NH Collection Maldives Havodda appoints Marlon Abeyakoon as General Manager

Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has announced the appointment of Marlon Abeyakoon as the General Manager of NH Collection Maldives Havodda, effective from 25 January 2024. The luxury all-villa resort marks the debut of the NH Collection brand in a non-urban destination, introducing its renowned European flair to the Maldives.

A luxury hospitality and rebranding expert, Abeyakoon has over a quarter-century of industry expertise. He has a formidable track record of exceptional operational leadership with prestigious global brands such as Kerzner, Hilton and Marriott in diverse locations, including the UK, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Fiji and the UAE.

In early 2020, Abeyakoon commenced his journey with Minor Hotels as General Manager designate for Avani+ Fares Resort before moving to the role of General Manager at Minor’s Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate hotel in Dubai. His tenure there was marked by surpassing gross operating profit targets by 136% and 125% for 2022 and 2023, respectively, significantly contributing to the hotel’s strategic repositioning.

Abeyakoon’s extensive background in managing luxury resorts includes senior positions at the Sheraton Fiji Resort & Golf Club, Reethi Beach Resort in the Maldives, and Hilton Colombo Residences in Sri Lanka. His earlier career was shaped by roles in London with Hilton and GLH Hotels, and the One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel in Dubai, UAE.

Stuart De San Nicolas, Cluster General Manager for Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Avani+ Fares Resort and NH Collection Maldives Havodda, commented, “Marlon is a distinguished figure in the hospitality industry, with a 25-year track record of operational excellence in high-end beachfront and urban hotels. We are thrilled to have such a seasoned professional join our Maldivian team at a time when Minor Hotels enters the new phase of accelerated growth in the region.”

Abeyakoon shared his excitement about the new role, “It is an honour to lead the team at the inaugural NH Collection property in the Maldives. The recently refurbished resort more than does justice to the beauty of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests.”

Abeyakoon, a UK national, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with Hospitality from Edinburgh Napier University.