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Adaaran, Heritance Hotels produce four finalists at Stelliers Hotelier Awards
In the midst of a pandemic and growing concerns worldwide, one positive ray of sunshine has emerged for staff and management at Aitken Spence Hotels Maldives with the selection of four employees to the final round of the Stelliers Hotelier Awards 2020.
Adaaran Select Meedhupparu’s Human Resources cum Learning and Development Manager Ahmed Anwar is among the finalists for ‘CSR Hotelier’ accolade, with Adaaran Prestige Vadoo’s Executive Housekeeper Beede Perera listed in the ‘Housekeeping Hotelier’ category.
Heritance Aarah’s Executive Sommelier Lenka Praveen is among the finalists of ‘Sommelier & Mixologist Hotelier’ category, while Aitken Spence Hotel Maldives’ Corporate Assistant General Manager for Talent Management and Quality Assurance Tharaka Appuhamy is up for a win in the categories of ‘Sustainability Hotelier’ and ‘Corporate Hotelier’.
This years’ achievements mark an important milestone for the group as not one but four finalists made it to the finals, representing both brands, Adaaran Resorts and Heritance Hotels.
The annual Stellier Awards, which debuted as The Hotelier Awards in 2014, recognise professionals in the hospitality industry based on their performance in the respective fields, as well as key aspects such as personality and team work.
Among the finalists are some of Aitken Spence Hotel Maldives’ brightest stars and upcoming talent.
With Ahmed Anwar from Meedhupparu being part of the Spence family since 2007, his contribution towards the uplifting of thousands of lives over the years have been monumental. His passion to go beyond the confines of his role allowed him to champion various CSR programmes.
Over the years, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo has been known for its exceptional service and commended on the quality of accommodation and public spaces. The team lead behind this success is Beede Perera, the resort’s Executive Housekeeper. Counting over 23 years of experience within the industry, he has certainly brought a unique touch to the resort and is deserving of the accolade.
Among the finalists is Heritance Aarah’s Lenka Praveen, whose foray into the field came just over one and half years ago. His enthusiasm to learn, continued passion to better his skills and thirst to innovate are well recognised with his listing as a finalist in the ‘Sommelier & Mixologist Hotelier’ category.
Aitken Spence Hotel Maldives’ Corporate Assistant General Manager for Talent Management and Quality Assurance Tharaka Appuhamy — recipient of ‘Stelliers South Asia Human Resources Hotelier of the Year’ in 2019 — is up for two wins this year. Having entered the Spence Maldives family in 2016, Appuhamy has risen in the corporate ladder owing to his sheer drive and focus.
These four are among the 98 finalists who were virtually selected for the final stage of the prestigious Stelliers Hoteliers awarding platform. Winners will be announced at a glamorous awards ceremony on December 4 in Macau.
Aitken Spence Hotels is known for its trendsetting approach to creating a holiday experience unlike any other. Over the years, the hospitality giant has invested heavily on training and development along with research and development to stay abreast of the trends and curating aspirational and memorable stays.
Aitken Spence is a well-recognised international resort chain that has been in operation in the Maldives since 1993. The chain has been very active in establishing a solid training ground for many local hoteliers and has upheld the responsibility of grooming local talent towards forging a career in the field of resort operations.
The Aitken Spence Hotels portfolio consists of 22 hotels: 10 in Sri Lanka, one in India, seven in the Maldives (750 rooms), and four in Oman.
The company launched its latest Maldivian property in 2019 with the opening of Heritance Aarah, a premier all-inclusive resort in the northern Raa atoll.
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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