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General Managers appointed for SAii Lagoon, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

S Hotels & Resorts has appointed two highly-skilled and experienced general managers for its two upcoming resorts at CROSSROADS Maldives, the largest integrated tourism destination in the Maldives.
Swiss hospitality expert Martin van der Reijden, who also serves as Vice President of Operations for CROSSROADS Maldives, has been named as General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, a lifestyle resort created for couples, families and friends in search of a playful destination getaway.
Martin brings 23 years of experience to SAii Lagoon Maldives, much of which has been spent with Hilton Worldwide, managing hotels in Europe and Asia Pacific. He has also spent time in the hotel design sector and has managed luxury resorts in the Maldives with Per Aquum and LUX* Resorts. Most recently, Martin was Director and General Manager of LUX* North Male Atoll.
Meanwhile, 22-year hotel industry veteran Tolga Unan has been appointed as General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, the first Maldivian outpost of the world-famous music-themed resort brand.
With two decades of experience, including spells with Disney, Club Med and Hilton in the US and Asia Pacific, Tolga has comprehensive knowledge of the hospitality industry. He joins Hard Rock Hotel Maldives after serving two years as Managing Director of Naked Retreats, an expanding eco-resort company based in Shanghai.
“CROSSROADS Maldives is not just another integrated resort; it is an extraordinary new development that will redefine hospitality in the Maldives and the entire Indian Ocean region. As such, we need general managers who can think outside the box and create unsurpassed guest experiences. Martin van der Reijden and Tolga Unan have that ability,” Dirk De Cuyper, Chief Hospitality Officer at S Hotels & Resorts, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“We look forward to welcoming guests to SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives later this year. While each resort will deliver very different and distinct experiences, they do have certain elements in common; both feature warm and inviting spaces where guests can unwind with outstanding dining, entertainment and activities. I look forward to working with Martin and Tolga as we embark on an exciting new era of hospitality in the Maldives.”
CROSSROADS, a deeply sustainable development owned by Thailand’s Singha Estate, will encompass nine idyllic islands fringing the Emboodhoo Lagoon in the South Male Atoll, three of which will be used as the first phase of the project encompassing two resorts and The Marina @CROSSROADS, an 800-metre lifestyle area and beach walk featuring retail, entertainment and dining outlets.
Phase one of the integrated resort will feature the two lifestyle hotels, SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, both of which have direct access to extensive facilities at The Marina @CROSSROADS. These include a 30-berth marina, the Junior Beach Club and Camp, the CROSSROADS Event Hall, Maldives Discovery Centre and Marine Discovery Centre – the project’s environmental and educational hub.
A Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, SAii Lagoon Maldives is an original and inspiring resort that will feature a series of rooms and villas, including overwater pool villas, plus world-class dining as well as access to extensive water sports, cultural activities and wellness at The Marina.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, meanwhile, will feature 178 rooms, suites and villas, plus family-friendly experiences and Hard Rock’s branded concepts, including a Hard Rock Cafe, Rock Spa, and two Rock Shops showcasing merchandise and music memorabilia.
Both world-class resorts are scheduled to welcome their first guests in summer 2019.
Photo: Tolga Unan (R) and Martin van der Reijden (L).
Featured
Sun Siyam Resorts unveil luxurious Valentine’s escapes

This Valentine’s season, Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef are crafting unforgettable experiences that blend elegance, indulgence, and breathtaking island scenery.
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, the theme ‘Secluded Shores of Love’ sets the stage for a romantic escape. Couples can enjoy live saxophone performances by Adam, an acclaimed Dubai-based musician recognised for his soulful melodies and performances at luxury venues worldwide. The evening begins with a ‘Surrounded by Love’ cocktail gathering at Nautilus Beach, followed by a starlit beachfront dinner enhanced by Adam’s smooth saxophone tunes. To conclude the evening, guests can unwind at Spice Beach’s ‘Lovey Dovey’ Movie Night, creating an enchanting atmosphere for love and connection.
Beyond Valentine’s Day, the resort extends its romantic offerings from February 7th to 28th, featuring floating champagne breakfasts, sunset cocktail experiences, and handcrafted Valentine’s chocolates.
From February 12th to 16th, Sun Siyam Iru Veli presents ‘Scarlet Romance,’ a celebration of love within the island’s serene and luxurious surroundings. The resort curates intimate experiences designed to foster romance.
Gastronomy plays a central role, with indulgent in-villa dining and ‘Moonlit Love’ private dinners set on the shore, perfectly synchronised with the glow of the full moon. For those in search of a secluded escape, the ‘Only Us’ experience transports couples to a private sandbank, where sunset canapés and champagne create an intimate setting. The ‘Cupid’s Secret Dinner’ enhances private beachfront dining with exquisite flavours, while the highlight of the celebration, the ‘Floating Cinema,’ offers a private movie night aboard a cruise, surrounded by the Maldivian horizon and complemented by champagne and gourmet delights. The Ocean Spa further elevates the experience with a ‘Romance & Renewal’ journey, providing an intimate retreat designed for relaxation and reconnection.
Featured
Unforgettable Valentine’s getaways at Kaani Hotels and Resorts

Kaani Hotels and Resorts is transforming this Valentine’s season into a celebration of love, offering couples a series of experiences that go beyond the traditional Maldivian romantic getaway. The hotels are committed to creating intimate moments that will be cherished for years to come, blending carefully curated activities with thoughtfully designed romantic encounters.
The signature private beach dining experience invites couples to enjoy a specially arranged setup along the shoreline, where meals are served under a canopy of stars. Each cabana is individually designed, featuring personalised table settings, soft candlelight, and a menu that highlights rich flavours and international cuisine. The gentle sound of ocean waves and the twinkling night sky provide a magical backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
For those looking to enhance their romantic stay, the dedicated team offers exquisite bed decoration services upon request. Guests can return to their rooms to find them transformed into a haven of romance, with rose petals delicately scattered across the bed, forming elegant patterns and heart-shaped designs that symbolise love. This special Valentine’s touch adds an extra layer of magic, ideal for surprise proposals or celebrating meaningful moments together.
Throughout the week, Sampa Spa is offering a special 15% discount for in-house guests, providing an opportunity for couples to relax, reconnect, and indulge in wellness treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and spirit. The specialised Valentine’s packages focus on shared experiences that promote relaxation and intimacy.
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Celebrate love and friendship at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La

This February, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to embrace love and friendship through ‘Threads of Love’, a series of thoughtfully curated dining experiences designed to celebrate love in all its forms.
At the heart of this celebration, the hotel’s expert culinary team has crafted an exquisite seven-course dinner, offering a symphony of flavours and romance. From intimate dining experiences to elegant high teas, JEN Maldives ensures a delightful way for everyone to celebrate love.
In tribute to friendship, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La presents the Pink Galentine’s High Tea, available daily from February 7th to 14th. This beautifully curated experience features a delightful selection of sweet and savoury treats, perfect for celebrating the bonds of family and friendship.
On February 14th, guests are invited to indulge in a captivating Valentine’s dinner at Azur Restaurant, where they can enjoy an exquisite culinary journey accompanied by live music. Thoughtfully crafted to enhance the romantic ambiance, this special evening promises an intimate and unforgettable experience for couples.
Whether looking for the ideal setting to celebrate romance or a memorable gathering with friends and family, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La offers the perfect backdrop, blending luxury with heartfelt hospitality.
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