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Noku Maldives welcomes new General Manager

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Noku Maldives has welcomed their new General Manager Manoharan ‘Mano’ Mannarlingam.

Born and raised in Singapore, Mano knew hospitality was the career for him while working part-time in Boulevard Hotel during his school holidays. He enjoyed his time engaging with locals and sharing about Singapore with foreign guests.

When it came to further his studies, he took the opportunity and enrolled himself in the Bachelor of Science programme (Business Administration majoring in Travel Industry Management) at Hawaii Pacific University. During his free time, he had the chance to travel, explored the country and was able to widen his horizon.

Upon graduating from university, Mano returned to sunny Singapore and embarked on his first hospitality career at InterContinental Hotel in 2008. During this time, he moved through the ranks and into different departments from Front Office to Revenue Management.

His passion for hospitality also extended into the classrooms at Raffles Academy Singapore where he was the lecturer and course coordinator for Diploma in Hotel Management educating young aspiring teenagers.

In 2006, he rose from a Front Office Manager to Revenue Manager and was promoted to Director of Revenue Management in 2010. In 2012, he moved on to become the Director of Revenue Management at Orchard Hotel.

In 2013, Mano was appointed the Group Operations Director and General Manager of Scarlet Singapore and the Scarlet Huntington San Francisco. The property in Singapore was lauded the city state’s Leading Boutique Hotel in the 2017 World Travel Awards.

With years of operational and management experience, he took on the role as General Manager of Capri by Fraser in Johor Bahru, Malaysia from 2018 till 2020. He was fundamental in the opening development and progress of the hotel.

“I am thrilled to join the Noku family and have always wanted to get my hands in running a resort and am thankful for the opportunity. With the support from the team we can beat this pandemic and continue to create memorable experiences for our guests that we are fondly known for,” Mano, who is taking up the first resort posting outside of Singapore, said.

A scenic 45-minute flight by seaplane from Velana International Airport takes you to the balmy shores of Noku Maldives. Situated on Kudafunafaru in Noonu Atoll, the resort offers comfort, space and tranquillity that are second to none.

There are 20 spacious beach villas and 30 overwater villas, each designed to offer privacy and fitted with modern amenities that provide comfort. The refined elegance of each villa with its soft white hues and dark wood accents complement the beauty of nature seen through large bay windows and French doors.

For world-class dining, there’s the Palms Restaurant offering delicious local Maldivian and International cuisine. Guests can also choose to dine at Thari Restaurant offering Thai, Japanese and Singaporean cuisines. A wide range of cocktails await at Palms Bar or Thari Bar, with a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean.

To unwind, guests can indulge their senses with our wellness treatments at Noku Spa. The products used are imported directly from Sri Lanka.

Another key attraction at Noku Maldives is the house reef with its thriving ecosystem of dolphins, rays and other aquatic exotica. In partnership with Sub-Oceanic, the resort’s professional dive instructors unveil the diversity of marine life to delight everyone, from amateurs to pros.

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Noku Maldives unveils long-term Sea Turtle Conservation Programme

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Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, has announced the launch of a dedicated Sea Turtle Conservation Programme, developed in partnership with the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre (AMCC). Beginning on 25 November 2025, this long-term initiative strengthens the resort’s commitment to the Vignette Collection pillar Means for Good, reflecting a considered approach to environmental stewardship and responsible hospitality.

The waters surrounding Noku Maldives support a naturally thriving ecosystem, characterised by extensive seagrass meadows, coral-rich shallows, and warm lagoons that provide an essential refuge for sea turtles. In recent years, the island has recorded multiple nesting events along its shores — a rare and significant indicator of the health of its marine environment. The new programme aims to safeguard and enhance this natural heritage.

As part of the collaboration, a full-time AMCC marine biologist will be stationed on the island to lead a comprehensive portfolio of conservation activities. This will include monitoring the local sea turtle population, assessing reef and coral health, supporting long-term scientific research, and conducting fieldwork and outreach initiatives across neighbouring islands.

The programme will also enhance guest engagement through educational talks, guided snorkelling experiences, and hands-on conservation workshops, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with the underwater world in an enriching and meaningful way.

The initiative complements Noku Maldives’ growing suite of Means for Good activities, which already include reef conservation studies, coral restoration projects, cultural experiences, and community-led programmes. Together, these efforts underpin the resort’s commitment to delivering stays that are rooted in authenticity, responsibility, and deep respect for the natural environment.

“Our lagoon has always been a peaceful refuge for sea turtles and marine life,” said Hussain Shahid, General Manager of Noku Maldives. “This partnership with AMCC reflects our dedication to protecting these waters and ensuring they continue to flourish. By bringing conservation, community involvement, and guest education together, we hope to create meaningful and lasting impact for the atoll.”

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From spa rituals to sunrise yoga: Angsana Velavaru champions mindful living

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Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to embark on a holistic journey of renewal that nurtures both body and mind.

At the centre of this experience is the award-winning Angsana Spa, inspired by the timeless essence of Asian wellness traditions. Here, the healing power of touch, scent, and nature come together in harmony. Guests can enjoy a range of treatments designed for both relaxation and family bonding, including restorative massages, revitalising body polishes, and signature rituals that incorporate natural ingredients such as coconut, honey, and tropical herbs. Each therapy aims to rejuvenate, soothe, and restore a deep sense of inner calm that reflects the island’s natural rhythm.

Wellness at Angsana Velavaru extends far beyond the spa. The resort’s approach to wellbeing embraces movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection. Its modern tropical fitness centre provides a tranquil setting for guests to stay active while remaining close to nature. Activities such as aqua aerobics in the Kuredhi Pool and sunrise yoga on the beach combine physical vitality with mindful awareness.

Across the island, guests are encouraged to slow down and reconnect with their surroundings. Guided meditation, breathwork sessions, and sunset yoga create opportunities for reflection and relaxation. These practices are seamlessly woven into the resort’s environment, offering a sense of serenity that lingers long after the stay.

Under the guidance of Wellbeing Director Artemasius Harefa, Angsana Velavaru’s holistic programmes align with Banyan Group’s Eight Pillars of Wellbeing, with a focus on rest, movement, mindfulness, and connection. The result is a collection of experiences designed to inspire balance and renewal, giving guests the opportunity to embrace a more mindful way of living.

“Modern travellers seek more than rest; they seek renewal,” said Artemasius Harefa, Wellbeing Director at Angsana Velavaru. “Our goal is to create experiences that help guests reconnect with themselves and the natural world, turning wellness into a meaningful way of life.”

At Angsana Velavaru, wellbeing is not a moment but a continuous journey shaped by nature, connection, and the healing spirit of the Maldives.

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Trans Maldivian Airways named World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025

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Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world’s largest seaplane operator, has once again strengthened its position as a global aviation leader with new accolades at the World Travel Awards 2025. The airline was named the World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025 and the Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025, acknowledging its continued contribution to air connectivity across the Maldives. The 32nd Annual World Travel Awards ceremony took place at Exhibition World Bahrain and was attended by more than 300 leaders from the international tourism industry.

Established in 1993, TMA has played a central role in shaping the Maldives’ aviation and tourism sectors. Operating the world’s largest seaplane fleet with 65 DHC-6 Twin Otters and serving over 80 resort destinations, the airline provides vital connectivity across the archipelago with a focus on safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Conducting more than 400 flights daily, TMA remains essential in enabling access to resort islands nationwide.

Commenting on the achievement, A.U.M. Fawzy, CEO of Trans Maldivian Airways, said: “This prestigious recognition from the World Travel Awards, year after year, reflects the trust placed in our team by our partners and guests, and the responsibility we carry as the primary air service provider connecting resort destinations across the Maldives. At TMA, our focus remains on continuous improvement and building on decades of service excellence. As the tourism industry in the Maldives continues to evolve and grow, we will continue strengthening our operations and supporting the long-term development of the Maldives as a world-leading destination.”

TMA continues to enhance its operational capabilities through ongoing investments in fleet upgrades, infrastructure, staff training, and technology-driven improvements, ensuring it meets rising demand while maintaining its hallmark of dependable service.

As the Maldives prepares for further growth in visitor arrivals, Trans Maldivian Airways remains committed to working closely with industry partners, supporting national tourism objectives, and ensuring a seamless and reliable travel experience for guests visiting the country’s island destinations.

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