Featured
Anna Karas launches AK Communications: A new era in marketing and branding
Anna Karas, a seasoned Marketing Communications professional with a diverse international background in the luxury travel and visual communication sectors, has recently launched AK Communications, a dynamic marketing communications and branding agency. With a wealth of experience and expertise in B2B and B2C marketing, digital marketing, graphic design, and Public Relations, including collaborations with international media and PR agencies, Anna Karas is set to revolutionize the way businesses approach their marketing strategies.
Education has played a crucial role in shaping Anna Karas’s career. She holds a Master’s Degree in English Linguistics from the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, which has provided her with a solid foundation in effective communication. Additionally, she obtained a Diploma in Visual Communication from the prestigious London College of Communication, University of the Arts London, in 2008, enhancing her skills in delivering impactful visual messaging.
Anna Karas’s professional journey spans over a decade, during which she has worked with some of the most prominent hospitality brands in the industry. As the Director of Marketing & Communications at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and Mövenpick Kuredhivaru Resort Maldives, she showcased her strategic prowess and helped elevate the brands to new heights. Her role as Cluster Director of Marketing & Public Relations at AYANA Hotels in Indonesia (Bali and Labuan Bajo) and Director of Communications & Public Relations at W Hotels Maldives further solidified her expertise in creating compelling marketing campaigns and managing successful PR initiatives. Anna also served as the PR & Marketing Manager at Warwick Hotel Dubai and the Area Marketing Communications Manager at Anantara Hotels & Resorts, where she honed her skills in driving brand awareness and fostering strategic partnerships.
At AK Communications, Anna Karas shares her passion for delivering impactful results with her over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality. Together with other collaborators, she works collaboratively to develop innovative marketing strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs, and offer an even wider spectrum of services. Whether it’s refining brand positioning, creating engaging digital marketing campaigns, or implementing effective PR initiatives, AK Communications is committed to helping businesses achieve their commercial goals and stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape.
In her new venture, Anna expressed her enthusiasm for focusing on her extensive knowledge of the Maldives luxury hospitality sector, a place that has truly become her second home.
With Anna Karas’s extensive experience, international exposure, and creative vision, AK Communications is poised to make a significant impact in the marketing and branding industry. By combining strategic thinking, cutting-edge techniques, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior, AK Communications sets out to create memorable experiences that resonate with target audiences and drive tangible business outcomes.
As businesses navigate an increasingly complex and ever-evolving marketing landscape, AK Communications stands as a reliable partner, ready to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that arise. With their expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence, Anna Karas and her team are poised to lead businesses towards success and shape the future of marketing and branding.
To explore more about AK Communications, visit www.ak-communications.com
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
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.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
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.
-
Cooking1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
Cooking1 week agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept
-
News1 week agoThe Standard Maldives targets Chinese market with new all-inclusive programme
-
Action7 days agoEri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
-
Action1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi hosts football programme with Marcus Allbäck
-
News1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu unveils ‘Kodhipparu Escapes’ promotion
-
Awards6 days agoAngsana Velavaru achieves 4.8 rating in British Airways Customer Awards
-
Honeymoon5 days agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers secluded island experiences for couples


