Featured
Vishen Mootoo appointed sales, marketing director for Olhuveli Maldives
Sun Siyam Resorts has appointed Vishen Mootoo as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives.
With over 15 years’ experience building his career in the field of sales and marketing, Vishen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has been associated with leading brands such as Sun Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, The Small Maldives Island Co. (Amilla Fushi and Finolhu Maldives), and most recently at VARU by Atmosphere.
Taking up the position of Director of Sales and Marketing for Olhuveli, Vishen will oversee relationships with key partners, develop sales growth strategies, and will be actively involved in marketing the much enhanced four-star deluxe property.
The resort has undergone major changes with an increase in room inventory and support facilities, creating a well sought after diamond all-inclusive resort with affordable luxury in mind.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Sun Siyam Resorts. As a passionate hotelier, my aim is to build a stronger presence in the international platform. Another great project to be associated with and working closely with all our partners worldwide, I am enthusiastic to take on this role and good times are ahead of us all,” Vishen was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Passionate, results driven and consistent, Vishen is multi-lingual; in addition to his native Mauritian Creole, he is proficient in French and German.
“We are confident that with his impressive experience we will be able to achieve great results. He will be supported by the resort sales and marketing team, along with head office business development,” the statement issued by Sun Siyam Resorts read.
Set in the turquoise heart of the Indian Ocean that is the Maldives, Olhuveli is situated at the tip of South Male Atoll, accessible by a 45-minute exhilarating speedboat transfer from the main Velana International Airport.
Beautifully designed villas line the powder white sand beach of the island or stand over its turquoise lagoon, fusing modern flair with traditional architecture. It is truly a place where mind and body can relax, the senses can be invigorated and spirit will feel soothed.
At Olhuveli, a myriad of facilities and leisure activities is provided to suit all needs and desires. The Sun Spa boast eight secluded and private spa pavilions along with steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy, a spa boutique as well as a beauty salon. The PADI/SSI diamond dive centre is fully equipped to serve even the most professional diver with a multi-lingual team of experienced and friendly instructors. A wide range of water sports are also available including kite surfing as well as varieties of land sports and off-island excursions for a well deserved break.
The resort has been recently expanded, with the addition of is own private Dream Island. This little island, which connects to the main island of Olhuveli by a walkway bridge, is home to a collection of brand new Grand Water Villas and Grand Water Villas with Pools. A dedicated overwater spa, buffet restaurant, a la carte grill restaurant, bar, swimming pool and conference centre complete the Dream Island offering.
Olhuveli is part of local resort chain Sun Siyam Resorts, which has a portfolio of boutique luxury resorts in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. In addition to Olhuveli, the group runs The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Maldives as well as the newly opened Sun Aqua Iru Veli in the Maldives, and Sun Aqua Pasikudah in Sri Lanka.
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
-
Cooking7 days agoSt. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort to host Asia’s culinary talents for ‘Across the Table’ dining experience
-
Awards1 week agoMachchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives wins ‘Best House Reef’ at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026
-
Cooking1 week agoMichelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
-
Family1 week agoArt, sport and island adventure shape JOALI Maldives Summer Camp 2026
-
Awards7 days agoOBLU SELECT Lobigili named among world’s top 1% hotels in Tripadvisor awards
-
Awards1 week agoSix Senses Laamu tops Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Luxury Awards family resort category
-
Awards1 week agoJOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
-
Awards1 week agoAlila Kothaifaru recognised among top 10% of hotels worldwide


