Featured
Four Seasons Maldives apprenticeship inauguration reinforces investment in future of Maldives hospitality
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has welcomed a new intake of 44 apprentices to the class of 2022.
A total of 12 apprentices at Kuda Huraa and 32 apprentices at Landaa Giraavaru during a virtual inauguration ceremony, held simultaneously at both Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru on June 3.


The joint live Zoom broadcast was watched by employees of both resorts and graced by guest of honour, Maldivian ambassador to Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Union Hassan Sobir, who appeared via a live zoom call from Brussels.
A supporter of the programme since its inception, Sobir was also the guest of honour at the programme’s first graduation ceremony 21 years ago.
Unable to accommodate new apprentices in 2020, the government-accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Program – is continuing with a slightly smaller intake than usual this year.
Nevertheless, its fundamental goals remain as steadfast as they have for two decades: to develop technical skills; to impart professional and general knowledge, and to coach mindsets, attitudes, values and behaviours.
In his address to the new apprentices, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin spoke about the need to be nimble and agile in these ever-changing times.
Reflecting this approach, this year’s programme will introduce two new combined disciplines to second-year apprentices – Safe Maritime Transport and Boat Mechanic, and Front Office and Recreation Attendant – to equip future graduates with multi-skills that better enable them to adapt to the industry’s changing demands.
Aimed at 17 to 20-year-olds, the Four Seasons Maldives Apprenticeship Programme is dedicated to providing enthusiastic Maldivian youngsters with the expertise required to excel as professionals in the hospitality industry.
To date, the total number of graduates stands at 651 since the programme’s inception in 2001, making it one of the most successful and long-running apprenticeships of its kind in the Indian Ocean.
While living, studying and working onsite at Four Seasons two Resort islands of Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, apprentices gain hands-on experience in their chosen discipline: Food and Beverage Preparation or Service, Safe Maritime Transport, Housekeeping and Guest Services, PADI Dive Master, Water Sports Attendant, Marine Biology plus 2021’s two new disciplines for second-year apprentices: Front Office and Recreation Attendant and Safe Maritime Transport and Boat Mechanic.
The programme is open to male and female Maldivians who meet a number of entry criteria including O-level certifications and fluency in both written and spoken English.
No previous work experience is required and apprentices are recruited from throughout the country for the fully-funded course, recognised in 2010 as the Maldives’ first TVET-certified Apprenticeship scheme.
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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