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Sun Siyam Iru Veli Maldives appoints Ali Adam as General Manager, Victor Zanotti as Executive Chef

Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Maldives has welcomed fantastic new additions to its management team by appointing Ali Adam – as new General Manager, and Victor Zanotti as Executive Chef.
Ali Adam, who is native Maldivian, brings a wealth of experience to Sun Siyam Iru Veli, having worked in some of the most successful resorts and fantastic brands in the Maldives, such as Dhigufaru, Vilamendhoo, Mirihi, and Vakarufalhi Island Resorts. He also held the position as Roaming General Manager for Crown & Champa Resorts overlooking the likes of Komandoo, Kuredu, Meeru, Veligandu, and Vilamendu Island Resorts.
Ali has spent the last 20 years holding managerial positions in the Maldives and comes with an overall experience of more than 24 years within the tourism and hospitality industries, displaying exemplary work ethics, and an exceptional attention to detail.
In his new role at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, he will carefully manage all day-to-day operational matters and ensure consistent delivery of the exceptional and unique guest experiences based on Iru Veli’s and Sun Siyam Resorts brand ethos of “making memories together.”
When asked about his new role at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Ali quoted, “I am very excited to be a part of the Iru Veli family, we have such a genuine team and a lot of fantastic and creative ideas. Our goal is to provide the most memorable stay and unforgettable experiences to our guests. Iru Veli is famous for its laid-back beach chic and unbeatable premium all-inclusive value which makes it perfect for couples of all ages, honeymooners, and those celebrating a special occasion. We will continue to exceed our customer’s expectations and work hard on maintaining that standard in the industry”.
Originally from Peru, but raised in Italy, Executive Chef Victor Zanotti’s passion for food and cooking was ignited at a very young age when he found himself drawn to the kitchen to help his grandmother prepare vast courses for their often-held family dinners on their farms. Since then, he has gone on to hone his skills at some of the most exceptional dining establishments in his hometown while gathering culinary skills and experience during his time traveling the world on cruise ships. Chef Victor left Italy as Head Chef at the celebrated Elisir restaurant and made his debut in the Maldives as the Italian Specialty Chef at Vakkaru Maldives. He then moved to Cocoon Maldives as Executive Chef, before being headhunted by Raffles Maldives where he was appointed the Italian Specialty Chef, in addition to Head Chef.
Chef Victor says of his new role: “My culinary discipline and practice focusses heavily on authenticity, freshness, and sustainability, hence my gardening skills will come to fruition with Iru Veli’s farm island called Llohi, where our guests can meet the farmers and learn about the produce grown that is by now, already over 38 varieties of fruits and vegetables which are supplied to the resorts. I’m extremely excited to champion my personal values at Iru Veli and contribute to the resorts’ food & beverage offering.”
Intimately familiar with all stages of kitchen operations, Chef Victor will head and manage all kitchen operations while meticulously crafting signature menus, sourcing top-quality produce, creating mouthwatering recipes, supervising food production, developing and implementing the highest kitchen standards, while making sure green and sustainable practices are followed in his kitchens.
With these two new additions to its wonderful team, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Maldives elevates its already sumptuous and chic guest experiences to loftier heights.
Just a 35-minute seaplane ride away from Malé Airport, the tranquil five-star island retreat of Iru Veli lies in the Dhaalu Atoll, undoubtedly one of the most naturally beautiful atolls in the Maldives. The 125 boutique suites scattered across the island and over the lagoon all feature luxurious interiors and terraces that lead directly into the warm, inviting waters of the lagoon or onto the breathtaking beaches.
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JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll marks Golden Week with special activities for all ages

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, located in the largest lagoon of Kaafu Atoll, is set to celebrate Chinese Golden Week with a curated programme designed for multi-generational families. Taking place from 1 to 8 October 2025, the week will feature a range of culinary experiences, family activities, ocean adventures, and wellness rituals.
Dining will take centre stage with Veyo presenting a series of experiences that pay tribute to both Asian and Maldivian traditions. Highlights include an Imperial Flavours buffet dinner and the restaurant’s signature Indian Ocean Night, inspired by the coastal culture of the region. Interactive sessions such as Mini Spring Roll Making and a Dim Sum Dumpling Class for children add a participatory element. At sunset, Wahoo Beach will host a cocktail event featuring Cantonese-inspired canapés, crafted cocktails, and celebratory toasts against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
Golden Week activities will extend beyond dining with a variety of family-oriented experiences. At the Family by JW™ Kids Club, children will take part in Golden Coin Treasure Hunts, chopstick-inspired crafts, mask and fan decoration, and panda sand art on the beach. The Teens Club will organise a table tennis tournament, while families will gather on the shoreline for beach games. The Watersports and Dive Centre will arrange kayak races, guided snorkelling excursions to Emboodhoo Island, and half-day tours of Malé City. Winners of the kayak races will be awarded a complimentary Sea Bob experience.
Wellness will also form a significant part of the programme. Spa by JW will introduce seasonal treatments, including the Golden Citrus Renewal, which combines a 60-minute massage with a mandarin-infused scrub, and the Golden Couple Escape, which features a massage, jade stone facial, and bath ritual paired with tea or sparkling wine. A Seven Days of Well-Being programme will complement the spa offerings, with activities such as sunrise Golden Flow Yoga, Moonlit Meditation, Mat Pilates, and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Burner sessions. Guests will also be invited to sample a seasonal herbal tea selection as part of the holistic experience.
“Our Associates are deeply passionate about creating meaningful experiences that resonate across generations,” said Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. “Golden Week is a time of reunion and shared moments, and we look forward to welcoming families and travellers from around the world.”
The resort comprises 80 villas, each featuring a private pool and direct access to the Indian Ocean. Guests can choose between overwater villas with lagoon access or beach pool villas surrounded by tropical greenery. Designed to accommodate couples, families, and larger gatherings, the villas provide both space and privacy.
A Full Board Package is available, inclusive of complimentary speedboat transfers. Guests may book until 10 December 2025 for stays up to 15 December 2025.
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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo marks global wellness initiative with three-day celebration

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has announced a series of complimentary and signature wellness experiences to mark World Wellness Weekend, scheduled for the third week of September 2025. The programme is designed around Westin’s five Pillars of Well-Being — Feel Well, Eat Well, Sleep Well, Move Well, and Play Well — encouraging guests to restore, move, and connect in the natural surroundings of the Maldives.
The activities commence on Friday, 19 September, with a game of water volleyball, combining light-hearted competition with physical activity under the Maldivian sun. As evening falls, the practice of Yoga Nidra will be held, guiding participants into a state of conscious rest and restoration.
On Saturday, 20 September, the agenda features Craft Your Glow, a workshop where guests create body scrubs using natural ingredients and tropical botanicals. The day continues with runWestin, an invigorating sunset beach run that highlights the benefits of movement and outdoor exercise.
The programme concludes on Sunday, 21 September, with Sunrise Yoga at the resort’s Yoga Pavilion. This gentle morning practice harmonises breath and movement, offering a balanced start to the day. Later, a Massage Workshop will provide guided techniques for easing tension in the head, neck, and shoulders, offering couples and individuals alike skills they can apply beyond their stay.
Situated in Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort integrates its well-being philosophy across the guest experience. The resort positions World Wellness Weekend as more than a schedule of events, presenting it instead as an opportunity to embrace mindful living, movement, and rest.
Guests considering a stay may also opt for the ‘Earn, Eat, Enjoy; package, which includes breakfast for two adults and two children, a resort credit of USD 70, and a range of complimentary wellness activities to enhance their island experience.
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SO/ Maldives to host three-day wellness retreat with Anna Kanyuk

This September, SO/ Maldives will host SCULPT. STRETCH. SHINE., a three-day wellness retreat in collaboration with international wellness figure and founder of Top Stretching, Anna Kanyuk. The programme will take place in the setting of Emboodhoo Lagoon and aims to combine movement, mindfulness, and contemporary lifestyle elements within a luxury resort environment.
The retreat will span three days on the resort’s private island, offering participants a structured experience designed to support physical fitness, skincare, and overall wellbeing. Activities will include sunrise sessions on floating decks, evening programmes on the beach, and a series of workshops and classes delivered by Kanyuk and other experts.
Mornings will begin with workouts on the ocean-facing yoga deck, ranging from full-body flows and posture-focused core exercises to high-intensity cardio sessions. These will be followed by small-group workshops at the Pavilion at Hadaba, where participants can join sessions such as Kanyuk’s Facebuilding 101, skincare practices, and talks on nutrition, motivation, and lifestyle balance. In the evenings, activities will move to Lazuli Beach, where stretching, breathwork, and reflection will take place as the sun sets.
The retreat is designed not as a detox programme but as a curated approach to rebalancing and rejuvenation. Each session is intended to help participants enhance physical strength, improve skin health, and adopt practices to support mental clarity.
SO/ Maldives describes itself as a private-island fashion resort that combines avant-garde design with natural surroundings. Villas are located either overwater or within the island’s vegetation, with minimalist interiors, private pools, and wide lagoon or jungle views. Social and dining venues include Lazuli Beach Club, which offers a Mediterranean-inspired experience, and Hadaba, the resort’s signature Middle Eastern dining concept.
With its design-driven identity and wellness-focused philosophy, SO/ Maldives is positioning the retreat as an opportunity for guests to pursue wellbeing within a high-end leisure setting. SCULPT. STRETCH. SHINE. will be held as an intimate programme with limited participation available.
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