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Six Senses appoints Michael Vance as Regional Director of Sales, Marketing for Maldives

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Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has announced the appointment of Michael Vance as Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for the Maldives, where he will oversee two Six Senses properties.

Michael brings more than 15 years of international experience in the high-end hospitality sector to the role.

Michael spent the last four years as the Head of Sales & Marketing at Perowne International in London where he oversaw a global portfolio of more than 20 independent luxury hotels, resorts, and lodges. He is no stranger to Six Senses having previously spent six years as Director of Sales, based in London, looking after the UK market on behalf of the group.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Michael back to Six Senses to oversee the sales and marketing strategies for our two properties in the Maldives: Six Senses Laamu and Six Senses Kanuhura,” explains Marteyne van Well, Regional General Manager.

Opening in December 2022, the re-launch of Kanuhura under the Six Senses brand represents a new beginning in the island’s rich history in the Maldives, and Michael will oversee the reopening strategy, alongside driving the continued success of Six Senses Laamu.

“A great addition to the team, I am confident that Michael’s inspirational and results-oriented leadership will lead to a successful launch of our second property, while also ensuring growth and further strengthening relationships with our key partners,” adds Marteyne.

“Both of the Six Senses properties in the Maldives will offer incredible experiences for guests, and I am looking forward to working with our teams on the ground to develop these further and share our stories and plans with guests and partners around the world,” says Michael.

“Having such a connection to the brand and to the Maldives, I have long aspired to take on such a role. To have the opportunity to do so at this pivotal time in the development of Six Senses and its growth in the Maldives is something incredibly special.”

Michael and his family will remain based in the UK but needless to say his two young children are very much looking forward to becoming two of Six Senses Laamu’s newest Junior Marine Biologists. Michael has always been an avid traveler and his passion for the Maldives stems from his first visit more than 25 years ago. Michael’s personal passions are good food (both cooking and eating) as well as scuba-diving and exploring the world with his partner and children.

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Eri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling

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Eri Maldives is located within the waters of North Malé Atoll and is surrounded by a house reef accessible to both beginner and experienced divers. With four direct reef entry points and shore access, the resort offers opportunities for snorkelling, introductory dives and certified diving.

The house reef supports a range of marine life, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, mobula rays and spotted eagle rays, as well as schools of reef fish. The accessibility of the reef allows guests to explore the area over multiple days, providing opportunities to observe marine behaviour and habitats over time.

Turtle encounters

Hawksbill turtles are among the most frequently observed species on the reef. The resort’s dive team has identified 14 individual turtles, each recognised by shell patterns and physical features. These include turtles known as Rosie, Cara and Anna, which have been documented through repeated sightings.

The resort maintains records of these turtles, allowing returning guests to identify individuals over time. Guests may also contribute to this initiative by naming newly identified turtles that have not previously been recorded.

Manta ray season

From December to April, manta rays are known to visit cleaning stations at Bodu Hithi Thila, located approximately one hour by boat from the resort. During this period, ocean conditions support plankton flows that attract mantas to the area, where they can be observed feeding or visiting cleaning stations.

Night diving experiences

Night snorkelling and diving activities provide a different perspective on reef activity. Species such as reef sharks, trevallies, moray eels and nurse sharks become more active after dark, offering guests the opportunity to observe nocturnal marine behaviour.

At Eri Maldives, marine experiences form a central part of the guest offering, with the house reef providing consistent opportunities for exploration. The resort’s dive programme is designed to support repeated interaction with the marine environment, allowing guests to experience a range of underwater activity throughout their stay.

Accommodation is available in studio and beach villa categories, with full board packages offered for direct bookings, subject to availability.

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The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives collaborates with Maldivian artist Ahmed Aleem

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The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection has announced a collaboration with Ahmed Aleem Shakoor, who is currently in residence at the resort, introducing a creative element to the guest experience.

Aleem, a self-taught artist, is known for work that combines maritime themes, surrealism and symbolism. His practice spans watercolours, acrylics and mixed media, drawing inspiration from the Maldives’ history and ocean landscapes, often expressed through the use of light, depth and narrative.

During his residency, Aleem is working with the resort to develop a series of artistic and cultural experiences aimed at engaging guests. These include live painting sessions, informal interactions with the artist and workshops designed to encourage creative participation.

The programme forms part of the resort’s wider activities, with offerings such as mini canvas painting, coconut painting and creative art sessions available to guests. In addition, Tales Painted in Sunlight combines elements of Maldivian folklore, storytelling and visual art, providing further insight into local culture.

The collaboration reflects the resort’s approach to incorporating local artistic talent into its programming, while offering guests opportunities to engage with creative activities in a relaxed setting. The residency is designed to allow guests to explore artistic expression as part of their island experience.

As part of its seasonal programme, selected artistic activities are also included in the resort’s Easter offerings, providing additional opportunities for guests to take part in creative experiences during their stay.

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Amilla Maldives wins ‘Most OutThere Initiative’ award for Inclusive Travel

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Amilla Maldives has been named a joint winner in the Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel category at the Experientialist Awards 2026, following a Highly Commended recognition in the same category in 2025.

The Experientialist Awards recognise organisations shaping travel through inclusivity, individuality and design, with the inclusive travel category highlighting initiatives that address not only accessibility, but also how journeys are experienced by guests.

At Amilla Maldives, accessibility is integrated into the overall guest experience. The resort adopts an approach that begins at the planning stage and continues throughout the stay, with a focus on understanding individual guest needs and adapting experiences accordingly.

Aligned with its In Harmony with Purpose philosophy, the resort has introduced a range of measures aimed at improving accessibility. These include villa features designed for ease of use, accessible pathways across the island and adaptive experiences such as inclusive snorkelling and wellness sessions.

As an IncluCare Verified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to develop its offering through feedback and collaboration, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity across its operations.

Commenting on the recognition, Morgan Martinello said the resort remains focused on creating travel experiences that feel natural and accessible. He noted that the continued recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity.

The award from OutThere, a platform focused on diversity and inclusion in travel, marks a further step in the resort’s efforts to create accessible and inclusive guest experiences.

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