News
Atmosphere Core announces strategic management moves & hires

Atmosphere Core, a dynamic hospitality company, announces key new hires and redeployments within its team of General Managers for a strategic leadership shuffle that took place this year. These movements come as a part of the company’s overall business strategy as well as an ongoing commitment to nurturing and developing leadership talent.
Rikard Nilsson, a Swedish national, was appointed as the Vice President for Culinary at Atmosphere Core in August 2023. He is responsible for the company’s culinary strategy across three brands and eight resorts. Rikard is an award-winning, progressive culinary professional with over 35 years of experience in establishments, including world-class restaurants, culinary advisory boards, competitions, and culinary consulting.
Christopher Baker joined Atmosphere Core as theGeneral Manager of OBLU SELECT Lobigili & OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi in August 2023, bringing with him over 25 years of international experience. An in-depth knowledge of all business activity phases, along with a proven expertise in maintaining the highest performance standards ensure Christopherbrings alive the COLOURS OF OBLU brand experiences at both resorts.
Four key internal movements have also been implemented this year at Atmosphere Core:
Philippe Claverotte is now an integral part of a Special Task Force overseeing upcoming projects. He moved to this tactical corporate role after serving as the Vice President & General Manager of VARU By Atmosphere. Philippe philosophises that for hoteliers, giving does not only precede receiving; it is the reason for it is in giving that we receive. Under his sharp leadership, VARU By Atmosphere has received multiple accolades, including the Maldives’ leading resorts at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2023.
Mei P Pun, hailing from Malaysia, took over the baton from Philippe Claverotte, joining as the General Manager of VARU By Atmosphere. She has 20 years of international experience, and previously served as the GM of Atmosphere Kanifushi. Under her stewardship Atmosphere Kanifushi won multiple accolades including Maldives’ Leading Family Resort at WTA 2023. Passionate about nature and conservation, Mei feels fortunate to spend her days surrounded by sand and sea. She is an empathic leader who believes that Happy Colleagues always leads to Happy Guests and defines success as bringing out the best in her team.
Ram Bhoyroo switches brands, taking over as the General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi. Prior to this, he served as the General Manager of OBLU SELECT Lobigili & OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. A passionate leader hailing from Mauritius, Ram brings years of successful international experience and believes that extending gracious hospitality is the highest form of service. During his tenure, OBLU SELECT Lobigili was recognised as the Number 1 new resort in the world by Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Award 2023.
Lisa Gerosa assumed the mantle of General Manager at OBLU SELECT Sangeli moving from OBLU NATURE Helengeli, as a part of the initiative to develop internal talent. Hailing from Italy, Lisa has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and for the last 9 years she has held managerial positions with leading companies across the globe, sharpening business analysis, budgeting, and operations management expertise. This puts her in a strong position to deliver on financial objectives along with exceptional guest experiences. Ashwin Handa, the Senior Vice President of Operations at Atmosphere Core says, “Honing on our culture of cultivating internal talent, we have over this year strategically redeployed our general managers across resorts, aiming to develop operational expertise by immersing senior management in new challenges and new brands. In addition, we have also brought in key talent. These changes align with our overarching vision to fortify the team, supporting our expansion plans, achieving business goals, and upholding an impeccable service standard.
Entertainment
The Presets to ignite nights in exclusive Kandooma Maldives showcase in April 2026

Imagine your favourite music festival—but swap muddy fields for white sands, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. In April 2026, acclaimed electronic duo The Presets will trade stadiums and festival crowds for an exclusive beachfront series of shows at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, offering fans an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime island escape curated by Music in Paradise.
From Coachella to Splendour in the Grass, The Presets—Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes—have made their mark on the global stage. But this time, they’re doing things differently. From 11–18 April 2026, fans will experience a week of sun-drenched luxury capped off by three electrifying live performances, including a sunset DJ set on the beach and an exclusive rooftop party at the resort’s Sunset Bar.
“We’re beyond excited to host The Presets at Kandooma,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Their energy, talent, and incredible live shows are a perfect match for our vibrant island setting. Guests can expect something truly unforgettable.”
With a career spanning two decades, The Presets are electronic music royalty in Australia. Their breakout 2008 album Apocalypso went triple platinum and produced the festival anthem “My People.” With multiple ARIA Awards, APRA Songwriter of the Year titles, and collaborations like the RAKA EP with Golden Features under their belt, the duo continues to shape the sound of electronic music worldwide.
Their 2018 album HI VIZ soared to the top of iTunes within hours of release and included hits like “Do What You Want” and “Martini,” both nominated for major Australian music prizes.
Fans can now secure the Early Bird Gold Experience Package for A$3,790 per person (twin share) for seven nights in a Beach Villa—saving over $1,000. This VIP experience includes:
- Entry to 3 Nightly Exclusive Events
- 3 Intimate Performances
- Meet & Greet with artists
- Professional Photo with artists
- Music in Paradise Welcome Bag
- Music in Paradise Event Poster
- Event commemorative t-shirt
- Return shared Speedboat airport transfers
- Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
- Delicious buffet breakfast daily at Kandooma Café
- Tea, coffee & bottled water in-villa, and replenished daily
- Complimentary snorkel trip & use of snorkelling gear
- Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee
Additional packages offering different villa types are also available exclusively from Music in Paradise here. All packages exclude airfares.
News
Embudu Village achieves Travelife Gold certification for sustainability

Embudu Village, one of Maldives’ most cherished island resorts, has been awarded the Travelife Gold Certification, a globally recognised mark of excellence in sustainable tourism. The certification encompasses a resort’s environmental footprint, impact in the community, as well as labour standards, and the protection of biodiversity.
Embudu Village previously held the Travelife Silver Certification. Following a recent evaluation, though, the resort successfully met Travelife’s comprehensive criteria for Gold Certification. This accomplishment reflects Embudu’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Travelife, a leading international sustainability certification body for hotels and resorts, evaluates properties against a strict checklist. Certification is awarded after an in-depth, on-site audit conducted by an independent auditor. The findings undergo a comprehensive quality assurance review before Travelife confers certification status.
Expressing his gratitude in receiving the certification, Ramsay Perera, General Manager of Kaimoo Resorts, said: “Our team is thrilled to be recognised with the Travelife Gold Certification. This reflects our longstanding commitment to sustainable tourism and protecting the natural beauty of Maldives.”
As one of the Maldives’ pioneering resorts, Embudu continues to lead by example, proving that authentic island hospitality can go hand in hand with sustainable practices. With the Travelife Gold Certification, Embudu Village strengthens its promise to offer guests a meaningful holiday experience in the heart of the Maldives.
Awards
Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa recognised in Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards

Building on Amilla Maldives’ recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, Javvu Spa is celebrating its own honour in this prestigious global listing.
Nestled within the island’s lush jungle and bordered by the Indian Ocean, Javvu Spa offers a peaceful retreat where modern wellness gently blends with nature’s rhythms. This recognition is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the spa team’s dedication and Amilla’s ongoing focus on personalised, intuitive care for the wellbeing of its guests.
This honour follows Amilla Maldives’ own recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, positioning the resort as one of a select group of destinations worldwide to be acknowledged for both its resort and spa. The dual recognition reflects a thoughtful commitment to excellence across the guest experience, from island living to holistic wellness.
Javvu Spa’s inclusion in the 2025 Star Awards further strengthens its role as a leading wellness destination in the Maldives, offering guests a serene sanctuary to restore, reconnect and renew.
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