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Women hoteliers lead The OZEN Collection

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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.

Drink

Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar

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The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.

The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.

Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.

The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.

Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.

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Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground

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Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.

The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.

Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.

The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.

The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.

Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.

Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.

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World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.

The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.

Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.

InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.

Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.

The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.

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