort with a social and vibrant personality.”

Located on the cusp where Raa and Baa atolls meet, the area is rich in marine diversity; Baa atoll, renowned for the annual manta ray migration from May to November in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Hanifaru Bay, is just 15 minutes away by speedboat. The home base of Raa Atoll is teeming with wildlife and a survey in June this year by US-based marine organisation Coral Reef CPR identified an extraordinary array of rare coral species, some of which are 500-1000 years old, attracting over 215 fish species to the house reef at Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa.

The resort’s General Manager Socrates Alvaro comments, “At Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa, the emphasis is on a social holiday where like-minded travellers meet. Today’s holidaymakers are seeking a more engaging environment paired with adventure and excitement, rather than a romance and honeymoon emphasis, and Carpe Diem Maldives is set to deliver on that rising market demand. With new budget airline routes into Male, and the new travel trends to this destination, it means the Maldives is now more accessible to a much wider demographic than previously, and that’s very exciting.”

Full-board room rates accommodating two adults and two children or three adults start from USD 899 per villa per night, and for solo travellers in a shared twin-bed Overwater Pool Villa from USD 450. The resort is already accepting bookings for stays from June 1, 2018 onwards. 

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BBM, Mamee Food Services partner to elevate Maldivian dining with Asian Cuisine Engagement Week

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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.

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2025 sees Maldives reach 1 million tourist mark in record time

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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.

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BBM: Stronger hospitality platform via Hotelier Maldives Awards, culinary development

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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.

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