Kalhibih Drinks: Redefining zero-proof beverage culture in Addu and beyond
When Hamdan Ali returned to Addu after sixteen years working across resorts in the Maldives, the pause brought by the pandemic presented an unexpected turning point. What began as casual experiments in home mixology soon evolved into the country’s first dedicated zero-per-cent cocktail bar — Kalhibih Drinks, an emerging name now shaping conversations around wellness, […]
Seven years, one dream: Mariyam Malaak becomes Maldives’ first female pilot cadet from cabin crew
When Mariyam Malaak steps into the cockpit of a Manta Air seaplane on 1 December 2025, she will be doing far more than beginning her first day as a First Officer. She will be closing a seven-year chapter of perseverance—one marked by setbacks, sacrifices, shifting continents, motherhood, and an unwavering belief in the dream she […]
Breaking barriers, building futures: Nus-ha Hassan’s mission to empower Maldivian women
When Nus-ha Hassan left her home island in Addu, a career in hospitality was the last thing on her mind. “I never thought I would be working in a resort,” she said. “But I wanted to get out of my local island because there was nothing for us there. I didn’t want to work in […]
Legacy in Laamu: Marteyne van Well on building culture of care, continuity, commitment
When Six Senses Laamu was named “CSR Programme of the Year” at the 2025 Hotelier Maldives Awards, it was more than just an industry accolade. For Regional General Manager Marteyne van Well, who has been at the helm since the resort’s opening week in 2011, the recognition affirmed over a decade of purpose-driven leadership grounded […]
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives: Designed for tranquillity and connection
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, part of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, offers a seamless blend of Thai-inspired service and Maldivian natural beauty. Conveniently situated a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, this resort provides an environment where every detail is designed to ensure guest comfort, relaxation, and connection to the surrounding natural […]
Finding purpose through wellness: I Gusti Ayu Ariani at Cora Cora Maldives
When I Gusti Ayu Ariani arrived in the Maldives for the first time in 2009, she had little idea that the islands would become her second home. Sixteen years later, she manages MOKSHA® Spa & Wellbeing Centre at Cora Cora Maldives and has been recognised as Wellness Personality of the Year at the Hotelier Maldives […]
Why insurance matters more than ever: Dhivehi Insurance’s future-focused resilience at GM Forum 2025
At the 2025 Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum, the team from Dhivehi Insurance took the stage to highlight a topic often overshadowed by more glamorous aspects of hospitality — the vital role of insurance in safeguarding businesses against emerging risks. In their joint presentation titled “Insurance Solutions for Emerging Risks in a Maldivian Context,” […]
Leadership 5.0: Pulse Hotels’ Aalim Mohamed urges hoteliers to rethink, redefine, reboot at GM Forum 2025
At the Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum 2025, Aalim Mohamed, Group Director of Human Resources at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, invited a ballroom full of GMs to stand, take three deep breaths, and reset. It was a fitting prelude to a session that asked leaders to pause, rethink long-held assumptions, and embrace a model […]
Unlocking loyalty via digital guest journeys: TrustYou’s Radouane Namaoui at GM Forum 2025
At the 2025 Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum, Radouane Namaoui, Global Head of Key Accounts at TrustYou, delivered an insightful presentation on “Unlocking Loyalty Through Digital Guest Journeys”, exploring how data, artificial intelligence, and personalisation are reshaping the guest experience and strengthening hotel loyalty worldwide. Speaking with humour and warmth, Namaoui began by connecting […]
Future is digital: BML’s Afrah Ahmed explores financial innovation in tourism at GM Forum 2025
At the 2025 Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum, Afrah Ahmed, Director of Cards at Bank of Maldives (BML), delivered a compelling presentation on “Digital Transformation in Maldives Tourism,” highlighting how innovation and technology are redefining the nation’s tourism landscape. Addressing an audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and media representatives, Afrah began by acknowledging the […]
Beyon Cyber’s Abubakar Latif at GM Forum 2025: Building digital trust in Maldives’ hospitality future
At the 2025 Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum, Abubakar Latif, Chief Technology Officer at Beyon Cyber and Board Member of DTS Solutions UAE, delivered a compelling reminder that the future of hospitality depends not only on innovation and guest experience — but also on digital trust. In his presentation titled “A Stakeholder Analysis of […]
Hospitality meets humanity: Reimagining digital guest journey at GM Forum 2025
At the 2025 Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum, industry leaders gathered to discuss one of the most transformative forces shaping hospitality today — the digital guest journey. Moderated by Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz, Director of Digital Technology & Marketing at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, the panel titled “Reimagining the Guest Journey: Digital Touchpoints from Booking […]
