Insiders
Six Senses Takes Away Two Environmental Awards

Maldives Promotion House – Six Senses Resorts & Spas, the globally recognised leader in the field of sustainable tourism, has won two awards for its pioneering work in environmental conservation. The company has won a special HICAP Sustainable Hotel Award in recognition of its corporate leadership in integrating sustainability as an embedded business philosophy.
It has also picked up a Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Award in the Doing it all, Small Hotel Chain category.
Judges for the special HICAP award said that the special award was warranted for Six Senses because of the company’s “consistent incorporation of sustainable best practices and innovations for all its properties – from conceptualization to operations, community engagement and destination management.”
“As an active community member, each property engages with the local community in responsible and fair trade, but also the organization of a wide range of environmental education and healthcare programs, charity activities and disaster relief projects,” the judging panel said.
“Via this award, best practice in Corporate Leadership is given an example in Six Senses; how sustainable practices can be adopted and implemented as an integral component of a company’s brand and operational strategy; and how larger and more positive environmental and community impacts can be generated when the scale is increased from individual property achievements to hotel portfolios and networks.”
The judges from Condé Nast Traveler Awards were equally fulsome in their praise of Six Senses. In making the award to the company, they said that Six Senses represented “the ultimate in high-end ecotourism, with audacious goals”.
“Six Senses puts to rest once and for all the idea that environmentally correct resorts appeal only to the crunchy granola set. Its 15 properties are both sustainable and luxurious,” they added.
The judging panel praised the company’s Social & Environmental Responsibility Fund that provides USD 500,000 annually to social and environmental causes.
It also highlighted Six Senses’ Carbon Sense Fund, which raises about USD 1.3m annually and it’s Clean Water Projects Fund, which raises over USD 250,000 annually and has helped over 500,000 people in the developing world gain access to clean water in the last two years.
Through its sustainable development funds, Six Senses supports a number of groundbreaking environmental projects around the world including the Six Senses Reforestation project in Thailand, a UNESCO backed marine conservation area in the Baa Atoll in the Maldives and the introduction of energy efficient cooking stoves in Darfur.
The pair of awards comes just days after the conclusion of the third annual SLOW LIFE Symposium at Six Senses’ flagship Soneva Fushi resort in the Maldives, which brought together some of the greatest minds in the fields of business and sustainable development.
Delegates, including Sir Richard Branson and environmental activists and Hollywood actors Daryl Hannah and Edward Norton, spent three days examining ways to accelerate the adoption of sustainable business practices within the travel and tourism industries. They were joined by President Nasheed of the Maldives, who has pledged that his country will be carbon neutral by 2020.
Soneva Fushi is on track to become decarbonising by 2013 with the rest of the portfolio following suit by 2020.
“Not only do sustainability and luxury go hand in hand, we are rapidly reaching a point where they must go together if we are to preserve our planet’s fragile ecosystems,” Chief Executive and Founder of Six Senses, Sonu Shivdasani said.
“I am proud of the fact that Six Senses is leading the way in changing industry perceptions and proving that we can build a sustainable future without compromising on the quality of the holiday experience.”
News
Crossroads Maldives appoints Frederic Lebegue as General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

Crossroads Maldives has announced the appointment of Mr. Frederic Lebegue as the General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Mr. Lebegue brings a wealth of experience and an impressive track record of success in the dynamic realm of the hospitality industry.
Hailing from France, Mr. Lebegue is renowned for his value-driven leadership approach, and his ability to foster development within diverse multicultural teams. His illustrious career includes pivotal leadership roles at esteemed properties such as Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, and Harmonie Golf & Beach Estate in Mauritius, as Cluster General Manager, Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa Fiji Islands, Double Tree by Hilton Fiji, Sonaisali Island as Cluster General Manager, and Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, and Conrad Bali in Indonesia, as General Manager.
His invaluable expertise has also significantly contributed to the Maldives tourism industry, notably during his tenure as General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Maldives (JA Manafaru Maldives), and as the Director of Operations at Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island. Mr. Lebegue’s ability to orchestrate high-performing teams that resonate with the unique rhythm of Hard Rock culture and the wealth of Maldives’ experience he brings as a seasoned senior hospitality professional are truly remarkable.
Mr. Lebegue has consistently demonstrated his expertise in driving commercial, financial, and sustainable performance. His accomplishments extend beyond the conventional notes, encompassing successful tenures at renowned properties, large-scale renovation projects, innovative team development strategies, and the implementation of resonant corporate social responsibility programs. Beyond the spotlight of his professional accolades, Mr. Lebegue is not just a maestro in the hospitality industry; he is a dedicated advocate for community initiatives. As a board member actively engaged with various foundations supporting education and sustainability goals, he sets a standard that perfectly harmonizes with the ethos of the Hard Rock brand as well as one of the core pillars of sustainability goals for the brand – Save the Planet.
“We are turning up the volume of excitement as Mr. Lebegue joins us at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. His extensive experience, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence will be the driving force behind the continued success and growth of our Hard Rock Hotel Maldives,” stated Mr. Michael Marshall, Chief Executive Officer, and Graham Kiy, Area Vice President Hotel Operations EMEA – Hard Rock International. “We eagerly anticipate the positive impact of this much-anticipated addition to our leadership team.”
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is gearing up for a new era of excellence under Mr. Lebegue’s guidance, where his passion for the industry will be the main riff in delivering unparalleled guest experiences. This appointment marks a key chord in the brand’s commitment to providing a rockin’ stay in the heart of the Maldives.
Gastronomy
Rashid Ahmadzada appointed as Executive Sous Chef at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Rashid Ahmadzada as the new Executive Sous Chef. With an impressive fifteen years of culinary expertise, Rashid brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating exceptional dishes that reflect culinary excellence.
Before joining, Rashid served as Chef De Cuisine at JW Marriott Absheron in Azerbaijan and held various positions in well-established properties across Kazakhstan and Montenegro, consistently delivering outstanding service throughout his career. He is also known for his leadership in the kitchen, embracing his culinary team to achieve collective goals as a team. He is committed to continuously improving through active participation in various training programs and exposures. His dedication to culinary arts aligns seamlessly with Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa’s promises to provide unparalleled dining experiences with Back to Basic twist boasting across seven dining outlets, In Villa Dining, the curated Destination Dining, as well as banquet and catering.
Beyond the kitchen, Rashid enjoys playing chess, curling himself in good books, and maintaining his fitness through regular exercise. Despite being away from his family, he is excited to embark on this new chapter in the Maldives, captivated by the beauty of the beach and its sunny weather.
Rashid Ahmadzada will be working alongside Executive Chef Riccardo Pinna, and both chefs are enthusiastic about elevating the culinary offerings at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. Together, they aim to bring innovative and delectable dining experiences to guests, making the resort the preferred destination for not only the beauty of its island but also its culinary excellence.
Gastronomy
Simon Joublanc takes the helm as Executive Chef at Baglioni Maldives

Baglioni Maldives Luxury has announced the appointment of Simon Joublanc as its new Executive Chef. With a culinary career spanning over two decades and a diverse portfolio that includes renowned establishments such as Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-Starred restaurants, Hilton, Marriott, InterContinental, and Six Senses, Joublanc brings a wealth of experience and innovation to his new role.
Originally hailing from France, Joublanc discovered his passion for the culinary arts early on. His journey began with formal education in Hospitality Administration and Management at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, setting the stage for a remarkable career trajectory.
Joublanc’s dedication to his craft became evident during his tenure as Sous Chef at Gordon Ramsay’s esteemed establishments, where he honed his skills and developed a keen understanding of the finer aspects of culinary excellence. His culinary journey has taken him across continents, leaving an indelible mark on some of the world’s most renowned luxury hospitality brands.
In his new role as Executive Chef at Baglioni Maldives, Joublanc will spearhead menu designs and introduce innovative concepts aimed at elevating the overall guest experience. His responsibilities extend to providing strategic direction for all culinary operations within the resort, ensuring a seamless fusion of flavors that resonate with the resort’s commitment to luxury and excellence.
Known for fostering high-performance teams and a commitment to unique food presentation, Joublanc brings a distinctive touch to every culinary endeavor. His previous role as Executive Chef at Six Senses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia showcased his ability to seamlessly integrate local flavors with international culinary trends, creating a harmonious culinary experience for guests.
Baglioni Maldives is poised to benefit significantly from Joublanc’s culinary expertise, as the resort continues to position itself as a premier destination for luxury, relaxation, and gastronomic indulgence. Guests can anticipate an array of meticulously crafted dishes that reflect Joublanc’s dedication to culinary innovation and excellence.
The appointment of Simon Joublanc reflects Baglioni Maldives’ commitment to providing guests with an unparalleled dining experience, reaffirming its status as a top-tier luxury destination in the Maldives.
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