Featured
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island appoints Evghenia Popazoglo as Director of Operations

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has announced the appointment of Evghenia Popazoglo as Director of Operations as the iconic twin-island resort prepares for its grand relaunch.
The property is part of Conrad Hotels & Resorts, one of Hilton’s (NYSE:HLT) global luxury hotel brands. An experienced Head of Operations and hospitality expert, Popazoglo will be responsible for elevating the guest experience whilst upholding the high-quality service standard that the resort is renowned for.
With an impressive career spanning 16 years, Popazoglo’s versatile skillset includes a background in guest relations in the MENA region. Most recently, Popazoglo was Head of Operations at OP3 EXPO and prior to this was Director of Rooms at Hilton Algiers Hotel where she successfully oversaw its renovation and re-launch. In addition, she has held leading guest service roles at Emirates Grand Hotel, Jumeirah Vittaveli Resort and Mina A’Salam Hotel.
Her penchant for travel and luxury hotels has led her to Rangali Island. With a strong eye for detail, communication expertise, financial proficiency, and motivational leadership philosophy, Popazoglo will supervise and assist the team in their constant strive to exceed guest expectations at every turn. In addition to having excellent communication and people skills, Evghenia can speak six different languages, including Russian, Greek, and Turkish. Having proficiency in these three languages is particularly important to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island as the property continues to develop these markets.
Commenting on her appointment Evghenia says: “I am delighted to be joining Conrad Maldives Rangali Island at such an exciting time for the property with its grand relaunch just around the corner. Its avant-garde philosophy has set the tone for luxury hospitality in the Maldives for the past 25 years, and it is an honor to be part of the next chapter for this iconic brand.”
Carla Puverel, General Manager, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Evghenia as the Director of Operations as Conrad Maldives Rangali Island heads into the final stage of its considerable, property-wide transformation, with reimagined water villas, culinary venues, and innovative guest experiences. It’s important that we continue to pioneer and set the standards for the destination and Evghenia has demonstrated a keen interest in embracing the resort’s dedication to innovation. We look forward to seeing her experience and insight translate into unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
Proudly the first international resort brand to arrive in the Maldives and soon to complete 25 years in time for the grand relaunch in 2022, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was and continues to be, a pioneer amongst the Maldives’ 150 resorts. Renowned for delivering authentic barefoot luxury, the twin-island property is home to the world’s first undersea restaurant Ithaa, the first underwater bedroom set within the two-level residence The MURAKA, and the first twin-island resort experience in the Maldives, amongst others.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is located in Rangali Island, 20077, Maldives. To book, call +960 668 0629 or visit conradmaldives.com.
Featured
Research places Maldives among best winter sun destinations

New research by long-haul travel specialist Travelbag has placed Malé, Maldives, among the top destinations for winter sun seekers this year. With average temperatures of 28°C and around eight hours of sunshine a day during the UK’s winter months of October to January, the capital city offers one of the warmest and most reliable escapes for those looking to leave behind grey skies.
The findings highlight Malé’s appeal not only for its climate but also for its consistently low rainfall during the winter season, averaging just 10 millimetres. While the cost of a beer in Malé is higher than in many of the other destinations listed, at an average of £3.54, the Maldives remains a leading choice for travellers seeking a balance of tropical warmth, clear seas, and relaxation.
The research reflects a broader trend in which holidays are increasingly being recognised as important for mental wellbeing, particularly during winter months. A recent survey found that half of British travellers view holidays as vital for their mental health, with winter escapes offering a chance to recharge and find respite from the seasonal gloom.
Helen Wheat, Destination Manager for Asia at Travelbag, noted that the Maldives continues to stand out for those seeking total relaxation. She explained that the country’s tropical temperatures and soft sandy beaches make it an ideal choice for unwinding, contrasting with city-based winter sun destinations where nightlife and cultural activities often take precedence.
The Maldives’ inclusion among the top ten destinations underscores its enduring reputation as a haven for travellers in search of sun and tranquillity during the colder months in the UK. For those wishing to trade winter blues for blue skies, Malé offers a dependable and inviting option.
Cooking
Sirru Fen Fushi unveils exclusive dining series with Michelin-starred talent

Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, a secluded sanctuary in the north of the Maldives, will launch The Michelin Series this October, an exclusive celebration of gastronomy that brings some of the world’s most renowned chefs to the turquoise waters of Shaviyani Atoll. The event will give guests a rare opportunity to enjoy a unique dining experience led by internationally distinguished culinary talents.
The Michelin Series will debut with a line-up featuring Chef Tristan Brandt, Chef Valentino Cassanelli, and Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet. Together with the resort’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma, they will create exclusive four-hand dinners and multi-course signature menus at Azure. Guests will be able to watch the chefs bring their creations to life in the open kitchen, set against the turquoise sea in a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.
This series forms part of the resort’s Sirru Icon Series, a curated programme of high-profile collaborations across gastronomy, fitness, wellness, astronomy and more. Each collaboration is designed to immerse guests in experiences that inspire and engage.
Chef Tristan Brandt will appear on 28 and 30 October 2025. Known for his contemporary French cuisine infused with international influences, Brandt is the culinary mind behind the one Michelin-starred Tambourine Room in Miami Beach. His residency will include both a collaborative four-hands dinner with Chef Girish and a standalone four-course menu showcasing his signature style.
Chef Valentino Cassanelli will follow on 8 and 10 December 2025. Head Chef of the Michelin-starred Lux Lucis at Principe Forte dei Marmi in Italy, Cassanelli is recognised for his modern interpretation of Tuscan cuisine. His residency will feature a four-hands dinner with Chef Girish, offering a journey through Tuscan flavours elevated with creativity.
On 3 January 2026, Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet, Chef Patron at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in London, will present his philosophy of seasonal, ingredient-driven haute cuisine. In collaboration with Chef Girish, he will lead a one-night dining experience at Sirru Fen Fushi.
Executive Chef Girish Sharma described the vision behind the series as an effort to create more than just dinners, but experiences that celebrate craftsmanship, culture and connection. He emphasised that working alongside such esteemed chefs would allow the team to design menus that surprise and inspire, leaving lasting memories in one of the world’s most remarkable settings.
Featured
Medhufushi Island Resort marks National Day with Maldivian heritage showcase

Medhufushi Island Resort recently marked Maldives National Day with an immersive celebration of Maldivian heritage, transforming the resort grounds into a living museum that reflected the country’s cultural roots. The event recreated the atmosphere of a traditional island village and offered guests the chance to experience authentic island life through interactive activities, performances, and storytelling.
The resort team constructed a replica village featuring ancestral-style houses and traditional architecture that demonstrated the resourcefulness of early island communities. Guests explored the structures and learned how Maldivians adapted to their environment over generations. The experience was enhanced by a variety of activities, including food stalls that served traditional dishes, demonstrations of local craftsmanship, and opportunities to take part in games once enjoyed by island families. Musical traditions were brought to life with the sounds of Bodu Beru drums, where visitors not only observed but also participated alongside local performers.

Cultural performances formed the highlight of the evening, with local women presenting traditional dances that narrated stories of island life and men delivering energetic Bodu Beru drum sessions. Guest participation was strong, with many joining in the dances and trying their hand at drumming. One visitor remarked that it felt like stepping into another time and described learning Bodu Beru from locals as an unforgettable experience.
Resort Manager Iyaz explained that the event is organised annually to preserve and share Maldivian heritage with visitors, noting his pride in the team for creating such an engaging showcase and expressing gratitude to the guests for their enthusiasm.
The celebration reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural preservation through tourism, ensuring that traditional practices remain visible and valued. By offering authentic experiences, Medhufushi Island Resort connects guests with the history and identity of the Maldives while supporting sustainable tourism.
This annual showcase serves not only as entertainment but also as a bridge between past and present, reinforcing the importance of cultural continuity. Through initiatives such as these, the resort demonstrates how tourism can help protect traditions and foster community pride, enabling visitors to leave with more than memories of beaches and scenery, but with a deeper understanding of the people and heritage of the Maldives.
-
Family1 week ago
The Nautilus Maldives launches children’s sustainability workshops in partnership with ecoBirdy
-
News1 week ago
Unforgettable sunsets of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
-
News1 week ago
Eight irresistible reasons to trade Winter for Maldives
-
Cooking1 week ago
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents world-class Omakase experience with Chef Fumio Yonezawa
-
News7 days ago
Barceló Nasandhura Malé celebrates World Photography Day with #PortraitsAtNasandhura
-
Business5 days ago
SATA 2025 announces partnerships; confirms Hotelier Maldives, Maldives Insider as Media Partners
-
Drink6 days ago
THE OZEN COLLECTION marks four years of partnership with Bodegas Viñátigo
-
Celebration6 days ago
Season of wonder and connection: festivities at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives