News
Coco Collection strengthens executive team with new appointments
Maldives.net.mv – Coco Collection welcomes new General Managers for Coco Bodu Hithi, the stylish luxury boutique resort in North Malé Atoll, and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, the barefoot luxury eco-resort in Baa Atoll, as well as a Director of Marketing at the helm of the Marketing and PR team in the corporate head office.
To lead the marketing efforts of the group, Shafa Shabeer has been appointed as Director of Marketing for Coco Collection. With a Masters in Marketing and Strategy from University of Warwick, Shafa has in depth knowledge of the properties, having worked with Coco Collection from 2002 until 2013. During this time, she implemented property action plans with the ultimate goal to successfully position the brand in the luxury market. Having grown up with the Coco values instilled in her by Shabeer Ahmed, her father and the founder of the Sunland Group of Companies, she will ensure that Coco Collection maintains its status as a leading boutique luxury brand.
Coco Bodu Hithi sees the addition of a hospitality veteran as its new General Manager. Hailing from Greece with an educational background from the top-ranking Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland, Georgios Papazoglou’s career in the hospitality industry spans over 25 years and began in his home city of Athens. From here, he progressed to notable names in the industry such as Hilton, Club Med and Starwood, where he was responsible for the overall operations of two Starwood managed Hotels with a total of 766 keys. With a stellar background in hotel and resort operations, Georgios will take Coco Bodu Hithi to new heights of excellence in guest experience.
With strong Brazilian roots, Elza Artiaga has over 16 years of experience in the 5-star hotel industry as she joins Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu as its first female General Manager. Having successfully inhabited Senior Management roles within the Ritz-Carlton brand in city hotels and resorts in the USA and the Caribbean, Elza has a proven track record in developing her teams. Most recently, she was the Hotel Manager of the multi-award winning Carlisle Bay Resort in Antigua, a 5-star resort within the Campbellgrey Hotels. With excellent leadership skills, Elza will ensure to surpass the strategic goals of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
“We take exceptional pride in announcing the appointment of these dedicated professionals, heightening the importance of our Maldivian roots as well as our passion to form a diverse team. With Elza and Georgios at the helm of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi, respectively, and with Shafa overlooking the Marketing efforts of Coco Collection, we are confident that we will be able to inspire our guests with unique experiences and provide the ultimate in guest services”, comments Armand Chaudhary, Chief Operating Officer of Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection.
Featured
Unveiling ultimate escape: GlobeAir’s long-haul service to The Nautilus Maldives
The Nautilus Maldives has announced an extraordinary partnership with GlobeAir, Europe’s leading private jet operator. This exclusive collaboration introduces GlobeAir’s long-haul private jet services to the Maldives, setting a new benchmark for bespoke travel and offering an unparalleled journey into the world of ultimate luxury.
By joining forces, The Nautilus and GlobeAir aim to redefine bespoke travel, combining their expertise to deliver highly personalised and unforgettable experiences for the most discerning global travellers. This partnership seamlessly merges two realms of exceptional luxury, elevating both the travel experience and the destination itself.
GlobeAir’s newly launched long-haul private jet services to the Maldives reimagine private aviation with tailored itineraries, exceptional service, and unmatched comfort. From the moment passengers board, their journey is designed to reflect the elegance and exclusivity synonymous with The Nautilus. This collaboration exemplifies The Nautilus’s commitment to absolute freedom and bespoke ultra-luxury hospitality, where every detail is meticulously curated to ensure an unforgettable experience. Together, The Nautilus and GlobeAir invite guests to embark on a seamless transition from takeoff to the barefoot luxury of the Maldives.
The Exclusive Nautilus Experience:
- A Seamless Voyage: Guests begin their journey with a round-trip aboard a GlobeAir private jet, where every detail is crafted to provide ultimate comfort and personalised service.
- A Timeless Stay in Paradise: Upon arrival at The Nautilus, time slows down, and bespoke experiences take centre stage. With only 26 ultra-luxury boho-chic houses and residences, each space offers complete privacy and is tailored to individual preferences.
- Complimentary Cinema Under the Stars: Guests can indulge in an enchanting beachside cinema experience, featuring a custom bokkura setup and the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean. The evening is complete with a bottle of fine champagne, blending barefoot sophistication with the magic of the Maldives.
Featured
Bond beyond travel: Iain and Debbie’s 40-visit love affair with Reethi Faru Resort
Reethi Faru Resort proudly celebrates the extraordinary journey of two devoted guests, Iain and Debbie, who recently marked a special milestone: Debbie’s 40th visit to the Maldives. Iain, who has visited even more frequently, shares this remarkable tradition with Debbie, which began in 2005 when they discovered the Mahogany Group by chance. Since then, their deep connection with the resort has brought them back year after year.
Iain and Debbie’s love for the Maldives transcends mere vacations, evolving into a meaningful relationship with the resort and its staff. “When we arrive, it feels like we’re meeting family at the end of a very long journey,” Debbie shares, describing the warm and welcoming environment that greets them every time. Their bond with the staff is reflected in the many holidays, birthdays, and special occasions they have celebrated together.
Now retired, the couple enjoys extended stays at Reethi Faru, often spending up to three months a year diving, dining, and relaxing at the spa. Their loyalty to the resort is a testament to the exceptional service and community spirit it fosters. “We know everyone who works in the restaurants, and they treat us like friends,” Iain explains. “Those little touches—like trying something new or receiving a taster dish—make all the difference.”
The emotional connection the couple has with the resort runs deep. “Every time we leave, I cry all day, even though I know I’ll be back in a few months,” Debbie admits. “It’s always very hard to leave such a wonderful place.”
Iain and Debbie have also shared their enthusiasm for Reethi Faru with others, inspiring friends to join them. “We’ve recommended Reethi Faru to many of our friends, and it has become a central meeting point for divers and food lovers,” Iain says. “We all share a common passion for what we love.”
Having now visited Reethi Faru 30 times, the couple has already planned their next trip to the resort, underscoring their unwavering affection for the island paradise.
Reethi Faru Resort remains committed to fostering an environment where guests can create lasting memories and forge deep connections. The resort eagerly anticipates welcoming Iain, Debbie, and all returning guests for many years to come.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
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