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Atmosphere Hotels celebrates women in hospitality
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is celebrating all women in the hospitality industry this International Women’s Day on March 8.
Currently, three of the five resorts are run by female General Managers, with many additional management positions also filled by women in the corporate and resort teams.
General Managers are tasked with empowering all employees and ensuring their professional development, whether male or female.
Monica Suri, General Manager of VARU by Atmosphere, provides regular feedback and catch up sessions to all female staff, with the aim to help encourage women to climb the career ladder by setting personalised professional goals.
Suri also uses this open platform to enable women to highlight any issues and encourages an open debate on the issues surrounding women in the workplace.
“After a long sabbatical, I felt in a position to return to the professional world and could only have done so with the support of my family and friends. I advise my female colleagues that the best place to start is to believe in themselves and set goals – then anything is possible,” Suri was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Lisa Gerosa, Resort Manager at OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo, has set up a monthly women’s forum, La Femme, which promotes the professional development of female employees and ongoing communication between colleagues. Specific topics include free breast cancer screening offered to all female employees by the resort doctor, along with projects such as supporting local children’s homes and mental health workshops.
“We have regular Skype conference calls with female executives across all resorts, to exchange ideas and look for ideas and ways to contribute to female empowerment within the company. These can range from one-to-one sessions with staff, to addressing female-specific professional issues, such as ensuring a good work-life balance,” Gerosa said.
Maria Luisa Lalli, General Manager at OBLU Helengeli, oversees a project involving local Maldivian women and guests at the resort. Each week, women from the local islands can visit and sell authentic, handmade items. Not only does this activity help boost women’s incomes, but also gives them more independence and confidence.
“Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts takes care of its female — and of course male — staff in a variety of areas. We are like one big family and ensure the company’s core philosophy, The Joy of Giving, is always adhered to,” Lalli said.
“For women in leadership roles, it’s crucial that the core values of the company are coming from the top and filtered down. Success in the hospitality industry is about mutual respect, ongoing support and trust. This is what we are striving for every day and long may it continue.”
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts has consistently appointed female leaders in various management positions, across both the corporate and resort teams since the company’s inception in 2013.
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is a dynamic and fast-growing Indian Ocean hospitality group currently based in the Maldives.
Atmosphere’s first property, Atmosphere Kanifushi, opened its doors in December 2013. The group opened its second property, OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli, in November 2015; followed by their flagship lifestyle luxury sub-brand, OZEN by Atmosphere, in July 2016; and then OBLU Select at Sangeli, which opened in July 2018. The newest addition to the portfolio, VARU by Atmosphere, opened in October 2019.
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts offers guest-centric resort experiences through unique resort plans, offering guests a range of all-encompassing experiences, with varieties of dining options as well as a number of complimentary amenities and activities that ensure a relaxed, hassle-free holiday experience at each resort, all while staying true to the brand’s core philosophy: ‘The Joy of Giving’.
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection has announced a collaboration with Ahmed Aleem Shakoor, who is currently in residence at the resort, introducing a creative element to the guest experience.
Aleem, a self-taught artist, is known for work that combines maritime themes, surrealism and symbolism. His practice spans watercolours, acrylics and mixed media, drawing inspiration from the Maldives’ history and ocean landscapes, often expressed through the use of light, depth and narrative.
During his residency, Aleem is working with the resort to develop a series of artistic and cultural experiences aimed at engaging guests. These include live painting sessions, informal interactions with the artist and workshops designed to encourage creative participation.
The programme forms part of the resort’s wider activities, with offerings such as mini canvas painting, coconut painting and creative art sessions available to guests. In addition, Tales Painted in Sunlight combines elements of Maldivian folklore, storytelling and visual art, providing further insight into local culture.
The collaboration reflects the resort’s approach to incorporating local artistic talent into its programming, while offering guests opportunities to engage with creative activities in a relaxed setting. The residency is designed to allow guests to explore artistic expression as part of their island experience.
As part of its seasonal programme, selected artistic activities are also included in the resort’s Easter offerings, providing additional opportunities for guests to take part in creative experiences during their stay.
Amilla Maldives has been named a joint winner in the Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel category at the Experientialist Awards 2026, following a Highly Commended recognition in the same category in 2025.
The Experientialist Awards recognise organisations shaping travel through inclusivity, individuality and design, with the inclusive travel category highlighting initiatives that address not only accessibility, but also how journeys are experienced by guests.
At Amilla Maldives, accessibility is integrated into the overall guest experience. The resort adopts an approach that begins at the planning stage and continues throughout the stay, with a focus on understanding individual guest needs and adapting experiences accordingly.
Aligned with its In Harmony with Purpose philosophy, the resort has introduced a range of measures aimed at improving accessibility. These include villa features designed for ease of use, accessible pathways across the island and adaptive experiences such as inclusive snorkelling and wellness sessions.
As an IncluCare Verified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to develop its offering through feedback and collaboration, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity across its operations.
Commenting on the recognition, Morgan Martinello said the resort remains focused on creating travel experiences that feel natural and accessible. He noted that the continued recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity.
The award from OutThere, a platform focused on diversity and inclusion in travel, marks a further step in the resort’s efforts to create accessible and inclusive guest experiences.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, part of Centara Hotels and Resorts, has marked its first anniversary, highlighting a year of operations as a luxury island resort within The Atollia development.
During its first year, the resort has received international recognition, including being named among Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotels in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 and listed among the Top Ten Best Maldives Resorts in the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
Since opening, the resort has offered a collection of beachfront and overwater villas, along with two- and three-bedroom residences designed to provide privacy and space. Accommodation options include private pools or Jacuzzis, with design elements incorporating contemporary architecture, natural materials and Thai-inspired influences.
The resort’s concept draws on Thai heritage, reflected across its wellness, dining and guest experiences. At SPA Cenvaree Retreat, treatments are inspired by traditional Thai wellness practices. Dining options across the resort include live cooking experiences at The Gallery, Mediterranean-inspired seafood at Bluefin, and beverage offerings at venues such as Sunset Social, The Club and Coco Drift.
Guests can also take part in a range of leisure and recreational activities, including water sports and marine experiences. The resort caters to a variety of travellers, offering facilities for families, including a kids’ club and an entertainment zone for teenagers, as well as spaces for private events, group stays and corporate gatherings.
Commenting on the milestone, Jorge Fernandez said the resort combines elements of Thai heritage with the Maldivian environment to create a distinct guest experience. He noted that recognition received during the first year reflects the resort’s approach to hospitality, sustainability and service, while also acknowledging the role of guests and staff in its development.
As it marks its first anniversary, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives continues to focus on delivering curated guest experiences, with an emphasis on hospitality, design and sustainable operations within the destination.
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