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.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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