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John Rogers on delivering exceptional guest experiences at newly opened LUX* North Male Atoll

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It’s been said that good things come to those who wait. The notion might be a fallacy for some, but it certainly is true in this case! After a wait that took longer than expected, LUX* North Male Atoll has finally begun welcoming guests to its shores. And with that, the resort’s oversized penthouse architecture and easygoing South Beach ambience have brought a new level of luxury to the Maldives hotel scene.

At the helm of this ground-breaking opening is seasoned hotelier John Rogers, who has held roles as general manager at several award-winning luxury resorts, including eight years at La Residencia in Mallorca. Before joining the pre-opening team at LUX* North Male Atoll in October 2018 as its general manager, John oversaw all operations of the Carlisle Bay resort in Antigua and Barbuda.

Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in managing award-winning properties around the world, British-born John brings an impressive background in pre-opening, planning as well as luxury resort operations to Mauritius-based LUX* Hotels & Resorts’ second resort in the Maldives. His wealth of knowledge in five-star resort hospitality is set to ensure the continued success of LUX* Hotels & Resorts and its dedicated commitment to ensure fresh, creative and exceptional experiences in different locales around the world, with LUX* North Male Atoll now out with the promise of next level ‘Lighter, Brighter’ and extraordinary stay.

Maldives Insider sits with John as he takes charge of the mould-breaking new resort.

John Rogers (L) holds a signed plaque with the Maldives tourism minister Ali Waheed (C) and LUX* Resorts & Hotels’ Chief Operating Officer Dominik Ruhl (R) at the opening event of LUX* North Male Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*

Maldives Insider: What interested you to pursue a career in hospitality and tourism?

John Rogers: I have always dreamt of an international career. My father was in the navy, so when I was growing up, we moved every couple of years and I loved meeting new people and exploring new cultures. So, the hotel business was a natural fit for me.

MI: How would you describe your past experiences in the hospitality industry?

JR: I have worked in 17 different countries; from Hong Kong and Bali in Asia to Vancouver in North America, Zanzibar in Africa, and Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean. In the beginning it was mainly big cities, but after sometime I preferred resort environments and the tropical climate. I love looking after guests, motivating a team and the incredible buzz of the industry.

Those experiences were very enjoyable. I have always been very passionate about what I do, and I enjoyed working with diverse groups of people and learning from them. Looking back at my life, I can feel that I have had amazing experiences in everywhere I had worked at.

John Rogers speaks at the opening event of LUX* North Male Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*

MI: Can you tell us your first impressions of the Maldives?

JR: When I was based in Colombo, I came to the Maldives on holiday in 1997. It was over 20 years ago, back when Male didn’t have tall buildings and the airport was very basic. I stayed in a resort in the southern part of the country. I could tell even then that it was a unique country. I absolutely fell in love with the incredible blues, the pure paradisiacal islands, and most importantly the people and their culture and heritage.

After 20 years, I’m back in the Maldives. Progress happens everywhere and the Maldives is no different. The airport is much more developed, and Male is crowded with taller and taller buildings. There are many new hotels opening up. But the people and their hospitality remains the same.

LUX* North Male Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*

MI: How would you describe the experience of setting up and opening a brand-new resort in the Maldives? What are the challenges and the opportunities?

JR: Setting up a resort in a secluded is never easy, but LUX* being a well-established operator and my vast experience in opening hotels go a long way in making sure everything is as it should be. The biggest challenge in the Maldives is logistics. It’s not like you can run down to a shop and grab something you need urgently. There’s a lot of planning involved to make sure things get done on time and the right people are recruited trained well before the opening. Apart from that, it’s being good fun.

I think we are in a very good position. In fact, we have been very busy. Right after our opening in February, we had the Chinese New Year, so we had a lot of Chinese guests for the first two weeks. That was a good thing for the hotel and the staff as our team members were busy from day  one and had the chance to fine tune the details. That has continued.

Aerial View of Glow restaurant at LUX* North Male Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*

Beach Rouge restaurant and bar at LUX* North Male Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*

MI: What sets LUX* North Male Atoll apart from the others in the same market segment?

JR: We are a smaller hotel, so there’s that boutique feel. We are also luxurious, with bigger rooms and more facilities and services. The architectural design aspects that you see here are very unique, even for the Maldives. Our over-sized penthouse residences come with a private rooftop terrace which sets us apart from the others by offering extra customisable space for our guests.

But the most important aspect of our USPs is our focus on creating unique experiences for our guests. We are incredibly lucky to be part of LUX*, which gives a strong emphasis on delivering unique experiences to the guests. At LUX* North Male Atoll, we offer several signature experiences such as Cinema Paradiso at your rooftop terrace and special snorkelling sessions our house reef which is a rare combination of reef and caves. The combination of long stretches of powder soft white sand beach and a house reef just off the island is unique too; not many resorts have that.

A water villa at LUX* North Male Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*

The open air deck of a water villa at LUX* North Male Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*

MI: What’s being done to build upon the successful launch of LUX* North Male Atoll?

JR: We had a very successful opening event, ‘First on the Island, where we invited travel partners, media and influencers from all around the world for a first-hand experience of our resort. The event helped put us on the map and build a strong social media presence for us, thanks to our active sales and marketing as well as PR team.

The next big chapter of LUX North Male Atoll is the completion and introduction of our three-bedroom Beach Retreat and Over Water Retreat. Each of the two residences is more than 970 sqm, including over 380 sqm of open plan indoor living. The opulence and attention to detail of the design are unparalleled, the interiors feature Grecian marble, stones from India and furniture from Bali. With the design and architecture subtly inspired by the free-spirit of the super yacht, you can dock your own private yacht at the Over Water Retreat.

The Over Water Residence at LUX* North Male Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*

The Beach Residence at LUX* North Male Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*

MI: What are your thoughts about the changing travel trends and the changes in the Maldives tourism industry?

JR: Every international hotel company wants to have their hotel in the Maldives which is a testament to the allure of this destination and its importance in the global travel and tourism industry. There are many new openings this year and the coming few years as well, so competition is obviously high. I believe competition itself if a great motivating factor in any business and hotel business is no exception. Maldives has over the years redefined luxury travel at a global scale, and the competition we have today has already helped us take it to next level. It’s leading to incredible innovations; astronomical towers, underwater restaurants and rooms, you name it!

A lot of travellers want to try out new hotels and new experiences. I think that’s why LUX* North Male Atoll is a fine example of how competition leads to innovation. We have developed a unique concept with our white-washed, double-storey penthouses which has brought fresh forward-thinking design for the Indian Ocean. Our bespoke experiences and unique offerings are the product of our innovative spirit and our effort to enhance guest experience. The creative culture built amongst our team helps us realise this goal.

Cafe LUX* at LUX* North Male Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*

The ‘Floating Breakfast’ at experience offered by LUX* North Male Atoll. PHOTO/ LUX*

MI: How would you describe your experience in the Maldives so far?

JR: It’s been an enjoyable experience. I’m lucky to work with people from different countries and meet with guests from different corners of the world who share amazing stories. The natural beauty of the island and the magical LUX* moments we are creating everyday to help our guests make their dreams come true make it a rewarding experience as well.

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Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”

To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.

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Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

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Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.

For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.

Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets

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Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

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Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.

A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.

During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.

At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.

While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.

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