Featured
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island appoints Evghenia Popazoglo as Director of Operations
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has announced the appointment of Evghenia Popazoglo as Director of Operations as the iconic twin-island resort prepares for its grand relaunch.
The property is part of Conrad Hotels & Resorts, one of Hilton’s (NYSE:HLT) global luxury hotel brands. An experienced Head of Operations and hospitality expert, Popazoglo will be responsible for elevating the guest experience whilst upholding the high-quality service standard that the resort is renowned for.
With an impressive career spanning 16 years, Popazoglo’s versatile skillset includes a background in guest relations in the MENA region. Most recently, Popazoglo was Head of Operations at OP3 EXPO and prior to this was Director of Rooms at Hilton Algiers Hotel where she successfully oversaw its renovation and re-launch. In addition, she has held leading guest service roles at Emirates Grand Hotel, Jumeirah Vittaveli Resort and Mina A’Salam Hotel.
Her penchant for travel and luxury hotels has led her to Rangali Island. With a strong eye for detail, communication expertise, financial proficiency, and motivational leadership philosophy, Popazoglo will supervise and assist the team in their constant strive to exceed guest expectations at every turn. In addition to having excellent communication and people skills, Evghenia can speak six different languages, including Russian, Greek, and Turkish. Having proficiency in these three languages is particularly important to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island as the property continues to develop these markets.
Commenting on her appointment Evghenia says: “I am delighted to be joining Conrad Maldives Rangali Island at such an exciting time for the property with its grand relaunch just around the corner. Its avant-garde philosophy has set the tone for luxury hospitality in the Maldives for the past 25 years, and it is an honor to be part of the next chapter for this iconic brand.”
Carla Puverel, General Manager, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Evghenia as the Director of Operations as Conrad Maldives Rangali Island heads into the final stage of its considerable, property-wide transformation, with reimagined water villas, culinary venues, and innovative guest experiences. It’s important that we continue to pioneer and set the standards for the destination and Evghenia has demonstrated a keen interest in embracing the resort’s dedication to innovation. We look forward to seeing her experience and insight translate into unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
Proudly the first international resort brand to arrive in the Maldives and soon to complete 25 years in time for the grand relaunch in 2022, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was and continues to be, a pioneer amongst the Maldives’ 150 resorts. Renowned for delivering authentic barefoot luxury, the twin-island property is home to the world’s first undersea restaurant Ithaa, the first underwater bedroom set within the two-level residence The MURAKA, and the first twin-island resort experience in the Maldives, amongst others.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is located in Rangali Island, 20077, Maldives. To book, call +960 668 0629 or visit conradmaldives.com.
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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