News
21 ambitious Maldivians set sail for new adventures with Four Seasons Explorer to Palau
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives takes an international approach to employee career development
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives held a special ceremony on August 22 to mark the send-off of 21 adventurous Maldivians who were preparing to advance their hospitality careers in Palau. Heralding a new chapter for the floating luxury ‘resort’, Four Seasons Explorer set sail for the western Pacific island nation at the end of the month, with these young Maldivians joining the crew as part of ongoing employee initiatives by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives.
The ceremony was attended by guest of honour, His Excellency Dr Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Maldives. He shared inspiring words with the attendees, saying, “Embrace the opportunities that lie beyond the horizon, for it is through venturing into the unknown that we truly discover our potential. As you embark on this journey to advance your hospitality careers in Palau, remember that every experience is a stepping stone towards greatness.”
Gathered from across various departments at both resorts of Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru including F&B, Dive, Recreation and Transport, each of the 21 hospitality heroes has shown not only ambition and talent but a warm willingness to add international experience to their career development.
“It’s important to us to celebrate the ambitions of our adventurous colleagues as they head into the magic of one of the world’s last remaining natural frontiers,” comments Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President & General Manager at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. “We’re delighted to be able to give them the opportunity to enhance their careers in this way as they immerse themselves in heartfelt hospitality in a truly incredible environment.”

The hospitality initiative is part of a wider collaboration between the two island nations with the aim of broadening horizons for their young people. The Ministry of Tourism of Maldives was pleased to welcome Palauan apprentices to be trained in Four Seasons hospitality at Landaa Giraavaru, while Palau is looking forward to showing the Maldivian youngsters their customary island warmth as they learn new skills in stunning surrounds.
Hidden in a remote part of the Pacific, Palau is an untouched wilderness of over 340 emerald islands, half a million square kilometres (193,000 square miles) of protected marine territory, and a 4,000-year-old culture. 39-metre (128 foot) luxury catamaran, Four Seasons Explorer combines three decks, 10 staterooms, a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre, restaurant, bar, lounge, library and more with a dedicated team ready to create unforgettable experiences.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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