Business
Carlson Rezidor makes fresh attempt to enter Maldives with Radisson Blu Resort Maldives opening 2019

Global hotel giant Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has yet again announced plans to enter the Maldives tourism market with the opening in 2019 of a Radisson Blu resort in the island nation.
In a statement, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group said Thursday that an agreement has been signed with Singapore-based Chang Hua Holdings to manage the Radisson Blu Resort Maldives. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2019, the property is one of the most anticipated new developments in the Maldives, in addition to being the first Radisson Blu resort in the market, it added.
According to Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, the resort is being developed in South Ari Atoll, and is accessible by a 30-minute seaplane journey, or a domestic flight from the main Velana International Airport to the Maamigili Airport followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride.
Maldives Insider understands that development of the Radisson Blu Resort Maldives is taking place on the island of Ranveli, which up until recently was home to the Ranveli Island Resort.
Featuring 128 exclusive villas, including family villas and a premium overwater villa, the new Radisson Blu Resort Maldives is set to strike a balance between stylish contemporary design and a truly Maldivian resort experience with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
Set amidst some of the most amazing coral reefs, the resort’s first-class sea sports and dive centre will offer guests an array of activities, set for adrenaline pumping action. For those seeking to rejuvenate and restore, the yoga pavilion and spa will be the ethos of wellness as moves are practiced in the tranquil surrounds of the island. Dining at the restaurants and bar on the island promise to tantalise even the most discerning palate with unique cuisines and experiences.
“As a global brand, Radisson Blu Resort Maldives will provide the international leisure market with a full range of innovative design-led products and services, delivering genuine and relevant guest experiences with Radisson Blu’s distinctive Yes I Can! service philosophy,” Thomas Hagemann, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s Vice President for Future Openings and Special Projects in Asia Pacific, was quoted in the statement, as saying.
“Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group continues our growth trajectory in Asia Pacific, we are pleased to expand our footprint into the Maldives with an iconic Radisson Blu resort on the island.”
“We are excited with our first hotel project in the Maldives and believe that it will be a success. Our partnership with Carlson Rezidor stems from their proven expertise and management capabilities. We are confident that the Radisson Blu brand will position us for solid performance, setting inspiring and authentic experiences for our guests,” Li Fei Chang, Managing Director of Chang Hua Holdings, said.
The latest announcement by Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel companies, follows three unsuccessful attempts by the group to enter the Maldives market. Previous plans to open the Radisson Hotel Maldives in the satellite town of Maldives capital Hulhumale and The Radisson Plaza Resort Maldives in the island of Naagoshi as well as the acquisition of then The Regent Maldives, which is now run as COMO Maalifushi Maldives, later fell through.
Radisson Blu is one of the world’s leading hotel brands, with more than 398 hotels in operation and under development globally.
Located in prime locations in major cities, airport gateways and leisure destinations around the world, Radisson Blu offers vibrant, contemporary and engaging hospitality characterised by a unique Yes I Can! service philosophy. Known the world over as Hotels Designed to Say YES!, Radisson Blu hotels are first class hotels that celebrate leading-edge style and offer signature features that are empathetic to the challenges of modern travel, including a 100 percent Satisfaction Guarantee.
Carlson Rezidor’s Asia Pacific portfolio has 117 hotels in operation across the region, including 51 Radisson Blu hotels. Carlson Rezidor has 78 more hotels in the pipeline for Asia Pacific.
Business
Dubai Chocolate Brownies in Maldives: BBM, Dreidoppel conclude pastry tour

BBM’s exclusive Dreidoppel Demo Tour, led by Master Pâtissier Frankie Robin, concluded successfully on Apr 30th, after a 10-day pastry training series across 15 leading Maldivian resorts that requested the training. Two city bakeries were also trained on the 30th. The initiative brought together global expertise and a strong commitment to raising pastry standards in the local hospitality industry.
This year’s sessions focused on practical pastry solutions using Dreidoppel’s premium ingredient range to create Panettone, Dubai chocolate brownies, Mousses, Crème Brûlée, Fill & Gloss applications, and Caramel Chocolate Snacks.

A standout feature of the tour was the passion shown by young chefs across the islands.
Chef Frankie Robin remarked, “What truly impressed me was how prepared and passionate the young chefs were. Their eagerness to learn, experiment, and take their skills to world-class standards made every session an absolute joy.”

Grounded in real kitchen challenges—speed, flavour, and efficiency—Chef Frankie’s demos showcased how smart ingredient choices can drive both creativity and performance.
A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added, “At BBM, we believe in more than just supplying ingredients—we are committed to the professional growth of the industry. Collaborations like this empower culinary teams with global techniques and greater confidence.”
The tour reflects BBM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Maldivian foodservice industry through knowledge-sharing and access to world-class products.
Business
BBM brings Vaseline, Hellmann’s, BRU Coffee to Maldives market

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) extended their strong and decades old partnership with Unilever International, by adding to their brand portfolio – Vaseline, Hellmann’s, and BRU Coffee for the Maldivian market.
The collaboration was announced at a Business gathering held at the Manhattan Business Hotel, attended by over 300 trade partners from across Maldives.

With this partnership, BBM strengthens its retail offerings across the Maldives archipelago. Vaseline, a trusted name in skincare, and Hellmann’s, known globally for quality food products, will now be available through BBM’s distribution network.
“Vaseline is a name that generations trust for skin care. And Hellmann’s is a global icon in flavours. We’re proud to bring both to shelves across the Maldives and enrich everyday living for our customers,” said Muksith Hussain, Business Head – Retail.
In the hospitality sector, BBM introduces Bru Coffee as an addition to its HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) offerings. BRU Coffee provides a quality beverage option for hotels, resorts, and restaurants across the Maldives.

“BRU is one of the most loved coffee brands in the region. With this launch, we’re giving our hospitality partners a versatile product that delivers on both taste and reliability that can be consumed as a beverage and for the purpose of dessert preparation, something they can serve with confidence,” said Hisham Girsy, Business Head – HORECA.
The gathering served as a platform for BBM to engage with its valued trade partners and introduce these new brands to the market.
A.V.S Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, remarked: “BBM is built on relationships. This event reflects our commitment to not just introduce great products but to support, connect, and elevate our trade partners. We’re in this together, and the journey ahead is promising.”

As BBM continues to grow its portfolio and global partnerships, the focus remains clear delivering excellence, building trust, and shaping the future of trade in the Maldives.
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) is a leading distribution company in the Maldives, connecting international brands with local businesses across retail and hospitality sectors. With a customer-focused approach and extensive distribution network, BBM continues to be a trusted partner in the Maldivian market.
Business
Redefining corporate retreats at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

MICE travel is undergoing a sea change—quite literally. No longer limited to traditional conference rooms and structured schedules, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) are now about creating moments that inspire, rejuvenate, and bring teams closer together. At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, the boundaries between business and leisure blur, offering a setting that transforms work into a pleasure.

Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is the ideal destination for teams looking to escape the expected. Here, brainstorming sessions take place on powder-soft beaches, where the rhythmic waves set the pace for new ideas. Mornings might begin with yoga by the ocean, followed by strategy meetings in open-air pavilions. Afternoons invite collaborative workshops under swaying palms or team-building activities that include snorkelling, paddleboarding, or even a friendly beach volleyball match.

Dining at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives elevates every corporate event with fresh, sea-to-table cuisine, designed to fuel both body and mind. From curated group dinners under star-streaked skies to themed private banquets, every meal becomes an experience in itself. For those looking to celebrate milestones or reward top performers, the resort’s scenic locations offer the perfect backdrop for gala evenings or intimate cocktail gatherings.

Accommodation blends comfort with elegance, offering ocean-view suites and beachside retreats that allow participants to rest, recharge, and return with a fresh perspective. Despite the remote charm, connectivity is never an issue—seamless Wi-Fi and business-friendly amenities ensure that productivity doesn’t pause, even in paradise.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives turns corporate travel into something memorable. Whether it’s a leadership retreat, a high-level conference, or an incentive escape, the resort offers a canvas for events that leave lasting impressions. Here, business goals are pursued in harmony with nature, creativity flows effortlessly, and the line between work and well-being fades.
Let your next MICE experience be more than a meeting—make it a journey worth sharing.
-
News1 week ago
The Cocoon Collection launches Cocoon Circle: New loyalty programme offering exclusive rewards in Maldives
-
Awards1 week ago
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives recognised among top 10% worldwide in Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025
-
Action1 week ago
Sirru Fen Fushi to host ‘One Ocean, One Breath’ with Freedive Maldives to mark World Oceans Day
-
Action1 week ago
Ifuru Island Maldives takes part in Burunu Boma sport fishing tournament
-
News1 week ago
Madifushi Private Island’s new Bella Six: Ultimate private villa experience for girls’ getaway
-
News1 week ago
SO/ Maldives launches Kidtastic Summer with glamorous twist of family fun
-
Awards1 week ago
Nova Maldives wins global acclaim with 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award
-
Featured5 days ago
Ayada Maldives earns elite recognition in 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards