News
Atmosphere Core announces strategic management moves & hires

Atmosphere Core, a dynamic hospitality company, announces key new hires and redeployments within its team of General Managers for a strategic leadership shuffle that took place this year. These movements come as a part of the company’s overall business strategy as well as an ongoing commitment to nurturing and developing leadership talent.
Rikard Nilsson, a Swedish national, was appointed as the Vice President for Culinary at Atmosphere Core in August 2023. He is responsible for the company’s culinary strategy across three brands and eight resorts. Rikard is an award-winning, progressive culinary professional with over 35 years of experience in establishments, including world-class restaurants, culinary advisory boards, competitions, and culinary consulting.
Christopher Baker joined Atmosphere Core as theGeneral Manager of OBLU SELECT Lobigili & OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi in August 2023, bringing with him over 25 years of international experience. An in-depth knowledge of all business activity phases, along with a proven expertise in maintaining the highest performance standards ensure Christopherbrings alive the COLOURS OF OBLU brand experiences at both resorts.
Four key internal movements have also been implemented this year at Atmosphere Core:
Philippe Claverotte is now an integral part of a Special Task Force overseeing upcoming projects. He moved to this tactical corporate role after serving as the Vice President & General Manager of VARU By Atmosphere. Philippe philosophises that for hoteliers, giving does not only precede receiving; it is the reason for it is in giving that we receive. Under his sharp leadership, VARU By Atmosphere has received multiple accolades, including the Maldives’ leading resorts at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2023.
Mei P Pun, hailing from Malaysia, took over the baton from Philippe Claverotte, joining as the General Manager of VARU By Atmosphere. She has 20 years of international experience, and previously served as the GM of Atmosphere Kanifushi. Under her stewardship Atmosphere Kanifushi won multiple accolades including Maldives’ Leading Family Resort at WTA 2023. Passionate about nature and conservation, Mei feels fortunate to spend her days surrounded by sand and sea. She is an empathic leader who believes that Happy Colleagues always leads to Happy Guests and defines success as bringing out the best in her team.
Ram Bhoyroo switches brands, taking over as the General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi. Prior to this, he served as the General Manager of OBLU SELECT Lobigili & OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. A passionate leader hailing from Mauritius, Ram brings years of successful international experience and believes that extending gracious hospitality is the highest form of service. During his tenure, OBLU SELECT Lobigili was recognised as the Number 1 new resort in the world by Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Award 2023.
Lisa Gerosa assumed the mantle of General Manager at OBLU SELECT Sangeli moving from OBLU NATURE Helengeli, as a part of the initiative to develop internal talent. Hailing from Italy, Lisa has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and for the last 9 years she has held managerial positions with leading companies across the globe, sharpening business analysis, budgeting, and operations management expertise. This puts her in a strong position to deliver on financial objectives along with exceptional guest experiences. Ashwin Handa, the Senior Vice President of Operations at Atmosphere Core says, “Honing on our culture of cultivating internal talent, we have over this year strategically redeployed our general managers across resorts, aiming to develop operational expertise by immersing senior management in new challenges and new brands. In addition, we have also brought in key talent. These changes align with our overarching vision to fortify the team, supporting our expansion plans, achieving business goals, and upholding an impeccable service standard.
Awards
The Nautilus Maldives honoured in 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Awards

In an increasingly fast-paced world, The Nautilus Maldives stands as a sanctuary where time slows and moments linger — a place that continues to capture the attention of discerning travellers. This haven of unhurried living has once again been recognised in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, as voted by readers in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
The accolade reaffirms the island’s quiet ability to enchant. With just 26 exclusive ocean and beach houses, The Nautilus offers complete privacy and a philosophy built entirely around individual freedom. Dining is available whenever a guest desires, and experiences unfold as inspiration strikes. A secluded sandbank transforms into a private dining room, and the Maldivian night sky becomes a stage for endless wonder.
“To be recognised again by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers is deeply meaningful,” said Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives. “Our guests come seeking beauty, but what they discover and cherish is freedom — the freedom to design their own rhythm and to create moments that are theirs alone.”
At The Nautilus, luxury is defined as liberation. Guests may drift through the UNESCO-protected waters of Baa Atoll, indulge in a Solasta Spa ritual without time limits, or share vintage champagne beneath a canopy of stars. Each stay unfolds as a personal narrative — unscripted, unhurried, and unforgettable.
Now in its thirty-eighth year, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards remain among the most respected distinctions in global travel. The results, drawn exclusively from readers’ experiences and opinions, continue to represent one of the industry’s most prestigious marks of excellence.
Entertainment
Amilla Maldives embarks on ‘Around the World in Wonder’ festive journey

Amilla Maldives will host a festive season celebration titled ‘Around the World in Wonder’ from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, inviting guests to experience a colourful exploration of global culture, curiosity, and joy.
Drawing inspiration from Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the celebration takes guests on a journey across continents, with each day dedicated to a different country and its unique flavours, music, and traditions. The journey begins and concludes in the United Kingdom, tracing a route through the Maldives, Spain, Italy, France, Argentina, Japan, China, India, Egypt, Brazil, the United States, and Singapore, culminating in a grand finale on New Year’s Eve.
Amilla’s 11th anniversary on 21 December will feature island-wide festivities, including guided tours, tree planting, coconut painting, Maldivian cooking demonstrations, and a cocktail and cake-cutting ceremony. On 23 December, the Tree Lighting Ceremony will adopt an Italian flair with a Venetian-themed celebration, complete with mask-making workshops, Viennese waltz, wine tasting, the Venetian Masquerade Ball, and a special ‘Treasure of the Sea’ dinner.
France will take centre stage on 24 December, featuring the Dance of the Can Can, gingerbread house making, mime face painting, a Christmas Eve buffet, and an aerial hoop performance. The following day, 25 December, will celebrate Argentina with the arrival of Santa Claus, a festive brunch infused with tango rhythms, dance workshops, magic shows, and a lively tango dinner performance.
The festivities will reach their climax on 31 December, with the Around the World in a Cocktail party leading into the spectacular Global Carnival Event. The evening will feature live performances by the Hamilton Band, complemented by bongo drummers, saxophonists, acrobats, and fire dancers. The grand countdown and after party will usher in 2026 with music, energy, and celebration.
Awards
Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.
Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.
Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:
- Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
- Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
- AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
- Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
- Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
- The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
- Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.
The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.
General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”
The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.
Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.
With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.
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