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
Awards
RAAYA by Atmosphere wins Best Family Resort in Maldives at Travel Time Awards 2025
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.
Cooking
International Chefs’ Day: Kabita Singh to cook live at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will welcome award-winning food creator Kabita Singh, the personality behind Kabita’s Kitchen, for a special culinary residency in October to mark International Chefs’ Day on 20 October 2026.
Known for making everyday Indian cooking accessible to a wide audience, Singh will move from her digital kitchen to the Maldives, joining the resort’s culinary team for a live cooking experience created for guests.
The collaboration will bring together Singh’s approach to Indian cuisine — centred on familiar flavours, accessible recipes and an increasing focus on wholesome cooking — with Sun Siyam’s Plant Based Bliss philosophy, which promotes the nutritional and holistic benefits of plant-forward dining.
As part of the International Chefs’ Day celebrations, Singh will cook alongside Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s culinary team during a live session in front of resort guests. The experience will feature a specially curated selection of vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious dishes developed in collaboration with the resort’s chefs and inspired by Singh’s own cooking philosophy.
Guests will have the opportunity to watch Singh prepare the dishes, learn about the techniques and stories behind them, and sample her interpretation of plant-forward Indian cuisine in a Maldivian island setting.
Kabita’s Kitchen has grown from a home-cooking channel into one of India’s most widely followed food platforms, with approximately 14.6 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Singh has built her audience through content ranging from regional favourites and vegetarian staples to festive dishes, street-food classics and everyday family recipes.
Her influence within India’s food and digital content sector was recognised at the inaugural National Creators Award in 2024, where she received the Best Creator in Food Category award, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We are really excited to welcome Kabita to Olhuveli and bring a taste of Kabita’s Kitchen to the Maldives,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
“Food is such an important part of the way people connect, and this is about bringing our guests closer to the experience, watching Kabita cook, discovering the flavours and stories behind her dishes, and of course tasting them together. Her fresh, approachable style is a great match for our Plant Based Bliss philosophy, and celebrating International Chefs’ Day together with our own culinary team makes it even more special. We want dining at Olhuveli to be fun, social and full of moments that guests remember long after they leave the island.”
Located in South Malé Atoll, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection. The resort combines beach experiences, dining, entertainment, wellness and other activities within its broader island offering.
Awards
TTM Awards 2026 names You & Me Maldives Best Adults-Only Resort
You & Me Maldives has been named Best Adults-Only Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s positioning, guest experiences and continued focus on adults-only hospitality in the Maldives.
The award was presented during the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August 2026, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards recognise achievements, innovation and contributions across the Maldivian tourism industry.
Located in Raa Atoll, You & Me Maldives has established itself as an adults-only retreat catering to couples, honeymooners, friends and solo travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity.
The resort combines its island setting with accommodation, personalised service and experiences centred on romance, wellness, gastronomy and exploration, creating an intimate environment designed specifically for adult travellers.
The recognition comes as You & Me Maldives marks seven years of operations and welcoming guests from around the world.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, we are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, partners, and dedicated team members who have been part of this journey,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.
“These seven years represent not only growth and success, but countless love stories, memories, and unforgettable experiences created on our island. Receiving the ‘Best Adults-Only Resort’ award at the TTM Awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire team.”
The Best Adults-Only Resort award further strengthens You & Me Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector, recognising its focus on combining an adults-only concept with personalised service and island experiences.
Looking ahead, You & Me Maldives plans to continue developing its concept and guest experience through new activities, offerings and services, while maintaining its focus on the adults-only luxury segment in the Maldives.
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