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The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives appoints Jesper Soerensen as General Manager

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The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, the brand’s newest resort, has appointed Jesper Soerensen as its General Manage.

A Danish national fluent in English, Danish, and German, Soerensen boasts more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has worked at properties around the world, from England, Singapore, and the US to Qatar.

Soerensen’s extensive branding, leadership, and marketing skills will be welcome assets as he oversees every aspect of the resort’s daily operation and leads team members across multiple departments.

“Jesper’s creativity, touch with guests, boundless energy and positive spirit make him a fantastic addition to our team and it’s a pleasure to welcome him to our paradise,” Amar Lalvani, Chief Executive Officer of Standard International, said.

“He has vast experience throughout the world at some really wonderful properties and I am excited for him to help us bring The Standard’s culture to life in our first island resort, and our first property in the region.”

Soerensen comes to The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives from his role as General Manager at the Six Senses Hotels and Resorts in Singapore, where he was a task force leader for the opening, branding, and management of their two five-star wellness properties, Duxton and Maxwell.

In Singapore, he enhanced the resorts’ identities and drove awareness and consumer demand with strategic branding campaigns, in addition to hiring, training, and managing a staff of 175.

Prior to that role, Soerensen was promoted from Hotel Manager to General Manager at the Shore Club beachside resort under the Morgans Hotel Group in Miami Beach.

During his tenure based in Miami, He generated the property’s highest annual revenue target during his time there and oversaw its retail space, spa, three restaurants, nightclub, bars, pool, and beach. His numerous responsibilities also included managing the property’s entertainment, accounting, security operations, corporate training programs, and human resources functions.

Before moving to Miami, Soerensen served as the Director of Rooms for St Martins Lane, a Morgans Hotel Group property in London. He was proactively recruited as Front Office Manager and quickly promoted to be responsible for the performance of the room division.

Soerensen also controlled the hotel’s multi-million-dollar budget and further developed his experience with guest services, engineering, reservations, retail, and the spa.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of bringing an incredible new property like The Standard to the Maldives and Asia,” Soerensen said.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety and health of our guests while maintaining a memorable experience for them. Fortunately, the Maldives is one of the safest remote areas in the world and ideal for social distancing.”

A breathtaking 35-minute seaplane ride away from Velana International Airport, The Standard, Huruvalhi is nestled between the Raa and Baa atolls, on a naturally protected island. Guests can also take a combined 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo and 35-minute speedboat ride to the resort.

Traditionally seen as a couple’s destination, The Standard has taken a fresh approach to its island retreat, offering relaxation, social activities and vibrant cultural experiences that welcome not only couples, but groups of friends and singles looking to reset and recharge in paradise.

Guests are spoilt for choice with a selection of curated experiences and cultural programs that include indigenous basket weaving, a moonlight cinema beneath the stars or join one of their legendary pool parties at the beachside infinity pool.

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives also has some of the most experienced guides for snorkelling and diving excursions through the resort’s protected house reef and local waters.

Drink

Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar

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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.

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Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground

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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.

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World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

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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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