Business
Raffles Maldives Internship Programme introduced

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo initiates a one of a kind community centric project for the very first time in the history of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
The resort is proud to introduce the Raffles Maldives Internship Program, a uniquely curated and career focused skills development initiative to recruit and build local communities’ knowledge and interest in the hospitality sector, by providing young talents to learn and rediscover their passion for hospitality.
Raffles being a pioneer in the Hospitality sector since 1887, has revolutionised the way forward for more than a century and continues to do so.
Apart from being renowned worldwide for its legendary services in curating bespoke luxury experiences, Raffles holds true to nurturing some of finest men and women the industry has ever seen. And having access to a vast set of resources and knowledge from across 110 plus countries through Accor makes it one of the leading brands to grow with.

The Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Internship Programme was conceptualised two years ago when the property was opened back in 2019, and had to be put on hold due to the global pandemic.
As now we move into the new normal, Raffles is staying true to its ideology to mobilise local talents, officially launched the program on 5th Nov 2021 at the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Education Centre.
Under the patronage of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo’ s General Manager Amila Handunwala and Director of Talent and culture Dhakshina Moorthy along with the School Principal, its staff, parents and students, the first batch of seven Interns were handed over their letters of appointment to commence their journey in the hospitality sector with Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.
The event was also graced by local council member Zaleef Abdulla who was humbled by the efforts of a global hospitality brand such as Raffles in taking the initiative to develop young talents especially far south of Male, where there is much work needed in skills development especially in the tourism sector.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, sees opportunity in local talents and strongly upholds the values of industry, its norms and is proud to be part of grooming the next generation of hospitality professionals in the Maldives, in the Raffles style of work and culture, adhering to some of the finest standards both locally and internationally.
By introducing this programme, Raffles doesn’t just change the lives of the recently recruited Interns but opens a doorway to one of the largest Atolls and in turn the whole of Maldives to learn and grow together, what they call, sharing the heartiest experience with the world and growing together to foster a sustainable future for both the resort and surrounding communities alike.
Both teachers and parents were quite thrilled and honoured to have their students and children to be part of such a prestigious programme. They believe this opens doors to the currently graduating students from their high school with a diploma in hospitality and encourages others alike to follow in such programmes, as tourism is a growing industry in the Maldives and the need for highly skilled workforce is forever in demand.
The General Manager along with Raffles Talents and Culture see this as an opportunity to reinstate the core values of Raffles as a global hospitality leader and seeks to be a beacon of hope and encouragement towards a sustainable development programme for tourism in the southern parts of Maldives.
Business
Atmosphere Core expands in South Asia with Atmosphere Living ultra-luxury residences

Atmosphere Core, a globally renowned name in hospitality, has announced the launch of Atmosphere Living as part of its continued expansion in South Asia. Headquartered in India, this new company will offer branded ultra-luxury residences with customised end-to-end amenities and indulgences, including coffee lounges, wine cellars, private transport, and bespoke concierge services.
The global branded residences market has experienced a remarkable 150 percent growth over the past decade, and projections indicate a surge in demand. With the real estate veteran Sandeep Ahuja at the helm as Managing Director, Atmosphere Living is strategically positioned to capitaliSe on this demand.
Atmosphere Living will focus on a conscious design philosophy. All properties will be built in harmony with the environment and will incorporate features such as smart recycling, efficient waste and water management, and green energy solutions.
Sharing his insights on the launch, Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director, Atmosphere Core, said, “Atmosphere Living will bring a distinctive offering to India, and is a brand to watch out for. It will combine Ahuja’s decades of experience, knowledge, and industry network in real estate with Atmosphere’s hospitality expertise, introducing unparalleled serviced residences in India.”
Positioned in major metropolitan areas, established second-home destinations, and undiscovered scenic locales nationwide, these projects will also present lucrative investment opportunities. Elite homeowners will have the option to lease their residences back to Atmosphere Living, allowing them to be rented out for income generation.
Sandeep Ahuja, Managing Director, Atmosphere Living, said, “There is currently a gap in the Indian realty landscape for ultra-indulgent serviced homes catering to affluent consumers. We aim to bridge this gap by curating serviced homes that offer indulgences such as entering homes using smart key cards, 24/7 butler services, fine dining, and co-working spaces, among others. Our ultimate desire is to enable our customers to experience a life of true luxury and exclusivity.”
Events
A night of celestial wonders, luxury, and cosmic inspiration at Anantara Kihavah SKY Observatory by British astronaut Tim Peake

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas celebrated a historic milestone with the exclusive visit of the renowned British astronaut, Tim Peake. On the evening of November 2, Astronaut Peake hosted an exclusive space talk at SKY Observatory, the finest overwater observatory in the Indian Ocean, housing the most powerful telescope in the Maldives.
Perched gracefully over the pristine Maldivian waters, SKY Observatory provided an idyllic setting for this extraordinary event, complemented by a stunning sunset. The exclusive gathering attracted a full house of eager guests to a delightful evening that seamlessly blended science, luxury, and natural beauty.
The evening commenced with a lovely cocktail reception, where guests were serenaded by the soulful tunes of a live saxophone band. Attendees savoured exquisite cocktails and canapés as they eagerly awaited Tim Peake’s presentation.
Tim Peake’s talk unveiled his personal journey, where he shared his path to becoming an astronaut and narrated the rigorous training that astronauts undergo. He provided insights into life in space, the daily challenges faced by astronauts, and the awe-inspiring experiences he encountered during his
historic mission. He also offered a glimpse into his exciting future projects, leaving the audience both inspired and spellbound.
Following Tim’s presentation, an interactive Q&A session allowed guests to engage directly with the British astronaut. The audience posed thoughtful questions, deepening their understanding of astronauts’ unique experiences and the intricacies of space exploration.
The event was further enriched by the presence of the resort’s three SKY gurus, Hammadh Rasheed, Zunnoon Ahmed, and Ali Arushal, who conducted a stargazing session for the guests afterward.
The success of the event was evident in the overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, who left with a deeper appreciation for space exploration and a memorable evening to cherish.
The evening marked a significant moment in Anantara Kihavah’s history, showcasing the resort’s commitment to offering unique and memorable experiences for its guests. The presence of Tim Peake, a celebrated astronaut and highly accomplished author, added an extraordinary dimension to the resort’s already spectacular offerings.
Tim Peake is a renowned British astronaut who made history as the first official British astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and conduct a spacewalk during his six-month mission. He also achieved the remarkable feat of running the London Marathon from space. Beyond his extraordinary space endeavours, Tim is also a bestselling author with his most recent book Space: A thrilling human history published earlier this month.
An astronomer’s paradise, Baa Atoll in the Maldives, is one of the best places on earth to enjoy stargazing due to its proximity to the equator. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas promises a voyage of discovery on a private Indian Ocean Island, with Sky—an overwater observatory and luxury cocktail bar—providing guests a chance to sip champagne under the stars and explore the Universe.
Business
Visit Maldives website adds atolls segment to showcase diverse regions

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation’s (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has added a new segment to the official Visit Maldives Website specified for atolls showcasing the diversity of the Maldives.
The segment, now live at atolls.visitmaldives.com provides in depth information regarding the different regions of the Maldives, divided by atolls, to refine the traveller’s experience, commencing with an in-depth exploration of Addu Atoll and Fuvahmulah Atoll.
With 26 atolls, the Maldives offers a wide array of unique accommodations and awe-inspiring travel experiences, and this informative section of our website will serve as a gateway to discover the hidden treasures unique to each area. This falls under MMPRC’s initiatives to encourage tourism growth in all regions of the Maldives, broadening exposure to the diverse tourism products available in the Maldives.
The goal is to elevate Visit Maldives’ digital marketing landscape by showcasing the Maldives as more than just a honeymoon destination with various accommodation options. This initiative is driven by a desire to increase awareness about the distinctive offerings within each of the Maldives’ atolls. It aims to positively shape their perception of the Sunny Side of Life brand by curating engaging content that highlights the unique features of the atolls and diverse experiences available in the islands.
Additionally, the initiative will target the affordable luxury market to promote the Maldives as the most appealing option for short holidays and weekend getaways under a unified Maldives brand umbrella.
MMPRC aims to continue exploring other atolls in the Maldives as well, encouraging growth and tourism development in all regions of the Maldives, building on the foundation we have created to promote the destination beyond the traditional paradigms of sun, sand, and sea.
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