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Siyam World Maldives strengthens team with key appointments

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Florian Niessing joins Siyam World from his role as Director of F&B at The Wellem, Germany’s first Unbound by Hyatt hotel. Prior to his time here, he held esteemed positions as Hotel Manager at Staycity Hotel in Heidelberg, Bar and Beverage Manager at Le Meridien, Xiamen in China, and Cluster Director of F&B at Crown and Champa Resorts, one of the leading resort collections in the Maldives.

Having nurtured a passion for food and beverage, Niessing worked around the world, boasting career highlights such as owning his own hotel and restaurant in Phuket, Thailand where he won numerous awards for his cocktail innovations. Combining his love for marketing with his creative flair, Niessing oversees the development of the culinary concepts across Siyam World’s 14 restaurants and bars, including exclusive new beachfront dining venue, The Cube, and the resort’s underground Wine Cellar Barrique.

When asked about his vision for Siyam World, Florian said “I am very excited to be a part of the Siyam World family, we have such a genuine team and a lot of amazing ideas. Our goal is to offer the most exciting and extensive choices of F&B experiences in the market including genuine heartfelt service by a proud and passionate team.”

Originally from Indonesia, Maya Damayanti lives and breathes her life as a health practitioner, valuing the importance of balancing body, mind, and soul, with a key focus on self-love and healing. She brings over 15 years of experience to Siyam World from her time working to develop spa brands and train staff at global luxury hotel and resort groups across Bali, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and the Middle East. Damayanti was awarded ‘Best Spa Manager 2016’ by the Indonesian Spa Professional Association (IndSpa), the Indonesian Wellness Master Association (WMA) and Wellness & Healthcare Entrepreneur Association (WHEA).

With her result-focused, innovative approach, and eye for detail, Maya will lead the Veyo Spa team, oversee all spa operations, and be responsible for the development of spa marketing initiatives, treatment offerings, and promotional activities to eventually expand spa revenues.

A standalone brand under Sun Siyam Resorts, Siyam World, Maldives is an unapologetically quirky, all-embracing five-star all-inclusive island destination that transcends cultures and borders to offer guests an ever-expanding array of ‘never-seen-before’ experiences – from the Indian Ocean’s biggest floating water park to the Maldives’ first resort horse ranch.

The natural 54-hectare island resort boasts an enticing variety of 19 accommodation categories ranging from 89 to 3,000 square metres, from lush Pool Beach Villas, expansive Beach Suites and breathtaking Beach Residences to playful overwater Villas complete with irresistible water slides. An exclusive enclave, The Beach House Collection, also features stunning Grand Water Pavilions and the magnificent Palace. All accommodation types overlook the pristine Maldivian waters, come with direct access to the ocean and feature generously proportioned indoor and outdoor living spaces with private pools.

Located in Noonu Atoll, Siyam World, Maldives is a mere 40 minutes’ direct seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, and accessible via a 30-minute domestic flight to Maafaru Airport followed by a 10-minute speedboat trip.

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The Standard, Maldives unveils new Premium All-Inclusive package

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The Standard, Maldives has announced the launch of a new Premium All-Inclusive experience from May 2026, introducing an enhanced offering aimed at travellers seeking a seamless island holiday in Raa Atoll.

The resort said the new package was designed to combine dining, experiences and entertainment with the natural setting of the Maldives. It added that the offering had been curated with Indian travellers in mind, as India continues to grow as a source market for Maldivian tourism.

The package begins with champagne on arrival and includes access to dining across the resort’s outlets. Guests will be able to choose from three restaurants for lunch and five restaurants for dinner with prior reservation. The resort said the dining programme would range from Mediterranean dishes at Onda to Maldivian cuisine at Guduguda, offering guests a varied culinary experience throughout their stay.

The package also includes a beverage programme featuring premium spirits, wines, cocktails and beers, as well as a fully stocked minibar in each villa.

The culinary programme is led by Director of Culinary Nandakumar Dharuman. The resort said his Indian background adds familiarity for Indian travellers, with Indian breakfast options available alongside international selections. Vegetarian and Jain meals can also be prepared on request.

The Standard, Maldives said the resort would continue to offer a lively atmosphere through activities held during the week, including DJ nights, fire dance performances, bingo evenings and other social events. Breakfast DJ sessions are also part of the programme. In addition, guests booking the Premium All-Inclusive package will receive one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment and one island excursion.

Sonika Adlakha, commercial director of The Standard, Maldives, said India remained an important and growing market for the resort. She said the new Premium All-Inclusive experience was intended to offer Indian travellers a stay that combined dining, entertainment and the natural appeal of the Maldives.

Alongside its social spaces, the resort said it also offers quieter areas for guests seeking a more relaxed experience. All villas at the property include private pools and spacious living areas, allowing guests to stay close to the resort’s dining and entertainment facilities while also enjoying privacy.

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Kandolhu Maldives announces culinary collaboration with Chef Fabrizio Zanetti

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Following a season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives has announced that Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti will visit the resort this October for a series of dining events.

The resort said the programme would offer guests an opportunity to experience Zanetti’s cuisine through a number of exclusive dining experiences.

Originally from St Moritz, Zanetti has led the kitchens at Hotel Suvretta House in St Moritz for more than a decade. The five-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, recently opened a new 4,670-square metre spa for the 2025-2026 winter season.

Zanetti has also worked at Michelin-starred establishments including Baur au Lac in Zurich and Savoy Grill in London. His work has been recognised with 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.

The collaboration at Kandolhu Maldives will begin on Wednesday, 14 October, with a three-course à la carte lunch at The Market.

A four-course dinner will follow on Saturday, 17 October, at Olive Restaurant. The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before dinner is served.

On Wednesday, 21 October, Olive Restaurant will also host a five-course Wine and Dine event, which will include a personal introduction from the chef.

Kandolhu Maldives said each evening event at Olive Restaurant would be limited to 22 guests, offering an intimate dining setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has encouraged guests to reserve early for the programme.

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Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience

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Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.

Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.

At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.

At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.

The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.

This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.

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