Connect with us

Featured

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa appoints Nikolaus A Priesnitz as General Manager

Published

on

Park Hyatt has appointed renowned hospitality professional Nikolaus A Priesnitz as the General Manager of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, one of the best luxury hotels in Maldives.

A German national with extensive experience across the globe, Priesnitz joined Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa on January 4 and will oversee the reopening of the resort, which is scheduled for February 1.

Priesnitz brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience to Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, in a career holding positions in prestigious hotels and resorts in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, the UAE, the USA, Guam, Thailand and Indonesia.

Priesnitz started his hospitality journey as a culinary apprentice in 1989, and worked his way up through food and beverage roles over the next two decades.

He then ventured into human resources, operations, revenue and compliance roles before his inaugural General Manager role at Hilton Guam Resort & Spa in 2009. He moved to the same position to Hilton Qingdao Golden Beach in 2012.

In 2014, Priesnitz became the Cluster General Manager of Anantara in Bangkok, then Area General Manager for Central and Northern Thailand in 2017.

Since 2019, Priesnitz had been General Manager and Director of Asset Management at Ayana Hotels & Resorts in Indonesia.

Priesnitz holds a degree in Hospitality Management from Hotelfachschule Garmisch-Partenkirchen, an MBA in Hospitality Management from Cornell University and a raft of additional qualifications from Cornell, Hilton and Harvard universities.

Acknowledged for being honest, reliable and imaginative, Priesnitz is a family man and enjoys golfing with his wife and friends and spending time with his three sons, exploring the underwater world, discovering new cultures, dining on home-cooked meals and experiencing new cuisines.

Now in the Maldives, Priesnitz has taken the lead at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa with its team of local talent and hotel Ambassadors.

“My main goal is to influence every member of the team positively and to support their personal and professional development,” he said.

“I plan to create a culture that operates sustainably and with the least possible impact on the environment, and to build relationships with local communities in the spirit of Park Hyatt.”

Priesnitz along with his team are looking forward to the reopening of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa.

“All of the staff and myself look forward to introducing our guests to the wonderful culture of the Maldives. Here, we strive to limit our footprint on this wonderful world, and endeavour to share that sentiment to our guests,” he said.

“In Maldives, we live by the values of Park Hyatt where a true sense of ‘Family’ is in our DNA, rooted in family legacy, sharing knowledge, culture and care. We are waiting to welcome our guests into the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa family.”

Located just 55 kilometres (34 miles) north of the equator, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is an ideal place for private and quiet relaxation.

Seamlessly integrating local culture and environment, all 51 luxuriously villas are minimalist in style, designed and built with guests’ privacy and comfort in mind.

From contemporary settings to casual ambiences, worldwide and regionally inspired dishes are offered for dining options.

Our Maldives spa, The Vidhun Spa embraces local holistic wellness with treatments based on Hoonu (Heating), Fini (Cooling) and Hiki (Hydrating).

Situated at the heart of one of the largest natural atolls in the world, Hadahaa is secluded, away from teeming atolls of the north, with pristine waters and 360° house reef where snorkelling and scuba diving in Maldives are steps from each villa.

Blue Journeys, the resort’s PADI five-star certified dive and activity centre provides a variety of water recreations.

Featured

Travel that matters: indulge in sustainability at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

Published

on

With World Environment Day (5 June) and World Oceans Day (8 June) approaching, and Sir David Attenborough’s highly anticipated film Ocean igniting renewed interest in marine conservation, more travellers are seeking meaningful ways to turn environmental concern into impactful action.

Coco Collection, a leading luxury resort brand in the Maldives, demonstrates that responsible travel and indulgent island experiences can coexist harmoniously. At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, located in the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll, guests are offered the opportunity to actively engage in ocean conservation efforts while enjoying a tranquil tropical retreat.

Far more than a scenic escape, the resort serves as a centre for daily, impactful sustainability work. Conservation initiatives at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu include:

  • Coral restoration projects, led by the in-house marine biologist to regenerate local reef ecosystems.
  • Sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, hosted at the Maldives’ first veterinary-run turtle rescue centre in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. Visitors can tour the centre, observe turtle feedings, and register in advance to volunteer.
  • Turtle hatching monitoring, involving the observation of protected nests to ensure hatchlings can be safely guided back to the ocean.
  • Guided snorkelling and diving excursions in the Baa Atoll’s thriving marine ecosystem, which is home to tropical fish, vibrant coral gardens, and sea turtles.

Following World Turtle Day on 23 May, the resort also commemorates the beginning of turtle hatching season. Weekly marine talks and immersive conservation activities allow guests to deepen their understanding and connection to the ocean.

In 2024, the Olive Ridley Project’s Maldives Research team reported 168 new turtle nests, over 5,264 successful hatchings, and nearly 3,500 turtle sightings. Since 2013, the project has surpassed 40,000 recorded sea turtle encounters, with Coco Collection associates logging the highest number of turtle encounters in the Maldives.

In addition to marine conservation, the resort offers a broad range of water sports — including water skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking — along with cultural experiences through its Coco Experiences programme.

Recognised among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is celebrated for its authentic Maldivian heritage, breathtaking natural surroundings, and steadfast commitment to sustainability.

Whether visitors are nature enthusiasts, aspiring conservationists, or simply seeking a purposeful and mindful retreat, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu provides a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough and contribute to lasting environmental stewardship.

As sustainability-focused holidays approach, the resort is preparing a range of experiences for both guests and staff. Planned activities include tree planting, Saifodhu (a traditional Maldivian high tea accompanied by a display of homemade goods), a sustainable dining experience, and a sustainability presentation led by the resort’s Marine Educator and the ORP team in celebration of World Environment Day. For World Oceans Day, the island is also set to host various sustainability-driven events and experiences.

Continue Reading

Celebration

Escape to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru for Eid, wellness, and ocean adventures

Published

on

This June, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru welcome guests to immerse themselves in a memorable Eid al-Adha celebration, enhanced by a range of wellbeing-focused experiences, sustainability activities, and exclusive seasonal offers. The resorts invite visitors to honour this special time while exploring the Maldives’ rich local culture and breathtaking natural environment.

Tripadvisor has recognised Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru as one of the Top 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the World as part of the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards. This accolade reaffirms the resort’s status as a luxury sanctuary, celebrated for its dedication to excellence and delivering authentic, enriching guest experiences.

Throughout June, guests are invited to reconnect with mind, body, and spirit through a series of carefully curated wellbeing experiences offered at both resorts:

  • Wellbeing Wednesday: Barefoot Grounding Day – Inspired by walking meditation, this experience encourages guests to rebalance and reconnect with nature, promoting a healthier work-life harmony.
  • Global Wellness Day (14 June): Breathwork & Meditation – An intuitive workshop teaching effective breathing techniques to rejuvenate body and mind.
  • International Yoga Day (21 June): Guided Sunset Yoga – Held by the beach, this session offers a peaceful opportunity to embrace mindfulness amidst a stunning natural backdrop.

The resorts commemorate World Environment Week with a series of impactful activities that deepen guest engagement with nature and community:

  • Reef Awareness Day – Guided snorkelling sessions introduce guests to the vibrant marine life of the house reefs.
  • Citizen Science Snorkel & Culture Talk – A morning snorkel followed by an afternoon discussion exploring Maldivian cultural heritage.
  • World Environment Day – Guests can participate in a swim between the islands and join a reef clean-up effort.
  • World Ocean Day – Activities include the removal of coral predators from a nearby reef to protect marine biodiversity.
  • Environment Week Talk – An educational session at the Marine Lab, detailing the Maldives’ environmental narrative.

The resorts celebrate Eid al-Adha with a variety of exclusive experiences and promotions designed to enhance each guest’s stay:

  • Dive More, Pay Less – Guests can uncover the Maldives’ underwater wonders with a special diving promotion that offers increasing savings with each dive.
  • Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru: Stay 3, Pay 2 – A chance to enjoy an extended stay in a serene island retreat, with a complimentary third night.
  • Dhawa Ihuru: Special Eid al-Adha Dinner (6 June) – A festive culinary event celebrating local flavours, culture, and traditions.
  • Exclusive Discounts – Offers include 10% off arts and crafts, 30% off selected watersports and diving activities, and 20% off specially curated guest experiences—inviting travellers to rediscover the magic of the Maldives in unforgettable ways.
Continue Reading

Cooking

Michelin-Star magic: Chef Igles Corelli to host exclusive culinary week at Lily Beach Resort

Published

on

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announce an exclusive culinary collaboration with renowned Italian chef and Gambero Rosso TV personality, Michelin-Star Chef Igles Corelli. This special event will take place from 11th to 18th August 2025, bringing Corelli’s award-winning expertise and distinctive culinary philosophy to the Maldives for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Chef Igles Corelli rose to national and international prominence during the 1980s and 1990s as the head chef of the legendary Il Trigabolo in Ferrara, where he earned two Michelin stars and played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of Italian cuisine. He later founded La Locanda della Tamerice, which earned another Michelin star, and served as executive chef of Atman, further solidifying his reputation for innovation and excellence in the culinary world.

In 2012, Chef Corelli introduced the concept of Circular Cooking on the Gambero Rosso Channel—a zero-waste culinary philosophy that aligns seamlessly with Lily Beach’s commitment to mindful, ingredient-focused cuisine.

Lily Beach is internationally celebrated for its pristine natural beauty, five-star hospitality, and world-class dining experiences. With a wide array of restaurants and bars, the resort offers something to please every palate—from refined à la carte dinners and vibrant live cooking stations to fresh, global cuisine served in relaxed, beachfront settings. Culinary highlights include gourmet international buffets at Lily Maa and signature overwater Asian fusion at Tamarind, each meal elevated by breathtaking ocean views and genuine Maldivian warmth.

During his stay, Chef Corelli will conduct a full-day training session with the resort’s in-house culinary team, culminating in a one-night-only Signature Dinner for guests. In addition, he will curate a daily ‘Dish of the Day’ featured on AQVA Restaurant’s lunch menu throughout the week.

This collaboration reflects Lily Beach’s ongoing dedication to providing exceptional gastronomic experiences. Guests will enjoy the rare opportunity to explore the artistry of a chef who has shaped the course of Italian cuisine and inspired generations of culinary professionals.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll, this culinary event promises a week of elevated dining, innovation, and unforgettable flavours.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.