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

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.
Excursions
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.
Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.
Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.
The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.
For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.
Featured
Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.
According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.
To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.
Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.
The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.
Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.
Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.
According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.
Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”
The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.
Featured
October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.
Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.
The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.
Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.
For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.
October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.
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