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Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa appoints Stavros Packeiser as General Manager

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has appointed Stavros Packeiser as its new General Manager.
Stavros grew up in Sidirokastro, a small city in northern Greece.
At the age of 18, he ventured to Edinburgh to study for a degree in computer science at Heriot-Watt University. For extra income, Stavros got a part-time job as a waiter and soon realised that he enjoyed working with people more than computers.
After graduating in 2002, Stavros commenced his hospitality career as a bar supervisor at The Carlton Hotel in Edinburgh. He has since advanced through food and beverage roles: on the world’s largest ocean liner, HMS Queen Mary 2; Hyatt Regency Dushanbe in Tajikistan; Sani Resort in Halkidiki, Greece; Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi (now an Andaz); and, Grand Hyatt Dubai.
Since 2017, Stavros had been working as the Food & Beverage Director at Park Hyatt Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Stavros is married to Dia, who loves adventures and travel. They have a 15-month-old son, Harris, who had already taken more than a dozen flights to numerous countries. The family will be calling Park Hyatt Hadahaa Maldives their home.
“At Park Hyatt Maldives, I plan to continue the valuable work my predecessors have done for the resort in terms of performance and sustainability,” Stavros was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“I aim to bring to life new projects and experiences that will make our resort a leader in sustainability and luxury travel.”
Tucked away from the teeming resorts of the dense northern atolls on a private island in Gaafu Alif Atoll, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa offers easy access to more than 30 pristine dive sites to explore, all filled with rich marine life, including resident turtles and black-tip sharks. Diving enthusiasts will be spoilt at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa as the resort boasts pristine waters, owing to its ongoing conservation efforts, which include banning motorised water sports and coral reef monitoring.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa currently features 50 villas — 36 on land and 14 over the ocean. Whether nestled within the island’s tropical greenery or elevated above the water, the villas are steps away from an idyllic beachfront, giving guests direct access to this area or the house reef. All spaces feature floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that lead to a private deck, with some villas inclusive of a private plunge pool.
The resort offers luxurious amenities, a host of recreational activities, and relaxing and rejuvenating treatments.
Since the five-star resort began welcoming guests in 2009, it has undergone several refurbishments to offer guests a rare escape to a barefoot luxury experience. Most recently, it has launched three new luxury villa categories, including the resort’s two-bedroom family villas and villas with deluxe private pools, as well as the Park Sunset Ocean Pool Villas.
Featured
Luxurious Valentine’s getaways at Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa

This Valentine’s Day, love takes centre stage at Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa as the island transforms into a haven of romance with its enchanting Tropical Love celebration. Nestled in the pristine beauty of the Maldives, the resort invites couples to indulge in an unforgettable escape, curated with passion, luxury, and intimacy in mind. From private island getaways to candlelit beach dinners, every experience is designed to celebrate love in its most magical form.
Throughout the celebration, guests can enjoy a variety of romantic experiences designed to create lasting memories. Exclusive dining options range from elegant wine dinners to intimate beachside feasts under the stars, each featuring expertly crafted menus paired with premium champagnes.
Couples can embark on a breathtaking sunset cruise leading to a secluded island retreat, where an intimate dining experience awaits amidst the serene sounds of the waves. For those seeking relaxation and pampering, indulgent spa treatments and floating breakfasts offer moments of tranquility and connection. Guests can unwind with a luxurious couple’s massage, followed by a serene breakfast served in the comfort of their private pool, where the scent of fresh tropical blooms and the gentle sea breeze enhance the experience.
The Tropical Love affair experiences include:
- Love & Escape – A sunset cruise to a private island, followed by an intimate five-course dinner with Bruno Paillard Rosé and luxury indulgences.
- Celebrate Love in Style – A refined five-course dining experience at Oak Wine Lounge, paired with Taittinger Rosé and exclusive romantic touches.
- A Night of Love – Dining under the stars with a five-course menu, Bottega Rose Gold Spumante, and handcrafted island chocolates.
- A Night of Romance Under the Stars – A candlelit beach dinner featuring a gourmet five-course menu, B&G Sparkling Rosé, and sweet island treats.
- Floating Valentine – A luxurious floating breakfast in a private pool, paired with Taittinger Rosé for a perfect start to the day.
- Floating Champagne with Canapés – A celebration of love with Taittinger Rosé and canapés, served in the tranquility of a villa pool.
- Ruinart Romance Surprise – A timeless romantic gesture with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and a delicate rose.
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa’s Tropical Love experience serves as a tribute to romance in its most exquisite form. Whether indulging in fine dining, toasting to love under the stars, or escaping to a private island retreat, each experience is designed to create timeless memories in the heart of the Maldives.
Cooking
Chocolate, spirits, and gourmet pairings with Patrick Gelencser at Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Renowned master chocolatier Patrick Gelencser will bring a touch of indulgence to Niyama Private Islands Maldives, hosting exclusive tasting sessions from February 21-25, 2025.
Born into a legacy of chocolate craftsmanship, Gelencser represents the third generation of the esteemed House of Gelencser. As one of only 15 chocolatiers in France specialising in bean-to-bar production, he has received numerous international accolades. His meticulously crafted creations are so exceptional that they are showcased in a chocolate museum in the Loire Valley, as well as in nearly half a dozen boutiques.
Guests at Niyama will have the rare opportunity to witness Gelencser’s artistry firsthand as he curates a series of tasting experiences set against the resort’s breathtaking backdrops.
- Single-Origin Chocolate & Rum: The terroir of the cocoa bean influences its flavour, resulting in creamy, fruity, citrusy, or nutty notes. Guests will explore the origins of Gelencser’s single-origin chocolates, expertly paired with the finest Caribbean and South American rums, in a setting like no other—perched half a kilometre out to sea amidst the sunset.
- Ganache, Praline & Whiskey: A masterful contrast of textures awaits with smooth, creamy ganache and nutty, complex pralines, complemented by a premium selection of whiskeys. This refined post-dinner experience will be hosted at the heart of the island of Chill.
- Tapas, Chocolate, Wine & Port: For the grand finale, guests will embark on a full gastronomic journey, surrounded by lush tropical beauty. The experience begins with tapas and wine, followed by a curated selection of chocolates and port, personally presented by Gelencser to an intimate gathering of 12 guests.
“We are thrilled to host rarefied events such as these, led by masters of their craft like Patrick Gelencser,” says Thierry Vergnault, Executive Chef of Niyama. “We take great pride in our culinary offerings, creating spectacular experiences found nowhere else, and look forward to hosting many more.”
Featured
Oaga Art Resort’s unique Valentine’s Day celebration

This Valentine’s Day, Oaga Art Resort is redefining traditional romance, inviting guests to embrace a broader celebration of love—one that honours self-love, friendship, and meaningful connections in all their forms. ‘A Different Kind of Love Story’ at Oaga is more than just an event; it is a movement.
Oaga Art Resort envisions Valentine’s Day as an inclusive celebration, welcoming singles, best friends, and those seeking to deepen their relationship with themselves. By shifting the focus beyond conventional narratives, the resort creates an atmosphere where guests can explore self-worth and celebrate the many dimensions of love.
The resort’s Valentine’s Day program offers curated experiences designed to inspire self-love and joyful connections:
- Self-Love Hours: Rejuvenating sessions at Hoba Spa, promoting self-acceptance and wellness. Guests can participate in a Face Massage Workshop, Harmony and Kindness Meditation, and Hydrotherapy & Skincare Rituals. Pre-booking is required.
- Live Music by Soul Salad: The soothing jazz melodies of Soul Salad set the perfect mood for relaxation and connection.
- Self-Love Celebration: A lively beach party under the stars featuring Digital.flock (Mirah Allly) encourages guests to dance and embrace the joy of self-expression.
- Self-Love Garden: Guests can plant a seedling along with a personal self-affirmation note, contributing to a growing sanctuary dedicated to self-love.
- Dinner for Two: A premium dining experience featuring a curated five- or six-course menu, complemented by wine, live music, and a romantic beachfront setting. Pre-booking is required.
- Colour Splatter Canvas: A large collective art installation invites guests to freely express themselves through painting.
Oaga Art Resort is inviting guests to break free from traditional Valentine’s Day expectations and embrace an unforgettable celebration of self-love, friendship, and joy. By redefining love beyond February 14th, the resort encourages individuals to nurture the most important relationship of all—the one with themselves.
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