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Sun Siyam Iru Fushi promotes Ahmed Ali to Director of Sales & Marketing, appoints Florante Abuton Jr as Assistant PR & Communications Manager
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is pleased to announce the promotion of Ahmed Ali (Adu) from Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing to Director of Sales and Marketing and welcomes Florante Abuton Jr. to the team as Assistant PR & Communications Manager.
Based on property, Adu has been a key component of the hotel’s sales and marketing team for the past five years. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing new business opportunities, creating, and executing marketing campaigns, managing a dynamic team of business development personnel, and leading and executing the sales and marketing strategies for Sun Siyam Iru Fushi.
His outstanding leadership skills, and his extensive understanding of the hotel and the Maldives tourism industry, as well as his ability to interact with clients and partners, have earned him recognition and respect from both his colleagues and key clients. Adu joined Sun Siyam Resorts in 2019 as Sales Manager at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, and has since then been pivotal in growing sales and increasing revenue for the resort. Prior to that, he had a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, having previously held several front office and sales positions at Soneva Resorts and South Lux Ari Atoll in the Maldives.
Originally from the Maldives, Adu has graduated from Taylor’s University in Malaysia in International Hospitality Management. He has a solid grasp of the business and a drive to quality that will help him succeed in his new role.
Abdullah Atham, Resort Manager at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi says: “We are confident that Adu will continue to excel in his new role and remain focused on developing creative ways to raise brand awareness and boost sales for Iru Fushi. His promotion is a testament to his hard work and dedication, as well as his talent and knowledge of the ever-evolving hospitality industry.”
Florante originates from the Philippines, is based on property as well, and joined the property earlier this year 2023. He will be assisting the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi sales & marketing team in all matters PR, communications, press, media, and marcomm related.
In addition to the day-to-day pr activities on the resort, Florante will support the Director of PR & Communications at Sun Siyam Resorts, in implementing the public relations, communications, and marcomm strategies, initiatives and projects for Sun Siyam Iru Fushi as well as looking after all press and media trips on the island.
With over 11 years of international experience in the hospitality industry and prior to moving to the Maldives, Florante worked for some of the biggest names in the hospitality and automotive industries, including Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, Nissan Middle East, Marriott International, Hilton Hotels, Emaar Hospitality, and, most recently, Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts.
His background in hospitality and professional skill set in public relations, combined with his bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, makes him the perfect fit for this role.
Speaking about his new role, Florante said; “I am thrilled to be joining this magnificent Maldives resort and look forward to working with the incredible islanders and global teams to contribute to that wonderful and understated luxury Maldivian holiday experience, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has always been recognised for.”
Nestled in the natural beauty of Noonu Atoll and a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight from Velana (Male) International Airport, the five-star Sun Siyam Iru Fushi spans 52 acres and boasts 221 villas and suites, perfecting the balance between rustic charm and understated luxury. This is a true island playground for families, groups of friends, couples and honeymooners alike. Guests can choose from a variety of meal plans and benefit from the excellent dine around program of 14 restaurants & bars, including French cuisine at the overwater restaurant Flavours; Asian fusion at Bamboo and freshly caught fish at Islander’s Grill. An award-winning Spa by Thalgo France with more than 140 treatments to choose from, make this tropical island the perfect wellness getaway. And for families, kids under 15 sleep and eat for free with two paying adults in the same room and all whilst enjoying and discovering local marine life at Nemo’s Reef and recreational activities at Koamas Kidz Club.
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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