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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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OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO earn Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice honours

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Tripadvisor has named OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO among the top 10% percent of hotels worldwide in its annual Travellers’ Choice Awards. Unlike honours determined by industry panels or internal juries, this recognition originates from a more direct source: the aggregated feedback of guests who have stayed, dined, and lingered on these island shores.

Over thousands of individual reviews, travellers from across the globe have shaped the reputation of both properties. Their collective voice, measured through rating consistency and recency of feedback, has placed THE OZEN COLLECTION alongside an elite cohort of international hospitality leaders.

Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards are unique in that no submission or nomination is required. Rankings are derived algorithmically from the volume, quality, and recency of guest reviews. For OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, this translates to sustained excellence as measured not by a single visit, but by thousands of stays over time.

Where many ultra-luxury resorts operate on a model of à la carte pricing with added fees, THE OZEN COLLECTION pioneered an alternative approach. Both properties operate on all-encompassing holiday plans designed to eliminate unexpected charges and streamline the guest journey.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO operates under the INDULGENCE™ Plan, which includes unlimited dining across multiple restaurants, premium wines and spirits, a signature spa treatment per guest, and curated excursions – all bundled into a single upfront rate. Guests have access to the underwater M6m restaurant, house reef snorkelling, and other activities without additional charges.

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI offers the RESERVE™ Plan, which adds a dedicated Hiyani butler operating 24 hours daily, private catamaran airport transfers, unlimited access to the CUVEÉ wine library, and bespoke dining experiences. All villas include private pools, with select overwater units featuring slides providing direct lagoon access.

As THE OZEN COLLECTION looks ahead, this recognition serves not as a final destination but as a quiet reaffirmation of purpose. To every guest who has taken the time to share their experience – whether a sentence or a story – we remain deeply grateful. Your words guide us. Your trust sustains us. And your return is the only accolade we continue to seek. We look forward to welcoming you back to our shores, again and again, for many years to come.

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Niyama invites travellers to explore the Maldives with new summer escape package

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With summer approaching, Niyama transformed, and the Maldives more stunning than ever, those in search of epic adventure and unfettered exploration are invited to visit the world’s most luxurious playground.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives launches its signature escape just in time for summer, with more and more benefits for longer bookings allowing guests to experience the Maldives in all its surreal beauty.

Stays in its sensual beach and overwater villas begin with a welcome bottle of champagne. Half-board dining is included, with nothing ordinary about either breakfast – with its mimosa and gelato bars – or dinner with its sizzling safari game one night and the world’s favourite street foods another. And guests are invited to surrender themselves to the most mesmerising of sunsets at the new Surf Shack with a complimentary cocktail.

Days drift by criss-crossing the resort’s two jungle islands by bicycle, kayaking across the dazzling lagoon in search of baby reef sharks, and snorkelling the outer reef where the corals bloom a riot of colour and the occasional sea turtles stop by to graze.

Stays in the resort’s pavilions are even more decadent, with not only everything bigger and better, but every detail personalised, from the warm welcome of a personalised board out front and a cool coconut waiting inside, to the luxury of breakfast in bed each day. A floating breakfast out in the full-sized pool, sunrise dappling on the water, is also quintessential Maldives in every way – yet out of this world.

For stays of five nights or more, Niyama amps things up with a magical movie night under the stars. Heading to a secret cove on the beach, guests settle into oversized beanbags for a private screening of their choice, a Thakuru (Villa Host) on hand throughout the night to bring icy drinks and unlimited amounts of popcorn.

And finally, for seven nights or more, the spa treatment of each guest’s choice lets any tension drift away with the tide and a sense of renewal to bathe them. Then as sunset paints the sky the most dramatic shades of ochre and flamingo, guests can embark on the adventure of a lifetime, cruising in search of dolphins that dance and play in the boat’s wake.

Nature’s Playground has never been more enticing, as across its two islands its facilities are refurbished, including all of its villas. Avant-garde restaurant Nest is unveiled as a treetop culinary dream, showcasing the fire and spice of Asia, while colourful beach bar Dune is an invitation to laidback lingering. Subsix, meanwhile, surrounded by nothing but open ocean, presents the world’s first and most exquisite underwater Nikkei tasting menu.

Signatures escapes begin at three nights priced at USD 730++ per night. For reservations or more information, call +960 676 22 22 or email reservations@niyama.com

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Global Wellness Day at Joy Island features giant floating breakfast experience

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Joy Island Maldives transformed Global Wellness Day into an unforgettable celebration of well-being, connection, and island living, bringing together wellness experiences, healthy cuisine, and joyful moments in a day designed to nourish the mind, body, and soul.

The celebrations began as the first rays of sunlight painted the Maldivian skies in shades of gold and pink. Guests were welcomed aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni, gently anchored in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island, for a serene Sunrise Gentle Hatha Flow Yoga Session. Surrounded by endless ocean views and the soothing rhythm of the sea, participants moved through a mindful practice focused on breath, balance, and connection with the natural elements. The gentle morning breeze, the warmth of the rising sun, and the calming sounds of the ocean created an atmosphere of complete tranquility, allowing guests to reconnect with themselves and the beauty of the world around them.

Following the yoga session, guests returned to the island for the highlight of the day: a spectacular wellness-inspired breakfast experience unlike anything ever seen before.

Taking centre stage at the resort’s Main Pool was a breathtaking 24-foot floating breakfast, believed to be the largest floating breakfast tray ever created in the world. Designed and curated by Joy Island Maldives’ Executive Chef and culinary team, the extraordinary floating display featured an abundant selection of wholesome breakfast favourites, freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, nutrient-rich dishes, healthy refreshments, and a dedicated herbal tea station.

Beautifully arranged and adorned with the iconic Joy Island Maldives logo, the floating breakfast was more than a culinary experience, it was a celebration of wellness, creativity, and the joy of sharing meaningful moments together. Guests gathered around the impressive floating installation, enjoying nutritious cuisine while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the island.

The day continued with a lively Healthy Mocktail Making Competition, where members of the resort team showcased their creativity, passion, and talent through a collection of refreshing wellness-inspired beverages. Featuring fresh tropical ingredients, herbs, fruits, and innovative flavour combinations, the competition brought guests and team members together in a fun and interactive experience while highlighting the skill and personality of the Joy Island family.

“Global Wellness Day is about taking a moment to appreciate the importance of living well and embracing a healthier lifestyle,” said Ahmed Jihad (Jay), Chief Operating Officer of The Cocoon Collection. “At Joy Island Maldives, we wanted to create experiences that celebrate wellness in a joyful and memorable way. From greeting the sunrise through a peaceful Hatha Flow Yoga session on a traditional dhoni, to unveiling what we believe to be the world’s largest floating breakfast, and celebrating the creativity of our team through healthy mocktail creations, the day perfectly reflected the spirit of Joy.”

The Global Wellness Day celebrations formed part of Joy Island Maldives’ ongoing commitment to creating meaningful experiences that inspire guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, embrace wellness, and discover the simple joys of island life.

Surrounded by turquoise lagoons, pristine beaches, and endless shades of blue, Joy Island Maldives continues to redefine the art of hospitality through innovative experiences that bring people closer to themselves, to nature, and to one another.

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