News
SriLankan Airlines to Open a Training Center in Maldives
Maldives Promotion House – The International Aviation Academy (IAA) the training arm of SriLankan Airlines has announced the launch of its first overseas operations in Maldives. The franchised training agreement between IAA and Orient Express Pvt Limited, Maldives will make new avenues in the Aviation Industry in terms of building human capital for the future.
This will be the first International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Authorized Training Centre (ATC) in the Maldives.
As an Authorized Training Centre for IATA, IAA has been in the field of aviation education for the past decade actively engaged in providing education solutions.
Recognition as one of the Top10 training partners in South Asia by IATA in 2012 further validates IAAs presence in Aviation Education in the South Asian Region. Further IAA is the first in South Asia to be recognized by IATA as a Regional Training Facility for international aviation training by awarding the Franchised Training Partner in the Maldives.
Furthermore IAA is the sole training provider for Travel Agents Association of SriLankan (TAASL). IAA is responsible for catering all training needs of SriLankan Airlines, whilst expanding its market for external training both locally and internationally. Orient Express Pvt Limited, established in 1990’s is a well experienced corporate in the service sector in Maldives. It is one of the leading goods and service providers having strong ties with globally renowned partners. As a new extension Orient Express Pvt Limited join hands with IAA to provide education solutions to the Maldives.
Organizing of the infrastructure facility and marketing of the training programmes in Maldives would be the key areas to be looked after by Orient Express Pvt Limited. General Manager Orient Express said “This is a great opportunity for the Maldives, joining hands with a reliable brand to establish aviation education, which will immensely benefit us.”
The IATA ATC will bring many advantages. Ability to acquire world class training for competitive price, from a qualified and well experienced panel of instructors within Maldives would be a golden opportunity. Successful completion will equip the candidates with IATA Certification. This will open new horizons with a wide range of job opportunities across the globe. High performers will also have the opportunity for On the Job Training.
As defined by the Manager IAA, this partnership with the best corporate house in the Maldives, further supported by the Maldivian government is a solid beginning. The IAA Branch will deliver the same level of high quality aviation education to Maldivian youth to enter a most sought after lucrative aviation industry, producing qualified native aviation professionals
Pradeepa Kekulawala, Head of Human Resources, SriLankan Airlines said, “Being one of the IATA Top 10 Aviation Academies of South Asia, a recognition of our excellence and effectiveness in Aviation training, we decided to offer our programmes to the regional markets and our first choice was Maldives, considering our long term relationship between the countries and the lucrative Travel & Tourism opportunities.
SriLankan Airlines is a household brand in the Maldives with a history of more than two decades and to achieve the next level, we decided to have a branch in Maldives.
IAA have an exclusive status from IATA to offer IATA training programmes at the training centre. This itself proves the quality of training offered along with Oriental Express, franchisee and local partner. IAA guarantee usual highest quality training to the market, delivered by professional trainers of SriLankan Airlines and to provide outstanding on the job trainings and internship opportunities.
News
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort introduces ‘Garden of Eve’ Christmas and New Year celebrations
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to discover a season of giving and renewal from December 22, 2026, to January 7, 2027. Set amid the natural beauty of Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort’s Garden of Eve festive celebrations will bring together joyful gatherings, nourishing cuisine, family discoveries, and island adventures.
The festivities begin on December 22 with a Tree Lighting Ceremony, illuminating the resort’s Wish Tree, a large Boa’shi gas (velvetleaf soldierbush) at the heart of the island. Decorated with the modest wishes of children supported by the Baa Family and Children Service Center (FCSC) on Eydafushi Island, the tree symbolizes the resort’s commitment to giving back to the community. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will fulfill the children’s wishes, and guests are warmly invited to participate in this meaningful gesture of generosity.

The celebrations continue on Christmas Eve with cocktails and music at the Pool Deck, followed by an international buffet dinner at Island Kitchen with seasonal favorites and flavors from around the world. On Christmas Day, Santa Claus makes a special appearance, bringing festive cheer, gifts, and memorable moments for families.
As the final evening of the year approaches, the island transforms into a lush Garden of Eve for a New Year’s Eve celebration under the stars. Inspired by the beauty and abundance of a tropical paradise, the theme brings together nature, wonder, and the promise of new beginnings. Guests can gather for a beachfront gala dinner featuring an abundant feast at lavishly presented culinary stations, with live entertainment and a countdown to the new year. A fireworks spectacle is planned to light up the island sky as the resort welcomes 2027.

Beyond the festivities, the resort offers time to slow down, reconnect, and recharge. Uplifting movement and mindful moments invite guests to embrace the natural rhythm of their surroundings, while younger travelers can create, explore, and make new friends through activities at the Westin Family Kids Club.
At Heavenly Spa by Westin, guests can pause amid the celebrations and unwind with restorative rituals in a tranquil setting. For those seeking adventure, AQUA offers a gateway to the waters of Baa Atoll, where water sports, excursions, and diving invite guests to explore the vibrant marine world surrounding the island.

With 69 villas, each featuring a private pool and uninterrupted ocean views, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a wellness-focused retreat where tranquility meets adventure. Three distinctive dining venues, rejuvenating spa experiences, and family-friendly activities offer guests opportunities to embrace well-being throughout their stay.
To discover more and reserve a festive escape, visit westin-maldives.com.
News
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru welcomes Consuelo Saroyan for exclusive wellness residency
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, the original Banyan Tree resort in the Maldives and a pioneer in holistic wellbeing, has announced an exclusive visiting practitioner residency with Consuelo Saroyan, Founder of Marea Wellness, arriving in January 25 until February 21 2027. Bringing 18 years of international experience in luxury wellness, Consuelo will introduce a distinctive collection of therapeutic experiences, mindful practices and ancient healing rituals, inviting travellers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner balance.
Since opening the Maldives’ first resort spa in 1995, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has embraced wellbeing as an integral part of its philosophy. This upcoming residency continues that heritage, bringing together traditional healing wisdom and contemporary therapeutic practices in an intimate island setting surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
A New Chapter in Personalised Wellbeing
With an approach that recognises the connection between body, mind and emotions, Consuelo draws on Traditional Chinese Medicine, somatic therapies, yoga, meditation and creative rituals to create meaningful wellbeing experiences.
At the heart of her residency will be the Individual Therapeutic Reset, a personalised journey combining mindful consultation, movement and Conscious Body Therapy. Drawing on traditional techniques such as Tui Na, gua sha and meridian stimulation, the experience is designed to encourage physical relaxation, emotional awareness and a renewed sense of balance.
For couples, the Couples Connection Experience will offer an opportunity to reconnect through guided movement, meditation and shared rituals, creating space for presence, understanding and deeper connection.
Discover the Art of Healing and Connection
Beyond individual therapies, Consuelo will introduce immersive experiences inspired by ancient traditions and the natural world. From the rhythmic sounds of a Shamanic Drum Journey to the mindful creativity of Mandala & Altar Art Creation, each experience invites participants to explore new dimensions of awareness and personal discovery.
A curated programme of intimate group sessions will also feature Ocean Connection Meditation & Sound Healing, Five Elements Nature Connection Meditation, and Yin Yoga & Mindful Movement, encouraging moments of reflection and connection with the surrounding island environment.
An Invitation to Begin Your Journey Within
Set within the natural beauty of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Consuelo’s residency reflects the resort’s enduring commitment to nurturing wellbeing through experiences that extend beyond the spa.
January 25 until February 21 2027, this limited-time residency invites travellers to make wellbeing a meaningful part of their Maldives journey, whether through individual therapeutic sessions, shared experiences or mindful rituals inspired by nature.
Advance enquiries and pre-bookings are now invited, allowing travellers to plan their preferred experiences ahead of their stay.
To discover more about Consuelo Saroyan’s upcoming residency and register your interest, visit here.
Love
The Nautilus Maldives to celebrate Valentine’s 2027 with ‘Love Freely’ experiences
This Valentine’s, The Nautilus Maldives invites guests to embrace Love Freely, a celebration centred on freedom, presence, connection and time for one another. On this ultra-luxury bohemian private island hideaway, love finds its own rhythm through quiet mornings, shared discoveries and intimate evenings that invite you to linger.
Time to Rediscover One Another
Set sail as the sun goes down, sipping champagne as live music accompanies your journey and your private chef prepares a bespoke five-course dinner. Beneath the stars, linger over each course, with time for conversation, laughter and quiet moments together as the evening unfolds at your own pace. Beneath the Surface, Together invites beginners to discover scuba diving as a couple, followed by an unhurried dinner. With Roots of Our Story, coral or coconut-tree planting offers a living expression of a journey shared. These experiences, along with the specially curated rituals at Solasta Spa, are available from 11 to 17 February 2027.
Stillness and Connection at Solasta Spa
Solasta Spa embraces the spirit of Healing Unscripted. An Unhurried Embrace pairs a couples massage with a hibiscus milk bath, champagne and chocolate-dipped tropical fruits. Stillness, Shared brings together a body scrub, Tao’an tea bath and sound healing, while Love in Bloom combines Balinese massage and a nourishing facial. Enjoyed together or individually, each ritual invites a gentle return to yourself.
A Table for Two, A Moment to Keep
On 14 February, A Horizon for Two brings a secluded sandbank dinner with sunset cocktails, five courses and a live serenade, followed by floating breakfast the next morning. A Moment in Thyme pairs beachside dining with breakfast in bed, while Together Beneath the Stars offers a champagne dinner at Zeytoun. At Naiboli, Nautilus Rising: A Toast to Connection welcomes guests to share cocktails, canapés and easy conversation.
Love, at Your Own Pace
At The Nautilus, Love Freely is an invitation to reconnect through shared discoveries, thoughtful gestures and the pleasure of simply being together.
To discover Love Freely: Valentine’s 2027 and begin crafting your own romantic escape to The Nautilus, visit the resort’s website or contact hello@thenautilusmaldives.com.
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