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The Ritz-Carlton makes key corporate appointments for debut Maldives resort

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The Ritz-Carlton has made key appointments to the revenue and finance department of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands, the upcoming debut hotel in Maldives by Marriott International’s flagship luxury brand.

Wendy Christ joins the resort’s pre-opening team as Director of Revenue Management. Meeran Mohidhin will serve as the Director of Finance, supported by Mifraz Mohamed in his capacity as the Assistant Director of Finance.

Wendy Christ

Hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia, Wendy has been working with Marriott International in revenue management. His previous role as Market Revenue Manager involved heading the revenue management function for JW Marriott, Mayflower Executive Apartments, and The Ritz-Carlton Mega Kunigan in Jakarta.

Wendy first gained exposure in sales in 2009 as a Reservations Agent at Harris Hotel Tebet Jakarta before joining Aston Hotel & Conventions Gading Serpon as Reservation and E-commerce Supervisor.

He built a successful career with TAUZIA Hotel Management, where he held his first leadership role as Assistant Revenue and Distribution Manager in 2012, and was subsequently promoted to the position of Cluster Revenue and Distribution Manager – Bandung Area.

Wendy left TAUZIA Hotel Management in 2017 to join Marriott International as the Revenue Manager at Four Points Thamrin by Sheraton, followed by Market Revenue Manager at JW Marriott, Mayflower Executive Apartments, and The Ritz-Carlton Mega Kunigan.

“With over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Wendy is an expert in revenue management. Possessing exceptional qualities of positive thinking and experience working at Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton, he will be a great addition to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives team,” an announcement read.

Meeran Mohidhin

Originally from India but holding Canadian citizenship, Meeran has come a long way since starting his career in the late 1990s as a front office receptionist.

Meeran, who joined the pre-opening team of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives in June, brings over 20 years of international experience in financial and management accounting.

With a strong track record of proven success in leading teams to deliver financial success, he has solid knowledge of hotel operations as he previously oversaw operations as the Executive Assistant Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel in Beijing, China.

Meeran spent nearly 17 years working as the Director of Finance / Financial Controller at a number of leading hotels in the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Canada, China, Bahrain, Seychelles and Maldives. These include Velaa Private Island (Maldives), The H Hotel & Office Tower (Dubai), Radisson Blu Plaza (Bangkok and China), Westmont Hospitality Group – Arc The Hotel (Ottawa), Westin Bristol Place Hotel (Toronto), and three Le Meridien properties (Seychelles).

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of Mumbai, specialising in financial management, auditing, IT systems.

Mifraz Mohamed

Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Mifraz started his career at Ernst & Young Sri Lanka in 2012. He later transferred to Ernst & Young’s office in Maldives and took up the position of Senior Accountant cum Auditor.

After his career with Ernst & Young, Mifraz spent nearly seven years at the W Maldives before joining The Ritz-Carlton Maldives in May.

During his time at the W Maldives, Mifraz held several management roles. He started as a Finance Assistance, but was later promoted to the positions of Accountant and Chief Accountant. Most recently, he served as the Assistant Director of Finance.

At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Mifraz will work under the general guidance of Director of Finance Meeran Mohidhin.

Mifraz will assist Meera in creating and executing a business plan that is aligned with the property and The Ritz-Carlton’s business strategy. He will focus on executing financial and accounting tasks, with the goal of delivering desirable financial results.

Located in North Male Atoll, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands will be part of Rah Falhu Huraa lagoon development, a lively integrated Marina Village and Resort Destination with world-class luxury living and recreation facilities.

Stretching over four islands, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands will feature a collection of 100 island and overwater villas. The resort’s five food and beverage options, distributed throughout the four islands, will offer guests all-day dining along with Italian, Chinese and Japanese teppanyaki specialties. Uniquely designed facilities include an experiential Kids Club, Recreation Club and Spa.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands is 50 minutes away from the Maldives main Velana International Airport by speedboat and 10 minutes by seaplane.

Part of Marriott International, the iconic Ritz-Carlton has 101 luxury hotels and resorts in 30 countries and territories with 27,650 rooms.

Marriott already runs five resorts in the Maldives: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa, W Maldives, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, and the JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa.

Cover photo: From right to left, Meeran Mohidhin and Wendy Christ.

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Barcelo Nasandhura Malé to open in Q1 2025

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Barcelo Nasandhura Malé, the Maldives’ newest luxury destination, is set to open its doors in Q1 2025.

Located on the site of the former Nasandhura Palace Hotel, the property will become the largest hotel in the capital, Malé. With 136 elegantly designed rooms, including 95 with stunning ocean views, and 116 luxurious serviced apartments, Barcelo Nasandhura Malé promises a unique blend of sophistication, comfort, and convenience in the heart of this vibrant city.

Operated by the renowned Spanish hotel chain Barcelo Group, the hotel represents a significant expansion of the brand’s presence in the Maldives and beyond. Barcelo Group, known for its exceptional resorts, recently opened Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives in South Ari Atoll in August 2024, further solidifying its growing portfolio in the region. In addition to its Maldivian properties, Barcelo Group manages a range of high-profile hotels across the UAE, Thailand, and several European countries.

Barcelo Nasandhura Malé will feature an array of premium facilities, including four upscale dining outlets, a rooftop shisha bar, an oceanfront pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a luxurious spa. The hotel will also boast 1,034 square meters of versatile MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space, making it an ideal venue for corporate events and gatherings.

While some serviced apartments were initially intended for residential use, they will now be available for daily rental, offering guests enhanced flexibility and a wider range of accommodation options. Originally scheduled to open on December 1, 2024, the opening has been slightly delayed due to minor construction work. However, the team remains committed to ensuring Barcelo Nasandhura Malé is ready to welcome its first guests in Q1 2025.

Barcelo Hotel Group, awarded World’s Leading Hotel Management Company 2023 by the World Travel Awards, is the second-largest hotel chain in Spain and ranks among the 30 largest globally in terms of the number of rooms. Founded in 1931, this family-run organisation operates 280 four- and five-star city and holiday hotels, offering more than 62,000 rooms across 25 countries. The group markets its hotels under four distinct brands, each focused on providing diverse and memorable travel experiences.

Renowned for its commitment to excellence and sustainability, Barcelo Hotel Group delivers exceptional stays, seamlessly blending luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

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Denise Hoefer brings world-class Padel to The Nautilus Maldives

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As part of its ‘Masters for Masters’ series, The Nautilus Maldives will host Denise Hoefer, Germany’s No. 1 padel player and one of the world’s top 50 most influential figures in the padel industry, for an exclusive Padel Masterclass from March 22 to 25, 2025. This exceptional event invites guests to enhance their padel skills under the expert guidance of a global champion, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ Indian Ocean.

Padel, recognised as the world’s fastest-growing sport, has captured the hearts of 30 million enthusiasts globally, according to the International Padel Federation. This March, The Nautilus will provide a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in this thrilling game during a four-day Padel Masterclass led by Denise Hoefer, Germany’s top-ranked female padel player and captain of the German national team. Participants will refine their techniques on The Nautilus’s state-of-the-art padel court, while experiencing the island’s signature blend of world-class coaching and timeless, unscripted hospitality.

The Padel Masterclass will feature a tailored mix of group and private sessions, catering to players of all levels. Younger participants will have the chance to join the Young Wonderers program, offering specially designed classes that introduce the sport in a fun and engaging way. After an energising day on the court, guests can unwind at Solasta Spa, where exclusive treatments by Maison Caulières—such as Spinal Connection Deep Tissue Healing, Volcanic Stone Therapy, and Warm Poultices—promise ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. These tranquil spa experiences provide a perfect complement to the day’s dynamic activities, leaving participants refreshed and revitalised.

With just 26 ultra-luxury houses and residences, The Nautilus offers an intimate sanctuary within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Surrounded by powder-soft white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, this private island retreat redefines bespoke hospitality. Every element is meticulously crafted to inspire, offering guests an unparalleled ultra-luxury experience focused on relaxation, renewal, and discovery. Whether honing padel skills or embracing the serenity of island life, The Nautilus stands as the ultimate destination for discerning travellers.

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BBM, Lifebuoy empowers hygiene practices among Maldivian children

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BBM, in collaboration with Lifebuoy, marked Global Handwashing Day 2024 with engaging activities aimed at instilling the habit of proper hand hygiene among Maldivian school children. Held on November 17th, the event continued the successful “H for Handwashing” campaign, blending education with creativity and fun.

The initiative featured info sessions, exciting games, and creative contests designed to teach children the importance of handwashing while giving them a hands-on understanding of the correct techniques. Activities ranged from reimagined board games like “Germs & Ladders” and “Handwashing Ludo” to interactive sessions that reinforced hygiene habits in an enjoyable way.

This campaign underscores BBM’s commitment to fostering healthier practices among the younger generation, contributing to a healthier and more hygienic Maldives. COO of BBM, A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, emphasised, “At BBM, we believe that empowering the next generation with the knowledge and tools for better hygiene practices is vital for building a resilient and healthy community. We are proud to continue our efforts in collaboration with partners like Lifebuoy.”

Adding to this, Muksith Hussain, Head of Retail Sales at BBM, shared, “Reaching children through such innovative initiatives helps us lay the foundation for a healthier tomorrow. We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and participation of these young minds in learning the importance of hygiene.”

The event also saw valuable support from the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC), whose contributions enriched the experience for the children. BBM expressed gratitude for MRC’s involvement, as their efforts played a key role in making the event impactful and memorable.

Through campaigns like this, BBM aims to nurture a lifelong habit of handwashing, creating a brighter and healthier future for the Maldives.

Let’s keep the spirit alive—join the Handwashing Revolution with BBM and Lifebuoy!

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