News
Universal Resorts transforms into VERSA, unveiling NIVA as cornerstone of international growth strategy
Universal Enterprises, parent company of Universal Resorts, which pioneered Maldivian hospitality over 50 years ago, on Monday announced the rebranding of its hotel management arm to VERSA Hospitality and simultaneously launched its new hospitality lifestyle brand, NIVA Hotels & Resorts.
This strategic shift transforms the independent family business from a respected and largely B2B-focused resort owner and operator into a globally recognised, consumer-centric hospitality brand designed for future growth into international markets.
Ahmed Umar Maniku, Managing Director of Universal Enterprises, said: “For over five decades, we’ve operated our iconic Maldives resorts very successfully and worked closely with our tour operating partners, pioneering the very concept of Maldivian resort life. We had a bold vision to share this extraordinary destination with the world, starting with the opening of Kurumba, the first resort in the Maldives, in 1972, and going on to create world-renowned resorts such as Baros, Kuramathi, Huvafen Fushi, Velassaru, Milaidhoo and Labriz. Now, as the global travel landscape evolves, it’s time for the group to step out, building brand recognition with our guests, partners and the wider industry. VERSA isn’t merely a new name; it’s a strategic repositioning to unlock the full potential of our resort portfolio and position the company for our future growth ambitions.”
This announcement coincides with the appointment of Visha Mahir, a second-generation member of the founding family and board director of Universal Enterprises, as Chief Executive Officer of VERSA Hospitality. Visha has held a number of senior leadership positions within Universal Enterprises for the past two decades, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Universal Resorts.
Visha Mahir, CEO of VERSA, added: “It’s a privilege and genuine honour to step into this role and lead our family business into this new chapter. Our story is woven into the very fabric of this island nation. Yes, we’re recognised as innovators in Maldivian luxury hospitality, but more importantly, we’ve built our reputation on authenticity and a deep connection to our home. Our aim at VERSA is to respect that precious past, ensuring that as we expand, our heritage and heartfelt service remain at the core of everything we do.”
NIVA: the cornerstone of VERSA’s new growth strategy
The creation of NIVA is central to the group’s transformation. As the new lifestyle-led hospitality brand, NIVA is positioned to be the company’s key vehicle for growth and market relevance.
Coined from the words ‘nourish’ and ‘viva’, NIVA reflects a new era of travel where emotional fulfilment takes precedence over status. It speaks to a new generation of travellers seeking genuine, unforced experiences, where the freedom to simply be nourishes life.
NIVA will unite six of Universal’s Indian Ocean properties, including the historic Kurumba in the Maldives and new destinations in the Seychelles, under one philosophy: to bring lightness back to travel. Rather than chasing curated perfection, NIVA will create spaces that allow for unplanned, unforced and unforgettable moments.
“The launch of NIVA is crucial to our evolution. It provides the common thread that links our key properties, ensuring that no matter the location, our guests instantly recognise our core values and feel confident in the consistent level of warm and authentic service they can expect. The creation of NIVA will help us scale our unique philosophy into new markets and the brand will be the engine of our international expansion strategy,” added Mahir.
The VERSA portfolio and vision
VERSA Hospitality is at the helm of the new structure, guiding the group’s direction and ambitions. The name, drawn from the word Universal, symbolises evolution: the ability to reveal new dimensions of destinations and chart a new course with a sense of timeless quality, while remaining firmly rooted in the company’s rich heritage.
The VERSA portfolio will be defined by two distinct yet complementary divisions: NIVA, a lifestyle-led hospitality brand, and a collection of iconic standalone destinations.
NIVA Hotels & Resorts
A new lifestyle-led brand, focused on giving guests cohesive, effortless and authentic experiences, will start with a portfolio of six resorts in the Maldives and Seychelles:
- Niva Kurumba (Maldives)
- Niva Velassaru (Maldives)
- Niva Kuramathi (Maldives)
- Niva Dhigali (Maldives)
- Niva Labriz (Seychelles)
- Niva Aria (Seychelles) – opening in 2026
THE VERSA COLLECTION – Unique and independent properties
This is a collection of distinct and acclaimed standalone destinations that Versa continues to curate, celebrating their individual characters and histories. The collection includes iconic Maldives resorts such as Baros, Milaidhoo, Huvafen Fushi and Kandolhu, and over time will expand to include more properties worldwide.
“When we created the business, it was never just about resorts; it was always about places: what they could become and what they could mean to someone,” said Mahir.
“The name VERSA captures this idea of transformation: islands became destinations, journeys became memories and moments became part of someone’s story. From the Maldives to the wider world, Versa will continue to reveal the true character of every place in our care, sharing it with the generosity that defines our hospitality.”
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Siyam World achieves snorkelling world record with 307 participants
Siyam World, a five-star resort owned and operated by Sun Siyam, has entered the Guinness World Records for organising the highest number of people snorkelling simultaneously at a single venue.
The resort achieved the record through the ‘Snorkel World 300’ event held on Friday morning.
The event, conducted with Free Dive Maldives, included participants from 13 islands across Noonu Atoll, Baa Atoll, Haa Alifu Atoll and Haa Dhaalu Atoll. While the target was more than 250 participants, a total of 307 people took part.

Fahud Faiz of Free Dive Maldives, who played a central role in organising the event, said the outcome was possible due to the cooperation of Siyam World and the work of multiple contributors.
Fahud said Siyam World’s management supported the initiative and that both Siyam World and Free Dive Maldives shared the approach needed to carry out the event.
At the conclusion of the event, all participants received an official Guinness World Records medal. This was the first time participants of a Guinness World Records event in the Maldives were awarded the medal.
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Kuda Villingili Maldives crafts poetic Valentine’s escape ‘Through the Sands of Time’
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, an island celebrated for barefoot luxury and refined romance, has announced its Valentine’s Day 2026 programme, Through the Sands of Time. Designed as a poetic journey honouring love in all its forms, the curated experience invites couples to pause, reconnect, and create memories that linger long after the waves have smoothed away their footprints.
Set amidst turquoise waters and powder-soft sands, the resort is widely regarded as one of the Maldives’ most romantic hideaways, with accommodation that naturally lends itself to intimate moments. The Water Villa with Private Pool, poised elegantly above the lagoon, offers uninterrupted ocean views and complete seclusion — ideal for couples seeking privacy wrapped in Maldivian tranquillity. On land, the Beach Villa with Private Pool is nestled in lush greenery with a private stretch of sand just steps away, creating a serene sanctuary for sunset rituals and gentle, unhurried mornings together. These villas provide the perfect setting for Valentine’s escapes, honeymoons, proposals, anniversaries, and destination celebrations throughout the year.
This year’s Valentine’s programme highlights the resort’s diverse approach to culinary romance. The celebration begins with an indulgent Valentine’s Buffet at The Restaurant, featuring tropical flavours, live cooking displays, and an artisanal dessert selection. For those seeking a more intimate dining experience, Mar-Umi will present two five-course degustation menus — Seafood or Vegetarian — both infused with delicate Nikkei influences and complemented by a glass of Champagne, with the option of a sommelier-curated wine pairing. Couples wishing to start the day with romance may opt for the sought-after Aqua Breakfast, served floating in the privacy of the villa pool with Brut Rosé Champagne.
Beyond 14 February, Kuda Villingili remains one of the Maldives’ most romantic dining destinations year-round, offering a range of beautifully staged destination dining experiences — from candlelit beach dinners and sandbank feasts to secluded in-villa soirées — each designed to turn special moments into unforgettable memories.
For Valentine’s Day 2026, the resort presents a thoughtfully crafted collection of romantic experiences designed to deepen connection. Couples may choose the Pool Escape, an experience beside the Maldives’ largest pool complete with cocktails, Champagne, and a refined multi-course menu, or the Beach Escape, a cinematic candlelit dinner on the sand framed by lanterns and uninterrupted ocean views.
Throughout the day, couples are invited to enjoy shared experiences including sunrise couples’ yoga, a mid-morning painting session, and a soothing sunset yoga flow. For deeper emotional harmony, private sound healing sessions use calming vibrations to align energy between partners, while an open-air Valentine’s Movie Date under the stars sets the tone for a truly enchanting evening.
The highlight of the wellness offerings is the Valentine’s Couples Spa experience — The Coconut Affair. This 2.5-hour ritual includes a warm coconut oil massage, body scrub, facial treatment, steam session, and a floral bath, all within the resort’s private island spa comprising eight standalone treatment villas designed for absolute serenity.
Whether marking an anniversary, renewing vows, or planning a memorable proposal, couples will find the island’s natural beauty, thoughtful architecture, world-class dining, and wellness experiences to be an ever-inspiring canvas for romance.
With its poetic theme, refined experiences, curated culinary journeys, and settings designed for intimacy, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites couples to celebrate Through the Sands of Time — a day where love slows, deepens, and becomes a memory held forever in the heart.
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Luxury that whispers: THE OZEN COLLECTION celebrates five years of refined hospitality
There is a distinct kind of magic that emerges when island sanctuaries are shaped by a visionary dream. Five years ago, that magic found its name: THE OZEN COLLECTION. What began as two intimate havens in the Maldivian seascape—the profoundly private OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and the contemporary OZEN LIFE MAADHOO—has since evolved into a refined hospitality philosophy that whispers luxury rather than declares it.
Founded in the heart of the Indian Ocean, THE OZEN COLLECTION established its legacy through two distinct Maldivian retreats: the ultra-exclusive OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and the bespoke OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. The brand quickly distinguished itself through its pioneering interpretation of all-inclusive luxury, expressed through its signature RESERVE™ Plan and INDULGENCE™ Plan. Far more than pricing models, these concepts serve as guiding philosophies, transforming each holiday into a seamlessly personalised narrative of indulgence shaped entirely around the guest.
This commitment to excellence has been consistently recognised through prestigious international accolades. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI exemplifies distinction, with its Royal RESERVE named Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa at the World Travel Awards. The property’s MICHELIN Key further affirms its exceptional style and service, while its award for Best All-Inclusive Wine List at the 2025 World’s Best Wine Lists Awards highlights its sophisticated culinary identity.
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO has crafted its own celebrated path. A recipient of Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025—an honour reserved for the top one percent of properties worldwide—it stands as a testament to consistently memorable guest experiences. Its recognition as Sustainable Champion at the Hotelier Maldives Awards reinforces the brand’s belief that profound luxury and responsible environmental stewardship are naturally connected.
Building on this foundation of success, THE OZEN COLLECTION is now embarking on an ambitious new chapter of global expansion. The brand is set to extend its signature elegance and personalised service beyond the Maldives with forthcoming openings in India: OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, OZEN MANSION KOLKATA, and OZEN PRIVADO GOA. Simultaneously, it will deepen its presence in the Maldives with the exclusive OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI, promising a new horizon of secluded luxury.
Reflecting on the journey, Stéphane Laguette, Chief Commercial Officer of Atmosphere Core, said: “Our first five years were about listening and refining our guests’ unspoken wishes, guiding us to the quiet verge of luxury. We learned that true excellence is not about being the largest, but the most meaningful. As we turn the page, we carry these lessons to new shores, ready to craft the next chapter of intimate, unforgettable escapes.”
As THE OZEN COLLECTION steps into its next era, its compass remains firmly aligned with its original purpose: the art of crafting sanctuaries where narrative is paramount. Here, architecture blends harmoniously with nature, service flows with intuitive grace, and every curated experience is designed to honour the unique story of each guest. This is more than hospitality; it is the preservation of moments that linger long after the journey ends—a legacy etched not in sand, but in memory.
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