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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.
Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
Featured
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort marks Mental Health Day with Tai Chi for inner peace
As the seasons change, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites guests to slow down and reconnect with themselves through a tranquil wellness retreat. In observance of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, the resort will host an exclusive ‘Tai Chi for Internal Peace’ session led by visiting practitioner Thana Jindashotinun, followed by complimentary one-on-one consultations. Guests can also opt for the AVI Wellness Journey, a holistic programme featuring breathwork, meditation, yoga, and spa rituals inspired by the island’s serene natural surroundings.
Located on the southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort provides an ideal setting to reset both mind and body. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental property in the Maldives, the resort combines five-star island luxury with exclusive Club InterContinental benefits. Guests can customise their stay across 81 villas and residences, seven restaurants and bars, and The Retreat, an adults-only enclave dedicated to relaxation. The resort’s AVI Spa offers an overwater sanctuary specialising in signature treatments and therapies.
Harmony healer Thana Jindashotinun will guide guests on their wellness journey from October to 30 November. Having begun practising Tai Chi at the age of eight to manage asthma, Thana has dedicated his life to mastering the art. Combining a background in psychology, anatomy, and Oriental medicine, his sessions integrate a range of disciplines, including Qi Gong, Meridian breathwork, yoga, postural assessment, and acupressure.
Guests will have the opportunity to join Thana’s signature class, ‘Tai Chi for Internal Peace’, on 10 October at 18:00 hrs at Lighthouse Beach. The class focuses on calming the nervous system through gentle movement and mindful breathing, aiming to ease anxiety, improve sleep, and restore inner balance. Following the session, participants will receive a complimentary 15-minute consultation to explore personalised wellness guidance.
Throughout his residency, Thana will also offer a variety of therapeutic experiences such as Yin Yang Bodywork, the EnerQi Massage for restoring inner harmony, and energy-focused treatments designed to promote deep relaxation and improved circulation. His Energy Detox Treatment is particularly aimed at revitalising the body’s natural rhythms and promoting a sense of renewal.
Complementing Thana’s offerings, guests can join regular wellness sessions with resident experts Zhazira Kurmangalina and Mett, including guided yoga, aerial yoga, meditation, and mat Pilates. For those seeking more active pursuits, the resort offers high-energy bootcamps, circuit training, and private personal training sessions.
The resort’s wellness philosophy extends to guests of all ages, with dedicated activities for teenagers such as Peace of Mind meditation and posture yoga at the Yoga Pavilion. Younger guests can take part in Muay Thai boxing, creative crafts, and Boduberu drumming workshops, while the Young Spa Ritual offers facials, massages, and body scrubs tailored for teens.
Visitors are encouraged to celebrate wellness throughout the season by participating in the resort’s holistic programmes and exclusive sessions with Thana Jindashotinun. From complimentary Tai Chi and meditation classes to bespoke therapies at AVI Spa, the resort presents an ideal opportunity to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
For a complete restorative experience, the AVI Wellness Journey offers guests a curated itinerary based on individual goals, including private yoga, meditation, and fitness sessions, spa treatments, and thermal suite access. The package also includes complimentary breakfast and dinner, use of non-motorised water sports, and Club InterContinental benefits such as afternoon tea and evening aperitifs. Extended stays come with added privileges—30% savings on seaplane transfers and meal plans for stays of four nights or more, and USD 50 daily resort credit for stays of seven nights or longer.
This October, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort reaffirms its commitment to wellbeing, inviting guests to embrace stillness, mindfulness, and renewal in one of the Maldives’ most serene settings.
JOALI Maldives, the Maldives’ first and only art-immersive resort, is set to welcome guests to a radiant festive season celebration under the theme ‘Rise & Shine’ — a tribute to joy, beauty, and inner light. Taking place from 21 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, the Raa Atoll retreat will transform into a celestial haven of creative expression, blending art, culture, and wellbeing experiences inspired by the resort’s Joy of Creative Living philosophy.
“Each festive season, our goal is to create an atmosphere that uplifts and inspires,” said Shifaz Hassan, General Manager of JOALI Maldives. “With this year’s Rise & Shine theme, we invite guests to reconnect with loved ones, express their creativity, and celebrate the holidays surrounded by the island’s natural beauty.”
The celebration will encompass culinary artistry, interactive workshops, family adventures, and world-class fitness programmes led by visiting experts.
Visiting Experts:
- Chef Nina Tarasova, the acclaimed pastry chef, will return to host her signature Russian Voyage Wine Dinner — a multisensory journey through traditional flavours and curated wine pairings.
- Dr. Sanket Yadahalli, a respected wellness practitioner, will conduct transformative sessions in breathwork for pain relief alongside Pranayama Renewal classes designed to restore energy and balance.
JOALI Maldives’ Rise & Shine celebrations will feature a dynamic array of experiences across its restaurants and creative spaces:
- Culinary Events: Guests can savour themed dining experiences including A Taste of Japan at Saoke, Indian Ocean Voyage, and the Mediterranean-inspired Levantine Dream. Curated cocktail evenings such as Once Upon a Sake, Old World Wine Dinner, and Theatre of Gin will complement indulgent festive feasts for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, Orthodox Christmas and beyond.
- Art, Culture & Creativity: The resort’s immersive art spaces will host celestial pottery classes, wooden craft workshops, starry night painting sessions, and festive embroidery workshops at the JOALI Art Studio. Sustainability takes centre stage with coral nursery tours and reef restoration projects like Christmas Corals, reflecting JOALI’s ongoing commitment to marine conservation.
- Wellbeing & Movement: The resort will offer a holistic wellbeing schedule featuring Lunar Glow meditations, Qi Flow, HIIT Challenge, a Padel Tournament, and Sunrise Bootcamp. Guests may also book night snorkelling adventures, Primal Flow, and Core Connect sessions.
- For Families & Young Explorers: Under the enchanting theme “Stardust & Sparkle”, the Muramas Kids Club will curate daily programmes for younger guests — from Christmas tree decorating and mocktail mixology to galactic kite flying and star map painting — guided by Pico the Heron, the resort’s beloved festive mascot.
Beloved traditions will return, including the lighting of the Holiday Tree, the unveiling of the Gingerbread House, and the eagerly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. Guests can enjoy festive favourites such as the Christmas Scavenger Hunt, a Football Tournament, and the dazzling New Year’s Eve Starlight Gala — a night of fireworks, live entertainment, and fine dining. The celebrations will also include My Maldives, an elegant cocktail reception where guests can toast the season alongside JOALI’s leadership team.
Guests can experience the festivities from one of 73 beach and over-water villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms, each attended by a personal Jadugar (meaning “skilled magician”). Villa rates start from USD 5,851 per night based on two guests sharing a Water Villa with Pool on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
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