Featured
Fairmont Maldives appoints Marshall Orton as General Manager
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, a luxury resort set in the North Shaviyani Atoll, has announced the appointment of Marshall Orton as General Manager.
With a wealth of luxury hospitality experience, spanning an impressive 35 years, in his new role Mr.Orton will lead the overall operations, performance, and strategic direction for Fairmont Maldives. Having spent much of his career in Asia, Europe and USA working across Accor’s luxury brands, some of his previous roles have included General Manager at La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc in Vietnam and Director of Operations at Pullman Yangon Centrepoint in Myanmar and Executive Assistant Manager of Sofitel Bangkok.
Before honing his managerial skills, he held a number of executive chef and culinary roles across the globe which were instrumental in shaping his understanding of the food & beverage sector. Orton joins the team with an inherent understanding of the resort’s key pillars: family, sustainability, and wellness.
Marshall Orton says: “I am truly honoured for being appointed the role of General Manager at Fairmont Maldives, renowned for its forward-thinking eco-initiatives and thoughtful luxury approach. I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective and continuing the legacy of this award-winning, sustainably rooted resort.”
The appointment comes at an exciting time for the resort, with Maldivian tourism expected to return to pre pandemic levels by 2023 and the recent launch of the Fairmont Maldives’ Sustainability Lab, the first of its kind in the archipelago. A hub of eco-education, the lab turns plastic waste into bespoke souvenirs and unique products, educating guests of all ages and empowering local communities.
Part of AccorHotels, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is a luxurious 120 villa resort and home to the largest, 200m infinity pool in the Maldives. Peppered with opulent Beach Villas, decadent Overwater Villas and luxury Beach Tented Villas, the resort also boasts an onsite largest jacuzzi in the Maldives, Kids Club, Art Studio, Tennis court, Park land, Dive centre, a 9km long lagoon which is a home to manta ray cleaning station, the Award-Winning Willow Stream Spa and three gourmet restaurants.
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is where occasions are celebrated, and history is made.
Featured
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives aligns festive events with World of Care commitments
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.
Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.
From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.
On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.
Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.
A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.
On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
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