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Highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi appoints Etienne Dalançon as General Manager

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Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s  luxury brand of iconic landmark hotels, has appointed Etienne Dalançon as general manager of the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi resort.

The all-villa resort will offer luxury leisure seekers of all generations the chance to experience the iconic island paradise of Maldives the Waldorf Astoria way and is set to open in the summer of 2019.

With more than 20 years of experience in various roles within the hospitality industry, Etienne joined the Hilton team in 2018, and was most recently general manager of opening projects at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Over the years, Etienne has strengthened his experience across multiple geographies including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, as well as in his native home of France.

“We are delighted to have Etienne on board, overseeing the team at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi to offer unrivalled service to discerning global travellers. With his immense experience in the industry, his appointment represents our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences – every hotel, every guest, every time,” Daniel Welk, vice president, Luxury and Lifestyle, Hilton, Asia Pacific, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

In addition to his experience in hotel management as general manager of Park Hyatt Shanghai, alongside opening hotels such as Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome in 2002, Etienne also has a strong background in sales and marketing, having previously held senior positions at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. As general manager of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Etienne will be responsible for leading the team to deliver ‘True Waldorf Service’, the personalised, graceful service for which the brand is known.

“I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to be a part of such an iconic brand,” Etienne said.

“Waldorf Astoria has redefined hospitality for the modern day traveller in landmark locations all around the world, and I am thrilled to be able to play a part in driving this through the forthcoming opening of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.”

Spanning three islands in the South Male Atoll, a short 30-minute yacht journey away from Velana International Airport, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi will offer a private escape for couples and families seeking the luxury of space and exclusivity, as well as unique experiences, including a private sandbank available for guests to turn into their own playground paradise.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi boasts 122 luxuriously appointed villas, each with exquisite, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Every spacious villa opens onto a wide deck that has a swing daybed, dining gazebo, an infinity pool and in-water lounges.

Guests can also be enticed by a wide array of culinary excellence across ten exceptional specialty dining venues that offer unparalleled, immersive dining experiences – the variety of which is unique to the Maldives. Concepts include an elevated treetop dining experience featuring spectacular views of the ocean and horizon, accompanied by exquisite food and wine pairings in a sophisticated setting seemingly chiselled out of the rock face. From authentic Middle Eastern flatbreads and mezzes to impeccably prepared crispy Peking duck; the verdant spa restaurant where fresh ingredients from the on-site herb garden are used in thoughtfully prepared and deliciously healthy menus, guests are spoilt for choice of extraordinary gastronomic experiences.

The resort exudes timeless luxury, unsurpassed level of style, indulgence of choice and ‘True Waldorf Service’, which inspires every guest to create unforgettable moments.

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Award-winning Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives launches indulgence winter offer

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Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives recently announced scooping up the title of “Best Boutique Resort in Maldives” for the second consecutive year, awarded by the Travel Trade Maldives which comes as no surprise as it is one of the best destinations to experience the unreal sunsets you will ever see while projecting extravagant character and easy-going exotica.

What’s really shaking things up this holiday season at this cozy luxury boutique island resort is that you will be spoiled for choice with one beach for every day. That is right – home to four beautiful beaches, Wai, Veli, Dhigu, and Divehi, all with their unique character – letting you sunbathe, snorkel, windsurf, and cycle overwater around the island to your heart’s content. Touching down at Kodhipparu, adventure seekers can revel in countless opportunities for wild coral reef dives, parasailing up the sky for a bird’s-eye view of the lagoon, or even simply zen out to sunrise and sunset with the resident yogi.

To celebrate the win, and to rev up the appetite with seaside excursions, the resort announced the launch of the exclusive “Kodhipparu Indulgence” offer with an unparalleled dining experience and a consequential gourmet coma that is fully worth every penny you’ve spent on your extravagant holiday.

Set your seaside expedition dreams to a reality, with attractive offerings from the resort-owned marine sports centre as well as the luxury overwater spa, that will have you wanting to extend your holiday. What’s more, you get to enjoy complimentary roundtrip speedboat transfers saving you quite a few pennies on your vacation.

The little explorers with big dreams are welcome to stay and dine free of charge sharing the room with the parents, whether it is by spending their time decorating some yummy cupcakes or catching a kiddies movie under the stars with popcorn.

If you are looking for a romantic touch, with an ample amount of floating rose petals in your pool, or a swoon-worthy proposal set up at a secret corner of the island out of bounds to others or even a candle-lit dinner on the secluded beaches with you and your beau, all you have to do is message your lifestyle host to work the magic and make it happen for you. With the Kodhipparu dedicated lifestyle host service, everything is just a message away.

As is all good things, this offer is only for a limited time period, so make use of this exclusive indulgence package at Grand Park Kodhipparu comes with an amazing 35% discount on all villa categories.

Simply head over to https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/north-male-atoll/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives/offers/winter-getaway/ to book your holiday with a flair of fun, freedom, and serenity that is promised to make you keep coming back for more!

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Abdulla Wisam: A journey of excellence and growth in the Maldivian hospitality industry

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In the heart of the stunning Maldives, where luxury resorts and crystal-clear waters come together to create a paradise on Earth, there are individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every guest’s experience is nothing short of exceptional. One such individual is Abdulla Wisam, whose remarkable journey in the hospitality industry is a testament to his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to providing the best possible service to guests.

Abdulla Wisam’s journey in the hospitality industry began right after completing his schooling. In 2003, he embarked on his professional career by joining Dhoveli Beach Resort & Spa, where he gained his first taste of the world of hospitality. It was here that he discovered his passion for creating memorable guest experiences and building relationships with visitors from around the world.

After his initial foray into the industry, Wisam’s career path continued to evolve. His dedication and hard work caught the attention of industry leaders, leading him to take on roles of increasing responsibility. His time at Meeru Island Resort saw him as an Outlet Cashier and Night Auditor, roles that allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the operational aspects of a resort.

Wisam’s determination and eagerness to learn led him to the iconic Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, where he started as a Recreation Attendant. Over time, he showcased his exceptional skills in guest relations and management, and he was promoted to the position of Front Office Supervisor. His journey with Four Seasons served as a stepping stone for what was to come next.

In 2014, Wisam joined the W Maldives, a resort known for its luxurious offerings and unparalleled guest experiences. Starting as a Welcome Team Leader, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his impeccable guest service skills and innate leadership abilities. His promotion to Guest Experience Manager was a testament to his ability to not only meet but exceed guest expectations. He was then transferred to The St. Regis Maldives as the Assistant Front Office Manager with the pre-opening team.

As his career trajectory continued its upward trajectory, Wisam took on the role of Front Office Manager at prestigious resorts such as Milaidhoo Island, Raffles Maldives, and The Standard Maldives. These roles allowed him to refine his management style, hone his problem-solving skills, and contribute to the overall success of each resort.

Wisam’s journey eventually led him to COMO Cocoa Island, a resort renowned for its unparalleled luxury and exquisite attention to detail. Joining as the Front Office Manager, he embraced the challenges and responsibilities that came with the position. His dedication, combined with his innate ability to create genuine connections with guests, led to his promotion as the Director of Rooms.

Wisam’s journey in the Maldivian hospitality industry is a remarkable tale of perseverance, growth, and a genuine passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. His diverse roles, spanning from recreation to guest experience management, have equipped him with a holistic understanding of the industry. His commitment to continuous improvement and dedication to delivering top-tier service have not only benefited the resorts he’s been a part of but have also contributed to elevating the reputation of Maldives as a premier luxury travel destination.

As Wisam continues to shape the guest experience landscape at COMO Cocoa Island, one can only imagine the heights he will reach and the impact he will make on the ever-evolving hospitality industry of the Maldives. His journey stands as an inspiration to aspiring hoteliers and a testament to the boundless opportunities that await those who are truly passionate about their craft.

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A remarkable tale of wanderlust: Naito Takashi’s 103rd journey to the Maldives

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The azure waters of the Maldives have long been a magnet for travelers seeking paradise on Earth. Among these wanderers, one name stands out – Naito Takashi, a Japanese tourist whose boundless enthusiasm for the Maldives has led him to visit this tropical haven a staggering 103 times. His unwavering love for this island nation, coupled with its mesmerizing beauty, has turned his visits into a remarkable testament to the allure of the Maldives.

For the past 24 years, Naito Takashi has visited Maldives between three to five times annually, embarking on a journey that has spanned more than two decades. His tale is one of dedication, passion, and a deep-rooted connection with the captivating landscapes that the Maldives offers. Each visit is not just a vacation; it’s a renewal of his profound relationship with the natural wonders that have captured his heart.

Naito Takashi’s 103rd arrival to the Maldives was met with a warm and heartfelt welcome from none other than the Tourism Minister himself, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom. This gesture symbolizes the deep appreciation the Maldivian people have for their loyal and devoted visitors. The ceremony held aboard the M/V Blue of the Fun Azul Fleet was a fitting tribute to a traveler who has become an honorary ambassador of the Maldives.

The M/V Blue, Fun Azul Fleet, holds special significance for Naito Takashi. As an avid diver, he has found his perfect companion in this cruise boat specialized in diving charters. The vessel offers schedules tailored to explore the best dive spots around the Maldives’ islands, making it an ideal partner for a diving enthusiast like Naito Takashi. The crystal-clear waters of the Maldives have witnessed countless underwater escapades orchestrated by this intrepid traveler.

The Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism has lauded Naito Takashi’s enduring passion for the nation’s beauty. Their tweet acknowledging his multiple visits serves as a testament to his unique and cherished relationship with the country. He has witnessed the ever-changing landscape of the Maldives, from its pristine beaches to its vibrant marine life, and has undoubtedly contributed to the thriving tourism industry.

Naito Takashi’s story also reflects the profound impact that travel can have on an individual’s life. His unwavering commitment to exploring the Maldives has not only enriched his own experiences but has also brought attention to the natural wonders of Maldives. It stands as a reminder that the act of traveling is not just about ticking off destinations from a bucket list; it’s about forming connections, fostering appreciation, and creating lasting memories.

As Naito Takashi continues his journey through the Maldives, his story resonates as an inspiration to fellow travelers and a tribute to the unyielding allure of this island paradise. His 103rd visit is not just a numerical milestone; it’s a celebration of an extraordinary bond between a traveler and a destination, a bond that has grown stronger with each passing year and promises to endure for years to come.

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