Insiders
Per AQUUM Unveils New Look of Huvafen Fushi
Maldives Promotion House – Huvafen Fushi reopened ahead of schedule this weekend, on 28th July 2012, four days earlier than originally planned. The ten week renovation revealed a general refurbishment of all bungalows and pavilions with new interior finishes and a fresh look, a new outdoor lounge area over the reef at Raw for sunset cocktails, a remodeled Celsius and a deliciously creative evolution of the restaurant menus. Already an award winning retreat renowned for its trailblazing concepts, these new touches reaffirm the retreat’s status as a leader in premium luxury and creative hospitality.
Neil Palmer, Chief Executive Officer Per AQUUM comments; “As the flagship Per AQUUM property, we wanted to build on the iconic design of Huvafen Fushi by complementing its visionary DNA. Now in its 8th year of operation it was important to introduce some new concepts that would not only update the property but also ensure we retain our competitive edge within the Maldives.”
Huvafen Fushi’s signature 100% raw cuisine restaurant, Raw will continue to serve its well-known healthy lunches but with its new outdoor bar and lounge area over the reef, guests will be spoilt for choice for sunset cocktails and after dinner drinks. Modular sofa and armchair seating with love seats and ottomans are interchangeable to maximise the breath-taking views and can also accommodate different groups and events. Signature light bites paired with shots of champagne, whiskey, sake, wine or beer have been created to add to the guest journey.
An interactive dining experience has been introduced at Celsius with dedicated cooking stations and a new menu. Guests arrive directly into the heart of the restaurant with a 48-bulb cloud chandelier of handmade nickel plated brass overhead. Huvafen Fushi’s chocolate brown colour identity has been infused throughout Celsius with accent pieces including oversized cushions creating a striking contrast with the blue of the Indian Ocean. Focus is still on international cuisine but with an added twist using seasonal ingredients and contemporary cooking methods. Presentations have been kept simple while key Maldivian favourites have been updated.
Open at lunchtime, all-time favourite Fogliani’s has introduced Sicilian style dishes with all pastas being homemade. Brand new, custom designed outdoor furniture set the scene for an incredible dining experience and unforgettable memories.
UMBar has unveiled a fresh look and an updated bar food menu while destination dining remains a highlight allowing the maximum choice for guests every night of the week.
Salt has retained its signature restaurant status with the addition of a fibre optic-lit wall framing the entrance and a new show kitchen.
Not only have all bungalows and pavilions been renovated but additional spaces have been created for luggage. There is a more accessible minibar with increased international offerings and room layouts have been tweaked for ease of access and comfort.
New to the Deluxe Beach Bungalows is the addition of a second plunge pool, which lights up with fibre optics at night, overlooking the ocean on the front deck. Perfect for daytime lounging and night time stargazing.
The James Bond style Ocean Pavilion is one of the most iconic rooms at Huvafen Fushi and a hedonistic lover’s paradise with its glass wall that rises from the infinity pool, to the outdoor Whirlpool and panoramic views of the sunset. A cocktail bar has been added to the living room, for those evening Martini’s, while inviting lounge-style seating occupies the outdoor deck. Home from home accents have been thoughtfully added, injecting a burst of colour to the room and anoriginal Kenneth Cobonpue installation, ‘Little People’ adds a contemporary edge.
Cube, the three bedroom residence now has uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and direct beach access from the private plunge pool. Naturally modern touches have been introduced throughout, with new furnishings creating a home from home feel. The master bedroom has been extended to include a separate lounge area, while downstairs there is a fully fitted kitchen, dining room that seats10, large living space and games room.
THE LAIR, The ultimate chill out area located in the heart of the island offers more comfortable seating, a great selection of books from the New York Times bestseller list, box office DVD hits and top tunes from Per AQUUM’s Music Ambassadors including Poet Name Life, Ravin and Charles Shillings. With two Mac computers and separate theatrette, this the perfect place to hang out both day and night.
Insiders
Constance Hotels & Resorts Honors Manjoola Dowlutrao’s 20-Year Career Journey
Constance Hotels & Resorts celebrates the dedication and excellence of Manjoola Dowlutrao, recognizing her remarkable 20-year journey within the group.
Dowlutrao’s story began in 2001 as part of the inaugural class of the Constance Academy’s Management Training Program. This experience launched an exceptional career within the prestigious hotel group.
Starting at Constance Lemuria Seychelles as a Reservations Supervisor, Dowlutrao has consistently demonstrated exceptional growth and leadership. Her path led her to Constance Prince Maurice in Mauritius, where she spent two decades honing her skills. She rose from Sales/Guest Relations Manager to Executive Assistant Manager, embodying a true commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences.
Dowlutrao’s recent appointment as Executive Assistant Manager in the Maldives signifies both her valuable contributions and the confidence Constance Hotels & Resorts holds in her abilities. Her career trajectory exemplifies the supportive and empowering environment the group fosters, encouraging individuals to excel and assume leadership roles within the luxury hospitality industry.
Manjoola’s remarkable journey across Constance’s esteemed properties in Seychelles, Mauritius, and now the Maldives, stands as a testament to her vast knowledge and her dedication to enhancing the guest experience over the years.
Insiders
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Welcomes Award-Winning Joachim Textor as New Executive Chef
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has announced the appointment of Joachim Textor as the luxury resort’s new executive chef. With over 40 years of experience in delivering premium culinary services around the world, Chef Joachim is now ready to bring his exciting new variety of innovative dining experiences to the resort’s discerning guests.
A native of Germany, Chef Joachim Textor began his illustrious career as a cook at various world-class hotels in Switzerland. After honing his skills at the Hilton in Basel, the Park Hotel in Vitznau and the Hyatt Hotel in Montreux, he decided to expand his culinary repertoire by exploring the tastes and cuisines of the world. Across 42 years of travelling, his amazing culinary journey has taken him to 93 countries and countless five-star kitchens across the planet.
Chef Joachim’s incredible journey of gastronomic discovery has led him to gain invaluable experience as an executive chef in some of the world’s most prestigious hotel chains, including The Peninsula Hotels, InterContinental, Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La, and Hyatt. He has received critically acclaimed awards and was also the Opening Executive Chef of Anantara Dubai Palm where he spearheaded the opening of the resort’s signature restaurants and dining experiences back in 2013.
Regarded as one of the most pioneering chefs in the industry, Chef Joachim has also opened multiple award-winning hotels and dozens of restaurants in both the Middle East and the Far East, while he has also cooked for a number of famous politicians, Hollywood celebrities, and royalty all over the world. His past assignments include the G12 Asian Summit Conference in Busan, where he cooked for such prestigious world leaders as George W. Bush, Angela Merkel and Li Peng.
A positive and cheerful personality with an energetic passion for innovation in his creations, Chef Joachim is now set for the next adventure in his culinary journey. Still as hungry to learn and explore as ever, Chef Joachim will bring phenomenal dining experiences for gastronomes at Anantara Kihavah with a number of new innovations already planned. Sharing the knowledge he has accumulated through his travels across six continents, Chef Joachim will also act as a mentor for budding young cooks, introducing his repertoire of world cuisines to the next generation of aspiring gastronomic innovators. In Chef Joachim’s own words, “The best is yet to come. Life is a journey and not a destination; travel it safe and well.”
Insiders
JOALI Appoints Özgür Cengiz as Global Wellness Development Director
JOALI, the luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand, has announced the appointment of Özgür Cengiz as its Tourism Group Global Wellness Development Director, effective February 15th, 2024.
Cengiz brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and wellness industry. His career began with the opening team of Turkey’s first wellness resort, Richmond Nua Wellness, followed by leadership roles at Jumeirah in Azerbaijan and One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives.
In 2016, Cengiz joined JOALI as the Resort Manager for JOALI Maldives, the brand’s first art-immersive resort. He then played a pivotal role in establishing JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ first wellbeing island, as its General Manager.
Under Cengiz’s leadership, JOALI BEING garnered global recognition as a leading wellness destination. He is credited with creating the unique concept, curating a team of specialists, and introducing a diverse range of treatments – solidifying JOALI’s position as a wellness powerhouse.
Cengiz’s dedication extends beyond JOALI. He served as the Maldivian ambassador for Global Wellness Day for seven years, is a respected speaker in international wellness forums, and judges the Global Spa & Wellness Awards. His innovative approach and solution-oriented mindset have earned him widespread respect within the industry.
Hakan Öztürk, Tourism Group Managing Director of Gürok Group (JOALI’s parent company), commented on the appointment, stating that Cengiz’s “extensive knowledge and passion will truly redefine the wellness offerings for the brand from a broader perspective” as JOALI expands its portfolio.
In his new role, Cengiz will oversee the wellness strategy for the entire Gürok Tourism Group, encompassing innovative activations, expansion plans, and strategic development for both JOALI BEING and JOALI BEING Cure.
Cengiz’s appointment strengthens JOALI’s commitment to providing exceptional wellness experiences and signifies their continued dedication to pushing boundaries within the industry.
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