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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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Reiki Master Nikki begins August residency at Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa

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Amilla Maldives is hosting holistic wellness practitioner Nongluck Chuaychuang, known as Nikki, for a month-long residency at the resort’s Javvu Spa.

Running from 2 to 30 August 2026, the residency offers guests a collection of treatments focused on physical relaxation, energy alignment and mental wellbeing.

A Reiki Master and sound healing specialist, Nikki has practised at luxury wellness destinations around the world. During her residency at Amilla, she is offering treatments tailored to guests’ individual needs, with sessions designed to release physical tension, support energy flow and encourage relaxation.

“True healing begins when we give ourselves the space to slow down, listen within, and return to our natural rhythm,” Nikki said.

The programme includes The Nikki Essence, her signature holistic massage, as well as Reiki Energy Healing, which focuses on subtle body alignment.

Guests can also take part in sound bath journeys using Tibetan and crystal bowls, or book intuitive bodywork sessions designed to provide restorative release.

The residency forms part of Javvu Spa’s wellness programme, which incorporates treatments and practices intended to support physical and emotional balance.

Sessions are available at Javvu Spa throughout the residency, with advance reservations recommended.

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Reconnect with nature at Milaidhoo Maldives this World Wellness Weekend

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This September, Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to press pause and reconnect with what matters most. From 18th to 20th September, the boutique island retreat in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, will mark World Wellness Weekend with a thoughtfully curated programme of experiences celebrating movement, mindfulness and the simple joy of being immersed in nature.

At Milaidhoo, wellbeing isn’t centred on strict routines or quick fixes. It comes naturally through the island’s slower pace, the restorative power of the ocean, time spent outdoors and fresh, nourishing cuisine inspired by the Maldives. On the small island, guests are gently encouraged to switch off, breathe deeply and savour each moment.

This philosophy is reflected at Serenity Spa, where a dedicated team of therapists and wellness practitioners share a deeply personal approach to wellbeing. Every treatment is thoughtfully tailored, blending time-honoured healing traditions with genuine care to help guests relax and restore themselves.

To celebrate World Wellness Weekend, Milaidhoo has created a three-day programme of complimentary and signature experiences, from sunrise yoga and aqua meditation to aerial wellness sessions and a workshop on mental wellbeing led by visiting practitioner Dr Lim Xiang Jun, who combines traditional healing wisdom with modern medical knowledge. Guests and the Milaidhoo Family members will also come together for Moving Together, a relaxed community jog along the Water Villa Jetty, celebrating the wellbeing that comes from sharing experiences with others.

Programme of activities as follows for the World Wellness Weekend:

Friday, 18th September 2026

08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
Begin the day with a gentle yoga practice surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the ocean.

11.00 – Mental Wellbeing and Stress Management Workshop
Yoga Pavilion | Complimentary | 45 minutes
Led by Dr Lim Xiang Jun, visiting practitioner at Milaidhoo. A Modern Traditional Doctor, Dr. Lim combines traditional healing practices with modern medical knowledge, sharing practical approaches to managing stress and supporting mental wellbeing.

19.00 – Moonlit Sound Journey
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A calming evening experience using sound and vibration to encourage deep relaxation beneath the Maldivian night sky.

Saturday, 19th September 2026

08.00 – Complimentary Aqua Workout
Compass Pool
A refreshing water-based workout to energise the body and mind.

11.00 – Group Aerial Yoga Flow
$35++ per person (minimum 4 guests)
A guided aerial yoga session combining movement, balance and mindful breathing.

16:30 – Moving Together
Water Villa Jetty | Complimentary
A one-hour relaxed jog along the Water Villa jetty, open to all guests and Milaidhoo Family members, celebrating movement and connection.

Sunday, 20th September 2026

08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion

11.00 – Aqua Sonic Meditation
Compass Pool | Complimentary
A unique meditation experience combining the calming environment of water with soothing sounds.

15.00 – Aerial Thai Wellness
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A gentle wellness session inspired by Thai therapeutic movement techniques.

At Milaidhoo, wellbeing is not something to be added to island life, it is naturally part of it.

This World Wellness Weekend, guests are invited to take time for themselves, discover new ways to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of being fully present.

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Vakkaru Maldives elevates overwater luxury with new pool villas

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Vakkaru Maldives, the award-winning private island resort set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll, has revealed the launch of a new villa category: the Overwater Villa with Pool.

The new Overwater Villa with Pool is available to book now for stays from 22 October 2026 onwards. Combining the spacious, light-filled layout and direct lagoon access that define a stay at Vakkaru with the addition of a private pool suspended above the water, the new category offers an enhanced overwater experience. Each villa offers 165 sqm of villa space and a private pool of 23 sqm, creating an intimate sanctuary where the lagoon begins at the doorstep and the horizon stretches uninterrupted to the edge of the Indian Ocean.

Comprising odd-numbered villas 211 to 245, the new Overwater Villa with Pool category sits within Vakkaru’s carefully considered overwater collection, which also includes the resort’s signature Overwater Deluxe Pool Villa. The new category has been designed for guests who seek the freedom of private outdoor space alongside the calm and seclusion that only an overwater setting can offer.

Introductory rates for 2026 start from US$1,650++ per night in low season, with shoulder season rates from US$1,950++ and festive season rates from US$4,500++. All rates are combinable with current seasonal offers.

To better reflect the distinction within its overwater collection, Vakkaru Maldives will simultaneously rename the current Overwater Pool Villa category to Overwater Deluxe Pool Villa. This is a name change only, with no amendments to villa features, inventory or rates.

Vakkaru Maldives was recognised with one MICHELIN Key in the MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection 2025 and was recently ranked No. 9 among the Best Resorts in Asia in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026. The resort was also named World’s Leading Private Island Resort and Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort at the World Travel Awards 2025, marking its sixth consecutive year of recognition.

For reservations, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.

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