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Investing in tomorrow: Celebrating Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Hospitality Apprentices graduating in 2022, welcoming class of 2023
A country’s youth are its future and this year, the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship program saw 40 young Maldivians graduate towards brighter horizons. The Apprenticeship has been the longest running and most successful of its kind in the Indian Ocean since its inception in 2001, and celebrated its latest graduates – and inaugurating its new learners – at a special ceremony at 9:30 am on Saturday, at Maldives National University Auditorium, Malé.
Now in its 21st year, the programme has supported a total of 697 youngsters to date, setting them up for an exciting hospitality career not only in the Maldives, but potentially world-wide. The Class of 2022 graduate in disciplines including: Food & Beverage Service; Food & Beverage Preparation; Housekeeping & Guest Services; Retail; Front Office & Recreation; PADI Dive Master; Safe Maritime Transport (SMT); Engineering and Watersports Attendant.
“Investing in people is the cornerstone of great hospitality,” comments Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin. “And helping local youth achieve their potential and create empowered futures is very much a part of that. Their enthusiasm, talent, energy, and focus amaze us year on year, but the resilience shown by our current graduates, in the face of such unprecedented challenges, is particularly commendable.”
Celebrating their achievements at the graduation ceremony was Chief Guest of Honour and First Lady of the Maldives, Madam Fazna Ahmed. Inspiring young minds to dream big, she addressed both the incoming and outgoing students, as well as presenting certificates.
Despite uncertain times for the hospitality industry, the 2022 programme managed to take in 40 apprentices, with the Safe Maritime Transport module upgraded with Niyami 1 Certification and Marine Mechanic Level 3 Certifications.
The future looks bright too, with the 2023 intake welcoming 65 hopeful students from across 30 islands, and the introduction of a new third year module, Advanced Engineering.
The Four Seasons Hospitality Apprenticeship – accredited by the Government of Maldives since 2010 – is open to all young Maldivians, aged 17-20, who meet a number of entry criteria including O-Level certifications and fluency in both written and spoken English. No previous work experience is required and apprentices are fully supported to both live and work at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, training in Resort operations five days a week, with theory classes one day a week. Performance appraisals and tests are taken at regular intervals.
At its heart, the apprenticeship programme is about learning on the job, with classes conducted by professionals with many years of international experience in the luxury hotel, dive and marine industries. Recognising the need for encouragement and guidance along the way, each apprentice is assigned a buddy and mentor. Learning to work hard within an ambitious team builds stamina and character, and strengthens the apprentice’s sense of professionalism, discipline, teamwork and perseverance.
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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