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Legendary hotelier Sol Kerzner passes away

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Legendary hotelier Solomon ‘Sol’ Kerzner, who was instrumental in revolutionising the Maldives tourism industry, has passed away, his family announced Saturday.

The South African hotel mogul, 84, died of cancer at his family home in Cape Town.

The son of Russian immigrants, Kerzner was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1935. The youngest of four and the only son, Sol was a working class boy from a rough neighbourhood but he would grow up to become one of the most influential entrepreneurs in South Africa.

Having founded the country’s two largest hotel groups — Southern Sun and Sun International — Kerzner would go on to achieve international prominence with groundbreaking resorts that helped transform the tourism industries not only of his home country but of Mauritius, the Maldives, The Bahamas, Dubai and other important international destinations.

The complexity and sheer determination of the man is only hinted at by the fact that at the age of 12, Kerzner played with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra while, in the same year, he took up boxing – initially for reasons of self-defence in the tough Bez Valley suburb where he grew up and, later, as a serious sport.

Almost needless to say, by the time he graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a degree in accountancy, Kerzner was varsity welterweight champion.

For someone who lived much of his life in the public eye, Kerzner was a surprisingly private person and although many of his former colleagues and partners will attest to this remarkable man’s fighting spirit and grit, few knew that he also had a softer side.

Kerzner’s career in hospitality began in 1962 when he decided to leave the accounting profession and purchased The Astra, a small inn in Durban, South Africa.

Kerzner quickly transformed this rundown establishment into one of the most popular hotels in the area, a success that whetted his insatiable appetite for innovation and demonstrated a trademark ingenuity that would define his 60-year-long career.

Aged just 26, Kerzner became convinced that there was in South Africa an opportunity for a hospitality offering far ahead of anything that was available then in the country.

At a time when no one thought it could be done, Kerzner’s breakthrough project was The Beverly Hills, Umhlanga Rocks, the first five-star hotel in all of South Africa. Built on a deserted stretch of coastline North of Durban, once again Kerzner defied the odds and the hotel became a great success and earned him a reputation as South Africa’s pre-eminent hotelier.

Kerzner went on to build the 450-room Elangeni Hotel on the Durban beachfront and then partnered with South African Breweries to establish Southern Sun Hotels, which by 1983 operated 30 luxury hotels encompassing more than 7,000 keys.

Kerzner’s most monumental and controversial achievement was the creation of Sun City. In an area north of Johannesburg where there were no roads and no infrastructure, Kerzner imagined and delivered the most ambitious resort project in all of Africa.

Commencing work in 1975, over the next 10 years, Kerzner built four hotels, a man-made lake, two Gary Player golf courses, and an entertainment centre with an indoor 6,000-seat arena, which played host to a world-class roster of artists including Queen, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli, Shirley Bassey, as well as huge world title fights, and many other spectacular events.

Once again, Kerzner defied the naysayers to train a best of breed workforce and to operate Sun City on a totally non-racial basis. Even the most cynical of visiting overseas journalists had to concede defeat in trying to find racism behind the operation of the vast resort.

From his earliest hotels, Kerzner was guided by a single driving imperative: to ‘blow away the customer’. When scouting for locations around Durban, or later in Mauritius or The Bahamas, if Kerzner was not ‘blown away’ by the location, he would move on and find another stretch of beach to build the hotel and resort.

‘Second-best’ or ‘Good enough’ was never an option for Kerzner, or for the thousands of people who worked for him from Bophuthatswana to Dubai and this rare blend of creativity and acute business acumen earned Sol a reputation and celebrity status throughout South Africa.

In 1994, following the first democratic elections in South Africa, Kerzner was asked by the newly-elected President Nelson Mandela to arrange the VIP function for the presidential inauguration, which was attended by most of the world’s leaders and Heads of State.

It was a special occasion and one that cemented Kerzner’s close relationship with the iconic world statesman who said of Kerzner: “He makes a difference everywhere he goes. Sol, thank you for changing our world!”

Theirs was a genuine friendship that would endure until Mandela’s own passing in 2013.

In 1994, Kerzner made his first major acquisition outside Africa — The Paradise Island Resort in The Bahamas. Here, he launched a major re-development and expansion project and transformed this bankrupt property into the extravagant Atlantis Resort, a revolutionary 2,300-room resort that included one of the world’s largest man-made marine habitats and the Caribbean’s biggest casino.

Atlantis, with its coherent theme, story and mythical legend held massive appeal to visitors of all ages. Later expansions at Atlantis of The Cove and The Reef hotels added a further 1,100 rooms.

By this time, Kerzner was working closely with his son, Butch, whom he had persuaded to move from a promising career in corporate finance to join him at the company, which had then been rebranded as Kerzner International.

Kerzner and Butch’s ascent as internationally acclaimed hoteliers continued and in 1996 the father and son duo built their first casino resort property in the United States — The Mohegan Sun — a property that is still today one of the largest gaming and entertainment complexes in North America.

Reflecting on Kerzner’s international accomplishments, Ian Douglas, a friend and employee at Kerzner’s various companies for 20 years commented: “Sol was someone who possessed a rare combination of creative genius, uncanny financial acuity and an astonishing energy, which he poured into every business he touched. Nothing he built was ever boring and he never chased the money. He only chased success. He was always trailblazing, always in pursuit of bigger, better, new, different, more exacting and exciting projects around the globe.”

Kerzner and Butch went on to launch One&Only Resorts, which established award-winning luxury properties in The Bahamas, Mexico, Mauritius, the Maldives, South Africa and Dubai.

True to Kerzner’s nature as an innovator and perfectionist, each One&Only property was not only unique in its design and ambiance, the brand set a new standard in the casual luxury resort space by offering the finest guest experience across every possible touchpoint.

Kerzner arrived in the Maldives in 2001, opening One&Only Kanuhura (now Kanuhura Maldives, and managed by Mauritius-based Sun International), one of the first resorts that helped transform the Indian Ocean island nation from a low-cost holiday destination to a luxury paradise favoured by the world’s rich and famous.

In 2005, Kerzner expanded the Maldives portfolio by building the ultra-luxury One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives resort. It still remains as one of the top resorts in the world.

In 2006, Butch, who had recently assumed the role of CEO of Kerzner International, was tragically killed in a helicopter accident while scouting for sites in the Dominican Republic. Kerzner, who was by then Executive Chairman of Kerzner International, decided to return to the role of CEO, to continue the work of the company and to complete what he and Butch had been working on.

Jeff Rubenstein, a lifelong friend, remembers those difficult days well: “Sol believed that no matter where you come from, if you put in the hours, you would succeed. He never used his circumstances or the tragedies he experienced in his life as an excuse for failure. If tragedy was a burden to Sol, hard work was the antidote and he himself always said, ‘you just gotta box on’.”

Kerzner proceeded to extend the Atlantis brand globally with the development of Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai. This $1.5 billion, 1,500-room destination resort featured the largest aquarium and waterpark in the Middle East, luxury retail outlets, and restaurants featuring internationally renowned celebrity chefs.

Opening in late 2008 with the world’s largest ever fireworks display, the astonishing opening party achieved international media acclaim and attracted celebrities and visitors from all over the planet.

In 2009, Kerzner returned to Africa to develop the 500-room Mazagan Beach Resort in Morocco and also opened the One&Only Cape Town, situated in the famous V&A Waterfront.

Around the time of the launch of the One&Only Cape Town, Kerzner said: “I went back to the Beverly Hills recently and I was so pleased to see there were still six people there who’d been with me in 1964. It’s still a very good hotel. I think that one has to accept that over time we will experience good times, and times that aren’t so good. But if I look back and wonder what I would have changed and done different, there’s not too much. I think I’ve been fortunate to have a very broad experience of life in many ways.”

“So, for me it’s been an interesting journey. I have had tough times and good times and through it all I have been determined to get it done. I can’t imagine doing anything else, it’s been a blast. Every day that I spent in business was a joy!”

In December 2010, Kerzner’s passion for hospitality was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, with the award of the insignia Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG). Kerzner never used the title and was always surprised and amused when people addressed him as ‘Sir Sol’.

In 2012, the One&Only Group announced projects in China, Australia, and Montenegro, and the following year saw the unveiling of plans for the third Atlantis Resort on China’s Hainan Island.

Proposals to expand Atlantis, Dubai with 800 additional rooms and over 230 luxury residential apartments in the Royal Atlantis development were also announced, with Kerzner leading the planning and design of these new projects for Kerzner International.

In 2014, Kerzner finally decided to exit Kerzner International and retired as chairman of the company.

Kerzner’s impact on the international resort industry cannot be understated. From his modest start in life, Kerzner’s career spanned six decades, establishing well over 80 hotel and casino properties, in more than a dozen countries. Kerzner’s determination, perseverance, and monumental ingenuity have truly transformed the integrated destination resort space, and his impact on the industry can be seen and felt all over the world.

In spite of his international celebrity status and the demands of maintaining a massive business reputation, Kerzner always remained an intensely family-oriented person.

Andrea, his daughter reflects: “Dad taught us family values — no matter how busy he was, he always made time for us, his family. He would take a call from any one of us in the middle of an important meeting or fly half-way across the world to get to a grandchild’s birthday party. For Dad, his family were everything, his joy.”

Kerzner is survived by his children Andrea, Beverley, Brandon and Chantal and 10 grandchildren. His eldest son, Howard ‘Butch’ Kerzner died in 2006.

Sol Kerzner will be buried at a small, private funeral with only immediate family in attendance.

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BABOR makes Maldives debut at JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

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JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort has announced an exclusive partnership with BABOR, the internationally acclaimed German skincare brand, marking a new chapter in luxury wellness in the Maldives. This collaboration introduces BABOR’s high-performance skincare treatments to the Overwater Spa by JW, offering guests a fusion of advanced formulations and tranquil island experiences.

According to Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, the partnership reflects the resort’s dedication to mindful living, sustainability, and holistic well-being. “Together, we are redefining wellness with transformative treatments at Spa by JW, that harmonise precision skincare with the serene beauty of the Maldives,” Devarapalli noted.

As a first for the country, the resort will offer BABOR’s signature treatments, including the prestigious SeaCreation line. This anti-aging collection utilises marine-based biotechnology and potent oceanic ingredients to revitalise the skin and restore its radiance.

The exclusive Ocean Bliss treatment, crafted specifically for the Overwater Spa by JW, blends BABOR’s SeaCreation products with soothing elements inspired by the surrounding ocean. This luxurious ritual promises visible skincare results and deep relaxation, set within the spa’s four overwater villas, which house six treatment rooms designed to enhance the sensory connection with the Maldivian seascape.

Located in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon and only 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, the JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort offers a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. The resort features 80 private pool villas—including 47 overwater pool villas—that merge traditional island design with contemporary elegance. Guests can explore five distinct dining venues and two bars, each showcasing ingredients sourced from the resort’s own JW Garden.

For BABOR, this partnership marks an important step in its global expansion, solidifying its presence in the luxury wellness market and extending its award-winning skincare offerings to one of the world’s most stunning destinations.

Tim Waller, Co-CEO of BABOR BEAUTY GROUP, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “In today’s fast-paced world, true luxury lies in moments of tranquility and self-care. Our partnership with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort allows us to craft those moments, offering guests a skincare experience that is as indulgent as it is results-driven.”

With a shared commitment to excellence, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort and BABOR now invite travellers to embark on a wellness journey where cutting-edge skincare and the pristine beauty of the Maldives come together in perfect harmony.

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Explore Maldives with Marriott’s family fun summer offer

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With its postcard-perfect scenery and tranquil seclusion, the Maldives has long been a dream destination. Today, it’s also becoming a premier getaway for families, where multigenerational travel and immersive experiences take centre stage. Whether stargazing from a hammock by the shore or diving into coral-fringed lagoons, the islands offer a harmonious blend of peace and adventure—creating meaningful moments for travellers of every age.

This summer is all about togetherness, whether with family, grandparents, or lifelong friends. Marriott Bonvoy’s exclusive private island resorts across the Maldives welcome guests with the new Family Fun Summer offer. Each resort is easily accessible by speedboat or seaplane and includes a complimentary Full Board upgrade, free stays and meals for children under 12, and activities such as snorkelling, paddle-boarding, and kayaking. Curated family adventures add to the appeal, with the offer bookable until June 15, 2025, for travel through December 20, 2025 (minimum four-night stay required).

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invites families to reconnect through refined service, striking architecture, and enriching activities. The Ritz Kids program, part of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment, engages children in marine conservation and cultural immersion. Complimentary Coral Garden Snorkelling and nature-inspired activities unfold alongside beach fun and tennis sessions. The resort offers spacious beach and overwater villas, with larger groups enjoying The Ritz-Carlton Estate—complete with a private chef, infinity pool, and dedicated Aris Meeha butler.

JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort sits in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon, blending Maldivian tradition with stylish luxury. The Family by JW™ Kids’ Club provides a large indoor-outdoor playground with water features, reading spaces, and nap areas. Complimentary water-sports, marine life encounters, and a Maldivian cooking class offer rich experiences. Families may opt for the Ocean Residence, which includes a spa room, gym, and a waterslide into the lagoon.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, located on Furanafushi Island, offers rustic-chic villas and heartfelt island experiences. The ‘Side by Side’ program includes beach picnics, cooking classes, and nature walks, while kids enjoy the Sheraton Adventure Club. The Family Fun Summer offer includes complimentary speedboat transfers, dining credits, spa discounts, and cultural experiences such as coral planting through ‘Adopt a Coral’.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, set on a remote island in Dhaalu Atoll, is designed for luxurious family escapes. Multi-bedroom villas offer privacy and panoramic ocean views. Guests enjoy curated experiences including private yacht trips, snorkeling, and trampoline classes. Children receive personalized welcomes and can explore the Children’s Club or socialize in the teen lounge. The Family Fun Summer package includes Champagne on arrival and a Sunset Dolphin Cruise.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa on Vagaru Island, Shaviyani Atoll, is ideal for multigenerational families. Beach and overwater villas include private pools and Thakuru butlers. Children explore over 100 weekly activities at the expansive Little Griffins Kids’ Club. Adults unwind at Spa by JW or savor farm-to-table cuisine. The family package features floating breakfasts, beachfront dinners, professional photography, and exclusive dining offers.

W Maldives, located on a heart-shaped island in North Ari Atoll, brings bold energy to the tropics. A recent renovation introduced the Splinterworks Vertex—Maldives’ first sculptural water slide. The redesigned villas, dynamic dining, and the WET Deck with vibrant nightlife offer a balance of fun and relaxation. Guests also enjoy a Sunset Dolphin Cruise and access to the stunning house reef at DOWN UNDER.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort in Baa Atoll, the country’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers a wellness-focused family retreat. Guests sleep soundly with Westin’s signature Heavenly® Beds and Sleep Well amenities. Kids benefit from the Savvy Sleep program, while the whole family can join yoga classes or recharge with WestinWORKOUT® activities. The summer offer includes painting sessions, dolphin cruises, photo shoots, and beach games.

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa on Thilamaafushi Island, Lhaviyani Atoll, is a stylish, eco-conscious retreat inspired by the French Riviera. Families enjoy creative workshops, conservation projects, and lively events like pool parties, trivia nights, and stargazing. The Family Fun Summer package offers paddleboarding, snorkeling, padel matches, karaoke, and dolphin cruises—all set against serene turquoise waters and a thriving house reef.

Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points for their stays and experiences at these luxurious family-friendly resorts. Booking a multi-bedroom villa includes an added bonus of 25,000 points—making each family journey even more rewarding.

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Experience Songkran like never before at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives

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Renowned for its exceptional Thai hospitality and authentic Maldivian experiences, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, stands out as a premier destination for all occasions. Surrounded by turquoise blue waters and pristine white beaches, this tropical paradise invites guests to partake in a vibrant celebration of Songkran, the Thai New Year, on April 13th. The festivities include a traditional parade, thrilling activities, and a lavish dinner buffet under the stars, all complemented by signature island adventures.

Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the resort features 112 spacious beachfront and overwater villas, each just steps from a lively house reef waiting to be explored. Guests can enjoy a range of culinary experiences across the island, from authentic Thai cuisine at Suan Bua, to Italian dishes at Mare Azzurro, and international favourites at Reef. As an all-inclusive retreat, the resort caters to every type of traveller—whether couples seeking romance or families in search of discovery and fun-filled days.

On April 13th, the Songkran celebrations begin with a colourful parade featuring performers dressed in traditional Thai attire. Guests can then head to Water Sport Beach for an exciting array of traditional Thai games, such as Wing Sam Ka (three-legged race), Chuk Kra Yoa (tug of war), and Yeab Look Pong (bomb balloon), where participants tie balloons around their ankles and try to pop those of their opponents.

As the sun sets and the stars emerge, guests are treated to a sumptuous buffet-style dinner celebrating Songkran. Live cooking stations serve favourites like authentic pad Thai, sticky rice, and flavourful clay pot dishes. Grilled meats and fresh seafood are served alongside Thai-inspired desserts such as Kanom Tuay (steamed coconut custard) and Kluay Tab (grilled banana with honey caramel). With toes in the sand and the soothing sound of waves nearby, it offers the perfect atmosphere to gather with loved ones and savour the festivities.

In addition to the Songkran celebrations, April presents ideal diving conditions for those eager to explore the house reef. With crystal-clear visibility of over 30 metres, divers can encounter a fascinating shipwreck, vibrant coral formations, and marine life including nurse sharks, white tips, black tips, lemon sharks, leopard sharks, and rays. The resort’s dive centre provides all necessary equipment and expert guidance to ensure both an unforgettable and environmentally conscious underwater adventure.

This April 13th, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, offers guests an immersive blend of Thai culture and Maldivian charm. With rich cultural moments, thrilling island activities, and unforgettable culinary delights, Songkran at the resort promises a celebration to remember.

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