Featured
Solah on Komandoo’s ‘champions’
Komandoo Resort Maldives is one of the best-ranking resorts for romance and a firm favourite to anyone looking for an adults-only, small island getaway in the Maldives.
One of the charms of this 65-villa gem in the north of Lhaviyani atoll is its passionate team.
Mohamed Solah, Komandoo’s General Manager, shares some insider tips and secrets behind the amazing team of champions at the small boutique resort.
What would be your top ‘must-do experiences’ on Komandoo?
Since Komandoo is a very romantic ‘adults only, 18 years+’ resort, my top must-do experiences are the ‘Him & Her Massage’ in our Duniye Spa, the Romantic Beach Dinner and Early Morning Breakfast by the Sea.
What makes Komandoo so different from other resorts you’ve worked at?
Komandoo has the charm of a quintessential Maldivian resort.
I have worked at different kinds of hotels from luxury to boutique but Komandoo tops it all with a very warm hospitality and the bond between the champions and the guests. The service culture at Komandoo is something that you won’t see at any other resort because of the personalised and proper service with a ‘soul’ from our champions.
On top of this, Komandoo has the perfect ‘dreamlike’, barefoot, authentic Maldivian island feeling without any vehicles on the island. Komandoo is truly magical with perfect scenery and a lively house reef with an abundance of marine life on our doorstep.
What’s your favourite dish at Aqua?
I love all food in Aqua! The tuna steak is my favourite with garlic and butter sauce on top, yummy!
Your ‘champions’ are such a highly rated part of the Komandoo experience. What’s the secret to a good team?
Komandoo has a service culture of 21 years and the team plays to their strengths. And thanks to our owners, who have always looked after the team, the retention of the team is very good. We have a lot of ‘champions’ who have been here for a long time.
I have led them in the direction of 21st century hospitality to guide them, but they have always had excellent service instincts in their blood; it comes naturally and the whole team lives and breathes warmest hospitality. They are so guest focused and their team work is the best I have ever seen in my 19 years in the hotel industry.
I think the secret is that our team understands the royalty of serving others and it makes me so proud to have changed our team to ‘champions’ because to win — to be a champion — there is lot of hard work and sacrifices behind it. This team goes out of their way to serve our guests – they are spontaneous and anticipate our guests needs very well.
We see from your activities on social media that you’re a football fan. How many football stars have you met?
I have met a few while travelling to England as a pilgrim to watch football and by meeting some at hotels that I used to work at.
My first time was meeting Robbie Savage while waiting outside the stadium in Derby. Most recently, when I watched Arsenal during the last two visits to England, I was lucky enough to be in the Directors Box and Players Lounge meeting all the players! It is difficult to put a number on it but I know a few of them in person now.
Finally, you use #ilovemyjob a lot on social media. Can you tell us more?
I use social media a lot to socialise with friends and our guests from all around the world and it is a great way to connect. I started using #Ilovemyjob few years back when I was working in Abu Dhabi as the shifts were 12 hours a day and I thought to myself, if I use positive affirmations, I would love it more. As a General Manager, I wake up before sunrise and work late at night, mostly seven days a week. I’m always around guests, champions or working from the office and I honestly love it.
Located in Lhaviyani atoll, Komandoo offers 65 villas in five categories. Each of them is independent well-appointed villas spaced adequately to provide privacy.
Since first opening in 1998, the resort has provided its guests with a unique take on the Maldivian dream holiday with its quiet, adult-only vibe, understated luxury and excellent service. It has remained one of the country’s best-ranking resorts for romance and a firm favourite to anyone looking for an adults-only, small island getaway in the Maldives.
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.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Featured
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces exclusive collaboration with Maldivian
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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