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Celebrating women in hospitality: Inspiring stories from female associates at Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio resorts in Maldives
Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day by honouring the women associates who play an essential role in shaping the future of the hospitality industry. Marriott International recognises the contributions that women make and is committed to supporting their growth and development. Women hold key leadership positions in Marriott International Maldives, and this year, we are delighted to share inspiring stories of some of the talented and dedicated women who work across the company’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives.
Rivero Delgado, Area Vice President – Singapore, Malaysia & Maldives, Marriott International, said, “At Marriott International, we value diversity and equality, and we have a strong commitment to promoting women in leadership positions. From leading teams to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, women are making a significant impact on our business and the hospitality industry as a whole. We are committed to ensuring that women have the confidence to apply for any role they want, and we encourage everyone to feel able to apply for roles that they are suitable for, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or ethnicity.”
Itha, waitress at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
Itha loves to deliver excellent customer service and boasts her strength is her interpersonal skills which the company allows her to showcase. Her favourite part of the job is assisting customers with their food selections. Itha believes in the company’s commitment to providing great customer service, and she sees this as an opportunity to learn and grow. Itha’s best experience with a valued guest was when she met a lovely couple celebrating their honeymoon. She surprised them by creating special table decorations with the letters of their names for their dinner. They were touched and told Itha, “We will never forget this in our lives.” Itha advises future female waitresses never to underestimate the power of a smile.
Gordana, Kids Club Manager at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
Gordana with over 20 years of experience working with children and youth. She oversees the care, hospitality, and service provided to the young guests at the FAMiLY by JW Little Griffins’ Kids Club during their stay and manages youth activities, babysitting, and special events. Gordana finds joy in seeing a smile on both the kids’ and parents’ faces and believes there is no picture as beautiful as smiling, bright-eyed, happy children. One of her favourite experiences involved a family who visited the resort and became good friends to the extent that they are still in touch. Their 3 year old son came every day and every time he came he gave her a big hug and told her he loved her. For women interested in working in hospitality, Gordana believes it’s a unique job that allows personal and professional growth and the chance to meet people from all over the world.
Wong Min Sin (Jess), the Pastry Chef at W Maldives
Jess is a woman of exceptional talent with an unwavering commitment to excellence. With her infectious smile and can-do attitude, she embodies the spirit of the W brand. She started her career at a young age, and her experiences in different hotels have honed her skills and expertise in the culinary field. Her inspirations are her mom and aunt who love to make sweets. Jess believes in treating everyone equally, and states that W Maldives provides her with the freedom to be herself. Her advice to other female talents is to be independent and strong. Jess’ career aspirations include becoming an Executive Pastry Chef or opening her own pastry shop or restaurant. Her passion and positivity are a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication, and that your dreams are always within reach.
Fritzel Gantuangko, Human Resources Manager at W Maldives
Fritzel started her career as a Chef, breaking through barriers as the only woman in the kitchen, and quickly becoming a valuable member of the team as the Chef’s secretary. Her commitment to excellence and hard work earned her an opportunity to work in the Maldives, and later transition to HR. Over the years, Fritzel has continued to grow her career, moving up the ranks to her current role as HR Manager at W Maldives. Despite the challenges that come with being a woman in the hospitality industry, Fritzel has persevered, and her passion for the industry has only grown stronger. She is a firm believer in building strong relationships and maintaining a positive attitude, and is always willing to help others. For young girls joining the industry, Fritzel has some inspiring words of advice: Believe in yourself, embrace challenges, build relationships, and pursue your passion with unwavering determination.
Ashinie Weerasinghe, Quality, Learning & Development Manager at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Her journey began when she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance at Flinders University in Australia. As a part-time job, she started waitressing and ventured into hospitality, realizing that it was her true passion. She completed an advanced diploma in hospitality with William Angliss, Australia, and landed an internship at the Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa in Sri Lanka, where her love for the industry deepened. During her internship, Ashinie was offered a position as a front office associate, and one week later, she was offered the position of training coordinator, where she was told that there won’t be a manager, but she will be heading the training department. It was a significant challenge that she had never imagined, but she decided to take the opportunity and give it her best shot. With determination and hard work, Ashinie excelled and found her stepping stone to Human Resources and training. As a Quality, Learning & Development Manager at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Ashinie encourages women to embrace diverse perspectives and to push boundaries to achieve their goals. She believes that women should not let their gender define them or hinder their input, reminding them that they have earned their place at the table and deserve it. For those aspiring to join the hospitality industry, Ashinie reminds us that it is changing, and the opportunities are endless. She encourages everyone to challenge themselves, keep pushing towards their ultimate goal, and never let obstacles or setbacks define them. Her message is clear: with perseverance, self-belief, and a willingness to learn and grow, anything is possible.
Ashiyath Shurufa, Guest Service Agent at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Shurufa always been passionate about the hospitality industry. Despite facing societal judgement and gender stereotypes, she never let them get in the way of her dreams. Her career journey began with internships at Capital Travel and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, where she honed her skills in customer service and guest satisfaction. As a Guest Service Agent, Ashiyath provides assistance to all guests, administering check-ins and checkouts, processing payments and billing, and promptly attending to guest phone calls and messages to accommodate their exact needs and requirements. For Ashiyath, the hospitality industry is not just a job, it’s a thrilling experience where she faces different challenges and learns something new every day. She is proud to work alongside female leaders in the industry who motivate her to reach for the stars. Ashiyath’s message to young girls is to never let societal judgement or gender stereotypes get in the way of their dreams. With self-belief and determination, they can achieve anything they set their minds to in the hospitality industry.
Tanaya Dasgupta, Reservations Manager at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Tanaya began her journey 14 years ago in Kolkata (India). Over the years, she has worked in Guest Relations, and her passion for hospitality took her to different brands and hotels within the Marriott International portfolio, including The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Hotels. Tanaya’s journey has been a testament to the opportunities offered to female associates at Marriott International. Tanaya believes in equality and empowerment in the workplace. She is committed to developing her team members, focusing solely on their professional performance and skills, irrespective of their gender.
Ika Khasanah, Spa Manager at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Ika began her hospitality career at the age of 19 in Bali (Indonesia). Ika has dedicated over 10 years of her life to the wellness field, and she believes hospitality is not just a career, but a way of life that has allowed her to grow personally and professionally while traveling the world. She cherishes the freedom and mobility that comes with her job, which has allowed her to meet new people and create unforgettable memories for guests and herself. Ika is inspired by Marriott International’s commitment to women’s empowerment and admires the number of female senior leaders who serve as role models for her and others in the company.
Marriott International congratulates women across the globe and reaffirms its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. We hope that the inspiring stories of these women will inspire and empower the next generation of women leaders in hospitality.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will welcome award-winning food creator Kabita Singh, the personality behind Kabita’s Kitchen, for a special culinary residency in October to mark International Chefs’ Day on 20 October 2026.
Known for making everyday Indian cooking accessible to a wide audience, Singh will move from her digital kitchen to the Maldives, joining the resort’s culinary team for a live cooking experience created for guests.
The collaboration will bring together Singh’s approach to Indian cuisine — centred on familiar flavours, accessible recipes and an increasing focus on wholesome cooking — with Sun Siyam’s Plant Based Bliss philosophy, which promotes the nutritional and holistic benefits of plant-forward dining.
As part of the International Chefs’ Day celebrations, Singh will cook alongside Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s culinary team during a live session in front of resort guests. The experience will feature a specially curated selection of vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious dishes developed in collaboration with the resort’s chefs and inspired by Singh’s own cooking philosophy.
Guests will have the opportunity to watch Singh prepare the dishes, learn about the techniques and stories behind them, and sample her interpretation of plant-forward Indian cuisine in a Maldivian island setting.
Kabita’s Kitchen has grown from a home-cooking channel into one of India’s most widely followed food platforms, with approximately 14.6 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Singh has built her audience through content ranging from regional favourites and vegetarian staples to festive dishes, street-food classics and everyday family recipes.
Her influence within India’s food and digital content sector was recognised at the inaugural National Creators Award in 2024, where she received the Best Creator in Food Category award, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We are really excited to welcome Kabita to Olhuveli and bring a taste of Kabita’s Kitchen to the Maldives,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
“Food is such an important part of the way people connect, and this is about bringing our guests closer to the experience, watching Kabita cook, discovering the flavours and stories behind her dishes, and of course tasting them together. Her fresh, approachable style is a great match for our Plant Based Bliss philosophy, and celebrating International Chefs’ Day together with our own culinary team makes it even more special. We want dining at Olhuveli to be fun, social and full of moments that guests remember long after they leave the island.”
Located in South Malé Atoll, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection. The resort combines beach experiences, dining, entertainment, wellness and other activities within its broader island offering.
You & Me Maldives has been named Best Adults-Only Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s positioning, guest experiences and continued focus on adults-only hospitality in the Maldives.
The award was presented during the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August 2026, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards recognise achievements, innovation and contributions across the Maldivian tourism industry.
Located in Raa Atoll, You & Me Maldives has established itself as an adults-only retreat catering to couples, honeymooners, friends and solo travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity.
The resort combines its island setting with accommodation, personalised service and experiences centred on romance, wellness, gastronomy and exploration, creating an intimate environment designed specifically for adult travellers.
The recognition comes as You & Me Maldives marks seven years of operations and welcoming guests from around the world.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, we are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, partners, and dedicated team members who have been part of this journey,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.
“These seven years represent not only growth and success, but countless love stories, memories, and unforgettable experiences created on our island. Receiving the ‘Best Adults-Only Resort’ award at the TTM Awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire team.”
The Best Adults-Only Resort award further strengthens You & Me Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector, recognising its focus on combining an adults-only concept with personalised service and island experiences.
Looking ahead, You & Me Maldives plans to continue developing its concept and guest experience through new activities, offerings and services, while maintaining its focus on the adults-only luxury segment in the Maldives.
Featured
From art to island adventures: Marriott International luxury resorts unveil festive programmes
The festive season often brings some of the simplest moments into focus: long lunches that extend into the afternoon, children discovering somewhere new, and conversations without the pressure of being elsewhere. In the Maldives, that time together unfolds naturally between ocean and shore, with each island establishing its own rhythm for multigenerational families, couples and groups of friends.
This year, the Luxury Group by Marriott International portfolio of resorts in the Maldives is inviting travellers to experience the festive season through art and design, marine discovery, local culture, gastronomy, wellness and time spent outdoors. From the creative shores of the Fari Islands and the house reefs of North Ari Atoll to the secluded northern reaches of Shaviyani Atoll, each destination offers a different setting in which guests can reconnect, celebrate traditions and create new ones, with the Maldives itself at the heart of the experience.
Available to book from 15 September to 15 November 2026 for stays between 20 December 2026 and 10 January 2027, the Festive Early Bird Offer adds tailored inclusions to each island stay. These range from resort credits of up to USD 400 per stay and complimentary non-motorised water sports to complimentary stays and dining for children under 12 and festive activities at selected participating resorts.
For guests looking to make the most of their time in the Maldives, two island experiences are within easy reach of Malé. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort are both accessible by speedboat, while scenic seaplane journeys lead farther into the atolls to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, W Maldives and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.
A Canvas of Festive Wonder at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
A 50-minute luxury speedboat journey from Malé leads to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, where the 2026 festive season brings contemporary art into conversation with the light, colour and landscape of the Maldives.
From 20 December, the island will become a festive canvas through bespoke installations by French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet in collaboration with the House of Ruinart. His expressive use of shape and colour will appear throughout the resort, from a specially conceived Christmas tree and ornaments inspired by the destination to playful installations culminating at Beach Shack.
The experience brings a new creative dimension to the resort’s Circle of Island Life, while leaving room for guests to shape their days at their own pace. Couples can move between the spa, lagoon and intimate dining experiences, while families and groups can gather in 100 ocean- and lagoon-facing villas designed by Kerry Hill Architects.
Larger parties can stay in expansive two-bedroom villas or the four-bedroom The Ritz-Carlton Estate, with an Aris Meeha island butler available to personalise their time together.
The Festive Early Bird package includes daily breakfast at La Locanda, New Year’s Eve celebrations and festive experiences.
A Season of Endless Wonder at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort
Close to Malé yet removed from the pace of the capital, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is preparing a festive season centred on joy, discovery and wellbeing.
A 15-minute speedboat journey from Malé, the island will host ‘Enchanted Soirée: A Season of Endless Wonder’, with a programme featuring culinary experiences, restorative moments at Spa by JW, lagoon adventures and activities for younger travellers. In the evenings, multigenerational families, couples and groups of friends can come together over shared meals and festive celebrations.
Residential-style two-bedroom beach and overwater villas provide space for guests to gather and retreat, while the three-bedroom Ocean Residence includes a private gym, spa treatment room and waterslide with direct lagoon access.
Dedicated Safeeru ambassadors personalise each stay, while the Family by JW Kids’ Club provides creativity and exploration for younger guests. Other experiences include dolphin cruises, nurse shark snorkelling and dining across seven venues inspired by Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, South American and Nikkei cuisines.
The Festive Escape package includes a full-board meal plan, complimentary dining for children under 12, and access to festive activities and celebrations throughout the stay.
Ten Years of Island Stories at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
In Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will mark its 10th anniversary with ‘Chapter X: Celebrating 10 Years Through the Island’s Story’, a festive programme inspired by the landscapes and communities that have shaped a decade on Vommuli Island.
The celebration follows the resort’s four ecological zones — Lagoon, Beach, Jungle and Coast — providing families, couples and friends with different ways to discover the island through marine life, nature, cuisine, wellness and Maldivian heritage.
Children and grandparents can explore the biodiversity surrounding Vommuli House, turning shared discoveries into new family traditions, while days by the lagoon showcase the resort’s house reef and nature-inspired design.
Along the coast and beach, shared meals, storytelling and seasonal gatherings draw on the Maldives’ fishing and seafaring heritage. Christmas celebrations will include a tree-lighting ceremony, Santa’s arrival and family programming, while curated dining and wellness experiences will lead into a New Year’s Eve celebration overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The Festive Getaway includes breakfast for two and resort credits ranging from USD 200 to USD 400 per stay, depending on the villa category. St. Regis Butler service will also be available throughout each stay.
Children aged 11 and below stay and dine with compliments.
Made the Revelry List at W Maldives
For travellers looking for a more energetic festive season, W Maldives brings together North Ari Atoll’s marine life, newly refreshed villas and the resort’s social island atmosphere.
A 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé takes guests to the resort’s house reef, where days can begin underwater, continue with a nurse shark excursion or sunset cruise, and end with dinner by the beach.
From 23 December to 1 January, ‘Made the Revelry List’ will move between relaxed daytime experiences and after-dark celebrations. Christmas Eve will bring guests together at FIRE Beach for flame-grilled dining and live entertainment, while New Year’s Eve will take its cue from ‘The Velvet Revelry’, a speakeasy-inspired soirée moving from golden-hour cocktails and dinner to performances, music and a midnight countdown on WAVE Beach.
Beyond the festive programme, 77 beach and overwater villas with private pools provide space for couples and friends to settle into island life, while the two-bedroom Oasis Beach Villa with Slide is designed for families and groups.
For a change of setting, Gaathafushi, W Maldives’ private island, offers an intimate location for private dining and time away from the main island.
The Festive Favors package includes a full-board meal plan for two adults and USD 200 in daily resort credit.
An Enchanted Island at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
The journey north forms part of the experience at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, which is reached by a scenic 50-minute seaplane flight from Malé.
In the quieter reaches of Shaviyani Atoll, spacious villas, tropical gardens and open stretches of ocean provide a setting for different generations to spend time together. Duplex Overwater Pool Villas and Two-Bedroom Duplex Beach Pool Villas provide generous living spaces for families and groups of friends, while dedicated Thakuru private butler service takes care of arrangements throughout the stay.
This year, ‘Enchanted Island, Midnight in Paradise’ will bring aerialists, fire performances, live music and a DJ into a festive calendar that balances celebrations with opportunities for families to spend time together.
Younger travellers can choose from more than 100 activities at the Family by JW Little Griffins Kids’ Club, one of the largest children’s clubs in the Maldives. Cooking experiences using ingredients from the JW Garden and Boduberu evenings will also bring different generations together during the festive period.
The Festive Splendor package includes daily breakfast for two at Aailaa and a one-time 30-minute photography session with one printed photograph.
Guests booking a Duplex Overwater Pool Villa receive a complimentary upgrade to half board, while children aged 11 and below stay and dine with compliments.
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