Featured
Emerald Faarufushi Resort appoints Patrick de Staercke as General Manager
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, the newest addition to The Emerald Collection and proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced the appointment of Patrick de Staercke as General Manager.
De Staercke will oversee all operations at Emerald Faarufushi as it prepares to open on June 30, 2022. With his appointment comes news that the resort is now available for bookings.
The second Maldivian property in family-owned The Emerald Collection is set on a seven-hectare private island in the archipelago’s Raa Atoll, just 20-minutes by boat from sister property Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa. With the continuing rise in demand for family holidays at Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, de Staercke will oversee the development of nine new Family Villas on Emerald Faarufushi, enabling the island to cater to multi-generational groups and affirming The Emerald Collection’s position as a leading expert in luxury family holidays.
Showcasing a strong background in resort operations and management in the Maldives and Asia, de Staercke joins Emerald Faarufushi from SAii Lagoon Maldives, where he acted as General Manager during the turbulent peak of Covid-19. With a background in F&B management, de Staerke is perfectly suited to launch Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, which boasts an exciting Deluxe All-Inclusive concept covering meals and drinks at the resort’s numerous bars, restaurants and venues.
Framed by one of the Maldives’ most languid and extensive lagoons, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa is a picturesque and lusciously green island with a beautiful house reef, a state-of-the-art spa and unmatched dining. The island features 80 villas including a show stopping Presidential Villa located on the pristine beach. With five fantastic restaurants and two bars to choose from as part of its signature Deluxe All-Inclusive formula, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa will offer a level of variety, quality, and creativity that is simply unmatched in the Maldives.
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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