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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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AMRA Skincare arrives at Javvu Spa, Amilla Maldives

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Javvu Spa at Amilla Maldives introduces an elevated realm of rejuvenation with the launch of AMRA, a renowned skincare line rooted in nature and refined by science. This carefully curated collection has been seamlessly integrated into the spa’s bespoke treatments, reflecting Amilla’s dedication to mindful well-being and sustainability.

Blending the healing properties of the island’s indigenous ingredients with AMRA’s advanced formulations, the AMRA Signature treatments at Amilla Maldives are designed to leave guests feeling renewed and deeply nurtured. Among the highlights is The Amilla Signature Journey by AMRA, which features gold and vitamin C exfoliation, a green caviar rhassoul mask, a 24kt gold stone massage, and a gold and green caviar facial—offering relaxation, skin refinement, and deep hydration (USD 570, 180 minutes). Additionally, the AMRA Olfactory Sound Bath Experience provides a restorative sense of balance through a combination of cleansing foot rituals, aura misting, personalised facial and hair treatments, sound baths, and chakra massage (USD 590, 180 minutes).

To ensure that each treatment aligns with AMRA’s philosophy, the therapists at Javvu Spa have undergone an immersive training program led by AMRA experts. This hands-on experience has deepened their understanding of AMRA’s innovative techniques and unique formulations, equipping them to deliver personalised, transformative treatments.

Narelle McDougall, General Manager of Amilla, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “With AMRA as our skincare partner, we are very excited about the variety of face and body treatments we will be offering our guests. The introduction of AMRA complements our ethos of creating serene, nurturing experiences that reflect the natural beauty of Amilla and the surrounding ocean.”

Each AMRA product is crafted using rare botanicals, precious minerals, and pure oils, designed to nourish the skin and soothe the soul. This harmonious blend of nature and innovation aligns with Amilla’s commitment to preserving the island’s tranquil surroundings while offering memorable moments of connection and care.

Guests are invited to explore the new offerings at Javvu Spa, where every treatment serves as a sensory journey—an opportunity to pause, unwind, and reconnect.

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Michelin-starred Chef Iside De Cesare joins The St. Regis Maldives for exclusive culinary experience

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, an exclusive luxury retreat situated on a private natural island, has partnered with Michelin-starred Chef Iside De Cesare to provide Marriott Bonvoy members with an exceptional culinary experience.

Through the exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments program, members have the opportunity to bid on a five-night stay for two in an overwater villa from March 25-30, 2025. This extraordinary package includes a private six-course dinner with wine pairings, curated by Chef Iside De Cesare, allowing guests to savour her Michelin-starred cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, the package offers a daily breakfast with breathtaking views of the Maldivian waves, a signature spa treatment, and a Blue Hole hydrotherapy pool experience at the award-winning Iridium Spa, along with return seaplane transfers.

Chef Iside De Cesare is a distinguished Italian culinary expert renowned for her Michelin-starred restaurant, La Parolina, located in Trevinano. Her cuisine strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savoury, emphasising seasonality, simplicity, and the use of high-quality, local ingredients. Her expertly crafted dishes reflect a dedication to innovation while remaining rooted in traditional Italian flavours. With a strong commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and sustainability, her philosophy aligns seamlessly with The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s dedication to refined dining, sophisticated indulgence, and environmental conservation.

Upon arrival, the winning bidder will be welcomed at a special reception and introduced to the serene surroundings of the resort. On March 27, guests will embark on a culinary journey with Chef Iside De Cesare, experiencing her exquisite creations and a unique interpretation of Italian cuisine. Marriott Bonvoy members are invited to bid for a chance to indulge in Chef Iside De Cesare’s Michelin-starred cuisine while enjoying an unparalleled luxury escape at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.

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Unforgettable couples’ retreat at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort provides an enchanting setting for an unforgettable celebration of love. Surrounded by swaying palms and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort seamlessly combines serenity and romance, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking to rekindle their connection and create cherished memories.

Guests at the resort can wake up to the soothing sound of lapping waves and enjoy a nutritious floating breakfast delivered to their private overwater villa. These spacious, turtle-shaped accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase endless ocean views, along with glass floor panels in the living area offering glimpses of the vibrant marine life below. The Art of Love, a rejuvenating retreat at Heavenly Spa by Westin, is designed to refresh the senses and strengthen emotional bonds. This experience includes a 60-minute couple’s massage, a 30-minute facial, and a 30-minute heavenly bath, enhanced with sparkling wine and romantic décor. As the day progresses, guests can immerse themselves in the island’s tranquil beauty with a sunset yoga session or a breathing workshop led by the resort’s wellness specialist.

Dining at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is an art form, where each meal becomes a memorable experience. On Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoy a five-course Japanese set menu at the elegant restaurant Pearl, accompanied by a bottle of champagne. Alternatively, an intimate candlelight dinner by the sea offers a five-course set menu with live BBQ prepared by a private chef and complemented by a bottle of sparkling wine. As the night unfolds, visitors can celebrate under the Maldivian sky with a DJ party at Sunset Bar. Beyond Valentine’s Day, the resort’s Destination Dining provides various private beach dinner experiences available year-round.

For those looking to stay active, the resort offers a range of invigorating activities. The 24/7 WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio features state-of-the-art TRX equipment, while a full-sized tennis court allows guests to maintain their fitness routines. Adventure seekers can embark on a dolphin cruise or snorkelling excursion to explore the vibrant underwater world together. For a more leisurely experience, complimentary ocean kayaks are available for guests to paddle through the crystal-clear lagoon.

Situated on a natural island within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort harmonises with its breathtaking surroundings, providing an idyllic sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.

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