Business
Le Club AccorHotels welcomes Banyan Tree Hotels’ branded properties

AccorHotels has welcomed Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts’ branded properties into the French hotel giant’s Le Club Accorhotels loyalty programme worldwide.
To celebrate the launch, members can enjoy four times the Rewards Points for stays at Banyan Tree, Angsana and Cassia properties worldwide during the offer period when they book by February 24 for stays until April 14.
Elite members of Le Club Accorhotels will also enjoy member benefits and privileges to make their stays even more special as the programme is about truly recognising loyalty members with personalised services when they stay at Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts.
“The integration of Banyan Tree’s branded properties into Le Club AccorHotels is a joyous occasion for us and we hope that this partnership will give our members an opportunity to accrue Rewards points for their stays and enjoy the unique offerings which Banyan Tree, Angsana and Cassia hotels have to offer,” Henrik Berglind, Vice President Loyalty Asia Pacific at AccorHotels, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“With the introduction of the three new brands into one global loyalty programme, our members now have even more destinations and more hotels to choose from around the world, with Banyan Tree’s luxury hotels and resorts offering a sanctuary for the senses in unique and modern accommodations.”
AccorHotels and Banyan Tree announced a strategic longterm partnership in December 2016 whereby both groups will collaborate to develop and manage Banyan Tree-branded hotels around the world. The partnership also gives Banyan Tree access to AccorHotels’ global reservation and sales networks as well as the renowned Le Club AccorHotels loyalty programme.
There are currently 48 properties under the Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts’ global network, of which 37 will take part in the Le Club AccorHotels loyalty programme.
“As an independent company, our strategic alliance with AccorHotels allows us to continue securing hotel management agreements on our own while accelerating Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts’ expansion with AccorHotels’ expertise to grow our brands around the world. With Banyan Tree Group celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, we are excited to participate in the Le Club loyalty programme and hope to create exceptional experiences for the members at our exotic destinations – steeped in a sense of place through sustainable activities, design and architecture built in harmony with nature,” Ho Ren Yung, Vice President of Brand HQ at Banyan Tree Holdings, said.
Winner of the Freddie Award for Best Loyalty Programme for two years in a row (2015 and 2016) in Asia, Australasia, Europe, Africa and Middle East and this year named Best Programme for the third year running in Europe/Africa, Le Club Accorhotels is the pioneering hotel loyalty programme, which allows members to use their points at over 3,500 hotels in 100 countries across 20 brands.
The programme has over 53 million members globally with 16 million members in Asia Pacific.
A newcomer to the Maldives booming tourism industry, AccorHotels is on a major expansion drive, with three existing properties, including Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort and Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, which was previously managed by Dubai-based hospitality group Jumeirah is set to early this year, while the brand new Pullman Maldives Maamutaa resort will open its doors to guests later this year.
Singapore-based Banyan Tree Holdings runs three resorts in the Maldives: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and two Angsana-branded properties, Angsana Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru.
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.
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