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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.
Action
Family fun meets Premier League coaching: Kuramathi and Campioni experience
Families seeking the ultimate summer escape in 2025 will find the perfect destination with Kuramathi and Campioni. These two exceptional partners offer a holiday experience where children can combine their love for football with the thrill of training alongside former Premier League players and UEFA coaches at breathtaking resorts. The exclusive Campioni football training camps cater to children aged 4-15 years, running across two weeks with three football legends. Liverpool and England star John Barnes MBE, accompanied by a UEFA coach, will lead sessions from July 28th to August 1st. Meanwhile, England icons Harry Redknapp and Stuart Pearce MBE will join from August 4th to August 8th, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for budding young footballers.
Campioni’s ethos, “Train Like A Pro,” offers a unique chance for children to be coached for two hours daily by some of English football’s most celebrated figures. These interactive and engaging sessions focus on fundamental skills while emphasising teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship. With personalised guidance provided throughout, participants gain invaluable insights from the experts and create unforgettable memories.
While children hone their skills on the pitch, parents are free to unwind in a variety of ways. They can relax on the beach, explore the island, work out in the gym, visit the spa, or simply enjoy the vibrant energy of the training sessions from the sidelines.
The Campioni experience extends beyond football. Families are invited to participate in additional activities, such as welcome drinks at the start of the week, a mid-week parents’ game featuring the football legends, and an end-of-week medal and certificate presentation. These events ensure everyone in the family enjoys a dynamic and engaging holiday.
Kuramathi, a renowned Maldivian resort, serves as the ideal backdrop for this unique experience. Famous for its winding white sandbank and tropical jungle spanning the 1.8km island, the resort features 12 room categories, 12 restaurants, 6 bars, evening entertainment, and an array of facilities. Options range from one-bedroom Beach Villas and Two-Bedroom Beach Houses to overwater villas perched above the island’s turquoise lagoon, making it a perfect choice for families.
Off the field, Kuramathi’s complimentary Bageecha Kids’ Club caters to children aged 3-12 years with indoor and outdoor play areas, arts and crafts, splash pads, and a large swimming pool. Activities for older children include badminton, football, ping pong, baseball, and basketball. For couples seeking a romantic evening, extended kids’ club hours are available at an additional charge, alongside 24-hour babysitting for younger children.
The resort also offers unique environmental activities, such as eco-centre presentations, hermit crab trails, tree planting, and visits to hydroponics gardens, encouraging younger guests to learn about sustainable practices.
For adventurous families, Kuramathi provides a fully equipped dive school with multilingual instructors who guide participants through PADI and SSI courses, including options for children as young as eight. Guests can also explore the ocean through snorkelling safaris, turtle discovery trips, dolphin excursions, and semi-submarine tours. Water sports such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and catamaran lessons are available for children aged 12 and above.
While children are occupied, parents can relax at the spa or enjoy evening cocktails at the Champagne Loft or pool bars. Dining options include international cuisine at the buffet restaurant and specialty venues like The Reef, La Belle Vie, and Siam Garden. Nightlife on the island is vibrant, with live music, beachside movie nights, DJ performances, and more.
Kuramathi and Campioni promise a summer holiday filled with excitement, learning, and relaxation, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Awards
Sun Siyam Resorts honoured at Target Taste Awards 2024
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced its receipt of the prestigious 2024 Target Taste Award for ‘Overseas Island Hotel Group.’ The accolade was presented during the ‘Target Taste’ awards ceremony in December 2024, held in Beijing. This event celebrated innovation and excellence within the luxury lifestyle industry.
The 2024 awards, themed ‘Revolutionise and Innovate,’ gathered leading brands and visionaries to highlight advancements in high-end hospitality, design, travel, and culinary arts. Sun Siyam Resorts was honoured for its commitment to redefining island luxury through exceptional guest experiences, sustainable practices, and innovative offerings.
Ashley Zhang, Regional Marketing & Communications Manager for China, accepted the award on behalf of the company, marking a significant milestone for the group.
Target Taste, a prominent Chinese luxury lifestyle magazine established in 2013, has consistently recognised industry pioneers. Its awards serve as a hallmark of innovation, elegance, and excellence in the luxury sector.
Claudia Klingbeil, Group Director of PR & Communications at Sun Siyam Resorts, stated: “This recognition is deeply meaningful to all of us at Sun Siyam Resorts. It reflects the passion, dedication, and heart that our team pours into creating memorable experiences for our guests, and this recognition fuels our commitment to constantly evolve and innovate.”
Celebration
Tropical elegance meets cultural heritage: SO/ Maldives’ festive celebration
Step into a realm of unparalleled luxury and avant-garde elegance as SO/ Maldives prepares to celebrate Chinese New Year in high style from 28 January to 31 January 2025. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives, this iconic celebration promises a curated experience of haute cuisine, holistic indulgence, and captivating festivities, transforming the holiday into a statement of sophistication.
Renowned for vibrant celebrations and rich heritage, this year’s Chinese New Year program offers an unforgettable lineup. Highlights include a spectacular light-up ceremony, spellbinding cultural performances, a chic DJ party, and elegant festive fairs, all steeped in glamour and refinement.
The theme for 2025, “Ushering Fortune and Unity for a Prosperous New Year,” emphasises joy, harmony, and good fortune. Anchored in multiculturalism and diversity, the festivities aim to bring families and couples together for a stylish celebration of new beginnings. Through vibrant events and a glamorous ambiance, SO/ Maldives sets the stage for a bright and prosperous year.
Guests can immerse themselves in a fusion of cultural traditions and tropical luxury. Highlights include the energetic Lion Dance, which winds through the resort, and thrilling adventures such as snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Culinary experiences like the Asian Street Market and Beach BBQ showcase Chinese-inspired gourmet delights, while creative workshops such as Handmade Pottery and Canvas Bag Painting ensure magical moments for younger guests.
SO/ Maldives elevates the festive allure with dazzling red lantern installations and breathtaking dragon dance performances on pristine beaches. Villas adorned with bespoke Chinese New Year decor blend cultural heritage with contemporary chic, creating an atmosphere of bold sophistication.
“At SO/ Maldives, we reinvent luxury celebrations, merging vibrant traditions with a cutting-edge, fashion-forward perspective. This Chinese New Year, the experience will be as bold and dazzling as the Year of the Wood Snake itself,” says Olivier MOIESDELVAL, General Manager of SO/ Maldives.
SO/ Maldives invites guests to embrace the finer things in life, where every taste, touch, and moment sparkles with creativity and glamour.
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