Featured
Women in Hospitality: Naju finds her calling in HR at Le Meridien Maldives
Meet Aminath Najula Fathuhy (Naju), a Maldivian-born Psychology Major who found her calling in Human Resources in the hospitality industry. Naju completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Minor in Communication from Troy University in America and SEGi University in Malaysia. With five years of working experience in the service, banking, and retail industry, Naju’s dedication and commitment to her work has been recognised by many. She is currently working as a Human Resources Executive at Le Meridien Maldives Resort and Spa.
Naju’s interest in human psychology led her to explore a different aspect of psychology, which led her to pursue industrial or business psychology and ultimately Human Resources. She stated, “I wanted to explore a different aspect of psychology other than counselling or therapy,” which directed her towards her current profession.
Although Naju never envisioned herself working in the hospitality industry, her experience has been very different from what she heard. She believes that it is essential to always know the answer for yourself than believing whatever you hear.
Naju’s ability to get along with everyone and perform her job effectively enough to create the impression that she is well experienced in the industry is her biggest professional accomplishment to date. Maintaining relationships is one of the most significant challenges in working in HR, and Naju has learned that being patient and handling things professionally is how she maintains harmony with the associates who are also her friends on the island.
When asked what colleagues need to know about working with her, Naju said, “Although I am a very honest and humble person, when it comes to work, I do not take it lightly.” Naju’s advice to young women starting their careers in the hospitality industry is that there is a lot of room for career growth, and if they have the right mindset, they will go far.
When Naju is not working, she is operating a small business with her younger brother. As for hidden talents, Naju misses her fur babies 24/7 and stalks them from the smart feeder.
Le Meridien Maldives, and Le Meridien as a brand, are making progress towards advancing gender equality in the hospitality industry, according to Naju. There have been more female hires for various roles in the recent months, which Naju believes is a step in the right direction.
Naju’s background, education, and experience have allowed her to excel in her career in the hospitality industry. Her dedication to her work, ability to maintain relationships, and willingness to learn have helped her achieve professional success. Naju is a reminder that with the right mindset and dedication, one can achieve their goals and thrive in their profession.
Milaidhoo Maldives will welcome Chef Laurence Tan, Head Chef of Michelin-starred JAG in Singapore, for two culinary experiences on the island in October.
Tan’s interest in cooking began at home, inspired by his parents and by preparing and sharing food with his family. After experimenting in the family kitchen, he went on to attend culinary school before joining The White Rabbit in Singapore in 2016, where he began developing his professional career.
He later worked at Tower Club before joining JAG in 2020. Working alongside Chef Jeremy Gillon, Tan developed an approach centred on precision, seasonality and the integrity of individual ingredients.
He progressed from Chef de Partie to Junior Sous Chef and later Sous Chef. When Gillon took on an international consultancy in Taiwan, Tan assumed leadership of the JAG kitchen.
He is now Head Chef of the restaurant, which retained its Michelin star in 2026, reflecting the consistency and quality of its cuisine under his direction.
During his visit to Milaidhoo, Tan will introduce guests to elements of JAG’s culinary philosophy while sharing some of the techniques and ideas that shape his cooking.
On 16 October, he will conduct an intimate cooking class, giving guests an opportunity to learn directly from him and explore his approach to ingredients, technique and flavour.
The following evening, on 17 October, Tan will host a five-course dinner limited to 16 guests.
The menu will begin with Hiramasa crudo with tomatoes and sea grapes, followed by Gambero Rosso with Jerusalem artichoke and cashew. Lobster ravioli with lobster bisque will precede Tajima Wagyu MB8 tenderloin with celeriac and black autumn truffle.
Dessert will feature a dark chocolate parfait with buckwheat ice cream and tonka bean. A preserved lemon sorbet will be served between courses, while the evening will open with a leek and potato croustade.
The collaboration reflects Milaidhoo’s culinary philosophy, which places emphasis on craftsmanship, curiosity, shared experiences and the role of dining in creating memorable moments.
The cooking class will take place on 16 October, followed by the five-course chef’s dinner on 17 October, with the latter limited to 16 guests.
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection will host Executive Chef Pisut ‘Nong’ Nahan and Lead Mixologist Mongkol ‘Lek’ Saengchud from V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection for a Thai culinary pop-up on 10 and 11 October 2026.
Titled ‘From the Andaman to the Indian Ocean’, the collaboration will bring together the culinary identities of the two destinations through contemporary Thai cuisine, cocktails and island dining experiences.
Over two evenings, guests will be able to take part in Cocktail & Dine at Muraka and a Sundowner & Beach Dinner at AKOYA Sea Lounge.
Chef Nong will showcase his ‘Thai with a modern twist’ approach, combining regional Thai flavours, seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques with contemporary presentation. The menu has been designed as a culinary journey between Thailand and the Maldives, drawing inspiration from the Andaman Sea and the waters surrounding Mirihi.
Khun Lek will complement the dining experience with cocktails inspired by place, storytelling and balance. His ‘triangle’ method combines sweetness for relaxation, sourness for freshness and bitterness for depth, with each drink centred around an umami element.
The collaboration will feature dishes and cocktails developed specifically for the event. Menu concepts include Royal Massaman Croquette, Siam Betel Crab and Ocean Tuna Crudo, while featured drinks will include the Mirihi Martini, Muraka Whisper and Tropical Terroir.
The pop-up forms part of the shared approach of V Villas Maldives at Mirihi and V Villas Phuket, as well as MGallery Collection’s focus on experience-led hospitality and storytelling.
Further details on timings, menus and reservations will be announced by the resort. Availability for the two-night event will be limited.
RAAYA by Atmosphere has received its latest recognition at the Travel Time Awards, held in Moscow in August 2026, where the island resort was named “The Best Family Resort in the Maldives 2025”.
The award marks RAAYA’s second consecutive recognition from Travel Time, following its win as “Opening of the Year 2024”.
The recognition reflects the resort’s growing presence in the Russian travel market and its approach to family holidays in the Maldives, with a focus on shared experiences, exploration and activities designed for guests across generations.
Located on a private island in Raa Atoll, RAAYA is centred around the fictional story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist and adventurer whose narrative is incorporated throughout the resort experience. Guests can take part in island exploration, creative activities and ocean-based experiences, alongside family-oriented facilities and a range of dining options under The RAAYA Plan™.
The award was also presented during a visit to the resort by Russian film actress Katerina Shpitsa, known for productions including “Metro”, “The Crew” and “Poddubny”. During her stay, Shpitsa presented the Travel Time Awards 2025 accolade to RAAYA by Atmosphere General Manager Mario Stanic.
“Receiving this recognition for a second consecutive year is a proud moment for everyone at RAAYA,” Stanic said. “Winning the Travel Time Award 2025 for Best Family Resort is a wonderful recognition of what we stand for — bringing families together through shared experiences and lasting memories within a backdrop of a tropical island paradise.
“We are proud to create experiences that resonate with Russian families and families from around the world, offering a place to connect, discover and create memories together. We thank the awards team, our partners and our guests for their continued trust and support.”
The award adds to the international recognition received by RAAYA by Atmosphere since the resort opened in July 2024. The property has positioned its offering around experiential hospitality, design, family-focused programming and its castaway-inspired narrative.
RAAYA features 167 beach and overwater villas, a collection of dining venues and a range of land and ocean activities within its Raa Atoll setting.
With two Travel Time Awards in consecutive years, the resort continues to develop its position within the family travel segment in the Maldives.
-
Awards1 week agoEllaidhoo, Hakuraa Huraa Maldives secure double TTM awards win for Cinnamon
-
News1 week agoThe St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort unveils ‘Chapter X’ for 10th anniversary
-
News7 days ago‘The Curse of the Vigani’ takes over Oaga Art Resort this Halloween
-
News1 week agoInterContinental Maldives marks brand’s 80th anniversary with Michelin-starred culinary collaboration
-
Awards1 week agoFinolhu earns five Luxury Childcare Association Awards nominations
-
News7 days agoFushifaru Maldives unveils five-day celebration for ninth anniversary
-
News6 days agoSoneva’s Maldives waterslide reimagined as contemporary art in Stockholm
-
Awards1 week agoBaros Maldives wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort at World Travel Awards