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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.

Awards

Tripadvisor recognises three Atmosphere resorts among global top 10%

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Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts has announced that three of its standout properties—Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, RAAYA by Atmosphere, and VARU by Atmosphere—have been recognised by Tripadvisor as part of the top 10% of hotels worldwide, based on exceptional guest reviews and ratings over the past year. This builds on a strong legacy of Travellers’ Choice Awards, with Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives consistently recognised over the years, RAAYA by Atmosphere marking its second consecutive win, and VARU by Atmosphere extending its streak of consecutive awards since 2021.

This prestigious recognition highlights the brand’s continued commitment to delivering elevated, guest-centric experiences rooted in authentic Maldivian hospitality, thoughtful design, and curated holiday plans and offerings.

The accolade reflects consistent positive feedback from travellers across the globe, celebrating everything from personalised service and culinary excellence to immersive island experiences. Each of the three awarded resorts offers a distinct identity while maintaining the brand’s positioning, “A New Experience Awaits.”

Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives offers a vibrant island escape defined by spacious villas, lush natural surroundings, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Known for its seamless Kanifushi Plan™, the resort delivers exceptional dining, engaging experiences, and warm, intuitive service that consistently resonates with guests seeking both comfort and adventure in the Maldives.

RAAYA by Atmosphere invites you into a luxurious world shaped by nature and imagination in Raa Atoll. Drift across crystal lagoons and indulge in a premium all-inclusive island escape where every detail is effortlessly taken care of. Relax in nature’s embrace surrounded by our architectural grace and embark on a journey of immersive experiences for couples, families, and friends alike.

VARU by Atmosphere is celebrated for its refined elegance and effortless experience, located just a short transfer from the airport. Combining modern architecture with authentic Maldivian warmth, the resort delivers personalised service, diverse dining options, and a tranquil yet sophisticated setting that continues to earn high praise from guests worldwide.

Building on this achievement, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its portfolio across the Maldives and beyond, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and authentic guest engagement.

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Awards

Villa Nautica named among Maldives’ best resort pools by Travel + Leisure

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Villa Nautica has once again been recognised by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, with its signature infinity pool named among the best resort pools in the Maldives. The recognition marks four consecutive years of Travel + Leisure honours for the resort’s pool experience, following its top spot win as Best Resort Pool in the Maldives in 2025.

Set along the edge of the island in North Malé Atoll, Villa Nautica’s 1,350-square-metre infinity pool has become one of the resort’s defining spaces. Designed not simply as a place to swim, but as a social and restorative heart of the island, the pool brings together open ocean views, relaxed lounging, shaded corners and a seamless connection to the sea beyond.

The space was curated with a sense of easy island living in mind. Mornings begin with slow swims and coffee from nearby Press & Pot, afternoons unfold between sun loungers and poolside refreshments, and by sunset, the water mirrors the changing sky. It is a setting made for both quiet pause and shared holiday moments.

What makes the pool stand out is its balance of scale and atmosphere. Expansive without feeling overwhelming, elegant without feeling formal, it captures Villa Nautica’s approach to contemporary Maldivian hospitality: stylish, effortless and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Villa Nautica continues to appeal to travellers looking for a resort experience that feels both accessible and elevated. The latest recognition from Travel + Leisure further cements the resort’s infinity pool as one of the Maldives’ most memorable places to swim, gather and linger by the water.

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Cooking

A culinary journey across the globe at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

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Set within the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, just a short luxury speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives presents a refined expression of contemporary Maldivian living. Elegant overwater and beachfront villas and residences are thoughtfully designed with modern amenities, offering privacy, comfort, and a seamless connection to the island’s breathtaking natural surroundings.

At the heart of the resort lies a curated culinary world defined by six distinctive restaurants and four chic bars, each elevating dining into an immersive journey of flavour, atmosphere, and discovery. From interactive live cooking stations and theatrical Teppanyaki and tandoor experiences at The Gallery, to the refined Mediterranean character of Bluefin, every venue offers a distinct interpretation of global and island-inspired cuisine. Suan Bua reimagines authentic Thai flavours through a contemporary lens, while Acqua brings the warmth of Italian coastal dining to the Maldives. The Sailhouse offers relaxed beachfront dining in an open-air setting, and The Club provides a refined space for breakfast, sundowners, and canapés, defined by curated culinary moments and elevated service.

Complementing these are four distinctive bars: Coco Drift, a swim-up bar with views of the horizon; Sunset Social, featuring catamaran-style seating where golden-hour views meet signature cocktails; Rum Bar, a relaxed tropical escape with infused spirits and island-inspired cocktails; and Dolphin Bar, a laid-back swim-up venue for light refreshments and all-day leisure.

Beyond dining, the resort offers a holistic lifestyle experience anchored by three distinctive wellness concepts: SPA Cenvaree Retreat and SPA Cenvaree, delivering restorative wellbeing journeys through signature Thai-inspired therapies rooted in traditional healing philosophies; and Candy Spa, a vibrant concept designed for younger guests. Multiple kids’ clubs and E-Zones create engaging environments for children and teens, while fully equipped fitness centres support active wellbeing throughout the stay. A curated selection of water sports and marine adventures further enriches the experience, inviting guests to explore the lagoon through movement, discovery, and connection with nature.

Together, these elements define a seamless and elevated island experience where refined living, culinary artistry, wellness, and recreation come together in harmony, positioning Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives as a distinctive expression of modern Maldivian hospitality.

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