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Utkarsh Faujdar appointed General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere Maldives ahead of Oct 2019 opening
Dynamic Indian Ocean hospitality group Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts has appointed Utkarsh Faujdar as the General Manager of its newest property due to open in October 2019, VARU by Atmosphere, Maldives.
Prior to joining the Atmosphere Group in the Maldives, Utkarsh has been in the hospitality industry over three decades.
The past 14 years he was based in the Maldives as the General Manager for the renowned Hulhule Island Hotel. Whilst working for the hotel he spearheaded the tremendous growth and positioning of the hotel and was responsible for the accelerated growth of profit apart from winning international awards.
Before moving to the Maldives, Utkarsh was working as General Manager for Trident Hilton Agra, a 140-room five-star hotel in the North of India – part of Oberoi Group of Hotels.
Utkarsh is an efficient, result oriented and hands on General Manager, adept at creating and leading a team from diverse backgrounds towards meeting organisational goals.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Atmosphere Family and excited to deliver an Authentic Maldivian resort experience here on this brand-new island. I am looking forward to working with newly formed VARU Team, and together we will be ready to deliver an outstanding holiday experience to our guests,” Utkarsh was quoted in a statement, as saying.
The opening of VARU by Atmosphere is the start of the ambitious expansion plans of the Indian Ocean hospitality group. With several new properties being added to the existing four-property portfolio, this appointment will enhance the groups growth within the ‘By Atmosphere’ white-label sub brand – along with the group’s other sub-brands of OZEN, OBLU and OBLU Select.
“I am very excited to have such an experienced hotel industry professional like Utkarsh as part of the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. I am confident that with his support and the excellent team; VARU by Atmosphere will soon be a key player in the Maldives resort segment,” Giri Venkata, President and Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, said.
Located in the north-west edge of Male atoll and easily accessible by a 40-minute speedboat journey from the main Velana International Airport, VARU by Atmosphere will feature 108 luxurious villas. Thirty-nine Beach Front Villas will have spacious interiors and outdoor decks, surrounded by lush green vegetation and just a few metres from the white sandy beach, while 69 Overwater Villas will have signature Maldivian-style interiors and direct access to the turquoise lagoon from the deck.
Both villa types offer minimalistic design styles with splashes of vibrant colours, and come with the option of private pools. Additional resort facilities include a dive and water sports centre, ELENA spa, gymnasium and kids club.
The island’s reef is known to be home to mantas and other vibrant wildlife species, which will allow guests unique snorkelling and diving experiences unlike others on offer in the Maldives.
Atmosphere’s first property, Atmosphere Kanifushi, opened its doors in December 2013. The group opened its second property, OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli, in November 2015; followed by their flagship ‘Lifestyle Luxury’ sub-brand, OZEN by Atmosphere, in July 2016; and then OBLU Select at Sangeli, which opened in July 2018.
The newest addition to the portfolio, VARU by Atmosphere, offering a naturally Maldivian experience, is due to open in October 2019.
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts offers guest-centric resort experiences through unique Resort Plans, offering guests a range of all-encompassing experiences, with varieties of dining options as well as a number of complimentary amenities and activities that ensure a relaxed, hassle-free holiday experience at each resort, all while staying true to the brand’s core philosophy: ‘The Joy of Giving’.
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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