Featured
Jumeirah Vittaveli’s General Manager moves to Dubai-based corporate role with Jumeirah
Amit Majumder, the General Manager at Jumeirah Vittaveli in Maldives, has been appointed to a group-wide corporate position within Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts.
Majumder will start his new role as Vice President of Boutique Resorts, effective August 15, and be based in Dubai at Jumeirah’s headquarters. His new mandate will include oversight of Jumeirah Vittaveli, as well as the development of expansion plans for high end luxury boutique resorts within the Jumeirah brand.
“I am very excited to start my new role with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts. This is such an inspirational brand, with a comprehensive and admirable 360-degree philosophy, not just about how we continuously aim to exceed our guests’ expectations, but how we take care of our colleagues and make sure they feel right at home with us while having a clear path into their future ahead of them,” Majumder was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“I look back at my time at Jumeirah Vittaveli with fond memories – we have continuously pushed the envelope with our innovations and projects, and I could not be more thankful to have had such a strong team to support me. It is not a farewell but only a ‘until I see you again’ as I will still be intricately involved in our framework of strategies for Jumeirah Vittaveli. In my new capacity as Vice President of Boutique Resorts, I look forward to using the insights and experience I have gathered working with small luxury resorts and apply these to locations in a global setting.”
Majumder has led Jumeirah Vittaveli as General Manager since July 2016, a time during which he achieved commercial success as well as milestones in the resort’s positioning, such as the 2017 opening of the lavish 3,500 square metre five-bedroom Royal Residence, which comes complete with private beach and two swimming pools, as well as its own restaurant, spa, gym and resident butler service.
Last year, he launched the destination’s first ice rink – the ecologically sustainable Ice Ice Maybe open-air ice rink on the beach, manufactured from a novel synthetic material from Switzerland that does not need cooling down.
He also expanded the food and beverage offerings of the island from four restaurants and two bars to 10 venues, including a wine library, whisky and chocolate salon, a cigar lounge, and more.
This year, he launched the completely refurbished Private Ocean Retreats with Slides and Infinity Pool Ocean Villas (nine of which also come with a water slide). These new villa categories have proven to be extremely popular with guests and villas with slides were fully booked for the entire summer.
Prior to his appointment as General Manager, Majumder served as Resident and then Resort Manager at Jumeirah Vittaveli, and, amongst others, his contribution was instrumental in developing the resort’s signature restaurant Swarna — a majestic venue in the midst of a lush resort garden with infinite lagoon views. Swarna has been named Best Indian cuisine in Asia for four years in a row by the World Luxury Restaurant Awards.
Originally from India, Amit holds a hotel management degree from the Institute of Hotel Management in Kolkata. He started his hospitality career with Oberoi in India and first joined Jumeirah in 2002, where he contributed to successful operations at Burj al Arab by Jumeirah and Madinat Jumeirah. From Dubai, he went on to work for Mandarin Oriental and One&Only before returning to Jumeirah in the Maldives in 2012.
Located a short 20-minute ride on board a luxurious motorised catamaran from the main Velana International Airport, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration, whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or an exotic destination for your family.
The 3,500 square metre Royal Residence can accommodate 14 people, with prices from USD 35,000 per night. This lavish private retreat comprises private beach, dedicated restaurant, spa, two swimming pools, an overwater sundeck, jetty, chef, butler and golf buggy chauffeur. Guests can enjoy a private yacht transfer to the residence and spacious accommodation, which comprises the main Sanctuary, two Guest Villas and a double-storey guest house. An abundance of lounge and seating spaces provide the opportunity to spend quality time together. Each stay at the Royal Residence comes with a host of benefits such as daily evening canapes and champagne, personal fitness trainer as well as wellness consultant and 24-hour resident butler service. Wellness treatments can be enjoyed in the private Talise spa room inside the Sanctuary complex.
In addition to the Royal Residence, Jumeirah Vittaveli comprises 89 villas and suites each with their own swimming pool and direct access to the beach or lagoon. The private and spacious villas are available with one or two bedrooms making them the ideal accommodation for both families and couples.
Guests can enhance their romantic escape and stay at the picturesque Private Ocean Retreats, an indulgent hideaway with a loft-style bedroom upstairs, overwater hammocks, private infinity pool and full outdoor daybed. The villas are freestanding in the lagoon ensuring maximum privacy while only a two-minute ride on board the complimentary boat service from the main island. The Private Ocean Retreats are designed to offer all the resort services, from in-villa dining and yoga on a open air deck to an indulgent couple’s massage.
For the evenings, guests have the choice of a culinary journey through India in the resort’s signature restaurant Swarna, or an overwater fine dining experience featuring French cuisine at Fenesse.
The Talise spa at Jumeirah Vittaveli has been named Best Luxury Wellness Spa in Maldives by the World Travel Awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Treatments at the spa are inspired by concepts of light and space connecting with the purity and vibration of ingredients. The team produces their own island made 100 percent pure coconut oil, which is used in treatments and available as a take-home souvenir. The garden and overwater treatment rooms provide romantic spaces for couples who wish to enjoy blissful relaxation, while the spa menu also includes dedicated Mother-Daughter and Father-Son pampering sessions.
Jumeirah Vittaveli offers romantic escapes as well as a variety of land and water-based activities, including the destination’s first ice rink, a PADI Dive base, water sports centre, six restaurants and bars, and two lounges. An underground tasting room and a wine library will open soon.
Check out our exclusive interview with Majmuder here.
Drink
Milaidhoo Maldives celebrates International Men’s Day with ‘Gentlemen & Cocktails’
Milaidhoo Maldives will mark International Men’s Day with a cocktail-making competition for male guests, as the resort celebrates its tenth anniversary this November.
The occasion will also recognise the contributions of the men involved in the resort’s development and operations over the past decade. Since its establishment, Milaidhoo has maintained a focus on Maldivian hospitality and cultural traditions, with its original vision continuing to influence the guest experience.
As part of the celebrations, the resort will host Gentlemen & Cocktails, an interactive cocktail-making challenge at Compass Pool Bar.
The event will begin with a workshop led by the bar’s bartenders, who will introduce participants to the fundamentals of cocktail preparation. Following the workshop, participants will compete to create their own signature cocktails using a selection of ingredients.
Each participant will receive a black box containing secret ingredients, which must be incorporated into their creation. They will also be required to select an additional herb, vegetable or aromatic ingredient from the resort’s Chef’s Garden.
Participants will have a limited amount of time to prepare their cocktails, with their partners serving as judges. The creations will be assessed based on flavour, presentation and originality.
The winning cocktail will be featured as the Cocktail of the Day at Compass Pool Bar for one week. The winning couple will also be entitled to unlimited servings of their creation for the remainder of their stay.
The International Men’s Day celebrations form part of Milaidhoo Maldives’ tenth anniversary year, recognising the people who have contributed to the resort’s development and its approach to hospitality.
Through the cocktail-making competition, the resort aims to provide guests with an interactive experience while commemorating International Men’s Day.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru brings island-inspired celebrations to Christmas and New Year
Angsana Velavaru has announced its festive programme for Christmas and New Year, featuring seasonal celebrations, family activities, dining experiences, cultural performances and marine excursions in the Maldives.
The celebrations will begin with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, bringing guests together to mark the start of the festive season. On Christmas Eve, the resort will host traditional Christmas carols at sunset, while younger guests can look forward to a visit from Santa Claus.
Throughout the festive period, families will be able to participate in activities such as gingerbread cookie decorating and bracelet making. The programme will also include outdoor games and beach activities, including football matches and traditional tug-of-war competitions.
Traditional Bodu Beru performances will form part of the celebrations, introducing guests to Maldivian music and cultural traditions.
Dining will be a central part of the festive programme, with the resort hosting a Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas brunch. New Year’s Eve celebrations will feature a New Year Garden Soirée Dinner, followed by a New Year brunch on 1 January. The resort will also organise dedicated celebrations for guests observing Orthodox Christmas.
In addition to the seasonal activities, guests will have opportunities to explore the surrounding marine environment through excursions such as manta ray and turtle safaris. The resort will also offer wellness experiences for those seeking relaxation during their stay.
The festive programme is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups of friends, combining traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with recreational activities, cultural experiences and the resort’s existing leisure offerings.
Through its programme of dining, entertainment, outdoor activities and marine excursions, Angsana Velavaru aims to provide guests with a range of experiences throughout the festive season.
Action
Kandooma Maldives adds pickleball to recreational offerings
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
-
News1 week agoThe Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet for festive residency
-
News3 days agoananea Madivaru Maldives unveils personalised island concierge experience
-
Awards1 week agoRitz-Carlton Maldives earns Two MICHELIN Keys, St. Regis Vommuli named among Asia Pacific’s best hotels
-
Drink1 week agoRare vintages meet island luxury: Glenelly Estate takes over RAAYA and VARU by Atmosphere
-
Cooking6 days agoGili Lankanfushi Executive Chef Hari releases plant-based cookbook celebrating sustainable cuisine
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Vilu Reef celebrates 28 years with new beach club and Italian restaurant
-
Action1 week agoDaniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa and Donna Vekić head to St. Regis Maldives for tennis series
-
News5 days agoCentara unveils Festival of Lights celebrations across Maldives resorts


