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Escape beckons: New destination sales, marketing team to elevate Marriott Bonvoy’s Maldives portfolio

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With an escape from our homes being on everyone’s mind over the past months, Marriott Bonvoy Portfolio in the Maldives on Monday announced the formation of a Market Sales & Marketing Team to further develop the demand for the destination, taking the resorts and Marriott International’s positioning to greater heights.

The Market Team comprises of experienced professionals who bring to their roles strong destination and discipline skills which speaks of the company’s commitment to support its enhanced footprint and growth plans as well as drive consumer preference and enhance performance in perhaps what is currently the world’s most desirable leisure destination.

Led by Ali Nihad, in the capacity of Market Director, Sales and Marketing – Maldives, the team will provide dedicated support to the company’s thriving destination portfolio and will be responsible for driving top line revenue, ensuring the Sales and Marketing strategy leverages the interest and demand for the destination and is aligned with the company’s vision and priorities.

The team will support JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, W Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

Commenting on the announcement, Peter Foreman, Senior Director, Sales & Distribution – Singapore, Malaysia & Maldives said: “The leadership team we are announcing today is important to foster greater synergies, teamwork, accountability and nimble decision-making, all critical to laying a strong foundation that will support our ambitious plans in Maldives.”

“I am extremely excited to work together with such a talented and diverse group of leaders who bring with them exceptional domain expertise as well as regional and source market insights that will enable us to create a more vibrant organisation that delivers value for all stakeholders.”

On being appointed to his new role, Ali Nihad said: “I’m excited to return to the Maldives at a stage where the demand for the destination is ripe, and I look forward to working with the energetic market team as we forge ahead in the achievement of our goal.”

The Market Sales and Marketing Team for Maldives has been formed with the following seasoned hospitality professionals.

Ali Nihad: Market Director, Sales & Marketing

Ali Nihad returns home to the Maldives to lead the formation of the cluster team, bringing to this role over 18 years of hospitality experience.

He joins the team from Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bali where he held the commercial responsibility as Director of Sales and Marketing.

With a career panning luxury brands like St. Regis, Anantara and W Hotels among others, at various positions of leadership in the Sales & Marketing function, Ali is all set to take over the new Marriott International Maldives cluster as Market Director, Sales & Marketing and lead from the front.

He has worked across multiple hotels in the island nation, his last assignment in Maldives being the Assistant Director, Sales & Marketing at The St. Regis Maldives Vomulli Resort, and thus holds a strong connect and relationship with key partners from source markets.

Hanny Wahyuni: Market Director, Marketing & Communications

Hanny brings more than 15 years of marketing and communications experience to this role.

A pre-opening and restructuring specialist, she has held roles with The Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta and Qatar, Kempinski Soma Bay, Egypt, Rosewood Phnom Penh, Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman and most recently with W Koh Samui.

Nelli Listunova: Market Director, Sales – Russia & CIS

Nelli has a wealth of customer knowledge with 12 years of experience at Marriott’s Luxury Brands portfolio.

She was previously Director of Sales at W Maldives and has also held a destination sales role with The Luxury Collection hotels of Costa Smeralda, Sardinia and Porto Cervo.

Fawaz Ibrahim: Market Director, Sales – Europe

Fawaz began his career at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and W Maldives where he held various roles before transferring to Thailand where he worked with The Luxury Collection and Sheraton Resorts in Koh Samui.

Following his return to the Maldives and two years with Anantara Resorts Maldives, Fawaz re-joined Marriott as Director of Sales with The St. Regis Maldives Vomulli Resort where he held the on-island leadership role for the Sales, Reservations & the Marketing team.

Wendy Kew: Market Director, eCommerce

Wendy brings to the role a wealth of digital marketing experience along with a deep understanding of Marriott’s digital ecosystem, most recently working with W Hotels, The Luxury Collection and Courtyard by Marriott in Malaysia.

Saadhvi Mehra: Market Director, Communications

Having been with the company since 2012, Saadhvi is no stranger to the Maldives having previously held a project role with The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.

Throughout her career, Saadhvi has held roles with W Hotels, Sheraton and Le Méridien hotels in South Asia. Most recently, Saadhvi was with W Hotels in Abu Dhabi.

Sonali Khadka: Assistant Market Director, Marketing

Sonali has lived and worked in the Maldives since 2018, holding roles with Faarufushi before joining The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort as part of the pre-opening team.

From cruising with beloved sea mammals at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, to breath-taking snorkelling at W Maldives, swimming with Manta Rays at The Westin Miriandhoo Resort to experiencing a sanctuary of scenic luxury at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in Maldives presents an unrivalled white-sand, blue-sky escape that is second to none.

To know more about Marriott International’s presence in the Maldives, visit https://destinations.marriottbonvoyasia.com/en/destination/maldives.

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New era of luxury Wellness: Pilates Reformer arrives at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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Setting a new standard in luxury wellness, the iconic St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is expanding its holistic offerings with the introduction of Pilates Reformer—a dynamic full-body workout renowned for its ability to lengthen, strengthen, and restore. Against the backdrop of turquoise waters and lush island serenity, guests will soon be invited to experience this transformative practice as part of a thoughtfully curated wellness journey.

With a growing global demand for integrative fitness experiences, Pilates Reformer has become a favourite for those seeking mindful movement and functional strength. Utilising a specially designed apparatus, the method elevates traditional Pilates through resistance-based training that enhances flexibility, balance, and core stability, while remaining gentle on the joints. At St. Regis Maldives, certified instructors will guide guests through personalised sessions tailored to a variety of goals, from rehabilitation and toning to posture improvement and stress relief.

The addition of Pilates Reformer complements the resort’s deep-rooted commitment to wellness, extending far beyond conventional spa treatments. Central to this philosophy is the overwater Iridium Spa—a serene sanctuary that offers more than indulgence. Guests can engage in Ayurvedic consultations, guided meditation, and holistic health screenings conducted by in-house wellness doctors. These screenings integrate Heart Rate Variability (HRV) technology with the ancient Ayurvedic technique of Nadi Pareeksha, a traditional pulse diagnosis, to identify imbalances and customise each guest’s path to optimal well-being.

Whether seeking deep relaxation, detoxification, or enhanced physical performance, the resort’s integrative approach ensures that every element of a guest’s stay contributes to overall wellness. Daily yoga, breathwork sessions, oceanfront meditation, and nutrition guidance are seamlessly woven into the island’s natural rhythm to create a truly transformative retreat.

Private Pilates Reformer classes will be offered to suit all experience levels, providing an inspiring way for guests to reconnect with both body and mind. With its iconic overwater villas, pristine beaches, and impeccable service, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to redefine luxury through the lens of well-being.

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Kudadoo Maldives Private Island joins Condé Nast Traveller’s exclusive list of World’s Top Private Islands

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Kudadoo Maldives Private Island has been recognised on Condé Nast Traveller’s prestigious 2025 list of “The 16 Best Private Island Resorts in the World.” This accolade from one of luxury travel’s most influential publications highlights Kudadoo’s dedication to delivering an exceptional island experience that seamlessly blends privacy, sustainability, and luxury. Selected for its distinctive hospitality philosophy, Kudadoo provides guests with an intimate retreat featuring just 15 ocean-facing residences, a fully solar-powered environment, and a pioneering ‘Anything. Anytime. Anywhere.’ concept that ensures personalised service and absolute freedom.

Akira Shiota, General Manager of Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, shared his pride in the recognition, “Being recognised by Condé Nast Traveller is a remarkable milestone for Kudadoo. This accolade validates the vision of ‘Freedom Reimagined,’ creating a sanctuary where guests experience unparalleled privacy, exceptional service, and a genuine connection to the surrounding natural beauty. It is a testament to the dedication of the team and the trust placed in Kudadoo by its guests.”

Ahmed Shaheen, Chief Commercial Leader at Crown and Champa Resorts, also reflected on the achievement, “This prestigious listing highlights Kudadoo’s unique position in the luxury travel market. The fully all-inclusive philosophy gives guests the freedom to enjoy every experience without limits, while the island’s status as fully solar-powered reflects a commitment to sustainability that we are incredibly proud of. We look forward to sharing Kudadoo’s story with a global audience and welcoming more guests to discover its magic.”

Kudadoo’s inclusion in this exclusive selection not only elevates its global profile but also celebrates the growing trend towards slow, intentional travel, where quality, authenticity, and respect for nature take center stage.

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Noku Maldives celebrates World Oceans Day with commitment to marine life

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In celebration of World Oceans Day, Noku Maldives, part of the Vignette Collection, announced its partnership with the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre, a leading marine conservation organisation in the Maldives dedicated to sea turtle rescue, coral restoration, and community education.

Established in 2012, the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre has spearheaded efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea turtles, particularly Olive Ridley turtles affected by ghost nets drifting into Maldivian waters. The organisation’s work also includes coral restoration, community outreach, and the protection of the fragile ecosystems surrounding the island of Naifaru.

To mark World Oceans Day, Noku Maldives will host a series of conservation-focused activities in collaboration with the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre. These activities will include interactive educational sessions for guests on sea turtle biology, threats, and rescue procedures. In addition, the resort’s staff will participate in a practical rescue and response simulation, enhancing the resort’s capacity to support marine wildlife in distress.

The lagoon at Noku Maldives is home to a resident population of sea turtles, whose frequent presence has become a cherished feature of the guest experience. This partnership underscores the resort’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of the Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity.

The collaboration was highlighted by Hussain Shahid, General Manager at Noku Maldives, who remarked, “Collaborating with Atoll Marine Conservation Centre allows us to deepen our understanding and care for the marine life that surrounds us. World Oceans Day presents an opportunity not just to celebrate the beauty of the ocean, but to act meaningfully in its protection.”

This initiative forms part of Noku Maldives’ broader sustainability efforts, embracing the ethos of conscious luxury and responsible hospitality.

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