Business
Hilton to open Maldives’ first Curio Collection resort in 2018

Hilton on Monday announced plans to open a new boutique resort in the Maldives under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand.
The new Curio Collection property forms part of CROSSROADS project, the first ever integrated leisure and entertainment resort destination in the Maldives that is currently under development in Emboodhoo Lagoon. The new resort will be managed by S Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of Thai developer Singha Estate, and is scheduled to open in end-2018.
“Opening the first Curio Collection hotel in the Maldives is a very exciting milestone for us,” Mark Nogal, Global Brand Head for Curio Collection by Hilton, was quoted in a statement.
“The Maldives is renowned for being a one-of-a-kind tropical paradise and we are confident that the resort will offer curious travellers seeking an authentic experience truly memorable accommodations.”
The new resort, which is 15 minutes away by speedboat to the Maldives main Velana International Airport, will have 198 spacious guest rooms, beach villas and overwater villas as well as facilities such as a fitness centre and swimming pool. In addition to duty free shops and multiple restaurants, guests of the resort will also enjoy convenient access to a beach club, water sports, a dive centre, a cultural centre and a kids club — all located within CROSSROADS.
“As we continue to grow our portfolio across Asia, we are proud to introduce the Curio Collection by Hilton brand in one of the world’s most celebrated resort destinations. The Maldives remain a top choice for global travellers today and we are thrilled to be partnering with Singha Estate on this very exciting CROSSROADS project,” Guy Phillips, Senior Vice President for Development in Asia and Australasia at Hilton, was quoted in the statement.
“With this brand, our owners can benefit from the proven track record and quality of the Hilton engine, also known as the Hilton performance advantage, while staying true to their hotel’s individuality.”
Developed by Singha Estate, CROSSROADS spans nine islands in the Emboodhoo Lagoon and will have a plethora of dining, retail, entertainment, recreational and leisure-lifestyle offerings, including a 50-berth marina. In addition to Hilton’s Curio Collection resort, which will be set exclusively on one of the islands within the integrated destination, CROSSROADS will also be home to Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and Hard Rock Cafe Maldives — the first development in the Maldives by world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand Hard Rock International.
“CROSSROADS project, the first integrated leisure and entertainment resort in the Maldives, is a reflection to Singha Estate’s vision to be the premier lifestyle developer while delivering sustainable growth and creating value for all stakeholders,” Singha Estate CEO Naris Cheyklin said.
“We are delighted to partner with Hilton on this unique, integrated resort and look forward to seeing our exciting collaboration lift Singha Estate’s rapidly growing hospitality portfolio to a new level.”
One of Hilton’s 14 market-leading brands, Curio Collection by Hilton is a global, upper upscale collection of distinctive hotels and resorts that offer guests one-of-a-kind experiences, each unique to the destination they call home. The new Curio Collection by Hilton resort will have its own unique character, appealing to the curious traveller seeking a fun and authentic Maldives vacation experience.
“S Hotels and Resorts aims to craft quality settings in a sustainable environment where guests can relax, play, work, enjoy and share instant stories, and to meet the travellers’ demands at maximum,” Dirk De Cuyper, Chief Hospitality Officer of S Hotels and Resorts, said.
“We are very pleased to manage the new lifestyle resort that will be a part of Curio Collection by Hilton.”
The Curio Collection Maldives resort joins close to 80 Hilton hotels open and under development across gateway cities and popular destinations across the South East Asia.
In the Maldives, Hilton currently runs the award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort, and is set to open a brand new resort under its top luxury brand Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts in early 2019.
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.
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.
-
Featured1 week ago
Green Globe Recertification underscores Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ environmental vision
-
Featured1 week ago
Fushifaru Maldives introduces effortless new transfer route via Manta Air
-
Celebration1 week ago
Island rhythms and Eid traditions at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
-
News1 week ago
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives: Your all-inclusive island escape
-
Featured1 week ago
Sirru Fen Fushi secures coveted 2025 hospitality accolades
-
News1 week ago
Unlock unforgettable reasons to stay at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
-
News1 week ago
Unforgettable Maldives escapes this Eid at Centara Hotels & Resorts
-
News1 week ago
Revolutionary relaxation: Anantara Kihavah unveils Maldives’ first magnesium spa treatments