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LUX* South Ari Atoll brings culinary, F&B team to new heights

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From left to right: Hussain Niyaz – Assistant Director of F&B; Ishan Mark Anthony Perera – Executive Chef; Sangeeth Ambadi – Food & Beverage Manager; Daminda Sanjeewa Hereth Bandarage – Assistant Food & Beverage Manager.

With a strong belief and passion in talent development, The Lux Collective’s well-loved resort LUX* South Ari Atoll has announced its recent internal promotions and names the key players in Culinary and Food & Beverage teams.

Hussain Niyaz – Assistant Director of F&B

Born and raised in the sunny Maldives, Niyaz started his career back in 2001 as a waiter in Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. Along his Food & Beverage career path, he has joined several renowned properties in the Maldives, including One & Only Reethi Rah and Finolhu, where he contributed to the pre-openings. Since 2020, Niyaz has led the Food & Beverage service team of LUX* South Ari Atoll, overseeing a collection of 8 restaurants, 5 bars, and in-villa dining operations. His management capabilities and eye for detail are recognised with his promotion to the position of Assistant F&B Director.

Ishan Mark Anthony Perera – Executive Chef

Growing up in Sri Lanka, surrounded by fresh and colorful ingredients, Mark has always found himself interested in the use of healthy organic produce. His love for food in combination with passion for service brought him to the hospitality industry. Throughout his career, he has worked with numerous luxury brands across different countries and supported several pre-opening properties. Following his dream to work in the Maldives, Mark joined LUX* South Ari Atoll in 2018 as Executive Pastry Chef, and his leadership earned him the role of Executive Chef in 2022. Today, he spearheads the resort’s culinary innovations along with his team, while elevating LUX* Resorts & Hotels signature Keen On Green brand initiative.

Sangeeth Ambadi – Food & Beverage Manager

Coming from India, Sangeeth joined LUX* South Ari Atoll as a bartender back in 2015. From the first days of his journey with the resort, he consistently serves as a role model for the teammates. His leadership skills, and knowledge of operations earned him the role of Food & Beverage Supervisor in just two years. Sangeeth was promoted to Restaurant Manager, and Food & Beverage Assistant Manager in 2019. His new role as Food & Beverage Manager is a result of his continuous strive for perfection and immense support of the island’s operation.

Daminda Sanjeewa Hereth Bandarage – Assistant Food & Beverage Manager

Daminda, originally from Sri Lanka, is another wonderful story of growing talents from within. Joining the resort 2008 as a bartender, he became the Head Bartender in 2011. Daminda is an ambassador of our brand’s purpose to “help people celebrate life”, always ensuring the highest level of service to guests in the outlets. His dedication and inspiration resulted in several promotions over a decade. He has been appointed as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager.

Supporting talents and inspiring growth from within the organisation is one of the top priorities of The Lux Collective hospitality group. Its large team of shining personalities across different resorts globally and also at LUX* South Ari Atoll works day-to-day together on the island, creating memorable experiences for Maldives’ tourists and visitors.

For more information about LUX* South Ari Atoll, please visit www.luxresorts.com, contact stay@luxmaldivesresort.com or call +960 668 0901.

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Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories

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Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.

The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.

The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.

A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.

Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.

Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.

The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.

All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.

The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.

The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.

The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.

Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.

The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.

The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.

The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.

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Awards

.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026

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.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.

The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.

The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.

At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.

Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.

Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.

The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.

The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.

Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.

The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.

The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.

These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.

The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.

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Awards

Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027

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Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.

The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.

Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.

The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.

Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.

Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.

Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.

Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.

The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.

The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.

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