At JOALI Maldives, Pâtissier Karim Bourgi turns pastry into a lesson in precision
At JOALI Maldives, creativity is not confined to galleries, dining rooms or the architecture of its villas. It appears across the island in different forms: in art installations placed among palms, in design-led spaces that frame the lagoon, in culinary experiences that treat food as a medium of expression, and, during the Eid al-Adha break, […]
The Barefoot Eco Hotel & Villas: A more rooted interpretation of Maldivian hospitality
In a destination often defined by private island seclusion, overwater architecture and high-gloss spectacle, The Barefoot Eco Hotel & Villas in Hanimaadhoo offers a different proposition. It does not attempt to compete through scale, excess or visual drama. Instead, it builds its identity around something quieter and more layered: a closer relationship with island life, […]
Hospitality, heritage and place: How Raffaella Colleoni sees the Heritage Villas as a model for a more rooted Maldives
For many hotels, identity is built through design language, service standards or location. At The Barefoot in Hanimaadhoo, identity has long been tied to something more layered: the attempt to create a tourism experience that remains in conversation with the island around it. The opening of the Heritage Villas adds a new dimension to that […]
Pivotal role of Dhiraagu in powering digital lifelines for hospitality
The Maldives has long captured the imagination of travellers through its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and world-renowned hospitality. Yet today, beyond the beauty of its islands and resorts, another essential force quietly powers the nation’s tourism industry, digital connectivity. As global travel becomes increasingly digital, seamless connectivity is no longer simply an added convenience for […]
Rebuilding memory: How Christophe Groh’s Heritage Villas reimagine Maldivian architecture for a new era
In a tourism landscape often defined by speed, scale and standardisation, the Heritage Villas at The Barefoot in Hanimaadhoo offer a different proposition. They do not begin with the usual language of luxury development, nor with the promise of novelty for its own sake. Instead, they begin with a question: what happens when architecture looks […]
The quiet power of detail: Why small equipment decisions shape luxury resort experiences
In luxury hospitality, the guest experience is often judged not only by what is most visible, but by what is most felt. A stunning arrival jetty, generous villa space and a well-designed pool all matter. They help create the first impression. But what often defines a truly memorable stay are the smaller interactions that happen […]
Why trust is hospitality’s only true differentiator
In hospitality, scale is often mistaken for success. I understand the pull of numbers—rooms, keys, openings, revenue per available room. I have built businesses by respecting those metrics. But I have also learned that they are not what makes a brand endure. What truly sustains a hospitality brand is far less visible and far more […]
45 years in Maldives: Manjula Herath on leadership, trust and Bank of Ceylon’s next chapter
On 7 May 2026, Bank of Ceylon Maldives marked 45 years of continuous presence in the country — a milestone that reflects not only the bank’s longevity, but also its enduring role in the Maldives’ economic story. For Manjula Herath, Country Manager of Bank of Ceylon Malé and the bank’s first female Country Manager in […]
Fuel crisis: Looming shadow over Sunny Side of Life
In the Maldives, the “one-island, one-resort” model is the gold standard of luxury and seclusion. However, this architectural isolation comes with a heavy operational burden: total self-sufficiency. Unlike urban hotels, Maldivian resorts function as independent municipalities, managing their own power grids and desalination plants. Traditionally, this autonomy has been fuelled by diesel. But as a […]
‘… because tomorrows start today’: BBM’s hospitality partnership built on purpose
Future doesn’t get built in a single moment. It is shaped through decisions taken early, partnerships sustained over time and investments made before results become visible. That is why the phrase “…because tomorrows start today” as articulated by AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), resonates beyond branding. In practical terms, it suggests […]
When dredgers draw near: Resorts sound alarm on safety, privacy, guest experience
Resort operators in the Malé Atoll are increasingly voicing concern that dredging activity linked to land reclamation projects is taking place uncomfortably close to resort lagoons, heightening anxieties around guest safety, privacy, and the overall holiday experience. The Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) has confirmed it has received multiple complaints alleging illegal sand extraction tied to […]
Discovering a new era for Sun Siyam: Embracing the spirit of Maldives through a bold brand (r)evolution after 35 years
The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most sought-after island escapes, but few hospitality brands carry the depth of local heritage that defines Sun Siyam. Owned and operated by Maldivian entrepreneur Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, the brand has long embodied the warmth, traditions, and authenticity of its island home. Today, Sun Siyam is stepping […]
