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Soneva’s Maldives resorts welcome new Guardians of the Experience

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Award-winning luxury resorts brand Soneva has announced three new leadership appointments at its Maldives properties. Pjey Mayandi is appointed Guardian of the Experience (General Manager) at Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll, with Manjit Kumar Ghosh named Resort Manager, while Eddie Teh joins the team at the Noonu Atoll’s Soneva Jani as Guardian of the Experience.

Originally from Singapore, Pjey first joined Soneva Fushi as Resort Manager in 2021. His career in hospitality began after 15 years as a commissioned officer in the Singapore Armed Forces, after which he joined The Ritz-Carlton in Dubai and Doha. This was followed by management roles at Naumi Hospitality, Millennium Hotels and Resorts and the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in his native Singapore, as well as being on the pre-launch teams for properties including M Social in Singapore and Suzhou and The Ritz-Carlton in Sanya and Hong Kong.

“It is a true honour to be working for such a ground-breaking industry pioneer – Soneva Fushi continues to innovate and raise the bar 27 years after it welcomed its very first guests back in 1995,” says Pjey Mayandi. “As Guardian of the Experience, I draw my inspiration from our remarkable Hosts, who come from so many backgrounds and have such passion and commitment for the work we do.”

In his spare time, Pjey is a keen marathon runner, road cyclist and golfer, and winds down by reading about inspiring leaders.

Manjit rejoins the Soneva family following a leadership role at Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam. Before that, he was with the Soneva Kiri team on Koh Kood, Thailand, between 2009 and 2019.

Eddie Teh makes the move to Soneva Jani from Soneva Fushi, where he was Guardian of the Experience from May 2021. A veteran hotelier, he has worked across South East Asia and Australia, with leadership roles with the Orient Express, La Residence Phou Vao in Laos and the Belmond group in Myanmar. While at Belmond, he helped establish the Belmond Free Clinic, named the Best CSR Programme for Belmond worldwide.

“I am delighted to join Soneva Jani and am looking forward to bringing my own experience to this iconic destination and work alongside such a strong team of Hosts,” says Eddie Teh. “Ever since I first encountered the Soneva brand back in 2017, I’ve been inspired by its unwavering commitment to responsible, sustainable travel and creating unforgettable rare experiences for our guests.”

Eddie is fluent in English, Bahasa, Hokkien, basic Mandarin and French. In his spare time, he loves art and design, learning about new cultures, rugby, reading and music.

“Both Pjey, Eddie and Manjit are seasoned Soneva Hosts who embody our ‘Slow Life’ ethos and truly represent our focus on a beyond bespoke guest experience,” says Sonu Shivdasani, Co-founder and CEO of Soneva. “As our Maldives resorts continue to evolve, I have every confidence that Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani will thrive under their guardianship and wish them a heartfelt congratulations in their new roles.”

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Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar

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The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.

The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.

Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.

The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.

Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.

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Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground

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Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.

The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.

Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.

The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.

The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.

Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.

Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.

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World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.

The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.

Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.

InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.

Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.

The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.

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