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Kuredu Resort Maldives bids farewell to Patrick de Staercke, welcomes Yavuz Yetgin as new General Manager
From February 16, Kuredu Resort Maldives will be bidding farewell to General Manager Patrick de Staercke.
Having first joined Crown and Champa Resorts in 2010, where he took charge at Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, Patrick has spent 10 years with the organisation, helping shape Komandoo Island Resort & Spa, Hurawalhi Maldives and Kuredu Resort Maldives.
Patrick has been an excellent General Manager, one who has always given everything to the resorts where he has taken charge and is a ‘Head Coach’ that many resorts would undoubtedly like to have in their management positions.
Through Patrick’s day-to-day efforts and his steadfast vision to make Kuredu the best value-for-money resort in the Maldives, Kuredu has seen numerous improvements over the past three years. Kuredu’s repeat guests will agree that the 31-year-old resort just keeps getting better!
“As many of you can well understand – it was easy to fall in love with Kuredu and form friendships with people who are living and working on the island. As head coach, my success came down to the wonderful team I had who work so hard to score hospitality goals making the guests happy. Kuredu is an incredible team and I will miss them all,” Patrick was quoted in an announcement, as saying.
As Patrick takes on a new challenge and the start of a new chapter, Kuredu will be in good hands, with Resort Manager Yavuz Yetgin taking over as Kuredu’s new General Manager.
“We know that the great leadership will continue, with both managers believing in the basic principle of Kuredu. That a guest is the most important visitor on our premises, they are not dependent on us. We are dependent on them. A guest is not an interruption in our work. They are the purpose of it. A guest is not an outsider in our business. They are part of it. We are not doing a guest a favour by serving them. A guest is doing us a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so,” the announcement read.
“We would like to thank Patrick for all of his hard work over the years and wish him all the best with his new adventure.”
Located on a 1,800 metre by 325 metre remote island in the northern atoll of Lhaviyani, Kuredu is accessible by a 35-minute scenic seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. This 4.5-star resort has 383 rooms, including beach and water villas, making it the second largest resort in the Maldives.
The island boasts a dive and snorkel centre, a water sports centre, a spa, golf and tennis courses, a kids’ club, and an extensive choice of restaurants and bars. Kuredu guests can also dine in 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at the neighbouring Hurawalhi Maldives resort.
Photo: Patrick de Staercke
JA Manafaru has announced that renowned DJ and radio presenter Tom Green will once again host an exciting after-party this year. Recognised for his high-energy performances and exceptional music selection, Green is a well-known voice in the UK, celebrated for his work on the KISS FM Breakfast Show, as well as his roles at Capital FM and The Hits Radio.
Beyond his radio career, Green has co-hosted ‘The Bauer BRITS Show’ and collaborated with global stars, including Katy Perry, whom he interviewed live during her tour. As a sought-after event host, he brings unmatched confidence and charisma, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Expressing his excitement about returning to the Maldives, Green stated, “It’s an absolute pleasure to be back in the Maldives playing at JA Manafaru. I had such a great time during the last festive season, and it’s exciting to know that we’re only going bigger and better this year. There’s only one place to be when the clock strikes midnight, and that’s on THIS island.”
Guests can anticipate an electrifying evening as Tom Green takes to the decks, delivering an incredible line-up of tracks to keep the celebration alive. The New Year’s After Party will commence at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, at JA Manafaru.
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced that all spas across its five properties in the Maldives have received accreditation from the Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO), the global authority in beauty and spa therapy, as of December. This milestone underscores the resort group’s dedication to providing spa services that meet internationally recognised standards of professional care and expertise.
The accredited spas include:
- Veyo Spa by Thalgo at Siyam World
- The Spa by Thalgo at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
- The Spa, Ocean Spa, and Blue Spa at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
- Ocean Spa at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
- The Spa at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Established in 1946 in Brussels and currently headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, CIDESCO represents the pinnacle of excellence in aesthetics and spa therapy. Operating in over 40 countries across five continents, this non-profit organisation sets globally recognised benchmarks for beauty and spa qualifications.
The accreditation highlights Sun Siyam Resorts’ commitment to delivering outstanding wellness services in line with CIDESCO’s high standards. It reflects the spas’ dedication to maintaining professionalism, hygiene, and service quality while adhering to industry best practices.
Guests staying at Sun Siyam Resorts can now enjoy spa treatments that align with CIDESCO’s internationally endorsed standards for beauty and wellness.
For the first time in its history, Maldives has reached the milestone of welcoming two million tourists in a single year. This achievement marks a significant moment for the nation’s tourism industry, underscoring its global appeal as a premier travel destination.
The target of two million tourists, set for this year, was officially achieved today. To commemorate the occasion, a special ceremony was held at Velana International Airport, where the landmark visitor was welcomed with fanfare.
The two millionth tourist, Astrid Dirnegger from Austria, arrived in Maldives with her husband and two children. As part of the celebrations, she received a variety of souvenirs and a holiday package from SAii Lagoon Resort, offering her family the opportunity to experience the renowned hospitality and luxury of the Maldives.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives now hosts an average of more than 6,000 tourists daily, reflecting its sustained popularity among travellers worldwide.
China has emerged as the top source of visitors this year, followed by significant contributions from Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, India, the United States, France, Spain, and Switzerland.
This milestone underscores the Maldives’ position as a leading destination for international tourism, renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class resorts. As the nation celebrates this historic achievement, the tourism sector looks forward to continued growth and success in the coming years.
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