LUX* South Ari Atoll Announces Four F&B Promotions

The Lux Collective’s resort LUX* South Ari Atoll announces its recent internal promotions in Culinary and Food & Beverage teams – Hussain Niyaz as Assistant Director of F&B, Ishan Mark Anthony Perera as Executive Chef, Sangeeth Ambadi as Food & Beverage Manager and Daminda Sanjeewa Hereth Bandarage as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager.

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 worked in several renowned properties in the Maldives, including One & Only Reethi Rah and Finolhu. 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.

Mark grew up in Sri Lanka, surrounded by fresh and colorful ingredients, which fostered his interest in the use of healthy organic produce. He joined the hospitality industry motivated by his love for food and interest in service, going on to work with numerous luxury brands across different countries and support several pre-opening properties. Following his dream to work in the Maldives, Mark joined LUX* South Ari Atoll in 2018 as Executive Pastry Chef, soon earning 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.

Coming from India, Sangeeth joined LUX* South Ari Atoll as a bartender back in 2015 and climbed to the post of Food & Beverage Supervisor in two years, due to his leadership skills, and knowledge of operations. Sangeeth was promoted to Restaurant Manager, and Food & Beverage Assistant Manager in 2019, before earning his new role as Food & Beverage Manager through his skillset and drive.

Daminda, originally from Sri Lanka, joined the resort in 2008 as a bartender, quickly becoming the Head Bartender in 2011. Daminda is an ambassador of the LUX* brand’s purpose to “help people celebrate life”, ensuring the highest level of service to guests. He received several promotions over a decade before being appointed as the Assistant Food & Beverage Manager.

According to the Lux Collective hospitality group, supporting talents and inspiring growth from within the organisation is one of its top priorities. The company boasts a large team of diverse backgrounds across different resorts, globally and also at LUX* South Ari Atoll, that work towards providing guests with high-quality services.