Featured
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi announces two key executive appointments
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi has announced two key appointments within its management team; General Manager Andrew Steele and Hotel Manager Lawrence Tuck.
With over 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Andrew has worked with some of the world’s most reputable brands, from Le Meridian and Mandarin Oriental to Shangri-La.
He joins Fairmont Maldives from Potato Head Bali which, as Group Managing Director, he transformed into a globally recognised sustainable lifestyle hospitality brand, mobilising the company to become the first hospitality brand in Indonesia to be carbon neutral and opening the first zero-waste restaurant in the region.
Andrew, who has been recognised as one of twenty international hoteliers on 100 Best Luxury Hotels by Luxury Hunt 2019, said: “I am honoured to be leading the team at the Fairmont Maldives along with Lawrence, our Resort Manager. We look forward together with team to further elevate our commitment to sustainability, building upon our wellness and family offerings while delivering the unrivalled guest experience that Fairmont Maldives has become synonymous with.”
Lawrence joins Fairmont Maldives from Pueblo Bonito Pacifica in Cabo San Lucas Mexico, with over 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry.
From Four Seasons and Intercontinental to Fairmont properties in Canada and Mexico, Lawrence has worked as an Executive Chef, Director of Food and Beverage, and General Manager, bringing a breadth of experience across key departments to his role as Fairmont Maldives’ Resort Manager.
The two new positions come ahead of an exciting year for the five-star resort, with the launch of the Fairmont Fit programme and new underwater sculptures within the Coralarium – an underwater art gallery and pioneering coral regeneration project.
Located in the northern Shaviyani atoll, which boasts one of the country’s largest resort lagoons, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is a luxurious, 120-villa resort and home to the largest, 200m infinity pool in the Maldives. Designed by Hirsch Bedner, Fairmont Maldives is peppered with opulent Beach Villas, decadent Overwater Villas and luxury Tented Jungle Villas.
The resort boasts an onsite Art Studio, a 9km long manta ray cleaning station, the Willow Stream Spa, tennis courts and a fitness studio, as well as a Kids Club – three restaurants and two bars.
Fairmont Maldives is accessible via a scenic 50-minute seaplane flight.
Photo: Andrew (L) and Lawrence
Featured
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives aligns festive events with World of Care commitments
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.
Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.
From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.
On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.
Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.
A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.
On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
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