Featured
Escape beckons: New destination sales, marketing team to elevate Marriott Bonvoy’s Maldives portfolio
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.
Featured
Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories
Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.
The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.
The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.
A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.
Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.
Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.
The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.
All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.
The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.
The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.
Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.
The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.
The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.
The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026
.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.
The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.
The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.
At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.
Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.
The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.
The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.
The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.
The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.
These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.
The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Awards
Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027
Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.
The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.
The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.
Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.
Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.
Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.
Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.
The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.
The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.
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