Featured
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.
Celebration
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef to host ‘Ocean Odyssey’ festive calendar

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has announced its festive programme, Ocean Odyssey – Festive 2025, which will run from 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026. The celebrations will feature a series of performances and activities, including FIRE and LED dance shows, belly dance performances, festive events, and special offers designed to create a memorable island escape.
Couples will be able to enjoy exclusive spa discounts, offering an intimate retreat during the holiday period. Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in a Special Spa Raffle Giveaway and a Grand New Year’s Eve Raffle, with prizes intended to mark the arrival of 2026 in style.
For those seeking adventure, the festive programme will include discounts on a selection of signature experiences. These will range from the Double Action Safari — a chance to encounter both whale sharks and manta rays — to Jet Car rides across the lagoon. Guests wishing to explore beneath the surface will also have access to discounted ‘Try Scuba’ sessions, offering beginners an introduction to diving.
Children will be able to join dedicated activities such as face painting, coconut leaf art, and cooking classes, ensuring that younger guests also enjoy a memorable holiday.
With a natural setting and a programme that combines entertainment, unique experiences, and seasonal celebrations, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is preparing to welcome guests to a distinctive holiday season in the Maldives.
Featured
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli to host exclusive wellness residency with Tricia Tee

This December, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host a wellness residency led by acclaimed Seifu practitioner and sound therapist, Tricia Tee. From 1 to 18 December 2025, Tee will conduct exclusive sessions at the resort’s Iridium Spa.
With over a decade of experience in holistic healing, Tee is recognised for her integrative approach, combining Seifu Therapy with sound healing and essential oils. Seifu Therapy, inspired by Japanese techniques, is designed to release tension, improve circulation, and restore balance through precise and flowing movements. When paired with vibrational sound therapy, the treatments aim to calm the mind, encourage emotional equilibrium, and support physical wellbeing.
During her residency, Tee will guide guests through a series of signature therapies:
- 5 Elements Balancing Therapy with Seifu, Scent, and Sound: A comprehensive treatment that restores energy flow, encourages better sleep, reduces stress, and enhances vitality. It is particularly suited for individuals experiencing fatigue or hormonal changes.
- Hormone Balancing for Menopause/Andropause: A restorative session that alleviates symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and fatigue. Enhanced with sound therapy and essential oils, it supports deep relaxation and renewed energy.
- Reawakening Body Cell/Facelift with Seifu and Tuning Forks: A non-invasive facial therapy combining Seifu techniques with tuning forks to stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, and promote skin vitality.
Set above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Iridium Spa provides a serene backdrop for these personalised sessions. Guests are invited to engage in therapies tailored to their needs, while immersing themselves in the natural tranquillity of the Maldives.
The residency underlines The St. Regis Maldives’ commitment to creating bespoke and exceptional experiences. Tee’s presence offers guests an opportunity to explore holistic wellbeing through a fusion of traditional healing methods and modern luxury.
Private sessions with Tricia Tee will be available throughout her residency, with advance reservations strongly recommended.
Celebration
Parisian glamour meets island serenity at Le Méridien Maldives this festive season

This festive season, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa will welcome guests to a holiday experience shaped by the brand’s signature celebration, La Fête by Le Méridien. Framed by the turquoise waters and white sands of Lhaviyani Atoll, the resort’s curated programme blends Parisian glamour with island serenity.
For 2025, the resort has chosen ‘Parisian Glamour’ as its festive theme, reflecting its European heritage where design, gastronomy, and entertainment converge. Guests will be offered a tapestry of immersive experiences, culinary highlights, and lively beachfront gatherings, designed for both relaxation and meaningful family moments.
Seasonal Highlights:
- Tree Lighting Ceremony – The celebrations begin on 21 December with the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Guests will be welcomed with festive cocktails and a Christmas choir, while a life-sized gingerbread house sets the stage for the island’s transformation into a holiday wonderland.
- Christmas Eve Dinner – Christmas Eve will be marked with a beachfront buffet reimagining traditional dishes with tropical flair. The evening, enhanced by live music and an island ambience, will be included across all dining plans.
- Santa’s Arrival with a Maldivian Touch – Santa will make a unique entrance by boat, bringing gifts and surprises for children. Festivities will continue at The Family Kids Hub with workshops, games, and creative activities.
Throughout the season, dining will take centre stage. Highlights include:
- Sushi Matsuri at Tabemasu, presenting an extensive sushi and sashimi spread.
- La Fête Teppanyaki, paired with Japanese whisky and sake.
- A Spanish-inspired daytime feast at Riviera with sangria.
- Au Soleil Beach BBQ with smoky flavours and live music.
- Shelly Belly & Bubbly, featuring Maldivian lobster and champagne.
- Turquoise with nightly themes, from Asian street food to Maldivian cultural nights.
Children will be able to take part in activities such as gingerbread cookie decorating, festive crafts, and Kids Night Camping beneath the stars. Adults can join culinary masterclasses, mixology sessions, chocolate-making workshops, and wine tastings. Celebrations will include tequila journeys and an adults-only beach party at La Vie. Beyond the festivities, the resort will offer dolphin cruises, snorkelling, paddleboarding, padel tennis, and spa treatments.
On 31 December, guests will ring in 2026 with a Parisian-inspired gala. The evening will feature a decadent feast of foie gras, French oysters, Canard à l’Orange, seafood, and premium barbecue selections. Live music, DJ sets, and performances will accompany the evening, culminating in fireworks and the Vision Tree countdown to the New Year.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is offering an early bird package for bookings made by 15 October. Valid for stays between 15 December 2025 and 15 January 2026, the offer includes a minimum five-night stay with daily breakfast for two, USD 100 daily resort credit, complimentary water sports, and access to the full festive programme.
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