News
Atmosphere Core announces grand entry into India, paving the way for unforgettable hospitality experiences
After achieving success in the Maldives, Atmosphere Core unveils ambitious 2025 plan to launch 25 properties in India
Atmosphere Core, an acclaimed hospitality company, kicks off its spectacular India entry, aiming at heralding a paradigm shift in the Indian hospitality landscape through unique and unforgettable experiences. Leveraging on its award-winning resort experiences in the Maldives, the company looks at delivering on the values of Anticipating, Crafting, and Elevating the guest journey at the distinctive new properties coming up in India.
Following a successful journey in the Maldives, of launching 3 brands and 8 resorts within 10 years, Atmosphere Core unveiled an aggressive plan of 25 in 2025 for India. Making headway with the announcement of 8 remarkable hotels and resorts within two brands:
- OZEN MANSION KOLKATA
- OZEN PRIVADO GOA
- OZEN NANDI HILLS BANGALORE
- SADAR MANZIL HERITAGE BY ATMOSPHERE BHOPAL
- STILLWOOD RETREAT A SIGNATURE ATMOSPHERE COORG
- VARSĀ ELEMENTS OF NATURE BY ATMOSPHERE KANNUR
- ATMOSPHERE BHUBANESWAR
- ATMOSPHERE LAKE VIEW KOLKATA
These properties embody Atmosphere Core’s commitment to creative storytelling and curating exceptional guest experiences. “Atmosphere Core has always stood for redefining hospitality experiences, and today, we’re taking this legacy to India,” said Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director of Atmosphere Core. “Our commitment to organic growth, sustainable development, and distinctive brand experiences has transformed the Maldives, and we are thrilled to bring this transformation to India.”
The grand unveiling took place in New Delhi, where Atmosphere Hospitality Private Limited’s visionary Chairman, Mr. Dipti Ranjan Patnaik, expressed his dedication to establishing Atmosphere as a prominent hotel brand in India, with a focus on delivering ‘Joy of Giving’ to guests. “India’s rich cultural tapestry and diverse landscapes offer immense potential for extraordinary hospitality,” Mr. Patnaik emphasized. “With our commitment to sustainability and the ‘Joy of Giving,’ we aim to create a hospitality legacy in India.” Mr. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director of Atmosphere Core – India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, & Bhutan, highlighted the company’s expansion plans in South Asia, echoing the ethos of giving joyfully from the heart and soul, and refining and elevating the individual experiences crafted for guests. Under Mr. Salil Panigrahi’s leadership, Atmosphere Core has forged new standards for hospitality in the Maldives, and this legacy is set to continue in India.
Family
JA Manafaru secures Worldwide Kids Accreditation for second year
JA Manafaru has announced its receipt of the respected Worldwide Kids (WK) Accreditation for the second consecutive year, reaffirming its dedication to providing a family-friendly experience. This independent recognition honours resorts that maintain the highest international standards in childcare training, health and safety, and continuously enhance the experience for families and young guests.
Situated in an idyllic all-natural island paradise, JA Manafaru features a wide array of family-focused facilities. The resort’s CoolZone play area, complete with a separate family pool, Recreation Pavilion, and the ChillZone indoor games room, provides young guests with ample opportunities to play and explore while their parents enjoy relaxation. This carefully curated offering ensures that both families and couples experience the perfect balance of a serene escape and a safe, engaging environment for children.
The resort’s childcare facilities have successfully met the rigorous standards of the WK audit, further demonstrating its commitment to creating a secure and nurturing space for younger guests. The dedicated childcare team at JA Manafaru has completed extensive training accredited by Worldwide Kids, equipping them with specialised knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional care. Parents can rest assured knowing their children are well looked after while they enjoy the resort’s spa and dining options.
Rita Gupta, Director of Spa & Recreation, expressed pride in the team’s achievement, stating that receiving the recognition for two consecutive years underscores the resort’s commitment to guest safety, particularly for young visitors. Gupta emphasised that the health and safety audits, combined with comprehensive training, ensure adherence to the highest international standards. She noted that the accreditation reflects the resort’s dedication to creating memorable family experiences.
Jason Kruse, General Manager of JA Manafaru Maldives, shared his enthusiasm, highlighting that the Worldwide Kids accreditation reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional experiences for its youngest guests. Kruse added that the diverse activities available allow families to appreciate the beauty of the Maldives together while parents can relax, confident in the care provided to their children.
The Worldwide Kids Accreditation reinforces JA Manafaru’s focus on delivering not just a luxurious retreat for families but also a resort that prioritises the well-being and enjoyment of young guests. This esteemed recognition underscores the resort’s commitment to maintaining exemplary standards of childcare, ensuring that all visitors – both young and old – enjoy a memorable and worry-free stay.
With this accolade, JA Manafaru continues to distinguish itself as one of the Maldives’ premier resorts, offering families and holidaymakers outstanding service and unforgettable experiences.
Action
Across Maldives: Shaff Naeem embarks on record-breaking dive expedition
Shaff Naeem, the Asian record holder for the 50-hour dive in 2022, has announced his next ambitious endeavour: Across Maldives. This unprecedented long-distance dive will span the length of the Maldives, starting from the northernmost tip of Haa Alif Atoll and ending at the southern edge of Seenu Atoll. Officially unveiled at the Malaysia Dive Expo in June 2024, the event will unfold in two phases over the next two years.
Phase 1: Malé Region World Record Event (February 2025)
The first milestone in Shaff’s journey will be a world record attempt in the Malé region. He and his team will embark on a single dive from Hulhumalé to Malé, covering a minimum distance of 14 kilometres underwater. This event aims to set a new world record while garnering global attention for the Across Maldives expedition.
Phase 2: Main Across Maldives Event (2026)
The main event will see Shaff dive across the entire Maldivian archipelago, covering 460 kilometres in a month. This ambitious journey will require meticulous planning and execution, supported by a technical team comprising local and international experts.
A Scientific and Community-Focused Expedition
The Across Maldives expedition is not just a test of endurance but also a platform for meaningful contributions to science and community engagement. The team will collect vital environmental data, including information on underwater terrain, the impact of climate change, and the presence of microplastics in Maldivian waters.
The expedition will also feature workshops and events on local islands, aimed at raising awareness about ocean conservation and sharing findings from the journey. By connecting with local communities, the initiative hopes to inspire Maldivians to engage deeply with their marine environment.
With the backing of local and international partners, Shaff’s team is working closely with the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Defence, and Maldives Police Services to ensure a safe and secure dive route. The Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC) is promoting the event globally, showcasing the country’s unparalleled beauty and diving opportunities. International dive magazines have also spotlighted the project, amplifying its reach and significance.
Support and Fundraising Goals
Fundraising efforts are currently underway for Phase 1 of the project. Donations will support the organisation of world record dives, scientific research, and community engagement sessions. In addition, a documentary chronicling the journey is in production, slated for release in 2026.
Key areas of fund utilisation include:
- World Record Attempts: Organising logistics and acquiring gear for the dives.
- Research Expedition: Collecting open-access data on environmental DNA, microplastics, and coral reef health.
- Community Engagement: Conducting educational and awareness events across Maldivian islands.
- Documentary Production: Capturing the historic expedition for a global audience.
Supporters of the expedition can choose from various tiers of rewards, ranging from on-screen credits in the documentary to exclusive memorabilia like event keychains, t-shirts, personalised underwater photos, and a limited-edition coffee table photobook.
For Shaff, Across Maldives is more than a record-breaking attempt—it’s a tribute to his late father. Reflecting on his father’s words of encouragement, Shaff shared: “One of the last things my father said to me before he passed was that he wouldn’t be surprised if I dived all across the Maldives. This attempt is something I am dedicating to him. I sincerely thank you all for your support in making this journey a reality.”
To learn more or contribute to this groundbreaking project, visit the official event website at www.acrossmaldives.org. For details on Shaff Naeem’s previous achievements and ongoing efforts, visit www.oceansixfifty.org.
Awards
Atmosphere Core celebrates multiple wins at NSURE Safety and Sustainability Awards
International hospitality company Atmosphere Core achieved significant recognition at the prestigious Recognition of Safety and Sustainability Achievements Awards 2023-2024, organised by NSURE, a leading authority in Food Safety, Health and Safety, and Sustainability in the Maldives.
Atmosphere Core received the prestigious ‘Outstanding Overall Performance Award for Resort Group 2023-2024’ award for the unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest food safety standards across its properties and setting a benchmark in the hospitality industry. Anupam Banerjee, Vice President Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Core, accepted the accolade on behalf of the company, reflecting the collective drive across the portfolio of nine resorts to ensure excellence in food safety.
OBLU SELECT Sangeli received the ‘Innovative Sustainability Project 2023-2024’ award, which acknowledges the resort’s exceptional contributions to sustainability and its dedication to preserving the pristine ecosystem it calls home. Representing the OBLU SELECT Sangeli team, Marine Biologist Giorgia Maggioni and Executive Assistant Manager Sribanta Kumar Acharya accepted the awards.
The awards also honoured outstanding individual contributions. Sourish Bishnu Jana, Learning and Development Manager from Atmosphere Kanifushi was celebrated for his dedication, receiving the award for ‘Outstanding Commitment by an L&D Manager in Food Safety 2023-2024’. His efforts in leading food safety training have been pivotal in maintaining high standards within the resort.
Mei P. Pun, General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere, was honoured as the 1st Runner-up for the ‘Outstanding Leadership by a General Manager in Food Safety’ award. The 1st Runner-up accolades also included Ravikant Reddy, from VARU by Atmosphere, for ‘Outstanding Commitment by an L&D Manager in Food Safety’ and Chef Chaitanya Sharma from OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI for ‘Exceptional Leadership by An Executive Chef in Food Safety’.
The award ceremony was also attended by four nominees from Atmosphere Core. Chef Sandeep Kumar from OBLU SELECT Sangeli and Chef Ajay Sahoo from OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, who were both were nominated for ‘Exceptional Leadership by an Executive Chef in Food Safety’ award. Baiju Asokan from OBLU SELECT Sangeli and Rahul Pillai from VARU by Atmosphere were nominated for ‘Outstanding Leadership in Engineering for Safety Excellence’ award.
Ashwin Handa, Senior Vice President of Operations at Atmosphere Core, said “I am immensely proud of our team’s dedication to upholding the highest standards across our resorts, ensuring exceptional experiences for our guests while staying true to our ethos of Joy of Giving. This philosophy drives us to create meaningful and memorable moments for our guests, teams, and communities alike, while fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation. These accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to safety, sustainability, and excellence”.
NSURE, renowned for its rigorous evaluation and high standards, acknowledged Atmosphere Core’s ongoing efforts in integrating sustainability and safety into its operations while delivering exceptional guest experiences. These accolades serve as a reflection of the company’s unwavering dedication to leading by example in the hospitality sector.
-
News1 week ago
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives receives Wellness Heaven Award 2026 nominations
-
News1 week ago
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort gets Green Globe Certification for excellence in sustainability
-
Cooking1 week ago
New year of culinary excellence at Coco Bodu Hithi
-
News1 week ago
Dream island getaway at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives to locals, expats
-
Awards1 week ago
Universal Resorts’ Huvafen Fushi, Baros, Kurumba receive World Travel Awards 2024
-
Featured4 days ago
AIDA brings over 2,000 tourists to Maldives in major economic boost
-
Business6 days ago
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé to open in Q1 2025
-
News1 week ago
Sweet start to festive season at Canareef Resort Maldives