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Banyan Tree Group bolsters MarCom team to elevate Maldives Resorts

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Strengthening the offline and online presence of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru across the globe

The Banyan Tree Group has recently announced the appointment of a new MarCom trio for its properties in the Maldives. This strategic move aims to elevate the marketing communications initiatives of three properties, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru, and Angsana Velavaru, by developing effective campaigns that resonate with a wider audience and ultimately boost revenue.

The newly formed team comprises three talented individuals, each bringing unique skills and experiences to the table. Ronalaine Fernandez Sato, the MarCom and PR Manager, brings with her 13 years of extensive experience in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors. Having worked in the Maldives and the Philippines, Ronalaine has a deep understanding of both markets and destinations. Her proficiency in creativity, attention to detail, adaptability, and ability to work under pressure played a pivotal role during the successful transformation and reopening of Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives in 2020, where she previously served as the Assistant Manager – PR & Communications. Ronalaine’s expertise and warm personality make her a valuable addition to the team.

Joining Ronalaine is Riri Anggraheni Eka Rimandasari, the Ecommerce Manager, who brings over nine years of marketing experience to her role. Riri’s previous position as Customer Relationship Management, Ecommerce, and Digital Marketing Manager for Cornerstone Retail Management, a sister company of Sheraton Hotel Group Indonesia, equipped her with a strong background in driving digital marketing strategies. Riri’s journalism background, including working for national TV channels and online shows in Indonesia, adds an extra dimension to her skill set. Furthermore, her commitment to mental health advocacy through the establishment of Peduli ODGJ Indonesia demonstrates her dedication to promoting well-being within the workplace. Riri’s enthusiasm to explore the Maldives, coupled with her certification in PADI Open Water Diving, promises exciting adventures beyond her professional responsibilities.

Completing the trio is Khaled Jarrah, the Assistant Digital Marketing Manager, who has been with the Banyan Tree Group for nearly two years. Khaled’s journey began as a chef in renowned properties such as Crown Plaza® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn – The Business Park, and IHG Hotels and Resorts in Qatar. His transition into sales and marketing showcased his creative prowess, ultimately leading him to his current role in digital marketing. Khaled’s track record in successfully implementing digital marketing strategies at Banyan Tree Doha resulted in substantial growth across social media platforms. A Jordanian native, Khaled’s passion for food extends beyond his professional life, as he loves to discover new culinary delights or cook for his loved ones.

The collaboration of these three individuals, each with their distinct backgrounds, forms a dynamic team united by the shared goal of enhancing the offline and online presence of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru, and Angsana Velavaru. By harnessing their collective expertise, the team aims to attract the right guests for each resort, strengthening the brand’s global reach and ensuring exceptional experiences for visitors.

With their diverse skills, experiences, and shared dedication to excellence, the new MarCom trio is poised to propel the marketing communications initiatives of the Banyan Tree Group’s Maldivian properties to new heights. Their appointment represents the group’s commitment to delivering exceptional design-led experiences while promoting stewardship and well-being—a combination that is sure to captivate and attract discerning travelers from around the world.

The Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading independent, multi-branded hospitality groups, operates three luxurious resorts in the Maldives, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is a picturesque island paradise surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sandy beaches. The resort boasts private villas with direct access to the beach, a stunning spa, and a range of water sports activities. Dhawa Ihuru, on the other hand, provides a tranquil and intimate retreat, nestled on a private coral island. Guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the underwater world through snorkeling or diving adventures, indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, and savor exquisite dining options. Lastly, Angsana Velavaru captures the essence of Maldivian luxury with its spacious villas suspended over the sparkling Indian Ocean. This idyllic resort offers a host of activities, including snorkeling, dolphin-watching, and sunset cruises, ensuring a truly magical experience for all who visit.

For more information about the Banyan Tree Group, visit www.banyantree.com.

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‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.

The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.

The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.

During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.

“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.

“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”

The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.

The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards

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Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.

Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.

The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.

This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.

The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.

“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.

The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.

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Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme

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Niva Dhigali Maldives will welcome visiting chef Jake Norman and British pickleball champion Molly O’Donoghue for a curated programme of island experiences this November, bringing together dining and active wellbeing in the Maldives.

Norman began his culinary career making pizza in the markets of Guadalajara, Mexico, before working in several London restaurants, including St John, Ottolenghi and Sabor. He now leads the kitchen at Updown Farmhouse in Kent, where his cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, live-fire techniques and Mediterranean influences.

On 18 November, Norman will host an exclusive dinner at Faru, presenting a menu that combines Mediterranean flavours with influences from Mexico and the Middle East, while incorporating ingredients sourced from the Maldives.

The shared dining experience will feature Indian Ocean produce, grilled dishes and smoky flavours, with a menu designed to reflect the setting and encourage guests to dine at a relaxed pace.

The programme will also include pickleball sessions hosted by British champion Molly O’Donoghue. A national champion in mixed and women’s doubles, as well as a European champion in mixed doubles, O’Donoghue first discovered the sport while studying in Australia. She has since competed internationally and worked to introduce the sport to players around the world.

At Niva Dhigali, O’Donoghue will conduct beginner sessions and advanced coaching, giving guests of different skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop their technique.

Located in Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by tropical vegetation, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The November programme, featuring Norman’s dining experience and O’Donoghue’s pickleball sessions, forms part of the resort’s approach to offering guest experiences centred on food, wellbeing and the island environment.

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