Featured
Siyam World Maldives strengthens team with key appointments

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.
Awards
Baros Maldives wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort title at 2025 World Travel Awards

Baros Maldives has been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a recognition that underscores the resort’s enduring dedication to delivering heartfelt and intimate experiences that are quintessentially Baros.
Nestled in the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, the Baros Water Villas are a refined expression of effortless luxury and seclusion. Each villa has been thoughtfully crafted to offer direct access to the turquoise lagoon, spacious sun-drenched decks ideal for peaceful reflection, and, in select accommodations, private pools with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Every element is designed to foster connection—with nature, with oneself, and with the timeless essence of Baros.
Beyond the villas lies Baros’ legendary house reef—teeming with vibrant marine life and coral gardens. Guests are invited to explore this underwater wonder through serene morning swims or sunset snorkelling sessions alongside turtles and schools of colourful reef fish.
Proudly Maldivian-owned and welcoming guests for over five decades, Baros Maldives has built a legacy of authentic hospitality and understated elegance. With just 75 villas, a team known for its warm, personalised service, and curated island experiences, the resort continues to offer stays that feel deeply personal and memorable.
Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros Maldives, expressed gratitude on behalf of the resort, “Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests, partners and the entire Baros team. This recognition is an honour and a wonderful reminder that the spirit of Baros continues to resonate with those who return to our shores time and again.”
As Baros celebrates this milestone, travellers are warmly invited to experience—or rediscover—the quiet magic that makes the island an enduring favourite in the Maldives.
Awards
Angsana Velavaru wins top honour for Water Villas at World Travel Awards

Angsana Velavaru has been honoured as Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort at the prestigious World Travel Awards, cementing its reputation as one of the nation’s premier destinations for overwater luxury. The accolade highlights a growing recognition of travel experiences that blend privacy, spacious design, and understated elegance.
Situated in the serene South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru is home to the renowned InOcean Pool Villas—a collection of standalone overwater villas entirely surrounded by open sea and detached from the island’s main area. This thoughtful separation ensures an exceptional level of privacy and uninterrupted ocean vistas, creating an atmosphere that is both tranquil and refined.
Available in one- and two-bedroom configurations, the InOcean Pool Villas are designed for both flexibility and comfort. Each villa spans two levels and features a private infinity pool, an open-air deck, and generous living spaces. The rooftop terrace offers an additional retreat—ideal for sunset drinks, casual barbecues, or simply enjoying the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. These villas cater equally to couples in search of serenity and families desiring meaningful togetherness.
Guests also benefit from proximity to Azzurro Restaurant and Bar, an elegant Mediterranean-inspired dining venue perched over water. The restaurant delivers a carefully curated menu in a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance, complemented by sweeping sea views that enhance the overall dining experience.
Reflecting on the recognition, General Manager Ahmed Zahir expressed gratitude: “This award is a reflection of the unwavering dedication of our entire team. At Angsana Velavaru, we strive to offer a thoughtful and personalised stay. The InOcean Pool Villas represent a unique proposition in the Maldives—space, serenity, and a slower pace that deeply resonates with our guests. This honour encourages us to further elevate our standards and remain aligned with what matters most to those who choose to stay with us.”
This award stands as a significant milestone for Angsana Velavaru, underscoring its continued commitment to delivering ease, comfort, and heartfelt hospitality. In a destination famed for overwater accommodations, the InOcean Pool Villa experience distinguishes itself through simplicity, spaciousness, and a seamless connection with the natural world.
Featured
SO/ Maldives unveils restorative wellness journey with Holistic Healer Karan Kumar

SO/ Maldives, the avant-garde private island retreat nestled in the Emboodhoo Lagoon, has announced a deeply restorative wellness journey for the wet season. This immersive experience is spearheaded by renowned Certified Holistic Healer, Karan Kumar, in collaboration with the resort’s resident wellness team.
Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, SO/ Maldives blends high fashion with holistic living, offering a bold and stylish take on island luxury. The resort comprises 80 individually designed villas—ranging from beachfront sanctuaries to overwater havens—all boasting panoramic views, complete privacy, and vibrant marine surroundings. Every element of the property is curated to appeal to modern travelers seeking indulgence, creativity, and connection.
At the heart of the resort lies the SO/ Wellness Camp, a sanctuary where cutting-edge design meets nature to provide a transformative escape. More than a traditional spa, this tranquil retreat delivers a full-body and mind experience. Guests are invited to unwind in contemporary, organic-inspired treatment rooms featuring amenities such as a Vichy rainforest shower, steam and sauna rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with sweeping ocean views. The spa’s architectural design is inspired by the gentle movement of water and the island’s natural contours, creating a space that is simultaneously grounding and ethereal.
Central to the wellness offering is a curated selection of therapies that balance ancient practices with modern innovation. Programming includes sound therapy using full moon singing bowls, high-tech facials that combine astrology with skincare, and other bespoke rituals designed to restore and inspire. Whether seeking deep relaxation or a revitalizing boost, SO/ Spa offers guests a chance to reconnect with themselves in an environment that’s as stylish as it is serene.
As part of this season’s programming, guests can access personalised healing sessions at the SO/ Wellness Centre led by Karan Kumar. With over six years of experience, Kumar brings together Ayurveda, Reiki, Energy Healing, and mind-body therapies in a powerful integrative approach. His one-on-one sessions aim to address physical pain, emotional trauma, and energetic imbalances while unlocking each guest’s potential for joy, clarity, and inner strength.
Each session is intuitively tailored, creating a compassionate space for healing and introspection. Guests are encouraged to slow down, reconnect with their inner selves, and rediscover a vibrant sense of balance and wellness.
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