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Patina Maldives announces first education programme in partnership with Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne

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New Maldives archipelago pioneers work-study programme for employees at its Patina Maldives, Fari Islands resort, certified by leading hospitality institution.

The trailblazing Fari Islands development in the Maldives has welcomed the first cohort of students to its Vocational Education & Training (VET) centre, delivered in partnership with one of the world’s most prestigious hotel schools, the renowned Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL).

The first of their kind, the courses represent a ground-breaking opportunity for the most ambitious and talented workers to develop the vocational competencies, knowledge and mindset required to thrive as a professional in the hotel and restaurant sectors of the hospitality industry. The three-year courses will yield internationally recognised diplomas signed and issued by the EHL, and recognised by the Maldives Qualification Authority, offering local talent a realistic, credible alternative to hotel schools in Europe.

Mohamed Rasheed, Director of HR at the flagship Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, said of the scheme: “We are delighted to be spearheading this initiative, which is the first of its kind, bringing internationally accredited hotel and hospitality training to the Maldives. True to the spirit of Patina and the Fari Islands, the pioneering scheme aims to bring a fresh approach to resourcing, training and HR, and to nurturing young talent on the ground in the Maldives. Together with EHL, we are committed to providing an enriching pathway to success for those who wish to rise to their full potential in hospitality management.”

Using content developed in Switzerland, the modular course curriculum blends ‘on the job’ training with classroom learning and assessments. Pathways on offer in the 2022/23 academic year are a six-month Foundation Module in Food & Beverage Service and Hotel Foundation Certificate, which is followed by a further two six-month modules, Intermediate and Advanced, before students graduate with a Professional Diploma. Courses are taken from May – October, meaning the total duration of the Diploma programme is three years.

Fourteen students were chosen on a selective basis to undertake this inaugural course, and are fully sponsored by Patina Maldives, which covers tuition fees and course materials.

The programme will be developed from 2023 with the addition of further diploma programmes in the areas of Culinary, Rooms Division, F&B Service, Hotel Administration and Hotel Communications, with a total intake of 30 students per cohort invited to take part from the Fari Islands properties. The final phase of the initiative will see the scheme opened to all Maldivian nationals, once the programme is fully established.

Training is delivered by EHL-accredited department managers and department supervisors. The four-island archipelago of the Fari islands, developed by Pontiac Land Group, launched last year with the opening of Patina Maldives, the inaugural resort of a new lifestyle brand by the Capella Hotel Group, and the Ritz Carlton Maldives. A third resort, a Capella hotel, is scheduled to open in 2025.

Notably, the development includes an island dedicated entirely to the Fari Campus, a revolutionary purpose-built mix of staff housing and facilities that seeks to bring a sea-change to employee accommodation and wellbeing in the Maldives. Designed by Gaurang Khemka, founder of award-winning architectural and urban planning firm URBNarc, the spacious Fari Campus offers generous, comfortable living spaces and a full suite of recreational facilities and amenities, as well as the benefit of abundant outdoor areas, including the entire coastline of the island. It was designed to foster a sense of belonging and kinship, with intuitive communal spaces inspired by traditional Maldivian communities, crafted to meet the varying needs of its residents.

The VET course offering and sponsorship programme further underlines the commitment of Patina Maldives and the Fari Islands to attracting and retaining the best local talent, whilst nurturing careers and offering the opportunity for team members to reach their full potential.

Celebration

Spooky glamour takes over Lazuli Beach Club at SO/ Maldives

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SO/ Maldives presents a bold fusion of avant-garde style and barefoot luxury, creating a distinctive island experience where fashion, art, and contemporary design converge. The resort embodies creativity and sophistication across its vibrant villas, dining venues, and beach clubs, inviting guests to embrace the high-energy spirit of “Style, Bold, and Playful.”

This Halloween, the resort will transform into an island of eerie elegance and playful mischief, offering guests an unconventional celebration on the shores of Lazuli Beach Club. On Friday, 31 October 2025, the day’s festivities will include activities for all ages, from imaginative workshops to moonlit gatherings by the sea.

The celebrations will begin with interactive family experiences at The Nest, including Mask Making, Tie-Dye Halloween T-Shirt Painting, and Scary Cookie Making. Children can also enjoy DIY Costume Creation, Face Painting, and a Trick-or-Treat Parade along Lazuli Beach Club. The daytime programme is designed to inspire creativity and fun for both young guests and adults.

As evening approaches, the atmosphere will take on a more mysterious tone. The Witches & Waves Dinner will be served beachside from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a four-course set menu accompanied by a themed welcome cocktail and a captivating ambience under the stars.

From 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, guests can enjoy Spooky Special Cocktails at Lazuli Beach Club Bar with 50% off themed drinks, followed by the Spooky Halloween Party featuring DJ performances, glow body paint, and “witchy shoulder spells”—a five-minute charm that may win participants 50% off. The evening will culminate in the Glow Foam Party at 8:30 PM, combining music, lights, and foam against the backdrop of the moonlit sea.

“This isn’t your average haunted house; it’s a beachfront bash with a twist of glamour and a splash of mischief,” said Olivier Moies-Delval, General Manager of SO/ Maldives. “We’re reimagining Halloween in true SO/ style—bold, beautiful, and beyond expectations.”

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Featured

Sonic serenity: Discover Sound Healing at Brennia Kottefaru

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At Brennia Kottefaru, the pursuit of wellness extends beyond movement and meditation, flowing into the calming resonance of sound. The resort’s Sound Healing Session, conducted by Amit Singh (Yoga Teacher and Sound Healer), offers guests a deeply restorative experience designed to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit.

Held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. at the Recreation Hall, the 45-minute group session harnesses the resonant tones of singing bowls to guide participants into a profound state of relaxation.

The session offers a range of benefits:

Deep Relaxation – The soothing vibrations calm the mind and body, easing stress and anxiety.
Emotional Balance – The practice helps release stored emotions, fostering a sense of inner peace.
Improved Sleep – Sound frequencies encourage relaxation, aiding those experiencing insomnia and promoting better sleep quality.
Enhanced Focus and Clarity – By balancing brainwave activity, participants may experience improved concentration and mental clarity.
Energy Alignment – The vibrations help balance the body’s chakras and energy flow.

Participation is available, and a 15-minute demo session can be arranged by contacting the spa. Guests are encouraged to book in advance via the Brennia Kottefaru mobile app or by calling Spa – 108. This exciting milestone is part of the resort’s Tech, AI & Green Initiative.

Within the serene setting of Brennia, the tones of the singing bowls intertwine with the island’s natural symphony — the rhythm of the waves, the whisper of the palms, and the gentle hum of island life. The result is more than a class; it is an immersive journey towards stillness and renewal.

At Brennia Kottefaru, wellness is not merely practised — it is felt in every vibration, every breath, and every moment of quiet connection.

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Celebration

W Maldives introduces its ‘Make Waves, New Traditions’ festive series

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W Maldives is inviting guests to Make Waves, New Traditions this festive season, presenting a celebration that redefines the holidays with creativity, connection, and indulgence. From 23 December to 1 January, the resort will transform into a tropical haven where every moment is designed for joy and every guest has officially “Made the List.”

The festivities commence with Twinkle & Toast, a lighting ceremony that marks the start of a vibrant, week-long calendar of events. Highlights include flame-grilled feasts on FIRE Beach for Christmas Eve, holiday movie nights under the stars, festive afternoon teas overlooking the reef, seafood markets brimming with fresh coastal flavours, and a Maldivian beach barbecue infused with rhythm and local flair. On New Year’s Eve, the island will evolve into a lively playground featuring creative cocktails, immersive culinary journeys, electrifying performances, and fireworks over the Indian Ocean to welcome 2025 in true W style.

This year’s celebration also introduces The Restore Series with internationally acclaimed wellness coach Arron Collins-Thomas, founder of TONIQ. Integrating Qigong, breathwork, and cold-water therapy with energising workouts and restorative rituals, the seven-day wellness experience aims to refresh both body and mind while harmonising with the festive atmosphere. Guests can take part in sunrise sessions, sunset meditations, and ice-bath resets, embracing wellness as an essential part of the celebration and preparing themselves for the year ahead.

Culinary experiences take centre stage in this season of togetherness and authenticity. From ocean-to-table creations at FISH to Chef Bakaa’s festive degustation menu and the dynamic seafood markets at KITCHEN, each dining encounter blends local ingredients with bold imagination. Guests are encouraged to come together, share stories, and experience the Maldivian spirit through flavours that are both comforting and refreshingly innovative.

“This is the season to connect, recharge, and celebrate without boundaries,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “At W Maldives, we embrace the unexpected. Make Waves, New Traditions is our invitation for guests to come together, savour the island’s soul, and create memories that sparkle long after the fireworks fade.”

With its star-lit skies, daring gastronomy, revitalising wellness rituals, and music that carries into the night, W Maldives offers a festive escape where traditions are reimagined and every guest truly Makes the List.

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