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Stuart De San Nicolas appointed Cluster General Manager for 3 Minor Hotels properties in Maldives

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Stuart De San Nicolas has been appointed as the new Cluster General Manager for Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Avani+ Fares Resort and NH Collection Maldives Havodda, effective from 23rd December 2023.

With over 30 years of hands-on industry experience, gained from an impressive career that has taken him to locations as diverse as Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, Stuart is well-equipped to lead this new management role.

A native of Spain, Stuart joins Minor Hotels from Conrad Bora Bora Nui, where he helped to elevate the resort’s luxury offerings through his position as General Manager. Having begun his hospitality journey in 1993 at the Hyatt Regency group in France, Stuart went on to take various roles in the front office and food and beverage departments of hotels around the world as he developed his hospitality expertise.

For more than 20 years, Stuart has held the position of General Manager in such prestigious hotels as Altapura in France, Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Hotel & Spa in Mauritius, Marriott Islamabad, Pik Palace and Park Chalet, both part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection in Azerbaijan, Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort in Peru, The St. Regis Mauritius, and Le Meridien Bora Bora.

With his well-seasoned leadership style, Stuart has also enjoyed considerable success at leading and motivating large teams with a steadfast commitment to delivering five-star experiences for guests. Demanding nothing short of excellence in the daily operations of the resorts under his charge, Stuart has a strong track record of consistently surpassing guest expectations.

“We are delighted to welcome Stuart to the Minor family and to our leadership team in the Maldives. With his extensive experience and passion for excellence in service, we are confident that he will continue to enhance Minor Hotels growing presence within in the region,” said Dillip Rajakarier, Chief Executive Officer of Minor Hotels and Group Chief Executive Officer of Minor International.

“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead three of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives. Anantara Kihavah is truly the definition of paradise and I look forward to guiding this award-winning resort into the next chapter together with our incredible team, Mr. De San Nicolas commented. “With the recent introduction of the Avani+ and NH Collection brands to the Maldives, Minor Hotels has such a strong footprint in the market bringing the finest world-class standards to all sectors of this popular tourist destination.”

With 80 luxurious villas and residences on an island within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah is one of Minor Hotels’ flagship properties. Guests at the resort can indulge in a diverse culinary journey at six restaurants and bars, including the legendary SEA Underwater Restaurant. The resort also boasts an array of leisure facilities, including an outdoor cinema, a kids club, a water sports centre, and a dive centre. For ultimate relaxation, guests can rejuvenate at the Anantara Spa, which offers Asian therapies, aesthetic treatments, immunity-boosting Medi-spa, and ancient ayurvedic wellness treatments.

Another tropical haven situated on the western edge of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Avani+ Fares Resort is an upscale, family-friendly resort showcasing 176 stylish villas and residences, along with pavilions, seven bars and restaurants, world-class diving facilities, a water sports centre, an AvaniFit gym, and a contemporary AvaniSpa. The AvaniKids and Teens Club buzzes with daily programming and exciting outdoor adventures, creating a vibrant hub for young guests.

Nestled on a private island in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, NH Collection Maldives Havodda boasts a mix of 120 beach and overwater villas, each offering a home-away-from-home experience with modern amenities and breathtaking views. The resort features three restaurants and two bars, providing guests with sensational culinary experiences. Beyond dining, NH Collection Maldives Havodda offers extensive leisure facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, all-purpose court, kids’ club, water sports and dive centre, as well as the opportunity to obtain a scuba diving license.

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Kandolhu Maldives introduces revamped Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas

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Kandolhu Maldives has announced the completion of its latest refurbishment, which includes the transformation of its Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas into luxurious retreats of comfort and style. Designed to maximise privacy and relaxation, these newly upgraded villas now feature a fresh, contemporary design, complete with private pools and stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Spanning 120 square metres, the redesigned Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas offer a spacious bedroom, a bright and airy bathroom with a deep oval bathtub overlooking the ocean, and a private outdoor deck. The deck includes sun loungers, a sun umbrella, and a new 23-square-metre private pool. For added indulgence, a hammock suspended over the water invites guests to relax while soaking up the tranquil ocean views.

The villas retain the signature minimalist aesthetic of Kandolhu, originally envisioned by renowned Maldivian architect Mohamed ‘Sappe’ Shafeeq. Seamlessly blending with the island’s natural beauty, the design incorporates high ceilings, open spaces, rich textures, and a calming palette that exude understated elegance. Modern amenities, such as Bluetooth speaker, espresso machine, and in-villa wine fridge, add a touch of convenience and luxury.

The refurbishment further cements Kandolhu Maldives’ reputation for offering an exceptional combination of zen-like design, privacy, and natural beauty. These enhancements aim to provide guests with an elevated experience, ensuring their stay is as relaxing and memorable as possible.

For more information or to book, please visit www.kandolhu.com.

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Rediscover island living through suite experience at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives

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From private beaches to overwater sanctuaries, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives invites guests to rediscover paradise through a suite lens that celebrates space, connection, and contemporary island sophistication.

Across two extraordinary islands, Kuda Huraa, and Landaa Giraavaru, the art of living large takes on new meaning. Whether it is families gathering for sunset dinners, couples enjoying lagoon-front serenity, or friends toasting milestones beneath starlit skies, each suite becomes a backdrop for moments that feel deeply personal and effortlessly extraordinary.

Surf-chic style for water lovers

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa A garden island that flows to the rhythm of the sea, Kuda Huraa is an ocean lover’s dream. From six world-class surf breaks to the reef-lined lagoon, this surf-chic sanctuary pairs barefoot ease with contemporary design inspired by the spirit of a traditional Maldivian village.

Big, bold and beachside, the Three-Bedroom Kuda Estate is Kuda Huraa’s most coveted address. Perfect for extended families or groups of friends, its three standalone villas are connected by open-air living spaces, a 138-square-metre (165-square-yard) infinity pool, and the island’s only sea view gazebo overlooking a private 40-metre (44-yard) beach.

For those drawn to the lagoon, the Three-Bedroom Water Suite, available with either sunrise or sunset views, offers premium ocean-top living. With wraparound decks, a 278-square-metre (332-square-yard) terrace, and bright interiors made for entertaining, it is ideal for guests who crave both seclusion and space to socialise.

Families will find their perfect fit in the Family Two-Bedroom Water Suite, complete with a lap pool for young swimmers, steps into the lagoon, and spacious outdoor decks for playtime and starlit storytelling. Every detail encourages connection, whether splashing in the shallows or sharing sunrise pancakes over the water.

Beyond the suites, Kuda Huraa delights with its water-centric lifestyle, from surfing with Tropicsurf pros and diving through coral gardens to sailing from the private marina. After days of adventure, guests can unwind at The Island Spa or join the Junior Marine Savers program, open to children aged eight and above, for a hands-on introduction to reef conservation.

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Leader in Marine Conservation

Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Landaa Giraavaru is a wild island sanctuary where luxury and learning go hand in hand. Vast, unspoiled, and deeply connected to nature, it is a place where space itself becomes an experience.

The Four-Bedroom Landaa Estate sits along 80-metres (87-yards) of private beach, offering a 20-metre (22-yard) lagoon-front pool, generous al fresco living areas, and a rooftop terrace perfect for sunset cocktails, private parties, or relaxed lounging beneath the stars. Ideal for milestone celebrations or multi-generational stays, this oceanfront estate blends relaxed tropical style with refined seclusion.

The Two-bedroom Royal Beach Villa combinesoriginality with energy through its three-pavilion enclave surrounding a central pool and private treehouse, perfect for dining with elevated views across the horizon. It is ideal for guests who seek both privacy and proximity to Blu Beach Club’s vibrant coastal scene.

For those who dream of horizon-to-horizon views, the Three-Bedroom Water Suite, available with sunrise or sunset orientations, delivers the epitome of overwater living. Its vast decks, semi-submerged loungers, and panoramic sea vistas make it a serene choice for couples or friends seeking uninterrupted tranquillity.

As a pioneering leader in marine conservation, Landaa Giraavaru invites guests to engage deeply with its natural world. The Marine Discovery Centre is a living classroom where guests can help transplant coral, meet rescued turtles, and learn from resident scientists. Teenagers aspiring to become marine biologists can enrol in the Trainee Marine Biologist Program, gaining real-world conservation experience within one of the world’s most biodiverse atolls. Wellbeing seekers will also find sanctuary at AyurMa, the resort’s award-winning haven of healing and planetary care, guided by ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science.

A Suite Stay Worth Dreaming About

Seamless arrivals, round-the-clock dining, and the intuitive care of Four Seasons ensure that every moment flows with ease. Whether beachside or above the lagoon, family-style or serenely secluded, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives transforms space into sanctuary and stays into stories worth telling.

To find a suite spot in the Maldive with Four Seasons, click here.

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Coco Bodu Hithi wins Best Waterside Hotel at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2026

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Coco Bodu Hithi has been recognised on the global stage, winning Best Waterside Hotel (Riverside, Lakeside, Seaside) at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026, held on 3 November 2025 in the UK. It is the second consecutive year the resort has been honoured by the publication, following last year’s win for Best Service, reaffirming its focus on heartfelt Maldivian hospitality and refined island living.

Described by Condé Nast Johansens as an “over-water, over-indulgent Maldivian island outpost,” Coco Bodu Hithi offers an intimate retreat of comfort and calm. The resort’s 32 Water Villas and 24 Coco Residences, each measuring 184 square metres and featuring private pools, provide secluded spaces set above the lagoon, where nature, design, and comfort come together to reflect the island’s romantic ambience.

Known for contemporary design infused with Maldivian heritage, the resort continues to welcome travellers seeking time by the sea, complemented by culinary collaborations with celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs. The experience balances privacy and comfort throughout a guest’s stay. With turquoise waters, quiet spaces, and experiences designed for connection and shared discovery, the resort presents a considered take on island living.

Located 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the island combines accessibility with seclusion—close enough for convenience, yet removed for privacy and serenity. As part of Coco Collection, the resort offers bespoke experiences, attentive service, and sustainable practices, shaping stays that feel personal and reflective of relaxed, authentic island life.

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