Featured
LUX* South Ari Atoll: #BreakTheBias everyday
LUX* South Ari Atoll is proud to celebrate women’s achievements and highlight its commitment to promote gender equality by raising awareness against bias and stereotypes.
This year, LUX* South Ari Atoll celebrates all the powerful and influential women throughout the month of March by recognising female leaders among its team members and across the country while sharing their uplifting stories, cheering together for their achievements, and supporting them along the way.
The Ladies Power behind LUX* South Ari Atoll includes 56 inspiring women of 14 different nationalities working together hand in hand, holding positions in various departments to help people Celebrate Life every day. Their dedication and passion add great value and a heartwarming touch to the guests’ journey at LUX* South Ari Atoll.
Female leadership is not new to LUX* South Ari Atoll and is represented by women from various backgrounds. Mirella Veder is the talented Director of Sales, born in the island settings of Mauritius and now developing tourism in the sunny Maldives.
Sindy Lagare is another Mauritian colleague who joined LUX* South Ari family about eight years ago and now leads the wellness department as the Director of Spa & Wellness. A new joiner from Ukraine Anastasiya Babenko is the PR & Marketing Manager, developing creative strategies and hunting for new ideas.

The resort’s Housekeeping Supervisor, Sathuna Hamza, is coming from the North of the Maldives and arrived at the island as a coordinator back in 2014.
Another Maldivian talent is Aminath Shamheeda, whose passion for childcare brought her to the Assistant Kids Club Manager position.

In support of the main International Women’s Day mission – ‘To celebrate the work of women creatives and elevate visibility for commercial projects and commissions’ – LUX* South Ari Atoll also called on creative spirits of the Maldives for a special Ladies Power Day. Artists, content creators, designers, fitness leaders, entrepreneurs gathered on the idyllic tropical island, to share their own stories on how they continue to #BreakTheBias on the way to success during the special Ladies Power Lunch and enjoyed a full day exploring the resort.
The invitees included fitness enthusiasts: Kai, a famous Maldivian coach and founder of Train with Kai, and Imna Maryam, Marketing Director of Tropical Fitness who actively promotes female empowerment in the corporate setting. The creative story tellers around the table were Naj, a photographer and videographer, founder of Two Thousand Isles, Naza Nazeem, the content creator at Hotelier Maldives, and Aishath Aima Musthafa, a renowned artist and one of the founders of the Maldives Authentic Crafts Cooperative Society.
Aishath Shabana, the Partnerships Manager of the Maldives Ocean Plastic Alliance, and Viktoriia Narozhna, the Reservation Manager of Resort Life Maldives, are the passionate supporters of local sustainable development and tourism.
Guests of the resort are also included in the celebration and are welcome to enjoy special offers during their stay. One of the highlights is the ‘Mother and Daughter’ pampering experience in the LUX* ME Spa, with beauty treatments and fitness activities designed for ladies of all ages.
For more information on the resort’s Corporate Social Responsibility activities, please visit www.luxresorts.com or the @luxsouthari Instagram page.
Featured
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives aligns festive events with World of Care commitments
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.
Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.
From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.
On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.
Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.
A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.
On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.
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.
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