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Four Seasons Maldives honours 2023 Hospitality Apprenticeship Program graduates

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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.

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Azur rooftop at JEN Maldives sets stage for Valentine’s Day dining

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JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is set to mark Valentine’s Day with a curated rooftop dining experience at Azur Rooftop, combining ocean views, live music and a specially designed menu for couples.

Taking place against the backdrop of the Malé skyline and the Indian Ocean, the Valentine’s Day dinner is designed for couples seeking an intimate yet lively evening. The experience begins with a Tropical Sweetheart welcome drink, blending strawberry, lime and honey, followed by an amuse-bouche served as a shared moment between partners, featuring romesco mousse in a rye tart.

The dinner continues with a selection of starters including Indonesian chicken satay with peanut sauce and a chilled watermelon coconut gazpacho. A passion fruit and mango sorbet is served as a palate cleanser ahead of the main courses.

For the main course, guests may choose between roasted chicken with thyme and beet jus, seared seabass with smoked paprika mashed potatoes, or beetroot risotto finished with burrata. The dining experience concludes with a dessert sequence titled Kiss Me Goodnight, accompanied by petit fours such as dark chocolate passion bites and strawberry rose macarons. Illy coffee, teas, chilled juices and soft drinks are also included.

Live music performances by Akku will accompany the evening, adding to the rooftop ambience created by soft lighting, décor and panoramic views.

The Valentine’s Day dinner at Azur Rooftop is priced at USD 110 per couple, inclusive of all taxes and service charges. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +960 330 0888.

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort launches ‘Swim with Nurse Sharks’ experience

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Nestled in the pristine waters of the Raa Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort introduces Swim with Nurse Sharks, a new guided marine experience offering guests a rare opportunity to encounter these gentle creatures in their natural lagoon habitat.

Located just minutes from the island, the calm, shallow waters provide ideal conditions for observing nurse sharks at rest and in motion. The one-hour experience operates three times a week by speedboat and is designed for small groups, making it suitable for families and confident swimmers seeking a meaningful connection with the ocean.

Guided with care and respect for the environment, the experience reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to marine awareness and responsible interaction with wildlife. Guests gain insight into the behaviour of nurse sharks while exploring one of the region’s few accessible snorkelling sites dedicated to this species.

Available at USD 95++ per person, with special rates for children under 12, Swim with Nurse Sharks adds a distinctive new chapter to the resort’s immersive ocean experiences.

For more information on “Swim with Nurse Sharks” at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, please visit the resort’s website.

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JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites families to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in island luxury

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This Eid Al-Fitr, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, a luxury multigenerational resort nestled on the serene shores of Vagaru Island in the Shaviyani Atoll, invites guests to celebrate Eid Mubarak through a crafted collection of experiences that honour tradition, connection, and the joy of togetherness.

To elevate the festive celebration, the resort presents its limited-time Eid Escape to Paradise offer, featuring USD 300 resort credit per stay, along with daily breakfast, a three-course lunch, and a three-course dinner for two at select restaurants. A one-time floating breakfast, served in the privacy of the villa, adds an indulgent highlight to the experience. Families travelling with children under 12 enjoy complimentary accommodation and meals, creating the perfect setting for meaningful celebrations amid refined island luxury and warm hospitality.

With 60 spacious villas, each featuring a private pool and panoramic views of the turquoise waters. Guests can choose between beachfront serenity or the tranquillity of overwater living. Attentive service by a personal Thakuru (butler), ensuring every detail is tailored to their needs. Additionally Guests are also invited to explore the natural beauty of the island by bicycle, encouraging unhurried discovery across the island’s lush pathways.

Relax, Recharge, and Reconnect

To mark the festive occasion, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites families to gather and celebrate through moments of connection and shared experience. Festivities begin with a curated “Around the World” buffet at Aailaa, our beachfront restaurant, bringing global flavors together in a warm, intended for loved ones to come together.

Dining remains at the heart of the guest experience across the resort’s five distinctive venues, each offering a refined expression of global cuisine. From the precision of Japanese artistry at Hashi and classic Western favourites at Fiamma, to the elevated treetop Thai dining experience at Kaashi, creating meaningful moments around the table throughout the Eid celebration.

Families are welcomed at Family by JW™ Little Griffins Kids’ Club, offering more than 100 immersive weekly activities, that encourage creativity and discovery, while teens enjoy their own dedicated space at the Teen Lounge. Parents may retreat to Spa by JW, an overwater sanctuary designed to soothe both body and mind, featuring six couple’s treatment rooms and a private deluxe suite

Guided by the JW philosophy of mindfulness, the resort presents experiences that bring families together, including hands-on cooking classes using fresh produce from the JW Garden, guided snorkelling through vibrant coral gardens, beachside cinema evenings, family yoga, sandcastle activities, and Maldivian cultural dinner.

This Eid, guests are invited to celebrate togetherness, presence, and meaningful moments, set against the tranquil rhythm of the Indian Ocean and the resort’s signature understated luxury.

The Endless Summer package elevates the stay with a USD 300 resort credit per stay, complemented by daily breakfast, a three-course lunch, and a three-course dinner for two at select restaurants. A one-time floating breakfast served in the privacy of the villa adds an indulgent highlight, while a 60% reduction on food at Hashi and Shio invites guests to explore the resort’s culinary offerings. Complimentary non-motorised watersports provide effortless enjoyment on the lagoon, alongside the attentive service of a dedicated Thakuru (personal butler), complimentary bicycles, and a one-time 30-minute photography session with one printed keepsake to preserve moments in paradise.

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