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Noku Maldives welcomes new General Manager
Noku Maldives has welcomed their new General Manager Manoharan ‘Mano’ Mannarlingam.
Born and raised in Singapore, Mano knew hospitality was the career for him while working part-time in Boulevard Hotel during his school holidays. He enjoyed his time engaging with locals and sharing about Singapore with foreign guests.
When it came to further his studies, he took the opportunity and enrolled himself in the Bachelor of Science programme (Business Administration majoring in Travel Industry Management) at Hawaii Pacific University. During his free time, he had the chance to travel, explored the country and was able to widen his horizon.
Upon graduating from university, Mano returned to sunny Singapore and embarked on his first hospitality career at InterContinental Hotel in 2008. During this time, he moved through the ranks and into different departments from Front Office to Revenue Management.
His passion for hospitality also extended into the classrooms at Raffles Academy Singapore where he was the lecturer and course coordinator for Diploma in Hotel Management educating young aspiring teenagers.
In 2006, he rose from a Front Office Manager to Revenue Manager and was promoted to Director of Revenue Management in 2010. In 2012, he moved on to become the Director of Revenue Management at Orchard Hotel.
In 2013, Mano was appointed the Group Operations Director and General Manager of Scarlet Singapore and the Scarlet Huntington San Francisco. The property in Singapore was lauded the city state’s Leading Boutique Hotel in the 2017 World Travel Awards.
With years of operational and management experience, he took on the role as General Manager of Capri by Fraser in Johor Bahru, Malaysia from 2018 till 2020. He was fundamental in the opening development and progress of the hotel.
“I am thrilled to join the Noku family and have always wanted to get my hands in running a resort and am thankful for the opportunity. With the support from the team we can beat this pandemic and continue to create memorable experiences for our guests that we are fondly known for,” Mano, who is taking up the first resort posting outside of Singapore, said.
A scenic 45-minute flight by seaplane from Velana International Airport takes you to the balmy shores of Noku Maldives. Situated on Kudafunafaru in Noonu Atoll, the resort offers comfort, space and tranquillity that are second to none.
There are 20 spacious beach villas and 30 overwater villas, each designed to offer privacy and fitted with modern amenities that provide comfort. The refined elegance of each villa with its soft white hues and dark wood accents complement the beauty of nature seen through large bay windows and French doors.
For world-class dining, there’s the Palms Restaurant offering delicious local Maldivian and International cuisine. Guests can also choose to dine at Thari Restaurant offering Thai, Japanese and Singaporean cuisines. A wide range of cocktails await at Palms Bar or Thari Bar, with a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean.
To unwind, guests can indulge their senses with our wellness treatments at Noku Spa. The products used are imported directly from Sri Lanka.
Another key attraction at Noku Maldives is the house reef with its thriving ecosystem of dolphins, rays and other aquatic exotica. In partnership with Sub-Oceanic, the resort’s professional dive instructors unveil the diversity of marine life to delight everyone, from amateurs to pros.
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.
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.
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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