News

Minor Hotel Group launches internationally accredited Explorer School Leaver Programme

Published

11 years ago

June 28, 2014

Maldives.net.mv – Minor Hotel Group (MHG), operator of over 100 hotels, resorts and serviced suites in 14 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean, is pleased to announce the launch of Explorer, a new vocational hotel training programme, which the group has chosen to roll out in the Maldives. The modern and technically progressive progamme is the first to be accredited with international certification. It highlights MHG as a pioneering employer in the ASEAN region within vocational education that addresses the needs of the Millennial generation.

Minor Hotel Group has long placed great emphasis on people development – from the fundamental level of providing education and giving opportunities to develop work and life skills, to developing leaders for the future. Given MHG’s long term commitment to tourism development in the Maldives, the archipelago was an obvious choice to launch ‘Explorer’, which has received endorsement from the Minister of Education Dr Aishath Shiham,

who attended the launch in Male today. Young people need opportunities to learn, but often this needs to be combined with the ability to earn a living at the same time and such opportunities are often limited or unavailable.

Explorer is accredited with international certification from Australia, a leader in the field of vocational education. Successful completion is awarded with a hospitality Certificate III qualification that provides the foundation for continued learning to progress towards a Certificate IV, and ultimately a Diploma in Hospitality.

The opportunity has been extended to both young internal hotel candidates and external school leaver participants who combine training with real-time remunerated work experience. MHG has also made a significant investment in high quality coaches, who have been developed internally to international accredited standards so that they can share their knowledge and leadership skills with the programme participants.

Each Explorer Trainee will be provided with a tablet allowing them access to the online learning platform that complements classroom training, ensuring a fully integrated learning experience. Upon completion they will have learnt new skills and gained experience and confidence in themselves and in an industry that contributes significantly to the well-being of the Maldivian economy.

The selected Maldivian candidates include both internal hotel candidates and external candidates. The twelve month programme has a 70/20/10 format. 70% on the job learning, 20% social learning, and 10% online formal classroom group training.

Currently MHG operates six properties within the Maldives. Three Anantara resorts – Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, Anantara Veli Resort & Spa and Anantara Kihavah Villas – Naladhu Maldives and two Per AQUUM properties – NIYAMA and Huvafen Fushi. MHG plans to continue the roll out of the pioneering Explorer Programme across other regions of its operation.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotel Group, commented, “We are thrilled to be launching our industry-leading Explorer Programme here in the Maldives today. A vast amount of research and work has gone into the development of this programme and we are confident it will offer our current and future Associates an opportunity to develop and enhance their skills in real time, whilst also giving them an accredited certification enabling them to progress with their careers. This is our first regional launch of this programme and we are looking forward to rolling Explorer out in other regions where we operate in the coming months.”

Caroline Stevens, CPO Minor Hotel Group, commented, “Today’s Explorer launch here in the Maldives demonstrates Minor Hotel Group’s strong commitment to developing the youth of the regions that it operates in and confirms the group’s proactive approach to addressing the needs of the Millennial generation in their vocational education. We are delighted that the Maldives team has taken on the programme with so much enthusiasm and both our Maldivian properties and the selected candidates will grow and prosper. The parents of our Explorer trainees must also be admired for their support and encouragement for our initiative to forge a career path that might not otherwise have been possible.”

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Awards

Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa recognised in Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards

Published

54 mins ago

June 5, 2025

m@ldives

Building on Amilla Maldives’ recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, Javvu Spa is celebrating its own honour in this prestigious global listing.

Nestled within the island’s lush jungle and bordered by the Indian Ocean, Javvu Spa offers a peaceful retreat where modern wellness gently blends with nature’s rhythms. This recognition is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the spa team’s dedication and Amilla’s ongoing focus on personalised, intuitive care for the wellbeing of its guests.

This honour follows Amilla Maldives’ own recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, positioning the resort as one of a select group of destinations worldwide to be acknowledged for both its resort and spa. The dual recognition reflects a thoughtful commitment to excellence across the guest experience, from island living to holistic wellness.

Javvu Spa’s inclusion in the 2025 Star Awards further strengthens its role as a leading wellness destination in the Maldives, offering guests a serene sanctuary to restore, reconnect and renew.

Featured

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts introduces curated all-inclusive getaways in Maldives

Published

19 hours ago

June 4, 2025

m@ldives

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is redefining stress-free travel with a trio of curated, all-inclusive offers across its Maldives properties. Each resort—Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives—presents a unique experience, ranging from surfside excitement to secluded luxury, with every aspect of the stay carefully bundled for a seamless holiday.

At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, guests are invited to enjoy five nights of barefoot luxury, with packages starting at USD 3,499 nett for double occupancy in a Water Bungalow or USD 3,999 nett in an Over Water Suite. Tailored for travellers seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation, the offer includes:

Return speed boat transfers
A 4-course beach dinner featuring steak or seafood
A 30-minute spa treatment
Snorkelling and swimming experiences
A local island visit
Unlimited laundry services
Premium All-Inclusive privileges

For those in search of tranquillity, the adults-only Platinum Wing at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a refined escape. With a minimum stay of seven nights in a Platinum Water Bungalow, the package is available at USD 6,999 nett for double occupancy and features:

Return seaplane transfers with VIP lounge access
A 4-course steak or seafood dinner by the beach
A 45-minute spa treatment
An island-hopping adventure
A welcome bottle of wine, fruit basket, and bed decorations
Unlimited laundry services
Premium All-Inclusive privileges

At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, guests can indulge in serene overwater luxury with a seven-night stay starting from USD 6,999 nett for double occupancy in Water Bungalows and higher categories. The package highlights include:

Return seaplane transfers with VIP lounge access
Premium All-Inclusive privileges
A 4-course steak or seafood dinner by the beach
A 45-minute spa treatment
An island-hopping adventure
A dolphin-watching excursion
Unlimited laundry services

These exclusive offers are available for stays between 1 June and 31 October 2025, with bookings now open.

Whether it’s catching waves at the iconic Pasta Point at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, enjoying a sunset over the tranquil lagoon at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, or exploring the pristine waters surrounding Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, each resort promises a distinct and immersive experience. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts delivers three unforgettable all-inclusive escapes, designed for effortless relaxation with every detail expertly managed.

Featured

Travel that matters: indulge in sustainability at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

Published

21 hours ago

June 4, 2025

m@ldives

With World Environment Day (5 June) and World Oceans Day (8 June) approaching, and Sir David Attenborough’s highly anticipated film Ocean igniting renewed interest in marine conservation, more travellers are seeking meaningful ways to turn environmental concern into impactful action.

Coco Collection, a leading luxury resort brand in the Maldives, demonstrates that responsible travel and indulgent island experiences can coexist harmoniously. At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, located in the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll, guests are offered the opportunity to actively engage in ocean conservation efforts while enjoying a tranquil tropical retreat.

Far more than a scenic escape, the resort serves as a centre for daily, impactful sustainability work. Conservation initiatives at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu include:

Coral restoration projects, led by the in-house marine biologist to regenerate local reef ecosystems.
Sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, hosted at the Maldives’ first veterinary-run turtle rescue centre in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. Visitors can tour the centre, observe turtle feedings, and register in advance to volunteer.
Turtle hatching monitoring, involving the observation of protected nests to ensure hatchlings can be safely guided back to the ocean.
Guided snorkelling and diving excursions in the Baa Atoll’s thriving marine ecosystem, which is home to tropical fish, vibrant coral gardens, and sea turtles.

Following World Turtle Day on 23 May, the resort also commemorates the beginning of turtle hatching season. Weekly marine talks and immersive conservation activities allow guests to deepen their understanding and connection to the ocean.

In 2024, the Olive Ridley Project’s Maldives Research team reported 168 new turtle nests, over 5,264 successful hatchings, and nearly 3,500 turtle sightings. Since 2013, the project has surpassed 40,000 recorded sea turtle encounters, with Coco Collection associates logging the highest number of turtle encounters in the Maldives.

In addition to marine conservation, the resort offers a broad range of water sports — including water skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking — along with cultural experiences through its Coco Experiences programme.

Recognised among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is celebrated for its authentic Maldivian heritage, breathtaking natural surroundings, and steadfast commitment to sustainability.

Whether visitors are nature enthusiasts, aspiring conservationists, or simply seeking a purposeful and mindful retreat, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu provides a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough and contribute to lasting environmental stewardship.

As sustainability-focused holidays approach, the resort is preparing a range of experiences for both guests and staff. Planned activities include tree planting, Saifodhu (a traditional Maldivian high tea accompanied by a display of homemade goods), a sustainable dining experience, and a sustainability presentation led by the resort’s Marine Educator and the ORP team in celebration of World Environment Day. For World Oceans Day, the island is also set to host various sustainability-driven events and experiences.