Featured
Coco Bodu Hithi, Maldives appoints Maurice Van Den Bosch as General Manager
Coco Bodu Hithi, Maldives appoints Maurice Van Den Bosch as General Manager

Coco Collection has announced the appointment of Maurice Van Den Bosch as the General Manager of Coco Bodu Hithi resort.
An Australian-Dutch citizen with a diverse background within the hospitality industry, Maurice joins the team at Coco Bodu Hithi with over 20 years of experience in hotel management.
Maurice most recently led the pre-opening team at Le Meridian Maldives Resort & Spa. His experience in managing resorts in the Maldives began in 2017 as the Resort Manager of Ozen by Atmosphere. He later joined Atmosphere Kanifushi as the General Manager, before being promoted to Vice President of Operations for Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts in 2019. Back home in Australia, Maurice also worked in food & beverage management and event management in multiple hotels including Novotel Pacific Bay Resort and Ayers Rock Resort.
“I am so excited to be back in the Maldives. I have missed the endless summer days! Coco Collection in particular has always been a very interesting brand for me. Coco Collection has such a fabulous reputation in the Maldives for pioneering the resort industry here and having roots in the heritage of the country, all the while evolving to the changing trends of the industry. The resorts in the Collection are magnificent in beauty but also offerings. Coco Bodu Hithi, my new home, boasts huge, elegant villas surrounded by lush vegetation and beautiful beaches. A true natural paradise.”
Drawing upon the unique selling points of Coco Bodu Hithi, Maurice will be focusing on elevating the guest experience and streamlining resort operations in the wake of these challenging times.
“When it comes to management, I truly believe in the idea of “All for one and one for All”. The success of the resort can only be achieved with the success of the team which operates it. For me, there is no better achievement than having a team that is empowered to provide the best of service and challenge themselves to new heights.”
Maurice is also looking forward to introducing some new projects and initiatives on Coco Bodu Hithi. “Already on the horizon are a new dining concept and a new kids’ hangout that will be added to the long list of services already on the island. Both will have a very natural relaxed atmosphere component to them. We will be looking to have a beachside dinner with a traditional Maldivian menu where guests can chill out and enjoy a cold beverage while being able to look out over the horizon and soak in the palate of colours that only the Maldives can provide. The Kids’ hangout zone will consist of activities leaning more towards crafts and horticulture, with an area also to laze and relax when it’s time to wind down after a full day of exploring the island and swimming all day long.”
When asked about what guests can expect on the island for the upcoming festive season, Maurice gave a little teaser saying, “Santa! But how does he arrive when there is no chimney to be seen? Luckily for Santa, we have sent him a few options that should work for him. Let’s wait and see what he chooses this year. He is a cheeky devil, so you never know until he gets here. In the meantime, our Coco Elves are busy practising Christmas carols on the resort karaoke system. Indika, our very talented Executive Chef, has been busy all year cooking up a storm of new ideas and creations to dazzle the taste buds. I for one can’t wait to see the end results for the festive season that our team is creating.”
With Maurice at the helm, we look forward to all the festive delights and new projects at Coco Bodu Hithi in the days to come!
Drink
THE OZEN COLLECTION marks four years of partnership with Bodegas Viñátigo

THE OZEN COLLECTION has marked four years of partnership with Bodegas Viñátigo, the Tenerife-based winery recognised for reviving nearly-lost grape varieties from the Canary Islands. For more than three decades, the winery’s vineyards, cultivated in volcanic soils, have preserved traditional winemaking heritage, a philosophy that aligns with THE OZEN COLLECTION’s focus on authentic, terroir-inspired experiences. The collaboration extends beyond seasonal events, with Bodegas Viñátigo’s wines available year-round through THE OZEN COLLECTION’s holiday programmes: the RESERVE™ Plan at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and the INDULGENCE™ Plan at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO.
Winemaker Juan Jesús Méndez reflected on the collaboration, stating: “THE OZEN COLLECTION has become an integral chapter in our story. Over these years, we have developed a deep understanding of their vision and clientele. To see our wines travel from Tenerife’s volcanic soils to the Maldives’ shores has been extraordinary. The enthusiasm of guests and connoisseurs continues to inspire us to create new expressions and strengthen this valued partnership.”
Celebrations will begin at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO from 24 to 26 November, featuring an evening at the underwater restaurant M6m, a dinner at TRADITION PEKING, and a sundowner at HUDHU BAY Beach Club, where guests can enjoy Bodegas Viñátigo wines against the backdrop of the Maldivian sunset.
From 28 to 30 November, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will host events at ORIGINƎ, a Canary-Asian fusion dining experience at SOYI, and sunset wine gatherings on the beach, designed to highlight rare Canary Islands vintages and encourage interaction between guests and winemakers.
These curated events provide opportunities for guests to meet the winemakers, learn about their craft, and experience food pairings that enhance each wine’s character. Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, commented: “Canary Wine transcends simple consumption; it forges connections between people and cultures. Our partnership with Bodegas Viñátigo, who produce some of the most distinctive wines that even captivated Shakespeare, has significantly enriched our offerings. It has also elevated guest experiences and contributed to our wine programme receiving notable recognition and awards.”
THE OZEN COLLECTION continues to offer curated wine experiences throughout the year, including pairing dinners and sommelier-led tastings. Travellers can explore these vintages while benefitting from 25% savings on direct bookings, combining luxury with value.
Celebration
Season of wonder and connection: festivities at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives

Four Seasons Resorts across Asia are ushering in the festive season with an array of experiences that merge cultural traditions, playful entertainment, and meaningful rituals, creating a distinctive holiday calendar that resonates across their award-winning properties. In the Maldives, where the tropical warmth contrasts with winter’s chill elsewhere, celebrations are designed to capture both the spirit of joy and the magic of place. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, guests are invited on a musical journey spanning decades, from the glamour of 1920s soirées to the neon-lit energy of 1980s roller-disco nights. The atmosphere is charged with rhythm and nostalgia, setting the stage for evenings of dancing, themed dining, and family gatherings. Meanwhile, at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, the festivities transform into a fantastical escape on Ellgy Island, where reggae beats, immersive storytelling, and whimsical adventures unfold against the backdrop of the Baa Atoll’s turquoise waters. Adding to the sense of exclusivity, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah presents Christmas as a personalised experience, with guests shaping their own version of celebration—whether through Michelin-starred cuisine, live performances, oceanfront rituals, or fireworks beneath the island sky, all enabled by a dedicated team.
The season brings with it a celebration of togetherness. Guests at the Maldivian resorts can gather for Christmas cheer infused with the region’s playful character. Santa’s arrival is a highlight, bringing festive fun for children and adults alike, while themed dinners and entertainment provide memorable moments for families. The sense of warmth and shared joy is echoed across the Four Seasons properties worldwide, yet the Maldives, with its pristine beaches and island charm, creates a unique canvas where these experiences are magnified by the natural beauty of the setting.
New Year’s Eve takes on a particularly vibrant tone across the Maldives resorts. At Kuda Huraa, the high-energy celebrations continue into the early hours with live music and curated dining, offering guests the chance to welcome the year ahead under starlit skies. At Landaa Giraavaru, the enchanted Ellgy Island narrative culminates in a festive finale filled with storytelling, music, and fireworks, blending fantasy with celebration in a way that reflects the creative spirit of the resort. On Voavah, the New Year is a blank canvas just as much as Christmas—every detail is tailored to the guests’ vision, ensuring a one-of-a-kind night of indulgence and anticipation for the year ahead.
For those seeking balance between celebration and restoration, the resorts also recognise the quieter days between Christmas and New Year’s—often referred to as “Twixmas.” This period allows guests to pause and rejuvenate, with options ranging from spa experiences by the ocean to mindful practices under starry skies. Families, couples, and solo travellers alike can shape itineraries that balance relaxation with adventure, taking advantage of the Maldives’ natural abundance and tranquil surroundings. Sound therapy, meditative sessions, and couple’s rituals add depth to the festive period, ensuring it is not only celebratory but also restorative.
The family dimension is not overlooked, with dedicated activities that encourage meaningful connections. Children’s parties, creative workshops, and outdoor adventures offer opportunities for younger guests to engage while adults enjoy moments of calm or shared experiences. Exclusive excursions across nearby islands and lagoons provide further scope for discovery and bonding, creating holiday memories that extend beyond traditional celebrations.
In bringing together music, culture, fantasy, and wellness, the holiday programme at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives epitomises the brand’s ability to elevate the festive season into a multidimensional experience. It is a blend of high-energy revelry and serene reflection, tailored indulgence and collective joy, all set against one of the world’s most striking natural backdrops. As guests prepare to welcome a new year, the resorts offer not just a destination but a narrative of connection, imagination, and renewal, ensuring the festive season in the Maldives is as memorable as it is meaningful.
Featured
Dive into Baa Atoll’s manta ray season with The Westin Maldives

Nature takes centre stage in the Maldives as manta ray season graces the protected waters of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, continuing until November this year. At the heart of this celebrated atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort — a five-star holistic wellness sanctuary poised on the edge of Hanifaru Bay — invites guests to witness the mesmerising cyclone feeding phenomenon, where hundreds of manta rays glide and spiral in an extraordinary underwater ballet.
Just 40 minutes by speedboat from the resort lies Hanifaru Bay, one of the world’s most renowned manta aggregation sites. Guided snorkelling excursions, led by The Westin Maldives’ resident marine experts, allow visitors to encounter this rare natural spectacle first-hand. With over 1,800 manta rays recorded in the bay, the chance to swim alongside these graceful creatures offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for marine life enthusiasts from around the globe.
Beyond Hanifaru Bay, the resort provides access to more than 20 exceptional dive sites across the Baa Atoll, famed for its thriving reefs and diverse marine life. Among the highlights is Dhigali Haa, a protected submerged reef, or thila, distinguished by coral-draped overhangs, narrow canyons, and abundant sea life. Divers may encounter schooling snapper, fusilier, giant trevallies, eagle rays, and even inquisitive dolphins. Nearby, Nelivaru Thila reveals a labyrinth of coral pinnacles and ledges, home to moray eels, turtles, and reef sharks weaving through vibrant soft coral gardens. With over 250 recorded species, Baa Atoll offers endless diving rewards for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Guests can also enjoy a variety of unforgettable ocean experiences without leaving the resort, from spotting playful spinner dolphins directly from their villa to using complimentary snorkelling gear and canoes. Those seeking more adventure can opt for jet ski rides, private snorkelling with turtles, sunset dolphin cruises, or traditional Maldivian line fishing. As part of the #PlayWell programme, the resort’s Marine Biologist offers insights into marine ecosystems, conservation, and responsible tourism.
After a day of discovery, guests can enhance recovery through the WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending Programme, which includes the Hyperice Recharge and Recovery Kit, designed to soothe muscles and restore energy. For a deeper sense of calm, the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ offers rejuvenating treatments accompanied by sweeping ocean vistas.
As night falls, tranquillity awaits in one of the resort’s 69 spacious villas. Each promises a restorative night’s sleep with the award-winning Heavenly® Bed, featuring a plush pillow-top mattress, the soothing Sleep Well Lavender Balm, and a specially curated Westin Sleep Well Menu.
With wellness at its heart and adventure woven into every experience, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort provides a front-row seat to some of the ocean’s most magical moments.
-
News1 week ago
World-renowned healer Emilie Chanon joins Milaidhoo as visiting practitioner for journey of deep healing
-
Featured1 week ago
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas unveils magical holiday celebrations
-
Drink1 week ago
Joos gets juicier: The Standard, Maldives unveils fresh new menu
-
Featured1 week ago
Huvafen Fushi introduces soulful stays for rest, reconnection and renewal
-
Cooking1 week ago
Theme nights at Kula: The Standard, Maldives turns up the heat with gobal buffet glow-up
-
Drink1 week ago
Golden hour bliss with Zoe London and Giorgio Chiarello at Dhigali Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Dive into Baa Atoll’s manta ray season with The Westin Maldives
-
News6 days ago
Sirru Fen Fushi welcomes Anastasia Yatsenko for 3-day Pilates escape