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W Hotels Announces Fall 2012 Season Of Fashion Next Designers

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Maldives Promotion House – W Hotels Worldwide today kicks off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with the announcement of its Fall 2012 season of Fashion Next designers.  The five designers, who specialize in a range of concepts from tailored menswear to avant garde women’s, will officially be introduced this evening by W Hotels Global Fashion Director Jenné Lombardo during a private cocktail event at W New York – Union Square’s newest nightspot, Lilium.  Lombardo has handpicked each of the designers for the fourth season of Fashion Next, the brand’s fashion initiative that fosters and supports emerging designers during Fashion Week and beyond.

While W has added two new designers this season, Haus Alkire and Suzanne Rae, designers Bibhu Mohapatra, Nomia, and Rochambeau will return for a consecutive season, demonstrating W’s commitment to fostering and nurturing up-and-coming talent. W Hotels will host four of the designers’ official presentations in the Box venue at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and support Mohapatra as he stages his first-ever runway show in the Studio at Lincoln Center on February 13, 2012.

“As W Hotels continues to transform into a global design powerhouse, we are committed to providing a platform for supporting and showcasing what’s new and next in fashion to guests and locals alike at our hotels around the world,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien.  “This season’s forward-thinking group of emerging fashion talent is especially exciting, and we are proud that W is able to continue to support the careers of tomorrow’s rising fashion stars.”

W Hotels supports and collaborates with Fashion Next designers well beyond Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. Bibhu Mohapatra will take his market appointments at the highly anticipated W Paris – Opéra, opening February 14, 2012, demonstrating Fashion Next’s global mission. Rochambeau will collaborate with W Seattle on the creation of the hotel’s bar uniforms, which will be unveiled in the spring following the hotel’s Living Room, bar and restaurant renovations. Additionally, Rochambeau has created an exclusive, custom-made suede tote for W Hotels this season, which is sure to be on the arms of tastemakers and fashionistas throughout Fashion Week.  W Hotels will work with the additional Fashion Next designers to identify opportunities for exposure and growth to each designer’s flourishing business.

For the first time ever, W will live-stream the presentations on their global Facebook page at www.facebook.com/whotels. Viewers can also watch the shows after their completion on W Hotels fashion microsite, www.whotels.com/fashion.

“For three seasons now, the W Hotels Fashion Next program has provided me with a platform that reinforced the foundation of my brand in many ways,” explained Mohapatra. “It is a visionary program that guides, supports and nurtures young brands like mine and helps evolve the way to bigger and better things, such as staging my first-ever runway presentation this season.”

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COMO Maalifushi highlights uncrowded surf access across southern atolls

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COMO Maalifushi presents a considered approach to surfing in the Maldives—one shaped by access, expertise, and the quiet privilege of space.

Located in the remote Thaa Atoll, the resort offers entry to a network of lesser-travelled breaks across the southern atolls, where consistent Indian Ocean swells meet uncrowded line-ups. Here, surfing unfolds without urgency—guided by natural rhythm rather than routine.

At the core of the experience is COMO Maalifushi’s long-standing partnership with Tropicsurf, daily sessions are shaped by real-time ocean conditions, with coaching that adapts intuitively to each guest—whether taking to the water for the first time or refining technique across more complex reef formations.

Guests are given access to a curated selection of breaks across Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll—each offering a distinct character. From the long, forgiving rides of Farms to the more technical, fast-moving rights of ‘Machine’, the programme is designed to evolve with both conditions and capability.

“Surfing at COMO Maalifushi is defined by its sense of space and possibility,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Our location allows access to some of the Maldives’ most consistent yet uncrowded waves, and through our partnership with Tropicsurf, we’re able to offer an experience that is both highly personalised and quietly exceptional—true to COMO’s way of doing things.”

The season, which runs from April through October, brings steady swells from the southern Indian Ocean. Yet beyond seasonality, it is the absence of crowds that defines the experience—allowing guests to engage with the ocean on their own terms.

Surfing at COMO Maalifushi sits naturally within the wider rhythm of the island. Time in the water is balanced with restorative treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, unhurried dining, and the simplicity of island life—creating a sense of flow between activity and stillness.

Here, surfing is guided with care, framed by nature, and experienced without excess.

For more information, please visit the resort’s website

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Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground

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Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.

The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.

Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.

The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.

The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.

Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.

Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.

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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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