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Universal Resorts transforms into VERSA, unveiling NIVA as cornerstone of international growth strategy
Universal Enterprises, parent company of Universal Resorts, which pioneered Maldivian hospitality over 50 years ago, on Monday announced the rebranding of its hotel management arm to VERSA Hospitality and simultaneously launched its new hospitality lifestyle brand, NIVA Hotels & Resorts.
This strategic shift transforms the independent family business from a respected and largely B2B-focused resort owner and operator into a globally recognised, consumer-centric hospitality brand designed for future growth into international markets.
Ahmed Umar Maniku, Managing Director of Universal Enterprises, said: “For over five decades, we’ve operated our iconic Maldives resorts very successfully and worked closely with our tour operating partners, pioneering the very concept of Maldivian resort life. We had a bold vision to share this extraordinary destination with the world, starting with the opening of Kurumba, the first resort in the Maldives, in 1972, and going on to create world-renowned resorts such as Baros, Kuramathi, Huvafen Fushi, Velassaru, Milaidhoo and Labriz. Now, as the global travel landscape evolves, it’s time for the group to step out, building brand recognition with our guests, partners and the wider industry. VERSA isn’t merely a new name; it’s a strategic repositioning to unlock the full potential of our resort portfolio and position the company for our future growth ambitions.”
This announcement coincides with the appointment of Visha Mahir, a second-generation member of the founding family and board director of Universal Enterprises, as Chief Executive Officer of VERSA Hospitality. Visha has held a number of senior leadership positions within Universal Enterprises for the past two decades, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Universal Resorts.
Visha Mahir, CEO of VERSA, added: “It’s a privilege and genuine honour to step into this role and lead our family business into this new chapter. Our story is woven into the very fabric of this island nation. Yes, we’re recognised as innovators in Maldivian luxury hospitality, but more importantly, we’ve built our reputation on authenticity and a deep connection to our home. Our aim at VERSA is to respect that precious past, ensuring that as we expand, our heritage and heartfelt service remain at the core of everything we do.”
NIVA: the cornerstone of VERSA’s new growth strategy
The creation of NIVA is central to the group’s transformation. As the new lifestyle-led hospitality brand, NIVA is positioned to be the company’s key vehicle for growth and market relevance.
Coined from the words ‘nourish’ and ‘viva’, NIVA reflects a new era of travel where emotional fulfilment takes precedence over status. It speaks to a new generation of travellers seeking genuine, unforced experiences, where the freedom to simply be nourishes life.
NIVA will unite six of Universal’s Indian Ocean properties, including the historic Kurumba in the Maldives and new destinations in the Seychelles, under one philosophy: to bring lightness back to travel. Rather than chasing curated perfection, NIVA will create spaces that allow for unplanned, unforced and unforgettable moments.
“The launch of NIVA is crucial to our evolution. It provides the common thread that links our key properties, ensuring that no matter the location, our guests instantly recognise our core values and feel confident in the consistent level of warm and authentic service they can expect. The creation of NIVA will help us scale our unique philosophy into new markets and the brand will be the engine of our international expansion strategy,” added Mahir.
The VERSA portfolio and vision
VERSA Hospitality is at the helm of the new structure, guiding the group’s direction and ambitions. The name, drawn from the word Universal, symbolises evolution: the ability to reveal new dimensions of destinations and chart a new course with a sense of timeless quality, while remaining firmly rooted in the company’s rich heritage.
The VERSA portfolio will be defined by two distinct yet complementary divisions: NIVA, a lifestyle-led hospitality brand, and a collection of iconic standalone destinations.
NIVA Hotels & Resorts
A new lifestyle-led brand, focused on giving guests cohesive, effortless and authentic experiences, will start with a portfolio of six resorts in the Maldives and Seychelles:
- Niva Kurumba (Maldives)
- Niva Velassaru (Maldives)
- Niva Kuramathi (Maldives)
- Niva Dhigali (Maldives)
- Niva Labriz (Seychelles)
- Niva Aria (Seychelles) – opening in 2026
THE VERSA COLLECTION – Unique and independent properties
This is a collection of distinct and acclaimed standalone destinations that Versa continues to curate, celebrating their individual characters and histories. The collection includes iconic Maldives resorts such as Baros, Milaidhoo, Huvafen Fushi and Kandolhu, and over time will expand to include more properties worldwide.
“When we created the business, it was never just about resorts; it was always about places: what they could become and what they could mean to someone,” said Mahir.
“The name VERSA captures this idea of transformation: islands became destinations, journeys became memories and moments became part of someone’s story. From the Maldives to the wider world, Versa will continue to reveal the true character of every place in our care, sharing it with the generosity that defines our hospitality.”
Atmosphere Core has announced that five of their resorts in the Maldives; VARU by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, have been recognised with the prestigious British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award 2025.
This accolade reflects consistently high guest satisfaction, recognising hotels that excel in service delivery, quality of facilities, and the overall holiday experience. Extended only to the top 8% of hotels worldwide, it underscores the strength of the brand’s diverse portfolio, from signature Holiday Plans to adults-only escapes and immersive, nature-inspired island retreats.
Under Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, VARU by Atmosphere and Atmosphere Kanifushi continue to set benchmarks in elevated hospitality. VARU by Atmosphere offers a contemporary island experience with seamless inclusions and warm Maldivian service, while Atmosphere Kanifushi is known for its expansive setting, lush tropical surroundings, and wide range of experiences catering to both families and couples.
Within the COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO each present distinct island escapes. OBLU SELECT Sangeli blends contemporary design in a stylish and tranquil setting. OBLU SELECT Lobigili is a romantic, adults-only retreat thoughtfully designed for couples, centred around intimacy and curated experiences. OBLU NATURE Helengeli stands out for its rich marine life and exceptional house reef, offering an immersive experience for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
“We are truly honoured to receive the British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award across multiple resorts within our portfolio. This recognition, driven by genuine guest feedback, is a testament to the passion and dedication of our teams who consistently go above and beyond to create exceptional experiences,” said Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Core. “It reinforces our commitment to delivering distinctive and memorable stays across every island, tailored to different guest journeys.”
This achievement further strengthens Atmosphere Core’s position as a leading hospitality brand in the Maldives, driven by guest-centric service, innovation, and authentic island experiences.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced an exclusive guest bartender residency featuring Vyacheslav Kasitsyn, one of the most prominent figures in Moscow’s contemporary bar scene, from 2nd to 10th May 2026.
Vyacheslav is the Bar Manager of The Carlton Lounge & Bar at The Carlton, Moscow, one of the city’s most sophisticated social destinations. He began his career at the award-winning City Space Bar, recognised both in Russia and internationally, before contributing to a number of standout bar and restaurant projects at Lucky Group.
Renowned for crafting modern classics with precision and narrative depth, Vyacheslav’s cocktails reflect refined technique, contemporary elegance, and a strong sense of place. Each creation tells a story-balancing innovation with timeless style, elegance and style.
During his residency at Lily Beach, guests will experience a curated cocktail menu inspired by Moscow’s dynamic bar culture, reimagined within the island’s luxury setting. Exclusive evening showcases and limited-edition signatures will highlight his artistry.
This special collaboration underscores Lily Beach’s commitment to delivering elevated culinary and beverage experiences -where global expertise meets barefoot Maldivian luxury.
At Lily Beach the Platinum Plan seamlessly unites exceptional dining with premium inclusions, creating one of the Maldives’ most distinguished all-inclusive experiences. Guests indulge in diverse buffet and à la carte offerings across multiple restaurants, complemented by an extensive selection of premium wines, spirits, signature cocktails, and a replenished minibar. Elevating the culinary journey further, Les Turquoise d’Aqua proudly received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2024, underscoring the resort’s commitment to world-class wine curation. From elegant beachfront dinners to relaxed overwater settings, every moment is thoughtfully crafted to deliver refined flavour, variety, and effortless luxury.
For reservations and further information, please visit the resort’s website.
The Standard, Maldives has announced the launch of a new Premium All-Inclusive experience from May 2026, introducing an enhanced offering aimed at travellers seeking a seamless island holiday in Raa Atoll.
The resort said the new package was designed to combine dining, experiences and entertainment with the natural setting of the Maldives. It added that the offering had been curated with Indian travellers in mind, as India continues to grow as a source market for Maldivian tourism.
The package begins with champagne on arrival and includes access to dining across the resort’s outlets. Guests will be able to choose from three restaurants for lunch and five restaurants for dinner with prior reservation. The resort said the dining programme would range from Mediterranean dishes at Onda to Maldivian cuisine at Guduguda, offering guests a varied culinary experience throughout their stay.
The package also includes a beverage programme featuring premium spirits, wines, cocktails and beers, as well as a fully stocked minibar in each villa.
The culinary programme is led by Director of Culinary Nandakumar Dharuman. The resort said his Indian background adds familiarity for Indian travellers, with Indian breakfast options available alongside international selections. Vegetarian and Jain meals can also be prepared on request.
The Standard, Maldives said the resort would continue to offer a lively atmosphere through activities held during the week, including DJ nights, fire dance performances, bingo evenings and other social events. Breakfast DJ sessions are also part of the programme. In addition, guests booking the Premium All-Inclusive package will receive one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment and one island excursion.
Sonika Adlakha, commercial director of The Standard, Maldives, said India remained an important and growing market for the resort. She said the new Premium All-Inclusive experience was intended to offer Indian travellers a stay that combined dining, entertainment and the natural appeal of the Maldives.
Alongside its social spaces, the resort said it also offers quieter areas for guests seeking a more relaxed experience. All villas at the property include private pools and spacious living areas, allowing guests to stay close to the resort’s dining and entertainment facilities while also enjoying privacy.
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