News
JA Resorts & Hotels welcomes Khumar Askerova as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Indian Ocean
JA Resorts & Hotels has announced the appointment of Khumar Askerova as the new Director of Sales and Marketing for the Indian Ocean region. Khumar brings with her an impressive 25 years of experience in sales and marketing within the hospitality industry, and a key appointment to the regional team.
The appointment will see Khumar overseeing sales for the company’s Indian Ocean flagship property JA Manafaru in the Maldives and two properties in the Seychelles, the boutique JA Enchanted Island and luxury villa residencies at JA Enchanted Waterfront.
Khumar is a seasoned sales specialist with a diverse background in the hospitality sector. Fluent in English, native in Russian and Azerbaijani, with a good command of Portuguese and Turkish, Khumar’s multilingual skills underscore her ability to connect with a global audience.
Khumar’s most recent role as the Regional Director of Sales & Marketing at COMO Hotels saw her successfully manage a portfolio of key partners, and her expertise extends to new hotel openings, where she has played pivotal roles in the launch and success of four upper-scale Marriott hotels.
Additional Maldivian experience was gained whilst Khumar was Group Director of Sales & Marketing at Lily Beach Hotels also in the Maldives, where she led a cluster team, overseeing sales, reservations, marketing, and revenue for two islands in the Maldives.
Robert El Khoury, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at JA Resorts & Hotels comments, “We are confident that Khumar’s wealth of experience, strategic vision, and leadership qualities will contribute to the ongoing success and growth of our unique properties in the Indian Ocean. We warmly welcome her to our team and look forward to further developing our international presence with Khumar’s global expertise.”
Khumar holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from Baku State University. She has also obtained certificates in Executive Revenue Management & Strategic Pricing from the Institute of Hotel Management and eCornell Hotel Revenue Management Certificate.
Action
Sun Siyam Olhuveli invests in staff wellbeing with upgraded sports facilities
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has unveiled newly upgraded volleyball and futsal grounds for team members, reaffirming its commitment to employee wellbeing while advancing responsible, future-focused operations. The renovated volleyball grounds were officially inaugurated on 14 February, while the upgraded futsal ground opened earlier this year—together creating dedicated spaces for recreation, connection, and healthy competition across the island.
Designed to encourage regular physical activity and camaraderie beyond the workplace, the improved sports facilities represent a thoughtful investment in social infrastructure. They reflect a belief that wellbeing is fundamental to long-term performance, nurturing morale, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging among team members.

Alongside these developments, the resort has implemented NO BIN DAY every Tuesday, a practical initiative aimed at minimising food waste across operations. By encouraging mindful planning and responsible consumption, the initiative challenges teams to rethink habits around food—transforming sustainability into a shared, everyday discipline.
“Taking care of our people and the environment must go hand in hand. By investing in spaces that support our team’s wellbeing and introducing simple disciplines like NO BIN DAY, we are building a culture where responsibility is lived every day—naturally, collectively, and with purpose,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Both initiatives form part of Sun Siyam Care, the group’s corporate social responsibility platform, and align with the Social Infrastructure and Responsible Consumption and Production pillars under the GDS framework. Together, they reflect a people-first approach to sustainability—where everyday actions create lasting impact for teams, operations, and the wider community.
Sun Siyam Care is committed to creating a positive impact for people, communities, and the environment through responsible operations, social investment, and long-term sustainability actions across its destinations in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Guests are encouraged to learn more about these initiatives by visiting the Sun Siyam Care website at sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-care.
Drink
Award-winning mixologist Dirk Hany brings Bar am Wasser to Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
A magical moment is unfolding on the shores of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives as the resort collaborates exclusively with the acclaimed mixologist Dirk Hany, Host and Co-Owner of the award-winning Bar am Wasser in Zurich, Switzerland. From 10 to 14 March 2026, the celebrated “doctor cocktail” brings his signature craftsmanship to the shores of the Indian Ocean for a curated series of masterclasses, sunset sessions, and immersive bar takeovers.
Set against the tranquil beauty of the Maldives, the multi-day programme will unfold across the resort’s distinctive dining venues, blending world-class mixology with Alila’s philosophy of thoughtful luxury and meaningful connection. Guests can expect an inspired journey through Dirk Hany’s refined cocktail artistry — where precision, creativity, and storytelling converge in every pour.
The experience begins with an intimate masterclass at Umami, offering guests the opportunity to explore the techniques and philosophies behind Hany’s award-winning creations. This is followed by sunset bar takeovers at Mirus Bar, where his signature cocktails will be showcased in a relaxed yet elevated island setting.
A highlight of the week includes The Shack Sundowner — an indulgent seaside experience designed to pair masterfully crafted cocktails with curated bites, framed by sweeping ocean views. The celebration culminates in the Sapor in Tavola pairing dinner at Pibati Sul Mare, where Dirk Hany’s cocktails will be thoughtfully matched with elevated cuisine in a sensory dining journey that reflects both innovation and balance.
“At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, we are committed to curating experiences that are both immersive and intentional,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “Welcoming Dirk Hany to the island allows us to offer our guests a rare opportunity to engage with globally recognised mixology in a setting defined by serenity and natural beauty. This collaboration reflects our passion for craftsmanship, creativity, and meaningful moments.”
Danilo Paolella, Director of Food & Beverage added, “Dirk’s approach to mixology mirrors our own culinary philosophy — thoughtful, ingredient-driven, and rooted in storytelling. Each cocktail is designed not just to be enjoyed, but to be experienced. Bringing Bar am Wasser to Alila Kothaifaru Maldives allows us to elevate our beverage programme while creating distinctive encounters that resonate long after the final sip.”
Blending precision and artistry with the effortless rhythm of island life, the Bar am Wasser Takeover promises an unforgettable week of flavour, craft, and connection — where every cocktail tells a story, and every setting enhances the experience.
Awards
Gili Lankanfushi wins Best Honeymoon Resort title at UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards 2026
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury, has been awarded ‘Best Honeymoon Resort’ at the 2026 UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards. In a glittering ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel on 5th February 2026, Gili Lankanfushi collected the coveted award, a recognition of its outstanding honeymoon offering.
Each year, the United Kingdom Weddings & Honeymoons Awards (UKWHA) brings together the very best of the weddings and honeymoons industry for Europe’s largest and most anticipated awards event. Hosted at the iconic Dorchester Hotel, the 2026 edition of the black-tie gala welcomed a vibrant audience of leading wedding professionals, industry innovators, award nominees and engaged couples for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and excellence.
Commenting on the win, Gili Lankanfushi General Manager Rodrigo Buanafina said: “We were thrilled to receive the ‘Best Honeymoon Resort’ Award at the 2026 UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards. We are incredibly proud of our honeymoon offering here at Gili and it is wonderful to gain this recognition from the industry’s most prestigious bridal awards. From supper under the stars to traditional Dhoni boat rides, our island paradise promises a true castaway honeymoon experience that will have couples falling in love all over again.”
Gili Lankanfushi recently unveiled a spoiling array of honeymoon packages and offerings, which include:
Romantic Retreats at Meera Spa
Couples will feel the weight of the world float away as they enter Gili Lankanfushi’s tranquil overwater Meera Spa. The ‘couples’ journeys’, which are all complimented with a bubble bath therapy session for two overlooking the lagoon, include:
Gili Honeymoon BlissGuests will start their romantic journey together with a foot ritual to relax the feet before being pampered from head to toe with a full body Aromatherapy couples massage. A mini facial and scalp massage will revive guests from their tranquil state as an aromatic bath awaits, with Champagne and spa refreshments on ice. From $499++ per couple.
Wonders of Gili
Designed to awaken and lift all five senses, this treatment sees couples enjoy a blissful massage by candlelight as they enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean. This is followed with an ‘ocean therapy’ incorporating a Seaweed Body Buff & Detox Seaweed Mud Wrap to deeply clean and revitalise the skin and a gentle scalp massage. The journey completes with a candlelit desert rose Aroma Bath for two accompanied by a bottle of Champagne, chocolates and fresh fruit.
From $699++ per couple.
Traditional Dhoni à Deux
The perfect pick for those who like their romance served with a side of local culture, the Dhoni à Deux experience sees couples set sail on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat at sunset. Guided by a private skipper, guests will float around the island’s turquoise lagoon enjoying champagne and canapés before returning to the jetty for supper. The most indulgent aperitif on-island and an incredible photo opportunity!
From $180++ per person.
Castaway Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Sealife lovers will delight in this bucket-list opportunity to spot dolphins, eat canapés and enjoy a drink or two as they enjoy this two-hour sunset experience. Departing at dusk to coincide with the migration of the dolphins from the atoll to catch their supper in the deep sea, couples will create memories to last a lifetime aboard this very special cruise.
From $115++ per person.
Private Dinner in the Wine Cellar
The ultimate follow-up to a sunset cruise, lovebirds can opt for a private dinner in Gili Lankanfushi’s intimate wine cellar. As Gili Lankanfushi Maldives boasts 3 sommeliers available at all times, couples can enjoy daytime tastings in the cellar or at a chosen location on the island. With a delectable gourmet menu that changes on a monthly basis, guests can expect four sumptuous courses paired with the finest wines from around the world.
From $230++ per person dinner only/$290++ per person with wine pairing.
Supper Under the Stars
Gili Lankanfushi’s supper under the stars experience is a wonderfully romantic and completely private dining offering. Here, guests will enjoy a fine dining meal with champagne and wine pairings as they soak up the magical sunset and crystal-clear Maldivian constellations. Whether couples prefer a champagne toast on a lantern-lit private beach or an exotic feast served amid lush palms and birdsong, the experience is completely tailored to their tastes and preferences. For the ultimate surprise, the team can even whisk lovers away to a mystery location where they will enjoy the chef’s culinary creations in a dreamy setting.
From $275++ per person.
Slumber Beneath the Stars
For a truly romantic experience, couples have the opportunity to spend an unforgettable night beneath the stars on their very own star bed. Upon request, the Mr/Mrs Friday private butlers can make up the daybeds on the private roof terrace of each villa with luxurious linens, setting the scene with candlelight, champagne on ice and strawberries.
Gili Romance Story Package
For couples who want to go all out for their honeymoon, the Gili Romance Story full package is the only way to go! The indulgent half-board package is available all year round and includes:
- Choice of villa accommodation with a minimum 4-night stay
- Return speedboat transfers
- Daily gourmet breakfast and dinner at Kashiveli restaurant
- A choice of 60 minutes of Ayurvedic therapy or Kahnuma Lomi Lomi
- Private in-villa couples’ yoga
- A tropical flower bath with candlelight, champagne, and strawberries
- Meera “Better Sleep” Spa Gift (Pillow Mist)
- Dine in the Dark – A blinded dinner experience for the senses during guests’ stay
- Sleeping under the stars experience
Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport with direct flights from London now available. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery.
Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £1,397/$1,722 based on two adults sharing a Villa Suite with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.
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