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Utkarsh Faujdar appointed General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere Maldives ahead of Oct 2019 opening

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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’.

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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Featured

Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

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Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.

Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.

Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.

South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.

Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.

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Entertainment

Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.

The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.

Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.

Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.

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