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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.

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Noku Maldives unveils long-term Sea Turtle Conservation Programme

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Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, has announced the launch of a dedicated Sea Turtle Conservation Programme, developed in partnership with the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre (AMCC). Beginning on 25 November 2025, this long-term initiative strengthens the resort’s commitment to the Vignette Collection pillar Means for Good, reflecting a considered approach to environmental stewardship and responsible hospitality.

The waters surrounding Noku Maldives support a naturally thriving ecosystem, characterised by extensive seagrass meadows, coral-rich shallows, and warm lagoons that provide an essential refuge for sea turtles. In recent years, the island has recorded multiple nesting events along its shores — a rare and significant indicator of the health of its marine environment. The new programme aims to safeguard and enhance this natural heritage.

As part of the collaboration, a full-time AMCC marine biologist will be stationed on the island to lead a comprehensive portfolio of conservation activities. This will include monitoring the local sea turtle population, assessing reef and coral health, supporting long-term scientific research, and conducting fieldwork and outreach initiatives across neighbouring islands.

The programme will also enhance guest engagement through educational talks, guided snorkelling experiences, and hands-on conservation workshops, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with the underwater world in an enriching and meaningful way.

The initiative complements Noku Maldives’ growing suite of Means for Good activities, which already include reef conservation studies, coral restoration projects, cultural experiences, and community-led programmes. Together, these efforts underpin the resort’s commitment to delivering stays that are rooted in authenticity, responsibility, and deep respect for the natural environment.

“Our lagoon has always been a peaceful refuge for sea turtles and marine life,” said Hussain Shahid, General Manager of Noku Maldives. “This partnership with AMCC reflects our dedication to protecting these waters and ensuring they continue to flourish. By bringing conservation, community involvement, and guest education together, we hope to create meaningful and lasting impact for the atoll.”

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From spa rituals to sunrise yoga: Angsana Velavaru champions mindful living

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Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to embark on a holistic journey of renewal that nurtures both body and mind.

At the centre of this experience is the award-winning Angsana Spa, inspired by the timeless essence of Asian wellness traditions. Here, the healing power of touch, scent, and nature come together in harmony. Guests can enjoy a range of treatments designed for both relaxation and family bonding, including restorative massages, revitalising body polishes, and signature rituals that incorporate natural ingredients such as coconut, honey, and tropical herbs. Each therapy aims to rejuvenate, soothe, and restore a deep sense of inner calm that reflects the island’s natural rhythm.

Wellness at Angsana Velavaru extends far beyond the spa. The resort’s approach to wellbeing embraces movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection. Its modern tropical fitness centre provides a tranquil setting for guests to stay active while remaining close to nature. Activities such as aqua aerobics in the Kuredhi Pool and sunrise yoga on the beach combine physical vitality with mindful awareness.

Across the island, guests are encouraged to slow down and reconnect with their surroundings. Guided meditation, breathwork sessions, and sunset yoga create opportunities for reflection and relaxation. These practices are seamlessly woven into the resort’s environment, offering a sense of serenity that lingers long after the stay.

Under the guidance of Wellbeing Director Artemasius Harefa, Angsana Velavaru’s holistic programmes align with Banyan Group’s Eight Pillars of Wellbeing, with a focus on rest, movement, mindfulness, and connection. The result is a collection of experiences designed to inspire balance and renewal, giving guests the opportunity to embrace a more mindful way of living.

“Modern travellers seek more than rest; they seek renewal,” said Artemasius Harefa, Wellbeing Director at Angsana Velavaru. “Our goal is to create experiences that help guests reconnect with themselves and the natural world, turning wellness into a meaningful way of life.”

At Angsana Velavaru, wellbeing is not a moment but a continuous journey shaped by nature, connection, and the healing spirit of the Maldives.

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Trans Maldivian Airways named World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025

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Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world’s largest seaplane operator, has once again strengthened its position as a global aviation leader with new accolades at the World Travel Awards 2025. The airline was named the World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025 and the Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025, acknowledging its continued contribution to air connectivity across the Maldives. The 32nd Annual World Travel Awards ceremony took place at Exhibition World Bahrain and was attended by more than 300 leaders from the international tourism industry.

Established in 1993, TMA has played a central role in shaping the Maldives’ aviation and tourism sectors. Operating the world’s largest seaplane fleet with 65 DHC-6 Twin Otters and serving over 80 resort destinations, the airline provides vital connectivity across the archipelago with a focus on safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Conducting more than 400 flights daily, TMA remains essential in enabling access to resort islands nationwide.

Commenting on the achievement, A.U.M. Fawzy, CEO of Trans Maldivian Airways, said: “This prestigious recognition from the World Travel Awards, year after year, reflects the trust placed in our team by our partners and guests, and the responsibility we carry as the primary air service provider connecting resort destinations across the Maldives. At TMA, our focus remains on continuous improvement and building on decades of service excellence. As the tourism industry in the Maldives continues to evolve and grow, we will continue strengthening our operations and supporting the long-term development of the Maldives as a world-leading destination.”

TMA continues to enhance its operational capabilities through ongoing investments in fleet upgrades, infrastructure, staff training, and technology-driven improvements, ensuring it meets rising demand while maintaining its hallmark of dependable service.

As the Maldives prepares for further growth in visitor arrivals, Trans Maldivian Airways remains committed to working closely with industry partners, supporting national tourism objectives, and ensuring a seamless and reliable travel experience for guests visiting the country’s island destinations.

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