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Kandolhu Island’s wonder couple running the show

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Kandolhu

Maldives.net.mv – Barely 200 metres in size, fringed with a naturally intricate aquatic ecosystem, Kandolhu Island is your best kept secret, where one can saunter around the islet’s soft, wide beaches, and watch the sunset sweeping under a canopy of a starlit night sky. With 30 distinct villas boasting rich contemporary design and architecture, 4 à la carte restaurants offering international gourmet fare with range of extensive beverages, a spa showcasing the island’s signature product VOYA and an array of carefully handpicked treatments, Kandolhu stands out as an excellent choice for the discerning travellers.

But who really runs the show at Kandolhu to provide the quintessential experience to our guests? The answer: a pair of incredibly dedicated professionals with a globe-trotting, far-reaching background in the hospitality and tourism industry. Marc LeBlanc, helms the title of Resort Manager with his partner Laura Robinson, who leads the Front Office team, while delivering their diverse subset of skills with passion.

Born in New Brunswick, Canada and of proud French Canadian descent; Marc is an energetic leader with impressive accomplishments in a variety of areas in the hospitality industry, which include both hotel and resort general and operational management, revenue management, front office and reservations, and corporate quality, training and development. He has made valuable contributions to properties along the way in countries such as the Cayman Islands, St Maarten, Indonesia, in addition to various cities across his native country of Canada.

Off duty, one of Marc’s keen interests is sharing his love for music, which has seen him as a semi-professional DJ throughout his worldly travels for over 12 years, having held many club and restaurant DJ residencies, and playing small to large events throughout.

Laura similarly shares many such successes and is versatile and steadfast. She lends impeccable organizational and leadership skills and blends in well as Kandolhu’s co-pilot. Having also worked in numerous roles in the tourism industry, she shares her expertise in the areas of destination management, marketing and reservations. Laura is also a qualified PADI Dive Instructor and holds a Master’s degree in marine biology, with focus in tropical coastal management; and flaunts an extensive knowledge of the marine environment. All roles combined have taken her abroad to countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Malaysia, Bahamas, Honduras, Cayman Islands, St Maarten, Indonesia, while having previously worked in various regions throughout the UK.

General Manager, Abdul Latheef adds his opinion on Kandolhu’s duo describing them as ‘significant figures of the resort with the flexibility and acute ability to delegate and implement innovative ideas to upkeep quality levels and standards of the 5-star island resort’.

If you ever get the chance to visit Kandolhu Island, you will surely not miss the opportunity to meet this awesome pair who will meet and greet you with beaming smiles and warmth. Their devotion to hospitality has landed them in the very heart of the Maldivian islands, in Kandolhu. They see it as a worthy and rewarding challenge in order to broaden their careers and lives, whilst meeting people from all over the world and embracing Maldivian culture and island life.

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The Nautilus Maldives welcomes Christopher Terry as Executive Chef

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The Nautilus Maldives has announced the appointment of Christopher Terry as their new Executive Chef. Chef Terry brings a wealth of experience and a global flair to the resort’s diverse dining experiences.

A native of Antigua and Barbuda, Chef Terry’s culinary skills encompass a wide range of cuisines, including Mediterranean, French, Caribbean, European, and Asian. This makes him a perfect fit for The Nautilus, which is known for its eclectic and unique dining options.

Throughout his 15-year career, Chef Terry has honed his craft at some of the world’s most prestigious luxury resorts, including Aman, Rosewood Resorts, and Sandals Resorts. His exceptional talent has been recognized with numerous awards, such as the Artisan Award at the Antigua & Barbuda National Youth Awards and Young Chef of the Year by the Antigua Hotel’s and Tourist Association.

Chef Terry believes in using the finest ingredients, with a focus on fresh, local produce. His culinary philosophy aligns perfectly with The Nautilus’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences and unforgettable taste journeys for its guests.

Under Chef Terry’s leadership, guests at The Nautilus can expect to explore the following:

  • Zeytoun: Offering a focus on the aromatic herbs and spices of the Mediterranean.
  • Ocaso: Blending Japanese cuisine with a modern Latin American twist.
  • Thyme: Featuring comforting international cuisine, with flavors ranging from Asian to Mediterranean.

Chef Terry’s creations promise to be a reflection of pure, high-quality ingredients, thoughtfully paired for a delicious dining experience.

Equipped with a degree in Culinary Arts and a Wines and Spirits certification, Chef Terry brings a spirit of curiosity and a passion for culinary innovation to The Nautilus. Inspired by the Maldives’s rich natural bounty and pristine ingredients, he aims to elevate The Nautilus’s menus with his signature Caribbean-infused creations.

To discover the epicurean journeys available at The Nautilus Maldives, visit www.thenautilusmaldives.com.

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Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort appoints Thaaif Ahmed appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing

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 Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, part of Minor Hotels, has announced the appointment of Thaaif Ahmed as the Director of Sales & Marketing, effective 1 May 2024. 

Thaaif brings nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with a significant portfolio  of roles within Minor Hotels. His career includes serving as the Director of Sales at NH Collection  Maldives, where he played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and fostering strategic  partnerships. 

Throughout his tenure, Thaaif has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and a profound  understanding of the industry landscape. His strategic prowess and collaborative approach have  consistently delivered outstanding results, making him a respected figure within the organisation. 

In his previous capacity as Cluster Director of Sales, overseeing Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives,  Anantara Veli Resort Maldives, and Naladhu Private Island, Thaaif contributed to the success and  growth of the brand.  

As he assumes the role of Director of Sales & Marketing at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Thaaif is  poised to leverage his wealth of experience and expertise to drive brand positioning, enhance  revenue streams, and elevate the overall guest experience. His appointment underscores the  resort’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality sector. 

Please join Stuart De San Nicolas, Cluster General Manager of Anantara Kihavah, Avani+ Fares and  NH Collection Havodda plus Riaan Drever, General Manager of Fares in congratulating Thaaif on his  well-deserved promotion. We also express our gratitude to Paul Counihan, for his support during our  pre-opening and opening stages. Paul will transition to focus on Anantara Kihavah, our sister  property in Baa Atoll, while Thaaif assumes leadership at Avani+ Fares Maldives. 

Set on the natural tropical island of Fares and surrounded by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s deep  blue hues, the resort offers an abundance of aquatic adventures as well as pristine sandy beaches  for pure relaxation. With 176 stylish villas, pavilions, and studios, Avani+ Fares welcomes couples  and honeymooners, as well as families and groups, with a focus on multi-room accommodation. 

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Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives appoints Warren Moore as Executive Chef

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Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has announced the appointment of Warren Moore as the resort’s new Executive Chef. 

Chef Warren Moore hailing from South Africa, brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise,  having earned his Culinary Degree at City and Guilds Culinary Institute. With over 25 years of  distinguished service in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry, Chef Warren is poised to elevate the  culinary offerings at Seaside Finolhu to new heights. 

In his previous role, Chef Warren served as Executive Chef at Jawakara Maldives, where he showcased  his culinary prowess and leadership skills. Prior to that, he spent seven years honing his craft within  various properties of the esteemed Crown and Champa Resorts Group. His culinary journey has taken  him across continents, including stints in South Africa, Mozambique, London, and the United States. 

As the Executive Chef at Seaside Finolhu, Chef Warren will oversee all culinary operations, ensuring  the highest standards of hygiene and food quality are maintained. His responsibilities include  supervising daily kitchen operations, managing food production, and leading kitchen staff with a focus  on excellence and innovation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Warren Moore to our team at Seaside Finolhu,” said Steven Phillips  General Manager of Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives. “His extensive experience and passion for  culinary excellence will undoubtedly enhance the dining experience for our guests and further solidify  our reputation as a gastronomic heaven in the Maldives.” 

With Chef Warren Moore at the helm, Seaside Finolhu looks forward to delivering unforgettable  culinary experiences that celebrate the rich flavours of the Maldives and beyond. 

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