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Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives appoints Michael Melzer as General Manager

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Michael Melzer has been appointed as General Manager of the Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives, a stunning new sustainably designed island resort which is scheduled to open in November 2018.

A German national, Michael has more than 35 years’ of experience in the hospitality industry, many of which have been spent in the Asia Pacific region. With qualifications from Cornell University and Dale Carnegie Hong Kong, Michael worked most recently as the General Manager of the Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel and Spa in Vietnam.

“We are delighted to welcome Michael Melzer to Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts as we prepare to make our debut in the Maldives. With his expert knowledge of the Asia Pacific region and experience of managing high-end resorts, Michael is the perfect person to lead our first property in this idyllic archipelago,” Gerard Hotelier, VP Operations for Asia at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives is one of our company’s most exciting openings to date. Michael’s deep passion for hospitality, analytical vision and motivational skills will ensure that this beautiful resort maximises its incredible potential and exceeds guests’ expectations.”

Michael started his career as a chef in Germany and later became a food and beverage specialist at several hotels. Subsequent roles included Director of Event Management, Hotel Operations Manager and Director of Operations, prior to becoming a General Manager in 2010. Since then, he has managed properties in Maldives, Philippines and Vietnam.

“I am extremely excited to take on this new challenge,” Michael said.

“Maldives is a breathtaking destination which I have been privileged to experience several times in my career. Joining such a stunning property, managed by one of most famous names in the hospitality industry, made my decision to return to the country an easy one. I look forward to working with the team at Mövenpick as we prepare for the hotel’s official opening next month.”

Nestled on a private island in the northern Noonu atoll, Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives will feature 72 overwater pool villas, 30 beach pool suites and three beach spa pool residences. All the accommodation options including private swimming pools. While the resort is designed as a destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, with a high degree of privacy, it will also feature recreational facilities to suit a wide range of guests, from honeymooners to adventure-seeking families.

Guests have the chance to book their dream holiday at Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives with special opening rates starting from just USD 577 per night inclusive of breakfast and taxes.

Bookings of three nights or more will also include an array of additional benefits, including USD100 resort credit per stay (valid for food and beverage, spa treatments, water sports and diving), plus an additional 20 percent discount at the Diving and Water Sports Centre, and a free room upgrade (subject to availability).

This opening offer is valid for stays between November 1 and December 23, 2018. For more information and reservations, call +960 656 3000 or email: Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@movenpick.com.

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2 decades of culinary excellence: BBM’s founding legacy with Hotel Asia continues in 2025

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Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge is referred to be the hospitality industry event in the Maldives. In this year’s Culinary Challenge (19 to 22 October 2025) comprising competitions over 20 categories, most will take place at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Maldives National University, and some at the Synthetic Track, Hulhumalé.

A Founding Partnership that Endures

Since the very first edition in 2001, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has played a central role in shaping the International Culinary Challenge into the Maldives’ most prestigious culinary platform. The event has become a cornerstone for professional development, bringing together chefs from across the Maldives to compete, learn, and showcase their craft.

BBM and their associated Principals sponsor an overwhelming majority of categories. “From the beginning, our goal has been to create opportunities for Maldivian chefs to rise to global standards. This partnership has grown with the industry itself,” said A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of BBM.

Nurturing Local Talent

BBM’s contribution extends beyond sponsorship. The company has built a long-term system for recognizing and developing local culinary talent.

  • BBM Chairman’s Trophy for the Best Maldivian Competitor.
  • Most Promising Young Chef Award for emerging talent.
  • Global exposure programs for Maldivian chefs through sponsored participation in international events.
  • Pro-bono Masterclasses with world-renowned chefs to encourage learning and innovation.

Investing in the Future of Hospitality

Through initiatives such as Building Young Talent, BBM continues to mentor aspiring professionals and support the next generation of chefs. The company also promotes inclusivity by sponsoring opportunities for female and young chefs to gain international exposure.

BBM’s industry partnerships include its role as Title Sponsor of the Hotelier Maldives Awards, celebrating excellence across the Maldivian hospitality sector.

Proud Sponsors of Culinary Excellence

In 2025, BBM and its partner brands proudly sponsor 14 competition categories and 8 Main Awards, further strengthening their role in the development of culinary arts in the Maldives. Categories include Decorated Cake, Artistic Showpiece, Bread and Pastry Display, Three Desserts (Display), Desserts, Rice Dish, Asian Noodles, Team Challenge, Maldivian Dish, Creative Sandwich, Young Chef, Tea Challenge, tapas/finger food, and Iced Mocktail.

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Bestbuy Maldives, MNU forge partnership to advance hospitality education

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The Maldives National University – Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (MNU-FHTS) and Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen industry-academic collaboration and advance hospitality education in the Maldives.

The MoU was signed by Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam, Vice Chancellor of MNU, and Ismail Hilmy, Chairman and Managing Director of BBM, during a ceremony attended by the university’s Chancellor Dr Mahmood Shaugee, senior management, and representatives from both organisations.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in developing a state-of-the-art Food and Beverage Practical Demonstration Kitchen at MNU-FHTS. BBM will support the upgrading of the existing Garde Manger kitchen and classrooms, contributing financially and materially to create a modern, industry-standard learning environment for future hospitality professionals.

Beyond infrastructure, the collaboration will extend to academic and training support, research and innovation in culinary arts, community engagement, and professional networking opportunities, ensuring that students gain practical, real-world experience aligned with industry expectations.

Highlighting the broader purpose of this partnership, BBM stated that, “This is a significant step in the direction of BBM’s vision involving hospitality industry outreach in the Maldives — because tomorrows start today. Initially, we will set up a world-class model kitchen that will be suitable for masterclasses and hands-on training for students; and also for product demonstrations, masterclasses, and interaction with groups of customers.”

Speaking at the ceremony, representatives from both institutions emphasised their shared vision to promote excellence in education, innovation, and human capital development in the Maldivian hospitality sector. This partnership underscores BBM’s continued commitment to supporting education and industry growth, and MNU-FHTS’s mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry — nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders in the Maldives.

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SATA 2025 announces partnerships; confirms Hotelier Maldives, Maldives Insider as Media Partners

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Hotelier Maldives and Maldives Insider have been confirmed as official Media Partners of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. The announcement was made during a signing ceremony held at Hulhulé Island Hotel, Maldives, where SATA unveiled its distinguished partners for the 9th edition of the annual awards.

Now in its ninth year, SATA has become a key platform for recognising excellence in South Asia’s tourism and hospitality sector. The partnership with Hotelier Maldives and Maldives Insider will strengthen the awards’ regional visibility and ensure extensive coverage of the event across Maldives and beyond.

This year’s awards ceremony will take place from 19th to 20th September 2025 at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka, bringing together industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators from across South Asia.

In addition to the media partnership, SATA 2025 also announced its corporate partners. Honda Marine has been named the Platinum Partner, while The Hawks, Velana International Airport, and Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives join as Gold Partners. Renaatus Realty has been confirmed as the Silver Partner, and Hulhulé Island Hotel continues as the official Hospitality Partner in the Maldives.

Speaking at the ceremony, SATA organisers noted that the strong lineup of partners reflects the growing importance of collaboration within the tourism and hospitality industry. With the support of its partners, SATA 2025 aims not only to celebrate outstanding achievements but also to foster long-term cooperation and sustainable growth in the region’s tourism sector.

The awards are endorsed by leading national tourism bodies and associations across South Asia, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Nepal Tourism Board, Visit Maldives Corporation Limited, and several travel and hotel associations across the region.

This year’s evaluation process was conducted by a panel of nine jury members representing different countries, including tourism leaders from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Spain, and the Maldives.

Through partnerships with media outlets such as Hotelier Maldives and Maldives Insider, SATA 2025 will ensure broad engagement across key markets, strengthening its position as one of South Asia’s most prestigious hospitality and travel award platforms.

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