Featured
Marriott to train Maldivian youth in tourism
Marriott International Maldives, youth ministry and Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to train Maldivian youth in the field of tourism.
The theory part of this apprenticeship programme will be conducted by MIT. Participants will be given the opportunity to gain work experience in resorts run by Marriott International in the Maldives.
Those who complete the programme under the National Apprenticeship Programme will get a Certificate of National Level III.
- The government-accredited training is the first time that a hotel chain has joined to build Maldivian youth into the job market
- 50 participants to be accommodated in first round of apprenticeship programme
- The first round will begin in late April or early May
- The duration of the programme is six months
The MoU was signed at a ceremony held at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort:
- Emma Jones, Area Director of Human Resources at Marriott International Maldives
- Hussain Shareef, Permanent Secretary at youth ministry
- Adam Haleem, Director of Programmes at MIT
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Emma Jones said that the company is delighted to partner with the government for an apprenticeship programme to develop the skills of our youth and adapt them to the job market.
“The programme, which aims to build young people with the skills required by the country, will provide training and experience in the workplace,” she said.
There are seven resorts operating in the Maldives under Marriott International Maldives:
- Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
- JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
- The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
- W Maldives
- The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
- Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
Featured
Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright
Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.
At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.
The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.
Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.
Drink
SO/ Maldives unveils Creation Wines five-course pairing evening
SO/ Maldives will host an exclusive Wine Dinner in collaboration with Creation Wines, led by Carolyn and Glenn Martin, founders of the South African winery. The event will take place at Lazuli Beach Club on 5 November 2025, from 18:30 to 22:00, with a beachfront setting designed for an evening of fine wine, culinary craft and storytelling.
Guests will be served a five-course menu, each course created by the SO/ Maldives culinary team to complement selected vintages from Creation. From the first pour to the final course, the pairings highlight a shared commitment between SO/ Maldives and Creation Wines to creativity, authenticity and the art of living well.
Guided by Carolyn and Glenn Martin, the evening will explore the relationship between food and wine, with insights into their winemaking approach, the vineyard, and their journey from South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to the Maldives.
Creation Wines combines an ancient landscape with a modern estate driven by innovation. Its team draws on the Hemel-en-Aarde terroir to produce wines that aim to be vibrant and expressive, with each bottle telling a story of balance and harmony.
At SO/ Maldives, contemporary design and artistic sensibility provide the backdrop for imaginative experiences. The Creation Wine Dinner reflects this approach, bringing together gastronomy, style and narrative in a single event.
“This dinner is a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and connection,” said Nyoman Suandari, Director of Culinary at SO/ Maldives. “Each pairing is designed not only to delight the palate but also to evoke emotion—to capture the essence of both land and sea, and of the artistry that unites us.”
-
Cooking1 week agoAtmosphere Core, BBM to host Michelin-starred events with Chef Pasquale Palamaro
-
Meditation1 week agoJW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, Soulful Feasts by Stephanie Zubiri announce Thanksgiving wellness retreat
-
News5 days agoAutograph Collection Hotels debuts in Maldives with The Halcyon Private Isles: Signature retreat of individuality, immersion
-
Awards1 week agoSO/ Maldives shines bright with 3 wins at 2025 Global Awards Season
-
Awards1 week agoBanyan Tree Vabbinfaru celebrated as a top 4 resort in Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveler 2025
-
News1 week agoVelaa Private Island introduces newly redesigned Kuredhi Residence by Winch Design
-
Drink7 days agoConstance Moofushi Maldives celebrates fine wine excellence with Creation Wines
-
Awards6 days agoCentara Mirage Lagoon Maldives wins top family hotel honour at Little Steps Family Travel Awards


