Insiders
Green Initiatives at Baros Maldives

Maldives Promotion House – Since it opened as one of three pioneering resorts in the Maldives nearly 40 years ago, Baros Maldives has been at the forefront of green initiatives in the islands. When it was first developed as a holiday resort, Baros was an uninhabited wilderness of coconut palms and tropical undergrowth surrounded by an untouched, coral sand beach.
The developers, a Maldivian family, recognized that the natural beauty of the island and the flourishing coral reef that protected it, would be the main attraction of the resort. Even in the 1970s when the importance of conservation was unknown in the Maldives, the resort was planned so that the eco-systems would be enhanced, instead of disrupted by development.
Since the beginning of Baros Maldives, paramount in the resort’s evolving into one of the premier resort islands in the world, not just in the Maldives, is a genuine commitment to the environment. The result is a unique combination of environmentally responsible luxury, simple Maldivian authenticity (no monstrous buildings) and practical sustainability.
In addition, awareness programmes are conducted for guests as part of tours to neighbouring village and uninhabited islands, and on the diving and fishing expeditions, to promote understanding for ecological issues. Even the gourmet standard cuisine draws on green initiatives for inspiration, with the cultivation of herbs and vegetables on the island instead of being imported.
Green initiatives have been part of the Baros Maldives environmental ethic for years. These include the re-cycling of all ‘grey’ water so it can be used, after purification, for irrigation of the garden. Baros Maldives was one of the first resorts to install led light systems with a longer lifespan and lower electricity consumption.
All the air conditioning units are CFC free and there is an option of fans for guests who wish to switch off the ac units. Guest villas have been fitted with a heat exchange system that heats water used for bathing.
All the resort’s staff members live on the island and are encouraged to respect the natural surroundings. Staff accommodation and back-of-house areas are supplied with hot water from the heat exchange system fitted to the island’s generators. All chemicals used for the cleaning of kitchens, restaurants, public areas, staff accommodation, guest villas, boats, and in the laundry, are bio-degradable.
Great attention is paid to conservation of the sea, the beaches, the reefs and marine life. The resort has a resident marine biologist who conducts an environmental-
The resident marine biologist is also engaged in the monitoring and safeguarding of the vibrant house reef. A highly successful coral planting project was introduced a few years ago, and guests are invited to participate. Many guests return to see the progress of the coral they have planted.
Guests at Baros Maldives who are novice snorkellers or divers can enrol in the half-day Discover Reef Check Course. Experienced divers who want to do more can enrol in a four-day Eco-Diver certification course. This qualifies guests to help Eco-Dive teams to monitor reefs worldwide.
The theme of Baros Maldives has been ‘green-inspired’
News
JA Resorts & Hotels welcomes Khumar Askerova as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Indian Ocean

JA Resorts & Hotels has announced the appointment of Khumar Askerova as the new Director of Sales and Marketing for the Indian Ocean region. Khumar brings with her an impressive 25 years of experience in sales and marketing within the hospitality industry, and a key appointment to the regional team.
The appointment will see Khumar overseeing sales for the company’s Indian Ocean flagship property JA Manafaru in the Maldives and two properties in the Seychelles, the boutique JA Enchanted Island and luxury villa residencies at JA Enchanted Waterfront.
Khumar is a seasoned sales specialist with a diverse background in the hospitality sector. Fluent in English, native in Russian and Azerbaijani, with a good command of Portuguese and Turkish, Khumar’s multilingual skills underscore her ability to connect with a global audience.
Khumar’s most recent role as the Regional Director of Sales & Marketing at COMO Hotels saw her successfully manage a portfolio of key partners, and her expertise extends to new hotel openings, where she has played pivotal roles in the launch and success of four upper-scale Marriott hotels.
Additional Maldivian experience was gained whilst Khumar was Group Director of Sales & Marketing at Lily Beach Hotels also in the Maldives, where she led a cluster team, overseeing sales, reservations, marketing, and revenue for two islands in the Maldives.
Robert El Khoury, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at JA Resorts & Hotels comments, “We are confident that Khumar’s wealth of experience, strategic vision, and leadership qualities will contribute to the ongoing success and growth of our unique properties in the Indian Ocean. We warmly welcome her to our team and look forward to further developing our international presence with Khumar’s global expertise.”
Khumar holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from Baku State University. She has also obtained certificates in Executive Revenue Management & Strategic Pricing from the Institute of Hotel Management and eCornell Hotel Revenue Management Certificate.
News
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa promotes Mohit Dembla to General Manager

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, renowned as a haven for families and multigenerational travel, has announced the promotion of Mohit Dembla to the position of General Manager.
Mohit Dembla, a seasoned hotelier with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, began his career with The Oberoi Group and later contributed his expertise to prestigious brands including Taj Hotels, Kempinski Hotels, and Minor International across India, the Seychelles, and the Maldives. In 2014, Mohit joined Marriott International as Complex Front Office Manager at Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad. His journey with Marriott International continued in 2018, when he joined JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa as Resort Manager for the grand opening.
Through his tenure at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, Mohit has played a key role in developing and implementing strategies that set the tone for the resort’s success. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences have been integral to the resort’s growth. Demonstrating exceptional managerial skills, he has overseen day-to-day operations and made significant contributions to the resort. His promotion to General Manager is a recognition of his outstanding performance, vision, and ability to lead the team in a dynamic and competitive industry.
Mohit’s leadership centers on fostering a people-first culture, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and teamwork throughout all departments, which has contributed to the resort’s success, consistently delivering exceptional experiences to valued guests.
As General Manager, Mohit Dembla will continue to prioritize teamwork, excellence, innovation, and guest satisfaction. He expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honored to take on the role of General Manager at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. This resort holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to continuing my journey here with an exceptional team, crafting unforgettable moments for our guests.”
Insiders
THE OZEN COLLECTION welcomes new General Managers: Elisabeth Alleyne at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and Monica Coppetta at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI

Elisabeth Alleyne and Monica Coppetta, join as the General Managers at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, respectively, continuing with the progressive brand’s tradition of women leading the resorts.
THE OZEN COLLECTION, an exceptional hospitality brand by Atmosphere Core, is thrilled to announce the appointment of two new General Managers: Elisabeth Alleyne at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, effective from October 2023, and Monica Coppetta at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, effective from November 2023. In their new roles, these two veteran leaders will continue to build upon the strong brand foundation of REFINED ELEGANCE, positioning their respective resorts as the destination of choice for sophisticated global travelers.
Elisabeth Alleyne, a Swedish-Barbadian National, brings over two decades of diverse hospitality experience across Europe, the Caribbean, and in leading luxury cruise liners. A passionate leader, Elisabeth is adept at running smooth operations, regardless of the size of the property. She will play a pivotal role as the General Manager of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, and says, “My leadership style involves inspiring colleagues with creativity, innovation, and dedication, ensuring opportunities for skill building, internal promotions, and professional development. I will always be hands-on and visible in operations, making sure our guests have an unforgettable visit.”
Italian hotelier Monica Coppetta possesses a strong business acumen, a drive for results, and the ability to articulate luxury, having worked in global boutique and luxury environments for over two decades. With a proven track record in delivering results, whether from the perspective of profit, process, or people, Monica is a perfect fit for the role of General Manager at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. She states, “I like to connect emotionally with my team, inspiring them to bring their best every day. Creating an inclusive work environment is very important to me, one where women – and all colleagues – are heard, cared for, and have equal opportunities.”
From the very beginning, influential female leaders have shaped the brand. Women are integral to the workforce at THE OZEN COLLECTION, and both properties have always had women General Managers. This appointment further adds to the stellar female senior leadership already in place at Atmosphere Core.
“We have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion across the company’s portfolio of three brands and eight resorts. And I am delighted to welcome the two talented and dedicated hoteliers, Elisabeth Alleyne and Monica Coppetta to our team.” says Ashwin Handa, the Senior Vice President of Operations at Atmosphere Core.
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