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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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Sun Siyam Olhuveli marks end of 2025 with sustainability-led programmes

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As the year draws to a close, Sun Siyam Olhuveli marked the transition into the New Year with a series of meaningful sustainability experiences that reflect the resort’s lifestyle philosophy, where effortless island living, community connection, and environmental care naturally coexist.

On 31st December 2025, guests and team members came together at Milano Beach on Dream Island for a Coral Planting Experience, transforming the final moments of the year into a shared act of sustainable marine practices. Guided by the resort’s marine biologist and Sun Diving experts, participants collectively placed coral fragments onto one large coral frame, which was then submerged and planted within the resort’s designated coral garden. The experience invited everyone to take part in a single, symbolic act of renewal, deepening their connection to the vibrant marine ecosystem that surrounds the island. Framed as “A New Reef for the New Year,” the initiative reflected unity, continuity, and a shared commitment to protecting the marine environment.

Earlier in the month, on 21st December 2025, the spirit of sustainability travelled beyond the resort to the local island of K. Guraidhoo, where Sun Siyam Olhuveli joined hands with the Guraidhoo Island Council and the local community for a purposeful tree planting initiative rooted in connection and care. Working side by side, participants planted 300 young trees across the island, turning the activity into a shared moment of unity and environmental responsibility. More than enhancing green spaces, the initiative strengthened community bonds and reflected the resort’s belief that sustainability flourishes when communities lead and actions are guided with heart.

Commenting on the initiatives, Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, said: “At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, sustainability is not a separate initiative—it is embedded in how we live, host, and connect. Closing the year by giving back to both the ocean we care, and our neighbouring community reflects our belief that meaningful hospitality should leave a positive footprint. These experiences bring people together with a shared purpose and create impact that lasts well beyond the festive season.”

Closing the year with purpose, Sun Siyam Olhuveli reaffirmed its long-term commitment to responsible hospitality by inviting guests to engage in experiences that go beyond leisure and contribute to lasting positive change. These initiatives form part of Sun Siyam Cares, the group-wide sustainability and social responsibility platform dedicated to environmental conservation, community empowerment, and conscious tourism across all Sun Siyam Resorts.

Through Sun Siyam Cares, Sun Siyam Olhuveli continues to translate intention into action by nurturing new reefs beneath the surrounding waters, planting roots on land, and shaping a more sustainable future for the destinations it calls home.

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef brings ‘Ocean Odyssey’ to life this festive season

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, celebrates a captivating festive season themed “Ocean Odyssey” this festive season. From December 21st, 2025 – 5th January 2026 the festive calendar blends sparkling beachfront moments with curated LED dancers and fire show for entertainment, with fun activities and exclusive raffle giveaways that capture the magic of the season in the heart of Dhaalu Atoll.

Festivities commenced on 21st December with an elegant Tree-Lighting Ceremony and a joyful cocktail gathering. On Christmas Eve, the celebrations continue with our Christmas Eve Gala Dinner. Christmas Day marks a highlight for our younger guests as we welcome the grand arrival of Santa Claus on our shores for a warm and festive meet-and-greet. The cultural journey continues 26th December with “Eveylaa Zamaan” Maldivian Showcase, authentic Grand Maldivian Cuisine and “Boduberu” show, followed by a relaxed evening of water sports and fun with Beach Vibes on 29th December. The season reaches its crescendo on 31st December with the New Year Odyssey Gala Dinner, an evening of exquisite dining accompanied by live music and world-class entertainment.

A curated selection of spa treatments and a variety of complimentary activities offer the perfect parity to our evenings of celebration. This season, spa presents an opportunity for indulgence through our Festive Spa Raffle. Every treatment booked includes a complimentary spa voucher and automatic entry into the Grand New Year’s Eve raffle giveaway on 31st December.

Throughout the holidays, the resort is infused with an enchanting ambience. Guests are invited to venture out on unforgettable excursions to explore an underwater world teeming with marine life, or paddle leisurely on complimentary ocean kayaks, beautifully complementing the “Ocean Odyssey” theme.

The resort’s distinctive restaurants and bars will host a series of themed nights, each showcasing fresh, vibrant flavours and thoughtful pairings. Whether gathering for a sparkling cocktail at sunset or an intimate dinner under the stars, guests will discover a season of connection and well-being, wrapped in the tropical warmth of Maldivian nights.

From the first light of dawn until the stars emerge, experience a holiday meticulously centred on connection. To ensure a seamless start to the New Year, guests can indulge in exclusive wellness packages and bespoke excursions. To guarantee availability for our most exquisite experiences, guests can pre-book their chosen rituals and adventures in advance.

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives wraps Christmas celebrations, prepares NY 2026 line-up

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The festive season has unfolded across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ Maldives properties with a series of Christmas celebrations that brought together guests, island communities and resort teams, setting the tone for a vibrant transition into the New Year. Across all four resorts, the season has been marked by shared moments, seasonal traditions and relaxed island celebrations, with attention now turning to New Year’s Eve experiences planned to welcome 2026.

Christmas at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives was celebrated with a consistent yet thoughtfully curated programme across the islands. Festivities included traditional carol singing, festive dinners, Santa’s arrival, beach barbecues and a range of children’s activities, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for families, couples and groups spending the holidays in the Maldives.

The celebrations reflected the resorts’ approach to festive programming, blending familiar seasonal traditions with the natural rhythm of island life. Guests were invited to experience Christmas in an unhurried setting, with beachfront gatherings, open-air dining and activities designed to encourage togetherness while embracing the surrounding ocean landscapes.

As the festive period continues, the focus now shifts to upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations, which will be marked across all four resorts with gala dinners, beach parties, live DJs and bands, fireworks displays and countdown celebrations by the shore. Each resort will ring in the New Year against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, offering guests a celebratory yet relaxed setting to mark the transition into the year ahead.

The New Year’s Eve programmes are designed to complement the Christmas festivities, extending the seasonal experience while allowing each resort to reflect its own character from lively beachfront gatherings to more laid-back island celebrations, all centred around open-air venues and shared moments under the night sky.

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