News
Hulhule Island Hotel celebrates a year of awards
Maldives Promotion House – Since Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) upgraded the overall facilities and services, along with the expansion of the hotel, HIH has been in the spotlight for receiving laurels recurrently for the overall product and exemplary service standards. 2012 was extremely special for Hulhule Island Hotel as the hotel bagged half a dozen international awards, which has been the maximum since its inception.
Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar, General Manager HIH was extremely appreciative about his team stating, “Though we face stiff competition being in the most sought after holiday destination, we ensure our team, product and the services together deliver an experience that is beyond expectations. These awards and recognitions are a true reflection of the team’s constructive attitude and the desire to serve”.
International Hotel Awards, organized by International Property Awards, set up eighteen years ago witnessed strong competition in April 2012 with participants from twenty three countries competing in thirteen different categories for these awards. Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) was the proud recipient of the ‘Five Star Rating Award’ apart from being the ultimate Winner for the ‘Best Airport Hotel – Asia Pacific’ at International Hotel Awards 2012-2013. The honour was conferred upon by Mr. Stuart Shield, President of the International Hotel Awards at a ceremony which was attended by esteemed professionals.
Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge has been one of the most significant hospitality events in Maldives. September 2012 saw around 350 Chefs displaying their culinary skills to judges from across the globe during the Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge 2012. Hulhule Island Hotel emerged as the Winner of most prominent award of ‘Best Culinary Establishment’. For the fourth time HIH has bagged this coveted title in the recent past, showcasing the untiring efforts of an excellent team of Chefs creating delectable menus.
Maldives Travel Awards were organized in the latter part of September 2012 for the first time through an initiative of Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO). HIH marked its presence by winning the ‘Leading Luxury Hotel’ Award at Maldives Travel Awards 2012 with the audience of dignitaries and senior management from leading hotels and resorts from Maldives.
HIH went on to win the ‘Luxury Airport hotel’ award in the Indian Ocean region at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2012 in October. The event was graced by Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism of Malaysia and the award was presented to HIH by Ms. Marinique de Wet, Executive Manager of World Luxury Hotel Awards. HIH was in the spotlight at this event for a very special reason; getting the service excellence award consecutively for the fifth time, securing a truly deserving place on the ‘Wall of fame’ in the special limited edition magazine printed exclusively for the event of World Luxury Hotel Awards 2012.
With the year drawing to close, the Grand Final Ceremony of World Travel Awards 2012 was scheduled in December. It was a befitting end to a rewarding year as HIH was crowned ‘World’s Leading Airport Resort’. This award was a true reflection of the many efforts HIH has made to create a resort-like ambiance for its guests.
“The enthusiastic team at HIH is constantly evolving and shaping a path leading to the pinnacle, this is evident from the numerous international awards being conferred upon HIH in a single calendar year. These awards instill in us much confidence and it reiterates the faith of our global patrons who are like family to us. We learn from our shortcomings and feel humbled by the worldwide recognition over these years. Every single team member is committed to work and is passionate about going that extra mile, which might seem the longest but is extremely rewarding” said Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar, General Manager HIH.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
Drink
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.
Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen
Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.
Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse
At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.
The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven
Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.
Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.
Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”
With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.
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