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Four Seasons Maldives honours 2023 Hospitality Apprenticeship Program graduates
Aim high, celebrate curiosity, discover your source of joy, and become a relentless lifelong learner. This was the message graduates of the Four Seasons Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship Program took away on June 24, 2023 as they celebrated becoming the latest of a total of 809 young Maldivians who have benefited from the longest running and most successful program of its kind in the Indian Ocean.
Now in its twenty-second year, 2023’s Apprenticeship Program saw 59 apprentices gathered for a special ceremony held at Maldives National University Auditorium, Malé. Not only have the cohort graduated in disciplines such as Food & Beverage Service; Food & Beverage Preparation; Housekeeping & Guest Services; Retail; Front Office & Recreation; PADI Dive Master; Safe Maritime Transport (SMT); Engineering, Marine Biology and Watersports, but they’ll also take away an immersive experience of developing a growth mindset for learning and life.
The ceremony was also a welcome to 2024’s Apprenticeship intake of 71 hopeful students from across 30 islands who cannot fail to be inspired by the energy and verve of 2023’s graduates.
Attended by Chief Guest of Honour and Honorable Minister of Tourism, Government of Maldives, His Excellency Dr Abdullah Mausoom, thanked Four Seasons for giving hope to many young Maldivians since the inception of the Apprenticeship program in 2001. He also expressed his concern of the shortage of human resources in the country in relation to the needs of the tourism industry, one industry where he believes AI will not take over the service business.
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Regional Vice President, Armando Kraenzlin congratulated the graduating class of 2023 as “the Class that included perhaps the most talented culinary apprentices we have ever had. So talented were these young people, some of them won gold
and other medals in the recent national culinary competition and beat many of their much more experienced industry colleagues.”
“For the first time, and very exceptionally – we are graduating three expatriate students from the tiny Micronesian island nation of Palau, who have travelled halfway around the world to participate in the programme. This is part of an exchange agreement between the two governments that will see 21 Maldivians spend a year in Palau from this summer to start up a new Four Seasons venture. What a marvellous opportunity for the youth of both nations.” commented Mr Kraenzlin.
Celebrating dedication and drive, the 2023 graduates are equipped with a range of skills applicable across every area of the industry and beyond. Qualifications included Advanced Engineering with Level 4 certifications in Electrical Installation, Refrigeration and Airconditioning and Level 3 in Plumbing and Welding. 2024 apprentices can look forward to the introduction of a new first-year module in Photography.
Accredited by the Government of Maldives since 2010, the Four Seasons Hospitality Apprenticeship is open to young Maldivians, aged 17 to 20, who meet a number of entry criteria. No previous work experience is required but the youngsters need to have O-Level certifications and fluency in both written and spoken English. Training takes place five days a week and the apprentices live and work onsite in the beautiful surroundings of Four Seasons Resorts of Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives.
Echoing the familial relationships that build amongst long-term staff at the Resorts, the apprentices are supported throughout their learning experience. Performance appraisals and tests are taken at regular intervals to check if and when extra learning support is needed, and a buddy and mentor is assigned to each apprentice to offer encouragement and advice.
Teamwork is at the core of all Four Seasons operations and the youngsters come away with an enhanced commitment to professionalism and perseverance for the good of the whole – an outlook that will serve them for life.
Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled Blend, a beautiful Princess 62 luxury yacht, now available for private charters, curated cruises, and exclusive overnight stays. This new experience offers guests the opportunity to explore the Indian Ocean in style, blending barefoot luxury with personalised service and curated culinary moments.
Whether sailing into the sunset with a bottle of sparkling wine, enjoying a champagne breakfast surrounded by endless blue, or spending the night aboard under the stars, Blend is designed for romance, celebration, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. The yacht comfortably hosts up to 14 guests for day cruises and offers overnight accommodation for four in two elegant cabins.
Guests can choose from a variety of experiences—from short scenic voyages and gourmet lunch cruises to full-day ocean adventures and overnight escapes on the water. Each journey is supported by a dedicated crew and includes tailored amenities, premium dining, and seamless access to the Maldives’ breathtaking surroundings.
“We wanted to create an experience that feels intimate yet elevated—something that takes the Ifuru lifestyle and extends it onto the sea,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Blend allows our guests to celebrate special moments, escape the ordinary, and explore the beauty of the Maldives with privacy and personalisation.”
The new offering also includes combo and split-stay packages, allowing guests to pair their villa stay at Ifuru Island with one or more nights onboard the yacht, enjoying the best of both land and sea. Add-on experiences such as sandbank dining, floating breakfasts, onboard spa treatments, and cinematic evenings under the stars are available by advance booking.
Blend is now available for private bookings. For enquiries and reservations, please contact: bookingmagic@ifuruisland.com
This Global Wellness Day, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites guests to embrace the transformative power of water with an exclusive wellness program led by India’s pioneering aqua fitness expert, Rajni Maker. Taking place from June 14 to 18, 2025, the resort’s immersive wellness celebration is inspired by the global theme #ReconnectMagenta, encouraging guests to slow down, recharge, and rediscover a sense of connection—with self, with nature, and with community.
Located a scenic 30-minute speedboat journey from Malé, Kuda Villingili is an island sanctuary where time and space are redefined. A curated collection of villas and residences evoke a deep sense of space, comfort, and privacy. Whether nestled over water or tucked within lush foliage, every accommodation invites moments of stillness, reflection, and reconnection.
Kuda Villingili is already a haven for wellness seekers, offering a wealth of experiences that celebrate balance, vitality, and inner peace. The resort’s private island spa is home to eight treatment villas where guests can indulge in holistic therapies using organic, island-inspired ingredients. For those seeking movement, the resort boasts the Maldives’ largest pool, a state-of-the-art gym with ocean views, and a scenic jungle yoga pavilion designed for sunrise and sunset practices.
With decades of experience in crafting inclusive, water-based wellness journeys, Rajni Maker brings her signature blend of intentionality, flow, and vitality to the Maldives. Her sessions are tailored to support all fitness levels, creating an energising and welcoming space for everyone—from first-time movers to seasoned wellness seekers. Set against the striking backdrop of the Maldives’ largest pool, Rajni’s unique approach to aquatic fitness makes each workout a joyful and transformative experience.
“I am thrilled to bring my expertise to Kuda Villingili. The resort’s serene setting and expansive aquatic spaces offer the ideal canvas for meaningful, water-based wellness experiences,” says Rajni Maker. “My goal is to help every participant reconnect with their body and mind, while also leaving them with simple, sustainable practices they can continue at home—whether they are just beginning their wellness journey or are seasoned fitness enthusiasts.”
The wellness weekend opens with sessions designed to foster a deeper bond with the natural surroundings, including a guided nature walk through the island’s lush landscape, ending with a mindful beachside body scrub using traditional Maldivian ingredients. As the days unfold, guests are invited to explore inner strength and stability through a sunrise Pilates session with the Magic Circle and energise themselves with high-intensity aqua kickboxing—a spirited yet joint-friendly cardio workout led by Rajni herself.
Wellness is celebrated not only as a personal journey but as a shared experience. Guests can join their loved ones in an invigorating family beach HIIT session, or enjoy friendly competition during a padel tennis match, complete with thoughtful wellness prizes. The sense of connection continues with creative expressions such as a nature-inspired painting session, and deeper reflection is encouraged through one-on-one wellness consultations with the resort’s dedicated experts.
Whether guests are seeking a new way to move, or simply a new space to pause, Global Wellness Day at Kuda Villingili promises an unforgettable journey of renewal. With Rajni Maker leading the way, and the resort’s immersive wellness offerings as the foundation, the island becomes a sanctuary of motion, mindfulness, and meaningful reconnection.
View Kuda Villingili’s Global Wellness Day programme, in collaboration with Rajni Maker here.
Meeru Maldives Resort Island is honoured to be named among the Top 10% of Hotels Worldwide in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, an accolade that reaffirms the resort’s long-standing reputation as one of the Maldives’ most cherished holiday destinations. Known for its scenic beauty, heartfelt hospitality, and wide range of facilities, Meeru continues to win the hearts of guests from around the globe.
A favourite across generations of travellers, Meeru Maldives has been a sanctuary for honeymooners, families, solo travellers, and repeat visitors alike, offering something truly special for everyone.
“Meeru’s legacy of warm hospitality and immersive experiences has stood the test of time. We are delighted to once again be recognised by our guests,” said Mohamed Solah, Chief Executive Officer of Crown & Champa Resorts.
Celebrating more than 40 years of uninterrupted service excellence, Meeru has become a household name in the Maldives tourism industry. The resort offers 284 rooms, stunning beaches, an island museum, engaging weekly entertainment, and curated experiences for romance, adventure, and relaxation.
Meeru Maldives Resort Island has consistently maintained a high standard of guest satisfaction, which has led to numerous recognitions by the world’s largest travel review platform, TripAdvisor. Past accolades include:
- TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Winner 2025 & 2024 – Top 10% of hotels worldwide
- Travellers’ Choice Award Winner 2023 – Recognised for consistently excellent guest reviews
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence – 2019, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 (UK)
- Travellers’ Choice Award 2012 – UK
- Travellers’ Choice Award 2009 – UK – Top 10 Best Hotel for Romance – Asia
These recognitions highlight Meeru’s ability to consistently deliver quality and value while evolving to meet the changing needs of modern travellers.
Meeru is more than just a beach destination it’s a simplistic and luxurious journey into the soul of the Maldives. Guests are invited to explore not only nature but also the island’s history, culture and heritage through unique offerings such as the Meeru Museum, which showcases island traditions and cultural artefacts.
From romantic candle-lit dinners on the beach to engaging weekly entertainment, kids’ activities, spa treatments, and thrilling water sports, Meeru curates every stay to suit a wide spectrum of guests. The island’s thoughtful layout allows both serenity-seekers and adventure-lovers to find their perfect corner of paradise.
“At Meeru, we don’t just create holidays – we create memories that guests carry for a lifetime,” said Ali Shifaz, General Manager of Meeru Maldives Resort Island. “Being recognised once again in the Travellers’ Choice Awards is a true honour, and a tribute to every team member who pours their heart into making Meeru a second home for so many. These awards are more than just accolades – they are a reflection of the connections we’ve built over the years, and the joy we’ve shared with guests from around the world.”
As Meeru embraces the future, sustainability remains at the core of its vision. From eco-friendly practices and marine conservation efforts to community engagement and green innovations, the resort remains committed to preserving the very environment that makes it so special.
With its blend of nature, culture, and warm-hearted hospitality, Meeru Maldives Resort Island continues to thrive as a beacon of authentic Maldivian experiences in a rapidly evolving tourism landscape.
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