News
Bountylab Hospitality set to redefine Travel and Tourism Standards
The South Asian tropical paradise islands of Sri Lanka and the Maldives are the crème de la crème of exotic holiday destinations. The sizzling sun, sandy beaches, gentle breezes and pristine natural beauty make these neighbouring countries two of the most spectacular holiday destinations in the world.
The ever-increasing demand from holidaymakers has opened up the doorway for many new homegrown travel, tourism, hospitality and recreational enterprises to emerge, as well as attracting many international brands to enter Sri Lankan and Maldivian markets.
“We feel that this upward trend requires support from professional expertise to ensure the success of these new ventures,” says Israth Ismail, the Director of Bountylab Hospitality.
“Due to the fact that the market has become very attractive and competitive, industry players are constantly seeking to outperform each other by devising ever-more cutting-edge innovations. Especially high demand exists within the Maldivian and Sri Lankan tourism industry for technology expertise, marketing talent, creative ideas and operational excellence. This has influenced us at Bountylab International to launch Bountylab Hospitality and we are excited to now announce the launch of it in Sri Lanka and the Maldives” he adds.
Bountylab Hospitality is a modern, innovative, consultancy firm aimed at serving key travel, tourism and hospitality industry players in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The company offers hospitality consultancy; creative and digital solutions; media planning and communications services.
Bountylab Hospitality’s parent company, Bountylab International, is a successful ICT solutions corporation with headquarters in the UK and operations in the USA, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Bountylab International is trusted and relied upon by many high profile clients for its innovative and leading-edge services. Whilst sitting comfortably as a market leader in the ICT and business solutions industry, Bountylab International is now channeling its expertise in the travel and tourism arena through the dedicated Bountylab Hospitality division.
Bountylab’s approach towards the industry is revolutionary; its ideas and concepts are fresh, its know-how and authority is unparalleled and the company’s passion for excellent client service is unrivalled.
The consultants in the Bountylab team have high calibre backgrounds which include expertise in information technology, hospitality marketing, internet marketing, business consultancy, creative solutions, hotel property development and management and more.
Bountylab Hospitality is anticipating being able to aid clients by bridging a gap in the tourism and hospitality industry in order to help brands reach new levels. With Bountylab Hospitality’s assistance, brands can expand operations and reach guests and customers through the most modern marketing techniques and strategies. Existing and new brands alike in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry of Sri Lanka and the Maldives can benefit from Bountylab Hospitality’s experience in utilizing state-of-the-art technology and consultancy services.
News
Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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