News
Jamie Crisp appointed Director of Sales for Centara Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – Centara Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Jamie Crisp as director of Sales for the Maldives. Crisp, who will be based at Centara’s head office in Bangkok, will be responsible for the company’s three resort properties in Maldives.
“The Maldives is of great potential to us, and is an essential part of our growth strategy,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive officer, Centara Hotels & Resorts. “We have two resort properties open in the Maldives, with a third under construction. Jamie Crisp brings great experience to this position, and we are confident he will help us achieve our objectives in this beautiful destination.”
Crisp is a British national who has been living and working in the hospitality industry overseas for the past 19 years. He worked for almost eight years with one of the leading UK tour operators in various destinations such as the Maldives, India, Egypt, Malaysia and Dubai. He also spent a total of five years in Dubai, mainly heading up the corporate sales department for Arabian Adventures, the DMC owned by Emirates Airline.
Moving to Thailand six years ago, Crisp worked with Kuoni Destination Management at Asian Trails, looking after the MICE business for the Southeast Asia region. Previous to joining Centara Hotels & Resorts, he was Director of Sales for Evason & Six Senses Resorts in Hua Hin.
Centara opened its first Maldives property, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, in late 2009. Set in the South Ari Atoll, the five-star resort has a broad range of leisure activities and operates under Ultimate All-Inclusive programme, in which cash is not required on the island.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, a villa-only resort located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Male International Airport, opened earlier this year and is an adult-focused with no guests under the age of 12 years accommodated on the island. The resort has been named by TripAdvisor as the top North Male Atoll destination for honeymooners, an accolade won in the face of competition from 30 other resorts in the region.
Centara’s third resort in the Maldives will open in 2014.
Business
BBM expands retail presence with new Hulhumalé outlet
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) opened a new wholesale store in Hulhumalé Phase 2 on Monday.
The outlet is located on the ground floor of Lot 20286, Nirolhu Magu, and is intended to improve access to BBM’s imported goods for residents of Hulhumalé Phase 2 and for businesses operating in the area.
According to the company, the opening forms part of its plan to expand services closer to customers in line with population growth in Hulhumalé.
With the opening of the new store, BBM’s full range of imported and distributed products will be available at the Hulhumalé Phase 2 location. These include consumer goods from international brands such as Lifebuoy, Vaseline and Unilever.
The store will also stock wholesale food products from brands including Daily, Cavin’s and Redman.
BBM has supplied goods to resorts, hotels and retail outlets across the Maldives for several years.
Family
Kuramathi Maldives to host Easter activities for children, families
Kuramathi Maldives invites families to step into a world where wonder flourishes and childhood dreams are painted in vibrant island hues. From 30 March to 6 April 2026, the island becomes a haven for young explorers and their families, weaving moments of joy, discovery, and delight into every sunlit day.
Easter at Kuramathi unfolds as an enchanting tale. At the heart of the celebration is the beloved Bageecha Kids Club, where children’s laughter rings out across palm-fringed paths. Here, curious young minds are invited to craft bunny masks, paint coconuts, delight in the Family Easter Egg Hunt, and create rainbow sand art and vibrant paintings. Each activity is woven with a sense of discovery, awakening imaginations and nurturing friendships.
The spirit of adventure continues outdoors, where little ones tumble through splash pad games, beach kite-flying escapades, and incredible eco-adventures. From treasure hunts and bunny relays to pool parties, bubble festivals, and mini beach Olympics, there’s endless fun to be had.
The island is alive with childhood wonder – where every day brings new discoveries. This spring holiday combines tranquillity with the joy of youthful adventure, creating memories that families will cherish long after returning home.
Love
Romance in nature: Valentine’s week at Eri Maldives
Newly-launched Eri Maldives introduces its first Valentine’s programme A Love Set in Nature (10–16 February 2026), offering a nature-rooted, pared-back celebration of love designed for couples seeking presence, simplicity and meaningful time together.
Love, Shared at the Table
At the heart of Valentine’s at Eri is an intimate dining experience centred on an exquisite six-course Aphrodisiac Menu, paired with a chilled glass of Rosé Champagne at Soul Kitchen’s beach area or The Jetty, with live music and ocean sounds. Couples can also sample a Jumbo Valentine Cocktail designed for two at Sip & Dip, or opt for private dining at a secluded corner on the beach or in-villa with the Under the Canopy of Stars experience.
Adventures for Two
For couples who connect through discovery, Eri’s Valentine’s programme invites love to unfold through shared adventure, where guests can cement their love and Dive into Forever with a private Discover Scuba Diving session, welcoming learners of all levels. For a more elaborate adventure between sky and ocean, travellers can also sign up for the Tides & Togetherness combo excursion, which combines a 30-minute jet ski ride with a 45-minute guided snorkelling among Eri’s world-class house reef.

Slowing Down Time
As day gives way to dusk, the Golden Hour Serenades offers a gentle sunset cruise across the lagoon, with sparkling wine in hand and live guitar drifting as a prelude to the evening. Slipping into wellness, Between Sea & Stars offers another balanced alternative for guests to treat loved ones to a calming 60-minute aromatherapy massage and a private dinner at sunset with Champagne, giving travellers a reason to linger.
Curated for those wanting stillness to stay, Maldivian Ocean Dream offers an extended moment of rest, with a couples’ ritual lasting for an hour and half, using flowing palm stroke techniques inspired by the sea with aromatherapy to release tension.
A Love Story – Extended
Catering to couples who want it all, Eri’s full-day An Eternal Love Story itinerary offers a complete romantic journey that removes the need for choice. Thoughtfully curated, the experience flows from a Champagne breakfast and an afternoon of spa serenity into an evening of sunset cruising and dinner accompanied by Dom Pérignon Champagne, with a private photographer on hand to quietly capture the moments.
To top it all off, guests booking a minimum of two body massages during Valentine’s Week are invited to enjoy a complimentary 30-minute Foot Massage.
Sky Studios start from £313 per night on a Full Board basis, with 40% off applied when booking directly with Eri Maldives.
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