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Komandoo Maldives appoints Dustin Kennedy as Resort Manager

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Komandoo Resort Maldives, one of the country’s best-ranking resorts for romance and a firm favourite to anyone looking for an adults-only, small island getaway in the Maldives, has announced the appointment of Dustin Kennedy to the position of Resort Manager.

Prior to accepting the offer to lead the passionate team of Champions at Komandoo and manage the charming 65-villa gem in the north of Lhaviyani Atoll, Dustin gained a wealth of experience from a career in hospitality that has spanned 20 years.

Born into a family of hoteliers in Zimbabwe, Dustin followed tradition, and at 19 started his travels across the globe, working his way up through the ranks of the hospitality industry.

With appointments as far afield as UK, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zanzibar and Dubai already part of his extensive portfolio, he landed in the Maldives in December 2019 to take up the post of Resort Manager at Komandoo’s sister property, Hurawalhi Maldives; his story continues at Komandoo.

“I have found the Maldivians to be one, if not THE most, naturally savvy hospitality champions I have ever worked with, it is embedded in their DNA,”Dustin said.

“As a destination, for me, the Maldives is a good balance of authentic hospitality delivered to the highest of luxury standards by mainly local Maldivian champions. It’s a destination second to none in so many ways: sustainability, equality, access to fresh local produce, and abundance of ocean life. I would like to say that it is an absolute privilege to be at Komandoo and I intend to continue with much of the same strong ethos and love that has become part of the essence of the resort.”

Aside from being an avid world traveller, Dustin is a keen golfer with a handicap of seven, he likes a game of tennis and padel tennis, fishing and, enjoying Asian-style cuisine – the spicier the better, with Maldivian chillis at every opportunity!

Loyal to his Cape Town home, close to the famous wine region of Franshoek, his favourite wines are both South African: Chocolate Block Red and Iona Sauvignon Blanc.

Dustin has a great passion for people and is motivated by creating experiences and moments that our guests will cherish for years to come; he endeavours to continue evolving the resort, while ensuring its natural and authentic soul remains firmly intact.

He, along with Komandoo’s Champions, is looking forward to greeting you in paradise soon.

Located in Lhaviyani atoll, Komandoo offers 65 villas in five categories. Each of them is independent well-appointed villas spaced adequately to provide privacy.

Since first opening in 1998, the resort has provided its guests with a unique take on the Maldivian dream holiday with its quiet, adult-only vibe, understated luxury and excellent service. It has remained one of the country’s best-ranking resorts for romance and a firm favourite to anyone looking for an adults-only, small island getaway in the Maldives.

For more information and bookings, please visit www.komandoo.com or contact the resort via email reservations@komandoo.com.

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‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.

The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.

The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.

During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.

“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.

“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”

The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.

The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards

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Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.

Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.

The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.

This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.

The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.

“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.

The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.

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Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme

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Niva Dhigali Maldives will welcome visiting chef Jake Norman and British pickleball champion Molly O’Donoghue for a curated programme of island experiences this November, bringing together dining and active wellbeing in the Maldives.

Norman began his culinary career making pizza in the markets of Guadalajara, Mexico, before working in several London restaurants, including St John, Ottolenghi and Sabor. He now leads the kitchen at Updown Farmhouse in Kent, where his cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, live-fire techniques and Mediterranean influences.

On 18 November, Norman will host an exclusive dinner at Faru, presenting a menu that combines Mediterranean flavours with influences from Mexico and the Middle East, while incorporating ingredients sourced from the Maldives.

The shared dining experience will feature Indian Ocean produce, grilled dishes and smoky flavours, with a menu designed to reflect the setting and encourage guests to dine at a relaxed pace.

The programme will also include pickleball sessions hosted by British champion Molly O’Donoghue. A national champion in mixed and women’s doubles, as well as a European champion in mixed doubles, O’Donoghue first discovered the sport while studying in Australia. She has since competed internationally and worked to introduce the sport to players around the world.

At Niva Dhigali, O’Donoghue will conduct beginner sessions and advanced coaching, giving guests of different skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop their technique.

Located in Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by tropical vegetation, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The November programme, featuring Norman’s dining experience and O’Donoghue’s pickleball sessions, forms part of the resort’s approach to offering guest experiences centred on food, wellbeing and the island environment.

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