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Gamechanger Siyam World Maldives appoints Tom McLoughlin as Island Chief, General Manager

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Siyam World, Maldives, a thrilling and bold new addition to the Sun Siyam Resorts portfolio, has appointed hospitality trailblazer Tom McLoughlin as Island Chief and General Manager ahead of its scheduled opening in Q4, 2021

The team behind Siyam World Maldives aims to create a striking new interpretation of the country’s rich natural wonders as a playground of possibilities; of memorably modern, quirky resort adventures and exciting, diverse experiences – confidently conceived and brilliantly brought to life.

Unconventional disruptor and daring visionary, McLoughlin has a proven track record of spearheading innovative and iconic island concepts that have driven the evolution of the modern Maldives hospitality industry, such as Hilton Rangali (subsequently rebranded as Conrad), Dhoni Mighili in 2003, Huvafen Fushi in 2004, Amilla Fushi in 2014, and Finolhu in 2016.

He has made the Maldives his home for two decades, and his deep love for his adopted country is evident, as is his expertise in helping owners create extraordinary resort experiences.

McLoughlin began his hospitality career with global brands including Accor and Hilton International and has over two decades’ experience working in the Maldives alone.

With extensive know-how in food and beverage, leisure and luxury travel, asset management and spa operations, he is set to support the owners and local management team in bringing Siyam World, Maldives to life.

The creators behind Siyam World strongly believe in local capabilities and have made it their mission to develop Maldivian talent in the hospitality industry by aiming for a whopping 80 per cent local employment rate.

With the aspiration of building a resort concept on traditional roots, the training, employment and development of local talent has already begun – including at higher management level.

Siyam World, Maldives is located in the popular Noonu Atoll, 40-minutes’ direct seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, and also accessible via a 30-minute domestic flight to Maafaru Airport followed by a 15-minute speedboat trip.

The island resort boasts an enticing variety of rooms and residences and classifies as a five-star all-inclusive resort unlike any other.

Forget any preconceptions of monotonous dining in the Maldives: at 54 hectares, this island is one of the largest in the Maldives to house a resort, offering guests an abundance of space and variety.

At Siyam World, there are a dozen different bars and restaurants to choose from and an endless array of ‘never-seen-before’ experiences to enjoy.

This is a new resort that offers fun-loving, open minded guests the freedom to roam, socialise and engage in an island community. With its uncompromisingly quirky with an “I can have it all” perception comes a deep-rooted soul and a unique approach to everything.

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Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience

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Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.

Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.

At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.

At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.

The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.

This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.

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Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.

The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.

The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.

Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.

The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.

Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.

Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.

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Cooking

Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day

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Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.

The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.

As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.

An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.

The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.

The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.

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