Insiders
Dusit Thani Maldives, Natures Best Friend
Maldives Promotion House – Dusit International has revealed their first venture into the Indian Ocean, Dusit Thani Maldives. Surrounded by a vibrant 360 degree coral reef and turquoise lagoon, this island property is a landmark addition to the company’s global brand. The resort is scheduled to open in early 2012.
Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé. Surrounding the island perimeter, the living house reef is a snorkeler’s paradise, ideal for discovering an underwater world, just metres from the beach. Baa Atoll is not only home to Dusit Thani Maldives but also has the distinction of being a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
“Our entire operation is geared toward achieving a carbon-neutral programme,” General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives, Andres Rubio said. “We’re excited to be one of the leaders in sustainable resort development in the Maldives.”
With the goal of living in harmony with Maldivian biodiversity, Dusit Thani Maldives is launching as a local pioneer in green energy solutions. To ensure minimal impact on the environment, the resort invested in state of the art engineering for efficiency. Its approach includes solar thermal heating in back of the house while the front of the house uses heat recovery pumps, all metered for power consumption.
An on-site water-bottling factory produces still and sparkling mineralized water to reduce one-way plastics. Additionally the hotel laundry is heated by a diesel steam boiler using minimal electricity. LED (light emitting diode) lights illuminate all guest areas at Dusit Thani Maldives.
Green initiatives are in place throughout the entire resort. Biodegradables are used for composting, fertilising and landscaping. Meanwhile restaurant staff does their part by cultivating an herb and vegetable garden lowering the carbon footprint and reducing the reliance on imported produce.
Complimented by the Molton Brown Body Remedies luxury line, Dusit Thani Maldives is the first resort in the Indian Ocean to feature this new range of beauty products in guest villas. As Molton Brown’s most ecologically responsible range to date, all of the plant ingredients are from sustainable sources and packaging is 100 percent recyclable. In addition, their products contain no petrol chemicals or harsh detergents.
The resort is also home to the largest infinity pool in the Maldives. Measuring a full 750 square metres, Dusit Thani Maldives’ centrepiece integrates technology and nature and flows around a stately banyan tree. The environmentally-forward approach also means all pools are installed with a saline system and use no chlorine.
Known for frequent sightings of dolphins and sea turtles, Mudhdhoo Island is only a ten minute speedboat ride to Hanifaru Huraa in Baa Atoll, the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a plankton-rich feeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks.
A popular dive spot frequented by tourists, fishermen and scientists, Hanifaru Huraa is now protected by the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Management Programme. Their goal is to conserve all biological and natural resources within the Atoll and improve the lives of local residents with research, awareness and education. Guests can visit this protected marine zone or simply snorkel the spectacular house reef on Mudhdhoo Island.
Dusit Thani Maldives is fortunate to be located in the backyard of a worldwide-renowned biosphere harbouring such an array of rare species found only in Baa Atoll. Mudhdhoo Island itself is the perfect example of a ring-shaped reef form called a faroe, a peculiar reef structure unique to the Maldives. Since the island is a natural sea turtle habitat, the resort has an extensive hatching awareness programme to protect turtle nesting. The resort is also actively involved in a national shark conservation campaign and aims to achieve a total ban on the shark fishing and the export and sale of shark products.
Serving as a gatekeeper for the local biodiversity, our marine biologist Lauren Arthur educates visitors on the beauty of the underwater world around Mudhdhoo Island. She leads programmes inviting guests to plant and regenerate coral and dives to identify sharks and manta rays. Lauren is a PADI certified-specialist in shark and ray identification who has logged over 150 dives.
Founded in Bangkok in 1949, Dusit International is dedicated to sustainable tourism. A number of Dusit International hotels have attained the Silver Certified Award from Earth Check, the leading environmental management program that sets benchmarks for the tourism industry. Dusit Thani Maldives will participate in the Earth Check certification process and strives to attain carbon-neutral status in the coming years.
News
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort appoints Thaaif Ahmed appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, part of Minor Hotels, has announced the appointment of Thaaif Ahmed as the Director of Sales & Marketing, effective 1 May 2024.
Thaaif brings nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with a significant portfolio of roles within Minor Hotels. His career includes serving as the Director of Sales at NH Collection Maldives, where he played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and fostering strategic partnerships.
Throughout his tenure, Thaaif has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and a profound understanding of the industry landscape. His strategic prowess and collaborative approach have consistently delivered outstanding results, making him a respected figure within the organisation.
In his previous capacity as Cluster Director of Sales, overseeing Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives, Anantara Veli Resort Maldives, and Naladhu Private Island, Thaaif contributed to the success and growth of the brand.
As he assumes the role of Director of Sales & Marketing at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Thaaif is poised to leverage his wealth of experience and expertise to drive brand positioning, enhance revenue streams, and elevate the overall guest experience. His appointment underscores the resort’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality sector.
Please join Stuart De San Nicolas, Cluster General Manager of Anantara Kihavah, Avani+ Fares and NH Collection Havodda plus Riaan Drever, General Manager of Fares in congratulating Thaaif on his well-deserved promotion. We also express our gratitude to Paul Counihan, for his support during our pre-opening and opening stages. Paul will transition to focus on Anantara Kihavah, our sister property in Baa Atoll, while Thaaif assumes leadership at Avani+ Fares Maldives.
Set on the natural tropical island of Fares and surrounded by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s deep blue hues, the resort offers an abundance of aquatic adventures as well as pristine sandy beaches for pure relaxation. With 176 stylish villas, pavilions, and studios, Avani+ Fares welcomes couples and honeymooners, as well as families and groups, with a focus on multi-room accommodation.
News
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives appoints Warren Moore as Executive Chef
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has announced the appointment of Warren Moore as the resort’s new Executive Chef.
Chef Warren Moore hailing from South Africa, brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, having earned his Culinary Degree at City and Guilds Culinary Institute. With over 25 years of distinguished service in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry, Chef Warren is poised to elevate the culinary offerings at Seaside Finolhu to new heights.
In his previous role, Chef Warren served as Executive Chef at Jawakara Maldives, where he showcased his culinary prowess and leadership skills. Prior to that, he spent seven years honing his craft within various properties of the esteemed Crown and Champa Resorts Group. His culinary journey has taken him across continents, including stints in South Africa, Mozambique, London, and the United States.
As the Executive Chef at Seaside Finolhu, Chef Warren will oversee all culinary operations, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and food quality are maintained. His responsibilities include supervising daily kitchen operations, managing food production, and leading kitchen staff with a focus on excellence and innovation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Warren Moore to our team at Seaside Finolhu,” said Steven Phillips General Manager of Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives. “His extensive experience and passion for culinary excellence will undoubtedly enhance the dining experience for our guests and further solidify our reputation as a gastronomic heaven in the Maldives.”
With Chef Warren Moore at the helm, Seaside Finolhu looks forward to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate the rich flavours of the Maldives and beyond.
News
W Maldives promotes Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed to key management positions
W Maldives has announced the well-deserved promotions of two of its dedicated team members, Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed, effective April 15th, 2024.
Ahmed Zahir, known as Coacha, has been promoted from Welcome Manager to Rooms Division Manager. Coacha’s journey at W Maldives began in December 2010 as a Welcome Agent. Over the past 13 years, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, holding various roles within the Welcome department.
Known for his dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences and his outstanding interpersonal skills, Coacha is a true asset to the W Maldives team. His experience extends beyond the resort, having served as a task force member at the St. Regis Red Sea and as a pre-opening trainer. He is also actively participating in the Marriott Kurimagu Program, a program designed to cultivate Maldivian leadership in the hospitality industry. With his extensive knowledge of Welcome operations, Coacha is perfectly suited for his new role as Rooms Division Manager.
Ismail Saeed, also known as Saito, has been promoted from Lounge Manager to Welcome Manager. Saito’s W Maldives story began in March 2010 as a Welcome Agent. He then transitioned to airport operations as a Lounge Ambassador in 2013. Throughout his tenure, Saito has displayed a strong commitment to personal growth, consistently developing his skillset. He has participated in a cross-exposure program at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, working in Housekeeping, and has also supported the resort’s Style operations in the past three months. This diverse experience across multiple departments makes Saito a perfect fit for his new role as Welcome Manager.
The appointments of Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed underscore W Maldives’ commitment to nurturing talent and promoting from within. Both individuals bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and innovation to their respective roles, promising to further enhance the guest experience and uphold the resort’s reputation for excellence.
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