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Angsana Velavaru welcomes new Executive Assistant Manager for Food and Beverage; ready to enhance culinary experience for “Festive Moments in our Hearts”

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Angsana Velavaru, an all-inclusive premium resort in South Nilandhe Atoll, Maldives has announced the appointment of Neil Firman as the Executive Assistant Manager for Food and Beverage, just in time to curate an extraordinary culinary experience for the upcoming “Festive Moments In Our Hearts” celebration. With an impressive culinary background spanning over two decades, Neil brings a wealth of international experience and innovation to elevate the resort’s dining offerings during this highly-anticipated season.

Neil Firman’s Flavourful Journey

Neil Firman, a native of Johannesburg, South Africa, has crafted his culinary journey with passion and dedication. His career began at the prestigious “The Palace of the Lost City” in Sun City, South Africa, followed by an illustrious 11-year tenure with Hyatt International. During this period, Neil held key positions at various Hyatt properties worldwide, showcasing his culinary expertise and leadership skills.

His extensive work history includes significant roles such as Sous Chef at the Park Hyatt Johannesburg, South Africa (Opening); Chef de Cuisine at Grand Hyatt Amman, Jordan; and Executive Sous Chef at Hyatt Regency Dubai & Galleria, U.A.E., among others.

Neil also contributed to Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts for 7 years, holding the position of Executive Chef at Banyan Tree Seychelles, and later overseeing Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru (now Dhawa Ihuru). After a successful term as Director of Food and Beverage at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Bali, Indonesia, Neil rejoined Banyan Tree Hotels in 2023. His wealth of experience and leadership has led him to his current role at Angsana Velavaru.

Neil’s culinary journey began at a young age, inspired by a memorable Primary School graduation lunch at the 5-star Carlton Hotel in Johannesburg. The grandeur, service, and culinary artistry left an indelible impression, shaping his career choice. Neil’s passion for perfection aligns with the hospitality industry, where guests experience nothing short of excellence, while associates feel the adrenaline rush behind the scenes.

With Neil at the helm of the Food and Beverage Department, Angsana Velavaru eagerly anticipates an exceptional culinary journey for guests during the “Festive Moments In Our Hearts” celebration.  His innovative approach and commitment to culinary excellence will undoubtedly contribute to making this festive season truly memorable.

Beyond his culinary prowess, Neil is an avid recreational scuba diver, holding a PADI Assistant Instructor level certification. He also enjoys horse riding, adding a touch of adventure to his diverse interests.

“Festive Moments In Our Hearts” Celebration

Angsana Velavaru will be hosting “Moments in our Hearts,” a festive celebration centred around bonding and connection with family, friends, loved ones and nature from 21 December 2023 to 7 January 2024. Guests are warmly invited to appreciate the previous gift of time and travel, as they immerse themselves in the beautiful sights around, creating beautiful memories and reconnecting with those who matter most.

As the inspiring spirit of giving and sharing fills the air, guests can revel in the vibrant colours of island life with an array of activities crafted just for them – from indulgent feasts and thrilling games to party nights and dazzling entertainments.

The season of celebration and joy is just around the corner, and there is no better place to embrace it and #SenseTheMoment than Angsana Velavaru.  Inspired to secure your festive holiday today?  Discover more through this link:  Sharing Time Offer | Angsana Velavaru Resort & Spa.  Plus, indulge in the added benefit of earning Accor Live Limitless points!

Download Angsana Velavaru’s Festive Brochure 2023 – 2024.

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COMO Maalifushi introduces new all-inclusive experience, Simply COMO

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COMO Maalifushi, the only resort in the unspoiled Thaa Atoll, has announced the launch of a new all-inclusive plan – Simply COMO – available from February 1, 2026. Designed for depth over excess, this elevated experience brings together COMO Hotels and Resorts’ renowned culinary philosophy, transformative wellness, and bespoke ocean adventures into one effortless, thoughtfully curated journey.

Simply COMO reshapes the conventional all-inclusive approach. Dining spans multiple venues — from Mediterranean flavours at Thila to Japanese at Tai and the wellness-driven COMO Shambhala Kitchen — complemented by weekly chef-led themed dinners, beach BBQs and a curated beverage list including more than 50 labels of wines, variety of spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic options, complemented by a daily restocked in-villa private bar. Offering oceanfront dining, barefoot lunches and dinner under the stars, each culinary experience showcases the resort’s dedication to quality, simplicity, and naturally sourced ingredients.

Simply COMO includes an enriching selection of island and marine activities that reveal the beauty and unique surrounding COMO Maalifushi including:

  • Dolphin Sunset Cruise – a spectacle of nature creating a moment of wonder for guests they’ll never forget
  • Splash Boat Cruise – a must for the family at sunset to hop onto our dhoni’s splash net and experience the thrill of being towed through the ocean
  • Guided turtle and reef snorkeling safaris to experience the rich house reef in this remote atoll
  • Offshore sunset drop-line fishing, for a moment of calm as the sky turns gold (one per guest)

Wellness forms the heartbeat of Simply COMO, with inclusion of a signature COMO Shambhala massage per guest as well as daily movement classes – ranging from yoga and stretching to meditation and functional strength – all supported and enhanced by COMO Shambhala Kitchen, for those guests looking to enrich their wellness experience.

For families, Play by COMO offers younger guests a world of discovery, with dedicated supervision that gives parents complete peace of mind. Children can dive into purposeful, creative play including treasure hunts, fort building, yoga sessions, and conservation projects, while parents embrace the island’s natural beauty and curated barefoot rituals. Thoughtful touches, from handcrafted afternoon tea to an all-day ice-cream bar, add a gentle sense of indulgence for little ones too.

Designed to meet the needs of every type of traveller, Simply COMO brings people together across generations – appealing to couples seeking privacy and reconnection, families looking for effortless bonding, and wellness seekers drawn to restorative practices – while inviting everyone to explore the Maldives’ extraordinary marine life and unique position of COMO Maalifushi.

“With Simply COMO, we focused on creating an experience that feels effortless yet elevated,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Every element — from cuisine and wellness to our ocean-led adventures — has been crafted to feel distinctly COMO.”

Simply COMO all-inclusive plan is available to book now for stays from February 1, 2026, offered alongside the resort’s existing Half Board meal plan to provide guests with flexible choices tailored to their style of travel.

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Meera Sodha to host plant-forward dining experience at Kurumba Maldives

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Kurumba Maldives has announced an exciting culinary collaboration with acclaimed food columnist and cookbook author Meera Sodha. Scheduled from 13 to 15 February 2026, this partnership brings Meera Sodha’s celebrated plant-forward cooking philosophy to the coral shores of Kurumba for a series of curated dining experiences.

This special activation sees Sodha join forces with Kurumba’s own esteemed culinary team. Together, they’ll craft and present a collection of dishes inspired by her acclaimed cookbooks ‘Fresh India’ and ‘Made in India’, which champion bold, vibrant, and accessible vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The collaboration promises to deliver an authentic Gujarati experience that will delight guests, food enthusiasts, and discerning travellers alike.

Throughout her residency, guests at Kurumba Maldives will discover plant-based dishes that reflect Sodha’s signature style. The event showcases the versatility of plant-based ingredients, presented through a series of thoughtfully crafted dining experiences including a Sunset Canapé Evening at Athiri Beach Bar on 15 February 2026.

The collaboration represents a significant moment for the Maldivian culinary scene – a rare chance to experience the creations of one of the UK’s most influential food writers in an iconic island setting. Travellers with a passion for creative and flavourful food will discover a fresh and inspiring take on vegetarian and vegan dining.

For more information or to make a booking, visit www.kurumba.com.

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St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort sets stage for 2026 with influential Tastemaker residencies

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced the return of its esteemed Tastemaker Series for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to bringing influential global talent to one of the Maldives’ most distinctive private island destinations. The programme continues to define the resort as a place where creativity, excellence and cultural expression converge, offering guests rare opportunities to engage with leading voices in the culinary arts, fine wine, mixology, wellness and sport.

The season opens in January with renowned chef Gianluca Renzi, who will host wine-led dining experiences, an intimate hands-on gnocchi masterclass and a signature dinner overlooking the ocean. His appearance sets the tone for the year ahead, combining classical Italian culinary heritage with contemporary craftsmanship and a spirit of conviviality that reflects the resort’s refined yet relaxed atmosphere.

In February, attention turns to innovation in both mixology and winemaking. Felice Capasso, World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, will bring his expressive approach to The Whale Bar through a bar takeover and an interactive masterclass exploring the narratives behind spirits, flavour and creativity. Shortly after, Romaric Chavy of Domaine Chavy-Chouet will bring Burgundy’s winemaking tradition to the Maldives, leading a wine tasting and a hosted dinner that offer an authentic encounter with one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.

The programme also embraces wellness, with Akiko Igarashi returning as Visiting Practitioner from 9 to 23 February. With extensive experience in Reiki, sound healing and holistic practices, she will guide guests through restorative therapies including Tibetan Singing Bowl healing sessions, Reiki treatments and bespoke couples’ experiences, each designed to promote inner balance, emotional clarity and transformative wellbeing.

In March, the series turns to elite sport as former World No. 1 and multiple Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber joins the lineup. Through private coaching sessions, a dedicated children’s clinic, on-court interactions and an informal meet-and-greet, Kerber will share professional insight while maintaining an approachable presence that resonates with both experienced players and recreational enthusiasts.

The season continues in April with Michelin-starred British chef Glynn Purnell, who will present a showcase dinner, an intimate cooking class and a finale experience at The Whale Bar. Known for his modern British culinary identity, technical precision and engaging personality, Purnell’s residency brings a fitting conclusion to a season shaped by talent, storytelling and meaningful engagement.

In May, the Tastemaker Series will welcome one of tennis’s most respected figures, Feliciano López. Celebrated for his longevity, signature serve-and-volley style and lasting success across more than two decades on the ATP Tour, López is a former World No. 12 and a Grand Slam doubles champion with a prominent role in Spain’s Davis Cup victories. At the resort, he will lead curated sessions on advanced technique, movement, match awareness and the nuances of elite-level tennis, delivered in a relaxed island setting.

Reflecting on the return of the Tastemaker Series, General Manager Vincent Pauchon said: “The Tastemaker Series is more than a programme; it is a celebration of passion, artistry and human connection. Each year, we strive to curate experiences that feel personal and enriching, giving our guests the opportunity to engage not only with exceptional talent, but with new perspectives and inspiration. This year’s lineup captures the essence of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort—elevated, thoughtful and deeply memorable.”

With its 2026 edition, the Tastemaker Series continues to evolve as a defining hallmark of The St. Regis Maldives experience, inviting guests into a world where excellence is shared, discovery is encouraged and every encounter is designed to resonate long after the moment has passed.

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