Featured
Gili Lankanfushi appoints new General Manager
Gili Lankanfushi, one of the Maldives most beautiful eco-resorts, has announced the appointment of Nicolas Khairallah as General Manager.
Located on a private island in the North Malé Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi has set the benchmark for barefoot luxury in the Maldives, with 45 overwater villas and a sustainable philosophy.
Already an integral member of the Gili Lankanfushi family, Nicolas joined the resort as Resort Manager in October 2017, leading the day-to-day operations alongside the then General Manager.
Prior to his move to the Maldives, Nicolas held various leadership positions in the UAE, USA, Canada and Switzerland, his most recent as Cluster Director of Operational Innovation with Marriott International in Dubai, which saw him work across three hotels with a total of 736 rooms.
A Canadian citizen, Nicolas began his hospitality journey in Geneva where he obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Hotel Management from Swiss Hotel Management School before working as Guest Services Manager at Sheraton Center in Montreal, Canada.
From here, the multilingual hotelier spent three years in San Francisco as Director of Front Office for W Hotel until he relocated to Dubai in 2014 as a Performance Consultant for TSA Solutions, overseeing a portfolio of up to 30 hotels in nine countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Fluent in English, French and Arabic, and known for his composed yet down-to-earth nature and hands-on approach, Nicolas brings fresh perspective and enthusiasm to his new role.
Since joining in 2017, he has helped lead the luxury resort during key milestones including a $4 million refurbishment project in 2019 and reaching No. 1 resort in the world on TripAdvisor in 2017 and No. 1 in the Maldives in 2018.
“I am honoured to be appointed to take the helm of one of the top luxury resorts in the Maldives. It is a true privilege to work alongside an amazing team of dedicated hosts who constantly rise above expectations to create timeless memories for our guests,” Nicolas said.
“As my Gili Story continues, I look forward to advancing the plan we have in place, to expand our brand’s reach, build stronger connections with the local community, maintain fruitful relationships with our partners and deliver genuine experiences for our guests.”
Located in the North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi opened in 2000 as the original over water resort Soneva Gili. In 2012, the island was acquired by HPL (Hotel Properties Limited) a Singapore based company investing in hotels, lifestyle and properties around the world.
Voted number one hotel in the world by Trip Advisor in 2015, Gili Lankanfushi is an easy 20-minute speedboat transfer from Male international airport.
Set in the middle of its own lagoon, guests enjoy a barefoot existence with 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean.
Gili Lankanfushi’s 45 overwater villas, including the vast and secluded Private Reserve offer unrivalled privacy.
The wellbeing of the planet is at the heart of the Gili Lankanfushi, with each stay contributing towards preserving the natural environment, protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and treading lightly.
Rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from USD $1,335++ per night in a Villa Suite, based on double occupancy. For more information, please visit www.gililankanfushi.com.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
Featured
Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright
Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.
At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.
The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.
Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.
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