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Atmosphere Group appoints new trio of General Managers

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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.”

Philippe Claverotte

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.

Mei P. Pun

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.

Monica Suri

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

Multiple SATA nominations for Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

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Two renowned Maldivian resorts, Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, have been nominated across multiple categories at the 2025 South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), a prestigious recognition of excellence in hospitality and tourism across the region.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has secured nominations in the following categories:

  • Leading All-Inclusive Resort
  • Leading Family Resort
  • Leading F&B Resort

These nominations highlight the resort’s sustained commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality, dining, and family-oriented experiences. As a trailblazer in all-inclusive luxury in the Maldives, Lily Beach offers a refined guest experience through its award-winning Platinum Plan, which includes à la carte dining, curated excursions, wellness services, and an extensive selection of premium wines—crafted to suit the needs of today’s discerning traveller.

Guests at Lily Beach can enjoy a variety of dining options across venues such as Tamarind, Lily Maa, Vibes, AQVA, Teppanyaki, and Les Turquoise d’Aqua. The resort’s wine list has been recognised with a Wine Spectator Award. This August, Lily Beach will host Michelin-starred Chef Igles Corelli for an exclusive ‘Flavour’ dining experience.

A preferred destination for families, the resort features a lively Kids’ Club, the Vibes Family Pool, and year-round entertainment suitable for all ages. A range of activities is available, including tennis, water sports, nightly shows, and treatments at the Tamara Spa. Located adjacent to the South Ari Marine Protected Area, the resort also offers extraordinary opportunities to swim with whale sharks and manta rays, as well as explore a vibrant 360° house reef.

The nominations reflect Lily Beach’s enduring focus on culinary distinction, family-friendly amenities, and meaningful island experiences.

Voting for Lily Beach Resort & Spa is open until 15th July 2025.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, located in the remote and unspoilt Haa Alifu Atoll, has also earned nominations in three categories at SATA 2025:

  • Leading Beach Resort
  • Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel/Resort
  • Most Romantic Resort

Well known for its generous villa sizes and natural surroundings, the resort offers a private and tranquil setting ideal for couples, honeymooners, and families seeking relaxation away from busier destinations. Villas are set among dense tropical greenery and some of the Maldives’ most pristine beaches.

Guests can explore a diverse culinary offering across five restaurants, featuring beachfront fine dining and overwater options. With a focus on fresh seafood and international cuisine, each meal is enhanced by the island’s calm atmosphere and attentive service.

Hideaway is also one of the few natural islands in the Maldives with a double house reef, giving guests direct access to rich marine life from the shore. For those who enjoy staying active, the resort’s Recreation Centre includes tennis courts, a golf simulator, padel, pickleball, a putting green, indoor badminton, beach sports, a waterpark, and a gym.

The Hideaway Spa provides treatments based on Balinese and Ayurvedic traditions, delivered in a serene garden setting. Romantic beachfront dinners and private villa experiences further contribute to the resort’s reputation as a leading destination for couples.

With a focus on space, privacy, and personalised service, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers an experience rooted in the natural beauty of the Maldives, catering to both leisure and wellness seekers.

These nominations collectively reflect the commitment of both resorts to delivering exceptional hospitality, distinctive dining, and memorable stays in the Maldives.

Voting for Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is open until 15th July 2025.

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Villa Park named leading family resort in Maldives by Travel + Leisure

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Villa Park has been recognised as one of the Maldives’ top family resorts at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, reaffirming its reputation as a premier destination for families seeking meaningful island escapes. Located in the South Ari Atoll, the resort blends barefoot luxury with a range of immersive experiences tailored for guests of all ages.

The resort offers activities that span from encounters with whale sharks and manta rays to moments of relaxation on the island’s powder-soft beaches. Among its family-oriented facilities is Park Players, one of the Maldives’ largest kids clubs, designed to provide a creative, nature-based environment where children can play, learn, and explore. Meanwhile, parents can unwind at Araamu Spa or dine on sustainable, plant-based cuisine at Zero Restaurant.

Villa Park also features the widest selection of beach pool villas in the country, offering spacious and comfortable accommodations suited to multi-generational travellers. Sustainability is integrated across the guest experience, with initiatives such as solar-powered operations and farm-to-table dining underscoring the resort’s commitment to responsible hospitality.

This accolade from Travel + Leisure highlights Villa Park’s continued efforts to deliver high-quality, family-friendly holidays where nature, comfort, and lasting memories converge in one of the world’s most iconic island destinations.

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Angsana Velavaru shines in T+L Luxury Awards 2025 with top pool and GM honours

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Angsana Velavaru, part of the esteemed Banyan Group, has secured prestigious placements in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, ranking #8 for Best Resort Pool and #3 for Best General Manager in the Maldives. These accolades underscore the resort’s dedication to outstanding service, thoughtfully crafted accommodations, and guest-centric innovation.

Located in the unspoiled South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru features 113 villas—79 of which are equipped with private infinity pools. Among them are the celebrated Beach Villas and the signature InOcean Pool Villas, which extend elegantly over the lagoon’s turquoise expanse. Each villa is designed to offer a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, enabling guests to immerse themselves in nature with both privacy and style.

Central to the resort’s social ambiance is the Kuredhi Pool Bar, a lively and inviting venue that offers more than just refreshments. It serves as a communal hub where guests can enjoy curated experiences such as DJ nights, aqua aerobics, and wellness sessions. This programming reflects the resort’s vision of merging serenity with social vibrancy.

Spearheading this success is General Manager Ahmed Zahir, who was recognised as the #3 Best General Manager in the Maldives. Zahir’s inspiring career began three decades ago as a Laundry Supervisor and has since evolved into a historic milestone—becoming the first Maldivian General Manager within the Banyan Group. His leadership is characterised by a deep understanding of local culture, empathy, and hands-on experience across resort operations.

“This recognition is not only an honour—it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come as a team and as an industry,” Zahir shared. “I’m proud to lead with values shaped by the Maldives itself: resilience, hospitality, and heart. At Angsana Velavaru, we aim to deliver something genuine and lasting—for our guests, our people, and our community.”

Under Zahir’s stewardship, Angsana Velavaru has fostered a culture rooted in authenticity, local empowerment, and purposeful guest engagement. The resort remains committed to evolving as a destination that honours tradition while embracing forward-thinking experiences.

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