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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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Janice Wong brings edible art to OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

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For those with a refined sweet tooth and a love for the Maldives, THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced an exclusive collaboration with celebrated pastry virtuoso Janice Wong. The renowned chef will be present at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO from 24th to 26th April 2025, transforming the island into a hub of culinary innovation. Guests will have the opportunity to experience bespoke dessert creations, interactive workshops, and captivating chocolate installations.

During her residency, Chef Wong will unveil her signature edible chocolate wall art—an impressive three-metre-tall masterpiece crafted from sustainably sourced chocolate. Designed to reflect the Maldives’ vibrant marine ecosystem, the installation will feature intricate coral-inspired designs, with 100 ‘reef-like’ cavities containing hand-painted bonbons for guests to enjoy. In addition to this centrepiece, she will host live dessert stations at the resort’s overwater venues, offering delicacies such as Yuzu Meringue Clouds and Salted Caramel Lava Spheres, carefully paired with sommelier-selected dessert wines.

On 24th April, a four-hands gourmet dinner at the underwater restaurant M6m will showcase a collaboration between Chef Wong and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s Executive Chef Alok. This exclusive event, limited to just 40 guests, will present a dessert degustation menu that reimagines Maldivian flavours through modernist techniques and locally sourced ingredients.

Younger guests will also have the chance to explore their creativity through daily chocolate art workshops, where Chef Wong will guide families in crafting edible masterpieces using chocolate crayons, rice paper, and miniature canvases. Each child will leave with a personalised creation and a keepsake brochure detailing the week’s activities.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Chef Wong expressed her inspiration from the Maldives’ natural beauty. She noted that her goal at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is to blur the lines between art, nature, and gastronomy, creating lasting impressions both on the palate and in memory.

All experiences will be seamlessly integrated into the resort’s INDULGENCE™ Plan, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. From sunset bonbon tastings to private consultations with Chef Wong, the programme exemplifies THE OZEN COLLECTION’s commitment to Refined Elegance, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

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Celebrity Chef Jord Althuizen brings his BBQ mastery to Coco Bodu Hithi

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Coco Bodu Hithi, an authentic Maldivian retreat located approximately a 35-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, is set to offer guests a unique opportunity to experience the flavours of the grill with celebrity chef and best-selling culinary author from the Netherlands, Chef Jord Althuizen, from February 24 to 26 this year.

Renowned for its stunning barbecues under the stars, the resort, which was awarded the title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort’ at the 2024 World Travel Awards, welcomes Chef Jord during what is often considered the “most romantic month” of the year. Best known for earning the Whole Hog BBQ’er title in 2014, he has received multiple accolades for authoring four best-selling BBQ cookbooks in 2016 and 2017.

Recognised by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to indulge in an extraordinary dining experience featuring Chef Jord Althuizen’s expertise in grilling. With his dedication to perfection, diners can expect a remarkable culinary journey showcasing freshly caught seafood and the finest meats from around the world.

Frequently referred to as a “gourmet getaway” in the Maldives, the resort regularly hosts Michelin-starred chefs who create unforgettable dining experiences. These exclusive events are further enhanced by the expertise of Group Culinary Director and Michelin Star-awarded Chef Martin Cahill.

Guests can look forward to savouring Moroccan Fire Fish, Indian Asado Cooked Lamb Parathas, or Texas-Style Short Ribs, complemented by expertly paired wines for a truly immersive gastronomic experience.

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Constance Maldives Resorts shine in Booking.com Traveller Review Awards

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Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf has once again been recognised in the prestigious Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, reflecting its unwavering commitment to excellence and outstanding hospitality. Among its properties, the resorts in the Maldives have achieved remarkable scores, highlighting their dedication to creating exceptional guest experiences.

The Maldives properties have received the following ratings out of 10:

  • Constance Halaveli Maldives – 9.7
  • Constance Moofushi Maldives – 9.6

These impressive scores underscore the high standards of service, luxurious accommodations, and unique experiences offered at these renowned Maldivian resorts.

Jean-Jacques Vallet, CEO of Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “These awards are a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team, who continually go above and beyond to provide guests with a vibrant atmosphere, high-quality experiences, and exceptional value.”

With these accolades, Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf further cements its reputation as a leading luxury hospitality provider in the Maldives, ensuring guests an unforgettable stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

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