Featured
Atmosphere Group appoints new trio of General Managers
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is driving brand positioning by creating the position of Vice President Operations for ‘The White Label Set By Atmosphere’, and also appointing new General Managers for Atmosphere Kanifushi, VARU By Atmosphere, and OBLU SELECT at Sangeli.
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts announced two key internal appointments: Philippe Claverotte as Vice President Operations for The White Label Set By Atmosphere and General Manager of VARU By Atmosphere, and Monica Suri as General Manager of OBLU SELECT at Sangeli.
The group has also appointed Mei P. Pun as the General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi.
Philippe Claverotte will lead operations for ‘The White Label Set’ sub-brand and serve as the General Manager of VARU By Atmosphere.
The White Label Set By Atmosphere offers classic Indian Ocean luxury resorts with a distinct character.
Philippe Claverotte has been serving as the General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi since March and has a deep understanding of the company philosophy: the Joy of Giving.
A veteran in the hospitality industry, Philippe has worked for luxury hotel groups across twelve countries, including holding General Manager positions in leading resorts at the Maldives, Bora Bora, and New Caledonia.
“In this new role, my focus will be on driving operations and commercial strategies for the two resorts while enhancing the overall service culture,” Philippe said.
“I want guests to experience a commonality throughout the White Label resorts, with pristine locations, luxurious and authentic villas designed with a sense of place, excellent fine dining experiences, and first-class service.”
Situated on the north-western edge of the Male Atoll, VARU by Atmosphere offers beautiful overwater villas and beach villas.
The motto of the resort is ‘Naturally Maldivian.’ Following a concept that reflects the sublime charm of the Maldives, guests stay close to the sea and experience authentic Maldivian food blended with contemporary design and world-class service standards.
“We are delighted to have Phillippe lead our sub-brand, The White Label Set By Atmosphere. He will play an integral role in maintaining brand integrity while creating a strong positioning, elevating service standards, and ensuring an authentic, high-value luxury experience for guests,” Salil Panigrahi, Founder and Managing Director of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, said.
“We look forward to expanding the brand to offer unique and value-driven resorts under the White Label Set By Atmosphere.”
At the helm of the other ‘White Label resort’, Atmosphere Kanifushi, is the newly appointed General Manager Mei P. Pun.
The pristine Atmosphere Kanifushi island resort is situated in the Lhaviyani Atoll, a 35-minute seaplane ride from the international airport in Male. About two kilometres in length and 90 metres wide, the island is blanketed by dense tropical vegetation and blessed with vibrant, natural coral reefs.
With over 22 years in the hospitality industry, Mei has worked at elite hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, Mauritius, China, France, and South-East Asia.
She has extensive experience in the Maldives, having held the positions of Food and Beverage Manager, Resort Manager, and General Manager. Mei boasts of a strong background in food and beverage operations.
The third significant leadership announcement is that of Monica Suri taking on the role of the General Manager of OBLU SELECT At Sangeli.
Monica joined as the General Manager of VARU by Atmosphere in October 2019, during the crucial days leading up to the resort opening, and successfully managed the team for a grand launch.
Monica brings more than a decade of experience within the hospitality industry and a wealth of knowledge from human resources, training, and core operations.
A graduate from the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Bangalore, Monica has previously worked as the General Manager of a prestigious resort in India. She has also completed a leadership programme from Cornell and is a passionate traveller who has visited thirty-six countries.
OBLU SELECT At Sangeli is renowned for its exotic Honeymoon Water Suites and romantic ambience. The vibrant island resort has a variety of ‘contemporary designed’ villas and suites, a selection of restaurants and services, amidst some of the most exotic dive and snorkelling locations in the entire Male Atoll.
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is a dynamic and fast-growing ‘Indian Ocean Hospitality Brand’ with extensive resort development and management experience.
Set in some of the most beautiful Maldivian islands, the group operates five best in class resorts ranging from luxury to classic properties in two sub-brands, White Label Set by Atmosphere, and The Selection of OBLU by Atmosphere.
Atmosphere’s first property, Atmosphere Kanifushi, opened its doors in December 2013, followed by three resorts: OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli, OBLU SELECT at Sangeli, and the newest addition, VARU by Atmosphere.
The expansion continues with OBLU XPErience Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili – set to open in the Male Atoll in the summer of 2021.
OBLU SELECT at Tangalle, scheduled to open in 2023, will take the brand to the south coast of Sri Lanka.
Renowned for their impeccable service and world-class dining experiences, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts offer guest-centric holiday experiences through first-of-its-kind resort plans inspired by the brand’s core philosophy, ‘Joy of Giving’.
From elegantly designed beach villas and overwater villas to a range of all-encompassing experiences – guests enjoy a truly relaxing and carefree holiday at each resort, elevated by warm and personalised hospitality.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Featured
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces exclusive collaboration with Maldivian
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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