Featured
Inspiring greener future: Angsana Velavaru’s tribute to male role models in hospitality
On International Men’s Day, Angsana Velavaru highlights the remarkable contributions of its male leaders in hospitality and sustainability. The occasion recognises their pivotal roles in delivering outstanding guest experiences while advancing environmental stewardship. Upholding the resort’s commitment to “meaningful, responsible hospitality,” these individuals are celebrated as role models who promote sustainable practices and inspire future professionals in the industry.
This year, the resort acknowledges the accomplishments of its male leaders, whose impact transcends professional success. Through mentorship, exceptional service, and dedication to sustainability, they embody Angsana Velavaru’s vision of hospitality that prioritises both people and the planet. These leaders exemplify the resort’s brand promise, nurturing young talent, preserving natural resources, and contributing to a positive future for the industry.
Ahmed Zahir, General Manager: Leadership Rooted in Responsibility
General Manager Ahmed Zahir leads with humility and wisdom, striving to inspire future hospitality professionals to integrate sustainability into their careers. Zahir emphasises that sustainability in hospitality extends beyond environmental practices, encompassing social equity, cultural respect, and economic viability. He encourages aspiring professionals to develop a diverse skill set in sustainability, business, and hospitality management, enabling meaningful contributions to the field. On International Men’s Day, Zahir shares a powerful message for male leaders in hospitality: “True leadership is about influence and responsibility, not authority. It is about empathy and the courage to listen.”
Imran Ibrahim, Assistant Front Office Manager: The Warmth of Maldivian Hospitality
As Assistant Front Office Manager, Imran Ibrahim brings authentic Maldivian warmth to guests while educating them about sustainability. By sharing the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives, including reef conservation and the use of local materials, Ibrahim fosters a personal connection between guests and the environment. He views leadership as inspiring others through example and open communication, cultivating a team ethos of responsibility and harmony with nature.
Prasong Thaochan, Executive Chef: Culinary Excellence with Environmental Integrity
Executive Chef Prasong Thaochan prioritises sustainability in his culinary practices, focusing on zero food waste and resource conservation. He ensures that food waste is composted rather than discarded into the ocean, helping to preserve the Maldives’ pristine waters. On International Men’s Day, Chef Prasong emphasises the importance of training future chefs to balance culinary artistry with environmental responsibility, advancing the resort’s sustainability vision.
Adlan, Marine Biologist: A Guardian of the Ocean
Marine Biologist Adlan leads Angsana Velavaru’s coral restoration and reef monitoring programs, reflecting the resort’s dedication to marine conservation. Adlan underscores that marine protection is a responsibility, not just a practice. His efforts in coral rehabilitation align with the Banyan Tree Group’s values of environmental stewardship. Adlan also highlights the role of male leaders in inspiring younger generations to pursue careers in environmental science, emphasising the critical need for sustainability-focused professions.
Sebastin Mickel, Food & Beverage Manager: Sustainable Choices in Everyday Operations
Food & Beverage Manager Sebastin Mickel integrates environmental responsibility into daily operations by reducing waste, prioritising biodegradable materials, and minimising plastic use. He fosters a team culture that embraces sustainable practices, celebrating successes such as eco-friendly sourcing and innovative ingredient utilisation to reduce waste. Mickel’s leadership ensures that sustainability becomes second nature in protecting the environment for future generations.
Abdul Nasir Ibrahim, Executive Housekeeper: Purpose-Driven Service and Environmental Care
As Executive Housekeeper, Abdul Nasir Ibrahim combines service excellence with sustainable practices, ensuring a memorable guest experience while preserving the natural environment. He emphasises that effective leadership in housekeeping involves approachability, commitment, and leading by example. Through respect and teamwork, Nasir instills a culture of accountability that positively impacts team dynamics and guest satisfaction.
Through their individual stories, the male leaders of Angsana Velavaru demonstrate a shared dedication to hospitality that respects the environment and elevates guest experiences. They exemplify the resort’s mission and values, paving the way for a sustainable future in hospitality. On International Men’s Day, Angsana Velavaru celebrates these leaders, proud of their contributions and confident in their ability to inspire generations to come.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
-
Action1 week agoSix Senses Kanuhura participates in international COASTS Project on blue carbon ecosystems
-
Cooking1 week agoAnantara Veli Maldives continues Michelin guest chef series with female lineup
-
Action1 week agoBaros Maldives introduces ‘Lines of Respect’ fishing programme
-
News1 week agoReethi Faru Resort joins global Earth Hour campaign with conservation efforts
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Veli introduces new treatments at Ocean Spa
-
Cooking6 days agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
Awards1 week agoVilla Park recognised with CHECK24 Top Hotel Award
-
Action1 week agoMichael Owen leads Easter football camp at Avani+ Fares Maldives


