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​Manta Air, UNICEF join forces to support skills development for Maldivian youth

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Manta Air and UNICEF on Saturday teamed up to provide early exposure for young Maldivians interested in working in the aviation industry.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Manta Air and UNICEF, Manta Air will provided the opportunity for young people interested in working in the aviation industry to acquire basic knowledge and skills. This will be facilitated through a company wide-internship programme for young Maldivian women and men, with 12 interns set to be enrolled during the first year of the programme.

“This is another milestone for Manta Air, to embark on this mission with UNICEF to develop young people where we take pride in contributing to the local community. Our commitment from the beginning has always been to keep building the capacities needed to further develop and contribute to ensure the future growth of the industry. We believe that this initiative with UNICEF will be a key component in achieving our commitment. We are privileged to work with UNICEF and we hope that this is the start of an amazing journey,” Manta Air CEO Mohamed Khaleel said, after signing the agreement.

The UNICEF-Manta Air internship programme is a unique opportunity for young people who have a passion for the airline industry to gain first-hand experience and exposure to key areas such as flight and ground operations, aircraft engineering, safety/compliance, commercial and marketing. The individuals will get the opportunity to work in all the above disciplines and be closely supervised by experts from Manta Air.

The programme is designed with close monitoring and mentoring support from both Manta Air and UNICEF. It is structured to develop and inspire young people to pursue a career in the aviation sector, through a unique and creative learning experience.

“Globally, the annual growth in the number of young people entering the labour market exceeds the rate of growth in the number of new jobs created by the labour market. In the Maldives, a large number of young people are unemployed. We need to be creative in opening new job horizons for them,” Dr Munir Safieldin, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“The partnership between UNICEF and Manta Air opens a new horizon of skills development for potential future employment in civil aviation. Manta Air will provide groups of young women and men with a structured and guided exposure to the civil aviation industry.”

The MoU between Manta Air and UNICEF also covers additional areas such as support for advocacy on children and young people’s rights and issues via Manta Air’s in-flight magazine, RAYS. Both organisations will also join hands in celebrating key events for children and youth, including the World Children’s Day and World Youth Day, to create awareness and engage the public on children’s rights and issues related to the wellbeing of children and young people.

Manta Air, the new experience in the skies of Maldives, began its operations in February.

The first two ATR 72-600s of Manta Air, secured through Nordic Aviation Capital, were delivered in late 2018, and a third aircraft was delivered in March 2019. With their dual-class configuration of 64 seats, Manta Air’s brand new ATR 72-600s have helped boost connectivity for the hospitality industry in the beautiful Maldivian atolls.

Manta Air currently operates scheduled daily service from the main Velana International Airport in Male to Dhaalu Airport, the airline’s main hub located on the island of Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu atoll, and Dharavandhoo Airport in Baa atoll.

The airline is also in the process of acquiring Twin Otter seaplanes in order to launch its seaplane service in the second quarter of 2019.

Awards

The Nautilus Maldives honoured in 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Awards

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In an increasingly fast-paced world, The Nautilus Maldives stands as a sanctuary where time slows and moments linger — a place that continues to capture the attention of discerning travellers. This haven of unhurried living has once again been recognised in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, as voted by readers in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

The accolade reaffirms the island’s quiet ability to enchant. With just 26 exclusive ocean and beach houses, The Nautilus offers complete privacy and a philosophy built entirely around individual freedom. Dining is available whenever a guest desires, and experiences unfold as inspiration strikes. A secluded sandbank transforms into a private dining room, and the Maldivian night sky becomes a stage for endless wonder.

“To be recognised again by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers is deeply meaningful,” said Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives. “Our guests come seeking beauty, but what they discover and cherish is freedom — the freedom to design their own rhythm and to create moments that are theirs alone.”

At The Nautilus, luxury is defined as liberation. Guests may drift through the UNESCO-protected waters of Baa Atoll, indulge in a Solasta Spa ritual without time limits, or share vintage champagne beneath a canopy of stars. Each stay unfolds as a personal narrative — unscripted, unhurried, and unforgettable.

Now in its thirty-eighth year, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards remain among the most respected distinctions in global travel. The results, drawn exclusively from readers’ experiences and opinions, continue to represent one of the industry’s most prestigious marks of excellence.

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Entertainment

Amilla Maldives embarks on ‘Around the World in Wonder’ festive journey

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Amilla Maldives will host a festive season celebration titled ‘Around the World in Wonder’ from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, inviting guests to experience a colourful exploration of global culture, curiosity, and joy.

Drawing inspiration from Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the celebration takes guests on a journey across continents, with each day dedicated to a different country and its unique flavours, music, and traditions. The journey begins and concludes in the United Kingdom, tracing a route through the Maldives, Spain, Italy, France, Argentina, Japan, China, India, Egypt, Brazil, the United States, and Singapore, culminating in a grand finale on New Year’s Eve.

Amilla’s 11th anniversary on 21 December will feature island-wide festivities, including guided tours, tree planting, coconut painting, Maldivian cooking demonstrations, and a cocktail and cake-cutting ceremony. On 23 December, the Tree Lighting Ceremony will adopt an Italian flair with a Venetian-themed celebration, complete with mask-making workshops, Viennese waltz, wine tasting, the Venetian Masquerade Ball, and a special ‘Treasure of the Sea’ dinner.

France will take centre stage on 24 December, featuring the Dance of the Can Can, gingerbread house making, mime face painting, a Christmas Eve buffet, and an aerial hoop performance. The following day, 25 December, will celebrate Argentina with the arrival of Santa Claus, a festive brunch infused with tango rhythms, dance workshops, magic shows, and a lively tango dinner performance.

The festivities will reach their climax on 31 December, with the Around the World in a Cocktail party leading into the spectacular Global Carnival Event. The evening will feature live performances by the Hamilton Band, complemented by bongo drummers, saxophonists, acrobats, and fire dancers. The grand countdown and after party will usher in 2026 with music, energy, and celebration.

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Awards

Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

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Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.

Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.

Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:

  • Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
  • Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
  • AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
  • Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
  • Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
  • The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
  • Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.

The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.

General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”

The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.

Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.

With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.

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