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Marriott International Maldives celebrates inauguration of Apprenticeship Program

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Marriott International Maldives held an inauguration ceremony on May 8, 2023, to mark the start of its Apprenticeship Program, to celebrate the commencement of 100 new apprenticeship opportunities under the National Apprenticeship Program. The event was held at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and graced by the presence of His Excellency Faisal Naseem, Vice President of the Republic of Maldives, Honorable Ahmed Mahloof, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and Emma Jones, Area Director of Human Resources Singapore, Malaysia & Maldives, Marriott International.

The inauguration ceremony is a significant milestone for both Marriott International and the government of Maldives with Marriott International being the first international hospitality brand to collaborate with the government apprenticeship program, and this initiative is a step towards developing local talent for the hospitality market. The ceremony saw inspiring speeches delivered by the Vice President of Maldives and the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, as well as Emma Jones, who all shared their enthusiasm for the program and the opportunities it presents to young people in the Maldives.

Speaking at the function, the Vice President reiterated the administration’s commitment to the development of youth and to providing higher education and training opportunities to build a resilient and robust workforce prepared for the ever-changing world. He emphasized that the administration had diligently invested in youth development, leading to a more prosperous and sustainable future. The Vice President stated that the government had identified the nation’s requirements for youth to focus their talents and that the administration had launched several programs targeting these requirements. He stressed that the Marriot International Maldives Apprenticeship Program is one such program aligned with the administration’s goal. Recalling his time working in the hotel industry as a youth, the Vice President called on the program participants to make the best use of this opportunity to fulfil their dreams.

The highlight of the event was the distribution of admission certificates to the program participants. These students will have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in the Maldives’ thriving tourism industry and develop their skills over the coming months. Marriott International’s portfolio of seven resorts in the Maldives, including The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, W Maldives, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will serve as the apprenticeship venues.

“We are embarking in a mission to join hands with government and youth of this nation to build a future generation of highly qualified hospitality professionals from this global brand”, said Emma Jones, Area Director of Human Resources Singapore, Malaysia & Maldives, Marriott International. Expressing her enthusiasm on the program she added, “We are thrilled to have our new apprentices join us today, and we are excited about the contribution they will make to our company. We are confident that their experience with Marriott International will be both challenging and rewarding, and we hope that it will help them achieve their career aspirations.”

Under the Marriott Apprenticeship Program, MIT provides the theoretical part of the program, while the participants receive work experience at Marriott International resorts in the Maldives. The program offers selected young apprentices the chance to work across their placed disciplines within the respective resort while theory sessions will be taught to fulfill the requirements of a Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) approved level-3 certificate. Upon completion of the program, apprentices will be equipped with skills that will make them highly employable in the hospitality industry and they will receive the level-3 certificate, which adheres to the Maldives National Skills Development Authority (MNSDA) national competency standards. The Marriott International Apprenticeship Program was launched as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 7, 2023, between Marriott International Maldives, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT).

The event marks an important step towards building a successful pipeline of local talent in the Maldives, with the partnership expected to have a positive impact on the country’s tourism industry. The inauguration ceremony was a resounding success, and we look forward to seeing the apprentices grow and develop as they take their first steps towards a successful career in the hospitality industry.

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts introduces curated all-inclusive getaways in Maldives

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is redefining stress-free travel with a trio of curated, all-inclusive offers across its Maldives properties. Each resort—Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives—presents a unique experience, ranging from surfside excitement to secluded luxury, with every aspect of the stay carefully bundled for a seamless holiday.

At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, guests are invited to enjoy five nights of barefoot luxury, with packages starting at USD 3,499 nett for double occupancy in a Water Bungalow or USD 3,999 nett in an Over Water Suite. Tailored for travellers seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation, the offer includes:

  • Return speed boat transfers
  • A 4-course beach dinner featuring steak or seafood
  • A 30-minute spa treatment
  • Snorkelling and swimming experiences
  • A local island visit
  • Unlimited laundry services
  • Premium All-Inclusive privileges

For those in search of tranquillity, the adults-only Platinum Wing at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a refined escape. With a minimum stay of seven nights in a Platinum Water Bungalow, the package is available at USD 6,999 nett for double occupancy and features:

  • Return seaplane transfers with VIP lounge access
  • A 4-course steak or seafood dinner by the beach
  • A 45-minute spa treatment
  • An island-hopping adventure
  • A welcome bottle of wine, fruit basket, and bed decorations
  • Unlimited laundry services
  • Premium All-Inclusive privileges

At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, guests can indulge in serene overwater luxury with a seven-night stay starting from USD 6,999 nett for double occupancy in Water Bungalows and higher categories. The package highlights include:

  • Return seaplane transfers with VIP lounge access
  • Premium All-Inclusive privileges
  • A 4-course steak or seafood dinner by the beach
  • A 45-minute spa treatment
  • An island-hopping adventure
  • A dolphin-watching excursion
  • Unlimited laundry services

These exclusive offers are available for stays between 1 June and 31 October 2025, with bookings now open.

Whether it’s catching waves at the iconic Pasta Point at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, enjoying a sunset over the tranquil lagoon at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, or exploring the pristine waters surrounding Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, each resort promises a distinct and immersive experience. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts delivers three unforgettable all-inclusive escapes, designed for effortless relaxation with every detail expertly managed.

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Travel that matters: indulge in sustainability at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

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With World Environment Day (5 June) and World Oceans Day (8 June) approaching, and Sir David Attenborough’s highly anticipated film Ocean igniting renewed interest in marine conservation, more travellers are seeking meaningful ways to turn environmental concern into impactful action.

Coco Collection, a leading luxury resort brand in the Maldives, demonstrates that responsible travel and indulgent island experiences can coexist harmoniously. At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, located in the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll, guests are offered the opportunity to actively engage in ocean conservation efforts while enjoying a tranquil tropical retreat.

Far more than a scenic escape, the resort serves as a centre for daily, impactful sustainability work. Conservation initiatives at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu include:

  • Coral restoration projects, led by the in-house marine biologist to regenerate local reef ecosystems.
  • Sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, hosted at the Maldives’ first veterinary-run turtle rescue centre in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. Visitors can tour the centre, observe turtle feedings, and register in advance to volunteer.
  • Turtle hatching monitoring, involving the observation of protected nests to ensure hatchlings can be safely guided back to the ocean.
  • Guided snorkelling and diving excursions in the Baa Atoll’s thriving marine ecosystem, which is home to tropical fish, vibrant coral gardens, and sea turtles.

Following World Turtle Day on 23 May, the resort also commemorates the beginning of turtle hatching season. Weekly marine talks and immersive conservation activities allow guests to deepen their understanding and connection to the ocean.

In 2024, the Olive Ridley Project’s Maldives Research team reported 168 new turtle nests, over 5,264 successful hatchings, and nearly 3,500 turtle sightings. Since 2013, the project has surpassed 40,000 recorded sea turtle encounters, with Coco Collection associates logging the highest number of turtle encounters in the Maldives.

In addition to marine conservation, the resort offers a broad range of water sports — including water skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking — along with cultural experiences through its Coco Experiences programme.

Recognised among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is celebrated for its authentic Maldivian heritage, breathtaking natural surroundings, and steadfast commitment to sustainability.

Whether visitors are nature enthusiasts, aspiring conservationists, or simply seeking a purposeful and mindful retreat, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu provides a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough and contribute to lasting environmental stewardship.

As sustainability-focused holidays approach, the resort is preparing a range of experiences for both guests and staff. Planned activities include tree planting, Saifodhu (a traditional Maldivian high tea accompanied by a display of homemade goods), a sustainable dining experience, and a sustainability presentation led by the resort’s Marine Educator and the ORP team in celebration of World Environment Day. For World Oceans Day, the island is also set to host various sustainability-driven events and experiences.

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Escape to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru for Eid, wellness, and ocean adventures

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This June, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru welcome guests to immerse themselves in a memorable Eid al-Adha celebration, enhanced by a range of wellbeing-focused experiences, sustainability activities, and exclusive seasonal offers. The resorts invite visitors to honour this special time while exploring the Maldives’ rich local culture and breathtaking natural environment.

Tripadvisor has recognised Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru as one of the Top 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the World as part of the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards. This accolade reaffirms the resort’s status as a luxury sanctuary, celebrated for its dedication to excellence and delivering authentic, enriching guest experiences.

Throughout June, guests are invited to reconnect with mind, body, and spirit through a series of carefully curated wellbeing experiences offered at both resorts:

  • Wellbeing Wednesday: Barefoot Grounding Day – Inspired by walking meditation, this experience encourages guests to rebalance and reconnect with nature, promoting a healthier work-life harmony.
  • Global Wellness Day (14 June): Breathwork & Meditation – An intuitive workshop teaching effective breathing techniques to rejuvenate body and mind.
  • International Yoga Day (21 June): Guided Sunset Yoga – Held by the beach, this session offers a peaceful opportunity to embrace mindfulness amidst a stunning natural backdrop.

The resorts commemorate World Environment Week with a series of impactful activities that deepen guest engagement with nature and community:

  • Reef Awareness Day – Guided snorkelling sessions introduce guests to the vibrant marine life of the house reefs.
  • Citizen Science Snorkel & Culture Talk – A morning snorkel followed by an afternoon discussion exploring Maldivian cultural heritage.
  • World Environment Day – Guests can participate in a swim between the islands and join a reef clean-up effort.
  • World Ocean Day – Activities include the removal of coral predators from a nearby reef to protect marine biodiversity.
  • Environment Week Talk – An educational session at the Marine Lab, detailing the Maldives’ environmental narrative.

The resorts celebrate Eid al-Adha with a variety of exclusive experiences and promotions designed to enhance each guest’s stay:

  • Dive More, Pay Less – Guests can uncover the Maldives’ underwater wonders with a special diving promotion that offers increasing savings with each dive.
  • Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru: Stay 3, Pay 2 – A chance to enjoy an extended stay in a serene island retreat, with a complimentary third night.
  • Dhawa Ihuru: Special Eid al-Adha Dinner (6 June) – A festive culinary event celebrating local flavours, culture, and traditions.
  • Exclusive Discounts – Offers include 10% off arts and crafts, 30% off selected watersports and diving activities, and 20% off specially curated guest experiences—inviting travellers to rediscover the magic of the Maldives in unforgettable ways.
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