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Atmosphere Hotels gears up for expansion, welcomes stellar line up of industry veterans
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts (AH&R), a dynamic and fast-growing hospitality company, starts the year on a winning note with four key leadership appointments to support its ambitious development plans.
Atmosphere’s strategic onboarding of top talent to its senior leadership team include Michel Politano as VP Revenue & Distribution, Sarah Walker Kerr as VP Communications, Ashley Goddard as Corporate Culinary Director and Silvia Collepardi as VP Sales & Marketing for COLOURS OF OBLU & By Atmosphere.
Coming from the finest hospitality brands across the globe, these accomplished leaders add to the company’s growth momentum. Helping to take its three brands, THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU and By Atmosphere, to alluring leisure destinations in India, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Ashley Goddard – Corporate Culinary Director
Taking up the newly created role of Corporate Culinary Director, Ashley Goddard will drive brand distinction and corporate reputation by refining dining experiences throughout Atmosphere’s portfolio of resorts. He will mentor and develop the company’s culinary teams, enhance existing Food and Beverage experiences, and contribute to launching of our new openings and projects in the current pipeline.
During his successful career spanning over 30 years, this Australian Chef & Culinary Entrepreneur has worked with some of the leading international hospitality companies, immersing in cultures across the globe. Having been a part of different cultures has enriched Ashley’s palette for life – allowing him to develop world-class culinary teams, in numerous countries and throughout reputed hotels and resorts. “I believe raising both the perception of our guests, as well the expectation of a truly memorable dining experience, we are lucky to touch so many people and bring the Joy of Giving” says Ashley Goddard.
Silvia Collepardi – VP Sales & Marketing for COLOURS OF OBLU & By Atmosphere
Silvia Collepardi has been promoted to Vice President Sales & Marketing for the company’s recently launched brand COLOURS OF OBLU as well as By Atmosphere. In her new role, Silvia will focus on strengthening brand positioning in key feeder markets across the globe and developing new markets.
Hailing from Italy, Silvia joined AH&R in 2018 as Regional Director of Sales Europe. She offers a wealth of expertise acquired over 16 years of sales and marketing experience, including senior positions at international brands like Centara Hotels & Resorts. Her love for oceans has inspired Silvia to focus her expertise on promoting dream destinations and beautiful resorts in the Maldives, Thailand and Bali, with a passion for pre-opening and business development.
Michel Politano – Vice President Revenue & Distribution
In the role of VP Revenue & Distribution, French national Michel Politano will work towards maximising revenue, enhancing channel connectivity and profitability, and optimising online presence, traffic acquisition and conversion. An impactful leader with 15 years of hands-on experience, Michel excels in implementing unique and highly effective market strategies, successfully entering new markets and providing value-based leadership. He has most recently held senior leadership positions at Emaar Hospitality Group, where he set up and grew the entire distribution ecosystem (spanning 20+ hotels across 4 brands) and contributed to organisational growth by leading change management of cluster structure.
Sarah Walker Kerr – Vice President Communications
Recently appointed, Sarah Walker Kerr has hit the ground running – steering the company’s communication strategy with a focus on promoting brand distinction. With over 20 years of international experience, UK-born Sarah is adept at setting up and managing global integrated communication programs that drive guest engagement, elevate corporate identity and build brand equity.
Sarah comes to Atmosphere from Marriott International, where she spent 3 years as VP Communications, achieving positive awareness (externally and internally) and brand distinction. As part of this role, she set up a fit for purpose communications organization across complex geography of 30 countries. She was ranked among the Top 25 ‘Most Influential Communicators in the Middle East’ by PR Week UK.
Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts said, “As we prepare for our next phase of expansion, we are thrilled to welcome such outstanding talent to our senior leadership team. I am eager to see how their depth and breadth of collective experience will help us drive brand distinction, foster culinary excellence, elevate our reputation, reach new markets”.
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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