Featured
Sun Siyam Resorts appoints Deepak Booneady as Group Director of Business Development
Sun Siyam Resorts has appointed Deepak Booneady as its new Group Director of Business Development.
At Sun Siyam Resorts, Deepak will oversee relationships with key partners, develop sales growth strategies and revenue management, and enhance brand development for all the properties of Sun Siyam Resorts: The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Maldives, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives, Sun Aqua Iru Veli Maldives, and Sun Aqua Pasikudah Sri Lanka. He will also head the travel agency arm of the group, Sun Travels & Tours.
“We are confident in building a much stronger business relationship with our partners and enhance the growth of the group with his charismatic personality, and the energetic team behind him,” Sun Siyam Resorts said, in a statement.
Deepak brings over 20 years of experience in the luxury leisure industry. His latest posting was with LUX* Resorts & Hotels as Regional Director of Sales & Marketing where he had played a key role in driving sales and product positioning for the Mauritius-based hospitality group.
An avid reader and an idealist, Deepak looks at broadening his knowledge through education. He has completed a few Executive Programmes at Harvard Business School in the United States.
“I am really excited about this new challenge. And it does not feel completely new, I am surrounded by familiar faces and long-time industry friends. This is going to be a thrilling journey for all of us at Sun Siyam Resorts,” Deepak was quoted in the statement, as saying.
With Maldivian entrepreneur Ahmed Siyam Mohamed at the helm, Sun Siyam Resorts aims to create a collection of hotel and resort brands across the Indian Ocean and Asia infused with his uniquely passionate and colourful spirit.
As one of the most forward-thinking and dynamic hospitality companies in the Maldives, Sun Siyam Resorts has a portfolio of boutique luxury resorts operating in the Maldives and Sri Lanka: The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives, Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Maldives, and Sun Aqua Iru Veli Maldives in the Maldives, as well as Sun Aqua Pasikudah in Sri Lanka.
The resort group is on a major expansion drive, with several new resorts opening in the Maldives and Sri Lanka over the next two years.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
-
Awards1 week agoKuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
-
Cooking1 week agoBaros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
-
Drink1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi showcases mixology collaboration during Easter programme
-
News1 week agoSt. Regis Maldives expands and upgrades Two-Bedroom Ocean Villa
-
Awards1 week agoCinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
-
News1 week agoCentara Hotels & Resorts Maldives marks Thai New Year across island portfolio
-
Featured1 week agoAmilla Maldives rolls out island-wide Easter programme
-
Featured6 days agoCoco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience


