Featured
Noku Maldives appoints Mohammed Tarique Aziz as new Executive Chef

Noku Maldives has welcomed its new Executive Chef Mohammed Tarique Aziz.
Born and raised in West Bengal, India, he was inspired by his father’s willingness to cook for the family after his mother’s vision started to fail. During that time, his interest and desire for improvement led him to enrol into a hotel management college programme in India.
Upon graduation, Chef Tarique embarked on his first culinary journey at Le Meridien Hotel in Bangalore in 2006. He started off as a kitchen executive at the age of 21 and was promoted to Chef De Partie after two years of hard work. During this time, he had the opportunity to work alongside two decorated Michelin-starred chefs: Denial Chamnon, who was renowned for French cuisine, and popular Italian Chef Botrini.
Chef Tarique further challenged himself with his first overseas stint at the Cove Rotana Resort and Spa Res Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. As part of the pre-opening hotel team, he gained a lot of experience and honed his culinary and plating skills further.
Chef Tarique continued to undertake more roles in different hotels and resorts, and was promoted to the ranks of Sous Chef De Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef and Executive Chef De Cuisine.
During his tenure in the Middle East, Chef Tarique became an honorary member of various culinary associations like SR, Saudi Arabian Chefs Table Circle, and Workchefs WACS (World Association of Chef Societies). He also received “The Best Restaurant in Doha” award at the BBC Good Food – Middle East Awards in 2014. Amongst his esteemed guests served are members of the royal family of Saudi Arabia and Doha.
Even with 13 years of exposure in India, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Gambia and now Maldives, modern and classic French cuisine remains close to his heart.
“We are delighted to have Chef Tarique as the Executive Chef of Noku Maldives. I am very sure with his culinary expertise, guests will have their taste buds tantalise with the Asian, Maldivian, French cuisine that he will put together and made available to guests at Palms & Thari Restaurant,” Justin Heng, General Manager at Noku Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Located on the island of Kuda Funafaru in the northern Noonu atoll, Noku Maldives is accessible by a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport.
Nestled amidst luscious tropical greenery and enveloped by a peaceful blue lagoon are 20 beach villas and 30 overwater villas. Each spacious unit is designed to offer utmost privacy and fitted with modern amenities to provide comfort. The refined elegance of each villa with its soft white hues and dark wood accents complement the beauty of nature seen through large bay windows and french doors.
The spacious beachfront Palms Restaurant serves up à la carte and buffet-style dining, while the menu of Thari Restaurant features elements of Thai, Japanese and Singaporean cuisine — flavourful tastes of the countries where Noku hotels are located in. The Palms Bar allows guests to indulge in refreshing cocktails that blend Eastern and Western influences. Guests can also have a thirst quenching beverage from the Thari Bar and lounge at the large main pool area.
Embracing nature is an integral aspect of the wellness programme at Noku Maldives. Rejuvenation begins with a beautiful garden walkway leading up to six double treatment suites with a relaxing view of the ocean. Each treatment room is thoughtfully designed as a sanctuary where stone and wooden accents achieve a deep sense of calm and relaxation. The wellness treatments use natural ingredients to enhance total wellbeing.
The pristine location of Noku Maldives houses a thriving marine ecosystem that includes dolphins, rays and populous fish diversity. Professional dive instructors at the resort’s dive centre will show guests the rich diversity of marine life suitable for all levels of experiences. Guests can also catch the light ocean breeze on a chartered catamaran, or feel the adrenaline rush while riding the waves on a jet ski or windsurfing activities.
Action
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island achieves PADI Eco Center Certification

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has been officially certified as a PADI Eco Center, becoming one of only two resorts in the Maldives to receive this recognition in 2025. The certification is awarded to dive resorts that extend their efforts beyond standard operations, with a strong focus on protecting marine environments and raising awareness among future generations.
As part of the certification process, the resort’s team adopted the Conrad House Reef through PADI’s Adopt the Blue programme. A Dive Against Debris clean-up dive was conducted around the reef near Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, during which 10 kilograms of marine litter, primarily plastics and metal fragments, were collected.
The team also joined Green Fins in June 2025 and has since introduced a series of sustainable practices. These include paperless dive check-ins, eco-briefings before excursions, reduced use of plastics through the introduction of glass alternatives, and signage encouraging responsible snorkelling and diving across the dive centre.
Guests are also directly engaged in conservation activities through coral restoration initiatives. In 2025, the team has facilitated 17 coral line adoptions, where participants attend an educational session before attaching coral fragments to nursery lines and assisting with their placement underwater.
Jessica Miller, Marine Biologist at Conrad Maldives, commented: “This certification represents a milestone for us. It’s the result of dedicated teamwork and genuine care for the ocean. Watching our guests become part of the solution, whether through coral planting or learning about local marine life, is what makes this so special.”
Nick Flynn, General Manager of Conrad Maldives, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the team’s achievement in making Conrad Maldives a certified PADI Eco Center. This milestone is part of our long-term commitment to sustainability and a testament to how luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
Ranjit Batra, Chief Executive Officer of Ventive Hospitality, the owning company of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, highlighted the wider significance of the achievement. He said: “The PADI Eco Center recognition for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island underscores our commitment to protecting marine ecosystems while shaping the future of responsible travel. We are proud of Conrad for leading the way in sustainability across the Maldives.”
The certification strengthens Conrad Maldives’ broader sustainability objectives under Hilton’s Travel With Purpose programme. The resort will continue to offer educational dives, coral adoption opportunities, and conservation briefings, encouraging guests to actively participate in marine protection efforts during their stay.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island operates under Hilton and is part of Hilton Honors®, the global guest loyalty programme. Hilton Honors members booking directly through official Hilton channels receive a range of benefits, including exclusive discounts, free standard Wi-Fi, flexible payment options combining Points and money, and contactless technology via the Hilton Honors mobile app, which enables digital check-in, room selection, and access.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru recognised as Best Water Villa Resort at TTM Awards 2025

Angsana Velavaru has been named Best Water Villa Resort at the TTM Awards & Gala 2025, presented by Travel Trade Maldives, the country’s leading travel trade platform.
The award acknowledges the resort’s InOcean Pool Villas, the Maldives’ first standalone water villas located one kilometre from the main island. These villas have become a signature feature of Angsana Velavaru, designed to accommodate both couples and families, with private pools, direct access to the ocean, and spacious interiors.
Beyond the architectural concept, the villas are intended to provide guests with a personal and adventurous connection to the surrounding sea. The resort also offers a wide range of experiences through its ‘101 Things to Do’ programme, which includes marine exploration, wellness activities, and culinary experiences. Cultural engagement is a central element, with opportunities for guests to interact with local island communities and traditions. The resort further integrates sustainability through its ‘Stay for Good’ initiatives, which combine environmental care with community involvement.
Commenting on the award, General Manager Ahmed Zahir said: “We are truly honoured to receive this award from the TTM Awards, a platform that embodies the spirit of the Maldivian travel community. This accolade not only celebrates the uniqueness of our InOcean Pool Villas but also pays tribute to the dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to create moments of discovery, connection and meaning for our guests. At Angsana Velavaru, we believe a stay should be more than a holiday—it should become a journey that remains with our guests long after they return home.”
Angsana Velavaru continues to position itself as a destination offering immersive experiences. Guests are invited to explore coral reefs, engage in island life, and create enduring memories in harmony with the natural environment.
Featured
Barceló Nasandhura Malé named Best City Hotel at TTM Awards 2025

Barceló Nasandhura Malé has been awarded Best City Hotel at the TTM Awards 2025, held on 28 August at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi.
The recognition reflects the passion, hard work, and dedication of the team at Barceló Nasandhura, whose commitment to excellence has been evident since the property opened earlier this year. The hotel has focused on creating memorable guest experiences and setting new standards for city hospitality, which contributed to this achievement.
The TTM Awards, part of the Maldives’ largest travel trade show, celebrates the country’s hospitality sector across 28 categories, bringing together leading travel and tourism professionals from the region.
As it marks this milestone, Barceló Hotel Group reaffirmed its dedication to shaping the future of city hospitality in Malé.
-
Family1 week ago
Kuramathi Maldives brings families together with fortnightly children’s programme
-
Featured1 week ago
Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation
-
Featured1 week ago
October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests
-
Excursions1 week ago
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives
-
Featured7 days ago
W Maldives to host ‘The Joy Rituals’ wellness programme in September 2025
-
Drink5 days ago
Kandolhu Maldives introduces new villas and gastronomic journeys
-
Local6 days ago
MU Maniku, key architect of Maldives tourism industry, dies
-
Featured6 days ago
Bavarian traditions meet island living at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Oktoberfest