Featured
Women hoteliers lead The OZEN Collection

Maria Luisa Lalli and Henar Gil Rios – the General Managers of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO respectively – herald a fresh energy and culture of excellence across the brand.
In a world of brilliant turquoise views, ultra-sophisticated service, and effortless perfection, two women are at the helm, making their mark in bringing alive this ethos of ‘Refined Elegance.’
Leadership dynamics in the hospitality industry has been witnessing a change with more women in leadership roles. And, always at the forefront of embracing equal opportunity and gender diversity, THE OZEN COLLECTION has placed the reins of its two resorts in the capable hands of women managers.
An industry forward thinker, Salil Panigrahi, the CEO and Managing Director of THE OZEN COLLECTION says: “Hospitality is a people-centric industry and I feel it can contribute a lot to equal opportunity in the workplace.”
“At OZEN, we want to usher in a new culture of leadership – one where equal opportunity is valued. Diversity is not only the order of nature, but also brings in fresh perspective into our work culture. Surveys show that a diverse workforce is more productive, and appointing women at key leadership positions that they genuinely qualify for should be a norm rather than an exception.”
Responsible for all the key operational and commercial aspects of the resort, the General Managers oversee the day-to-day operations while also driving the resorts’ performance with long-term vision and business strategy.
Maria Luisa Lalli
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, the brand’s newly launched, uber-luxe private island resort, is led by Maria Luisa Lalli.
No stranger to the Maldives, Luisa is a seasoned hotelier from Italy with over eleven years of experience in the destination, as well as prior experience working and living in the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka.
Her innately empathetic approach puts every guest at ease, building genuine connections that often result in repeat visits!
She leads her team by example, inspiring every colleague to create authentic experiences for guests with an impeccable service culture and warm-hearted spirit.

Henar Gil Rios
Henar Gil Rios, recently appointed as the General Manager at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, also brings a wealth of luxury hospitality experience to OZEN.
A native of Spain, Henar is in spirit a global citizen; she has lived and worked in the United States, France, Asia, and Mexico.
Motivated and highly driven, Henar is at her best working under high pressure – using initiative, in-depth knowledge, and creativity to lead her team to success.
Adding a touch of feminine grace to leadership and resort management, the two managers work with a common goal of delivering elegance in its most raw form through authentic, ultra-sophisticated experiences, both tangible and intangible, that complement the pristine, unspoilt beauty of the destination.

THE OZEN COLLECTION is an award-winning, uber-lux, hospitality brand from Atmosphere Group that offers ultimate privacy blended with Refined Elegance, for blissfully immersive holidays in pristine, Indian Ocean locations.
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the first resort under this brand, opened in July 2016. THE OZEN COLLECTION’s success story continues in the Maldives with the addition of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, launched in December.
OZEN Tangalle takes the brand to the south coast of Sri Lanka and is scheduled to be launched in 2023.
Celebration
Spooky glamour takes over Lazuli Beach Club at SO/ Maldives

SO/ Maldives presents a bold fusion of avant-garde style and barefoot luxury, creating a distinctive island experience where fashion, art, and contemporary design converge. The resort embodies creativity and sophistication across its vibrant villas, dining venues, and beach clubs, inviting guests to embrace the high-energy spirit of “Style, Bold, and Playful.”
This Halloween, the resort will transform into an island of eerie elegance and playful mischief, offering guests an unconventional celebration on the shores of Lazuli Beach Club. On Friday, 31 October 2025, the day’s festivities will include activities for all ages, from imaginative workshops to moonlit gatherings by the sea.
The celebrations will begin with interactive family experiences at The Nest, including Mask Making, Tie-Dye Halloween T-Shirt Painting, and Scary Cookie Making. Children can also enjoy DIY Costume Creation, Face Painting, and a Trick-or-Treat Parade along Lazuli Beach Club. The daytime programme is designed to inspire creativity and fun for both young guests and adults.
As evening approaches, the atmosphere will take on a more mysterious tone. The Witches & Waves Dinner will be served beachside from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a four-course set menu accompanied by a themed welcome cocktail and a captivating ambience under the stars.
From 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, guests can enjoy Spooky Special Cocktails at Lazuli Beach Club Bar with 50% off themed drinks, followed by the Spooky Halloween Party featuring DJ performances, glow body paint, and “witchy shoulder spells”—a five-minute charm that may win participants 50% off. The evening will culminate in the Glow Foam Party at 8:30 PM, combining music, lights, and foam against the backdrop of the moonlit sea.
“This isn’t your average haunted house; it’s a beachfront bash with a twist of glamour and a splash of mischief,” said Olivier Moies-Delval, General Manager of SO/ Maldives. “We’re reimagining Halloween in true SO/ style—bold, beautiful, and beyond expectations.”
Featured
Sonic serenity: Discover Sound Healing at Brennia Kottefaru

At Brennia Kottefaru, the pursuit of wellness extends beyond movement and meditation, flowing into the calming resonance of sound. The resort’s Sound Healing Session, conducted by Amit Singh (Yoga Teacher and Sound Healer), offers guests a deeply restorative experience designed to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit.
Held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. at the Recreation Hall, the 45-minute group session harnesses the resonant tones of singing bowls to guide participants into a profound state of relaxation.
The session offers a range of benefits:
Deep Relaxation – The soothing vibrations calm the mind and body, easing stress and anxiety.
Emotional Balance – The practice helps release stored emotions, fostering a sense of inner peace.
Improved Sleep – Sound frequencies encourage relaxation, aiding those experiencing insomnia and promoting better sleep quality.
Enhanced Focus and Clarity – By balancing brainwave activity, participants may experience improved concentration and mental clarity.
Energy Alignment – The vibrations help balance the body’s chakras and energy flow.
Participation is available, and a 15-minute demo session can be arranged by contacting the spa. Guests are encouraged to book in advance via the Brennia Kottefaru mobile app or by calling Spa – 108. This exciting milestone is part of the resort’s Tech, AI & Green Initiative.
Within the serene setting of Brennia, the tones of the singing bowls intertwine with the island’s natural symphony — the rhythm of the waves, the whisper of the palms, and the gentle hum of island life. The result is more than a class; it is an immersive journey towards stillness and renewal.
At Brennia Kottefaru, wellness is not merely practised — it is felt in every vibration, every breath, and every moment of quiet connection.
Celebration
W Maldives introduces its ‘Make Waves, New Traditions’ festive series

W Maldives is inviting guests to Make Waves, New Traditions this festive season, presenting a celebration that redefines the holidays with creativity, connection, and indulgence. From 23 December to 1 January, the resort will transform into a tropical haven where every moment is designed for joy and every guest has officially “Made the List.”
The festivities commence with Twinkle & Toast, a lighting ceremony that marks the start of a vibrant, week-long calendar of events. Highlights include flame-grilled feasts on FIRE Beach for Christmas Eve, holiday movie nights under the stars, festive afternoon teas overlooking the reef, seafood markets brimming with fresh coastal flavours, and a Maldivian beach barbecue infused with rhythm and local flair. On New Year’s Eve, the island will evolve into a lively playground featuring creative cocktails, immersive culinary journeys, electrifying performances, and fireworks over the Indian Ocean to welcome 2025 in true W style.
This year’s celebration also introduces The Restore Series with internationally acclaimed wellness coach Arron Collins-Thomas, founder of TONIQ. Integrating Qigong, breathwork, and cold-water therapy with energising workouts and restorative rituals, the seven-day wellness experience aims to refresh both body and mind while harmonising with the festive atmosphere. Guests can take part in sunrise sessions, sunset meditations, and ice-bath resets, embracing wellness as an essential part of the celebration and preparing themselves for the year ahead.
Culinary experiences take centre stage in this season of togetherness and authenticity. From ocean-to-table creations at FISH to Chef Bakaa’s festive degustation menu and the dynamic seafood markets at KITCHEN, each dining encounter blends local ingredients with bold imagination. Guests are encouraged to come together, share stories, and experience the Maldivian spirit through flavours that are both comforting and refreshingly innovative.
“This is the season to connect, recharge, and celebrate without boundaries,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “At W Maldives, we embrace the unexpected. Make Waves, New Traditions is our invitation for guests to come together, savour the island’s soul, and create memories that sparkle long after the fireworks fade.”
With its star-lit skies, daring gastronomy, revitalising wellness rituals, and music that carries into the night, W Maldives offers a festive escape where traditions are reimagined and every guest truly Makes the List.
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