Global hotel brands reshape Maldives hospitality landscape
The Maldives, long synonymous with barefoot luxury and idyllic island escapes, is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation in its hospitality sector. As the Asia Pacific region experiences a boom in branded hotel developments, the Maldives has emerged as a key market for global hotel operators aiming to strengthen their footprint in high-value resort destinations. […]
From burnout to balance: Gaining clarity in hospitality through life coaching
How clarity in purpose, values, and boundaries can help resort professionals thrive — insights from a life coach In the high-stakes world of luxury hospitality, where every smile is expected to be sincere and every detail perfect, burnout can creep in quietly. It’s a silent strain, often masked by the industry’s hallmark professionalism. For many […]
Upcoming compliance obligations under the Employment Act (Sixth Amendment)
An important deadline is fast approaching that demands the attention of all resort operators, hotel groups, and hospitality employers across the country. Under Law No. 22/2020 – the Sixth Amendment to the Employment Act – several key provisions under Article 74-1 are set to come into force on 22 September 2025, marking the end of […]
Dusit’s second generation: New chapter in Maldives with dusitD2 Feydhoo
Thirteen years after the launch of Dusit Thani Maldives, a property that cemented the brand’s presence in the nation’s luxury sector, Dusit International is embarking on a new phase of its journey in the Maldives. The opening of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, located a short distance from the capital, is not merely an addition to the […]
Diving in, fearlessly: How OBLU NATURE Helengeli and PADI forged a new generation of female ocean advocates
By Maaish Mohamed and Ali Naafiz The ocean has always held a mirror to the human spirit—vast, deep, at times turbulent, yet holding within its depths a profound and silent beauty. For a unique group of six international female journalists, the turquoise waters of the Maldives became more than a destination; they became a classroom, […]
SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS launches Edhurun, elevating butler service with Maldivian cultural immersion
Marking International Butler’s Day, SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS unveils Edhurun, a guest philosophy that reimagines the butler tradition through a culturally grounded, psychologically attuned lens. While many luxury resorts in the Maldives reference local heritage, few have embedded it so intentionally into the heart of their service ethos. Edhurun signals a deeper shift—one that […]
Maldives mourns passing of visionary leader Hassan Sobir
The Maldivian nation is in mourning today following the passing of former Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Hassan Sobir. A figure of immense dedication and influence, Mr. Sobir passed away at the age of 74 while undergoing treatment at Tree Top Hospital, just a day after being conferred with the nation’s highest civilian honor, The […]
Unpacking the penalty notices: Navigating income tax obligations for employees and employers in the Maldivian hospitality sector
Recent reports of former employees and expatriates receiving penalty notices from the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) for unfiled tax returns have sparked significant concern. This serves as a crucial reminder for both employees and employers about their respective responsibilities concerning income tax in the Maldives. Understanding these obligations and proactive compliance is key to […]
Fresh face for Velana International Airport: Inside new passenger terminal
The new international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is scheduled to open on Saturday night, marking a significant expansion of the airport’s infrastructure. According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the terminal was developed at a cost of approximately MVR 7 billion. It is designed to accommodate the growing number of international travellers […]
When paradise becomes a powder keg: Navigating personal relationships in a remote resort
The Maldives. A name synonymous with paradise, luxury, and breathtaking escapism. For the discerning guest, it’s a dream destination. For the dedicated hoteliers who make that dream a reality, a resort is more than a workplace; it’s a remote, self-contained community. This unique environment, while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork, also presents […]
Tourism sector reels under new currency rules: Investors, operators voice alarming concerns
The Maldives’ tourism-dependent economy is facing growing unrest among investors, resort operators, and industry stakeholders following the government’s enforcement of a new foreign exchange regulation. Marketed as a step toward economic stabilization, the regulation mandates foreign currency earners—primarily resorts and tourism businesses—to convert a significant portion of their earnings through the local banking system. But […]
Why constraints drive financial success in hospitality
There’s a curious paradox at work in resort finance: we often believe that freedom from limitations breeds creativity and productivity. But the truth is, in my experience managing multi-million-dollar operations in the Maldives hospitality industry, the opposite is far more accurate. Think about a luxury resort. Guests move through a seamless experience — from speedboat […]
