Connect with us

Featured

Soneva’s Maldives resorts welcome new Guardians of the Experience

Published

on

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.”

Featured

Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar

Published

on

Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.

Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:

  • Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
  • Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
  • Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
  • Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
  • Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.

Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.

He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”

Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.

Continue Reading

Drink

Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February

Published

on

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.

Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.

Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.

On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.

This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.

Continue Reading

Drink

Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island

Published

on

Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.

Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen

Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.

Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse

At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.

The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven

Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.

Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.

Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.

Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”

With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.