Connect with us

Featured

William Harley-Fleming assumes new role as Cluster General Manager for JA Manafaru, JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort

Published

on

William Harley-Fleming, General Manager of JA Resorts and Hotels’ JA Manafaru resort in the Maldives, has assumed a new role within the Dubai-based international hospitality group — the Cluster General Manager for JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort and JA Manafaru.

As part of his new role, Harley-Fleming will oversee all operational responsibilities and the day-to-day management of both resorts. He will also be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to build on the current offering and guest experiences at the award-wining JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort.

“JA Resorts and Hotels commitment to delivering ‘heartfelt hospitality’ and ‘casual luxury’ to its guests as well as bringing in a vast range of unique experiences and offerings is why the brand continues to hold such a strong position in the hospitality sector. Having been part of the brand for many years, I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of the team at JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort and to drive the development of the property and further enhance its offerings,” Harley-Fleming was quoted in a statement, as saying.

Prior to joining JA Resorts and Hotels, Harley-Fleming held a number of roles with renowned hospitality companies, including, Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts and Radisson Blu in the UK and Thailand.

He joined JA Resorts and Hotels in 2007 as Corporate Food and Beverage Concept Director, overlooking the conceptual development of the food and beverage outlets within the group. Soon, he was promoted to a dual role as the General Manager of JA Oasis Beach Tower and JA Ocean View Hotel, having held the position of Resident Manager of JA Oasis Beach Tower and General Manager of Bateaux Dubai.

In 2014, Harley-Fleming became the General Manager of JA Manafaru, the brand’s second oversees property.

Under Harley-Fleming’s management, JA Manafaru has received numerous global awards, including being voted the 10th best hotel in the world in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2017. This ranking is determined by traveller’s comments worldwide, collated on an annual basis and the hallmarks of winners are remarkable service, quality and value.

The resort has been awarded the Best Resort in the Maldives by Maldives Resort Ranking, which represents overall happiness computed from guest reviews and other signals. It has also been recognised as the Best Resort in the Hotel and Resort category at the Seven Star Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards for the third year in a row, and as the Best Honeymoon Resort at the 2017 World Luxury Hotels Awards.

In addition, the resort’s Royal Island Suites have won the World Travel Awards for Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite and Maldives’ Leading Hotel Suite for three consecutive years.

David Thomson, Chief Operating Officer at JA Resorts and Hotels, said: “William has been an integral part our team for more than 10 years and possesses a wealth of knowledge and understanding of our brand’s values and vision. The growing success at JA Manafaru under his leadership and his continuous commitment to strengthening the brand’s portfolio is a testament to bringing him on board to further develop and enhance our flagship property and Dubai’s only true resort, JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort.”

Accessible via a 75-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport or by a 45-minute domestic flight to Hanimaadhoo Airport followed by a 35-minute luxury speedboat transfer, JA Manafaru is a peaceful haven situated in the northernmost atoll of Haa Alif, where world-class service is delivered amidst dazzling turquoise waters, white sand beaches, distinct Maldivian architecture and lush vegetation.

A total of 83 villas and suites, each with their own private plunge pool are dotted throughout the spacious island. Additionally, find island bliss with over eight spa treatment rooms at the award-winning Calm Spa, gourmet galore at one of seven restaurants and create lasting memories with water sports such as scuba diving, jet skiing and kayaking.

Drink

Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar

Published

on

The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.

The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.

Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.

The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.

Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.

Continue Reading

Featured

Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground

Published

on

Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.

The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.

Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.

The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.

The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.

Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.

Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.

Continue Reading

Featured

World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Published

on

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.

The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.

Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.

InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.

Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.

The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.