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Marriott International, MIT launch Maldives’ first laundry certification programme for local talent approved by MNSDA
Marriott International Maldives and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT) have collaborated to launch the Maldives’ first Laundry Certification Programme, which has been approved by the Maldives National Skills Development Authority (MNSDA). This programme has been initiated to train and upskill local talent in hospitality laundry operations, and to maintain the highest hygiene standards with priority on guest safety and brand standards.
With Marriott International’s promise of Putting People First and its focus on training, retaining, and growing local talent, the collaboration with MIT was a natural fit. The programme is also extended to local talents pursuing their career growth opportunities in hospitality laundry operations from islands of Maafushi and Gulhi.
The programme enrolled 21 local associates from Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of seven resorts in the Maldives and was delivered by MIT with inputs from laundry leaders from these resorts. The course was primarily focused on developing and upskiling the laundry operational skills of local talents. All course sessions were delivered by laundry leaders of the resorts and headed by faculty from MIT. The certification programme was conducted over a span of four months, with regular virtual theory sessions and physical practical sessions conducted at respective resorts.
In order to get the participants ready for the final examination, Pre-Assessment exams were conducted at respective resorts, which comprised of two parts, written paper, and viva examinations spearheaded by Learning & Development leaders at respective resorts. All participants were then invited to Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa for the Final Assessments, organised under the supervision of a Chief Invigilator nominated from MNSDA.
Marriott International and MIT, along with MNSDA, are positive about the success of this certification program in training all local talents who wish to pursue a career in Hospitality and Laundry operations. The collaboration marks another step in Marriott International’s efforts to put people first, invest in the local communities, and foster growth opportunities for local talent.
Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives includes seven luxury hotels offering a range of unique experiences, from overwater villas to private island escapes, each designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Maldives while delivering exceptional hospitality services. The portfolio includes The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, W Maldives, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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