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William Harley-Fleming assumes new role as Cluster General Manager for JA Manafaru, JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort

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William Harley-Fleming, General Manager of JA Resorts and Hotels’ JA Manafaru resort in the Maldives, has assumed a new role within the Dubai-based international hospitality group — the Cluster General Manager for JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort and JA Manafaru.

As part of his new role, Harley-Fleming will oversee all operational responsibilities and the day-to-day management of both resorts. He will also be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to build on the current offering and guest experiences at the award-wining JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort.

“JA Resorts and Hotels commitment to delivering ‘heartfelt hospitality’ and ‘casual luxury’ to its guests as well as bringing in a vast range of unique experiences and offerings is why the brand continues to hold such a strong position in the hospitality sector. Having been part of the brand for many years, I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of the team at JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort and to drive the development of the property and further enhance its offerings,” Harley-Fleming was quoted in a statement, as saying.

Prior to joining JA Resorts and Hotels, Harley-Fleming held a number of roles with renowned hospitality companies, including, Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts and Radisson Blu in the UK and Thailand.

He joined JA Resorts and Hotels in 2007 as Corporate Food and Beverage Concept Director, overlooking the conceptual development of the food and beverage outlets within the group. Soon, he was promoted to a dual role as the General Manager of JA Oasis Beach Tower and JA Ocean View Hotel, having held the position of Resident Manager of JA Oasis Beach Tower and General Manager of Bateaux Dubai.

In 2014, Harley-Fleming became the General Manager of JA Manafaru, the brand’s second oversees property.

Under Harley-Fleming’s management, JA Manafaru has received numerous global awards, including being voted the 10th best hotel in the world in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2017. This ranking is determined by traveller’s comments worldwide, collated on an annual basis and the hallmarks of winners are remarkable service, quality and value.

The resort has been awarded the Best Resort in the Maldives by Maldives Resort Ranking, which represents overall happiness computed from guest reviews and other signals. It has also been recognised as the Best Resort in the Hotel and Resort category at the Seven Star Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards for the third year in a row, and as the Best Honeymoon Resort at the 2017 World Luxury Hotels Awards.

In addition, the resort’s Royal Island Suites have won the World Travel Awards for Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite and Maldives’ Leading Hotel Suite for three consecutive years.

David Thomson, Chief Operating Officer at JA Resorts and Hotels, said: “William has been an integral part our team for more than 10 years and possesses a wealth of knowledge and understanding of our brand’s values and vision. The growing success at JA Manafaru under his leadership and his continuous commitment to strengthening the brand’s portfolio is a testament to bringing him on board to further develop and enhance our flagship property and Dubai’s only true resort, JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort.”

Accessible via a 75-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport or by a 45-minute domestic flight to Hanimaadhoo Airport followed by a 35-minute luxury speedboat transfer, JA Manafaru is a peaceful haven situated in the northernmost atoll of Haa Alif, where world-class service is delivered amidst dazzling turquoise waters, white sand beaches, distinct Maldivian architecture and lush vegetation.

A total of 83 villas and suites, each with their own private plunge pool are dotted throughout the spacious island. Additionally, find island bliss with over eight spa treatment rooms at the award-winning Calm Spa, gourmet galore at one of seven restaurants and create lasting memories with water sports such as scuba diving, jet skiing and kayaking.

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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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau unveils Spooktacular Halloween celebration

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is set to transform into a realm of moonlit enchantment this October, unveiling a Spooktacular line-up of Halloween-inspired experiences for guests of all ages. From imaginative family activities to elegant soirées, each detail has been meticulously curated to reflect the spirit of the season in true InterContinental style.

From 29 to 31 October 2025, the resort will come alive with immersive entertainment, themed dining, and creative experiences that blend playful charm with refined sophistication.

At Planet Trekkers, younger guests will enjoy a series of interactive and artistic workshops, including Creepy House Decorations, Pirate Sword-Making, T-Shirt Painting, and Pumpkin Carving — designed to inspire creativity and family connection. As night falls, the fun continues with Kids’ Movie Nights, trick-or-treat adventures, and a lively Spooktacular Kids’ Disco under the island’s starry sky.

For adults, the celebrations take on an air of indulgent elegance. Spooky Mixology Hours at the Pool Bar will offer hauntingly beautiful cocktails accompanied by chilled island rhythms. Culinary experiences reach new heights with The Dark Harvest: A Zombie-Inspired Dinner at The Lighthouse Beach and Secrets of the Cellar: A Wine Pairing Dinner at The Retreat — both five-course affairs that reinterpret Halloween dining through refined artistry and flavour.

The festivities culminate on 31 October with an all-day celebration, beginning with a vibrant Pool Party and leading into Feast of the Shadows: Beach BBQ, where guests can dine by firelight and the ocean breeze. The evening concludes with the Halloween DJ Party at Café Umi Beach, where guests are invited to dance beneath the stars as the rhythm of the waves meets the beat of the night.

Through this curated collection of events, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort captures the true essence of Halloween — a seamless blend of mystery, sophistication, and wonder.

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