Featured
Experienced hospitality professional Vijai Singh to lead Cinnamon Hotels’ Maldives resort portfolio
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka’s leading hotel chain has appointed Vijai Singh as its Area Vice President for its Maldives Resort Portfolio. In his role, he will focus on driving business efficiencies and improved operational execution across all four Maldives resorts.
“Maldives as a destination has been successful in attracting and staying relevant for tourists from all corners of the world. It is a destination that is continuously thriving to enhance guest experience and with Vijai’s extensive global experience in luxury resorts, will play a crucial role in strengthening our position in the Maldives. We warmly welcome Vijai to Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and look forward to building on the success at Cinnamon,” said Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Hishan Singhawansa.
Vijai, is a dynamic senior hospitality professional with more than 27 years of experience in luxury resorts with global hospitality brands such as IHG Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels & Resorts, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts to name a few. Vijai was last based in the United Arab Emirates, has extensive experience working in the hospitality, leisure, and luxury tourism space, fulfilling many senior leadership roles including General Manager, Vice President of Operations and Business Unit Head. An international award-winning General Manager, Vijai was recognised as one of the Top 100 General Managers in 2022 in the world by Luxury Lifestyle Awards and the Most Valuable General Manager in 2022 by the International GM Awards (General Manager Awards). He has spearheaded more than 6 luxury resort pre-openings and one re-branding and prior to joining Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, he held the role of General Manager at the InterContinental Fujairah Resort in the UAE.
As Area Vice President for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Vijai returns to the Maldives, a very familiar environment with all the acumen and acuity he has developed in his career. “Returning to Maldives, is a homecoming of sorts and something I very much look forward to,” he shared. “I am looking forward to starting my journey with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and even more excited to be teaming up with the dynamic team at all four resorts to curate truly unique and unparalleled service experiences and offerings that truly captures the essence of the Maldives, under Cinnamon’s lens for luxury travellers around the world.”
Established in 2005, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning hospitality brand, delivering unique, curated experiences for its guests to explore, discover and escape, all with unsurpassed excellence in service, guided by its values of authenticity, sincerity, and care. The brand now operates three hotels in Colombo, eight resorts dotted across Sri Lanka and four resorts operating in the Maldives.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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