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, […]
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 […]
Summer 2025 travel trends: What European travelers want from destinations like Maldives
Despite ongoing economic turbulence and climate concerns, European travelers are holding onto their summer holidays with renewed determination. Allianz Partners’ 2025 European Summer Vacation Confidence Index reveals that 75% of Europeans still intend to travel between July and September—good news for global destinations like the Maldives that rely heavily on European outbound tourism. However, for […]
Elevating private island lifestyle: Marco Bonini to spearhead residences at SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS
The Maldivian archipelago, a synonym for unparalleled luxury, is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. The narrative of thoughtful escapism is evolving, maturing into a quest for something deeper, more personal, and purpose driven. In this shifting landscape of ultra-luxury hospitality, the concept of the private residence is being reimagined. It’s no longer just about […]
Jasim Janah: Gen Z leader behind Maldives’ next wave of ultra-luxury
If you happened upon Jasim Janah at a build or marine expo, you might not guess he’s behind some of the Maldives’ most ambitious ultra-luxury resort developments. Soft-spoken and just 27, he defies the archetype of those in his field. Yet behind the scenes, Jasim is reshaping the future of island resorts with calm command, […]
The Coral Residences at Kandima Maldives: New era of luxury island living
In the heart of the Indian Ocean, where turquoise waters meet pristine white sands, a groundbreaking residential development is redefining luxury living in the Maldives. Pulse Hotels & Resorts, renowned for their innovative hospitality concepts, has unveiled The Coral Residences at Kandima Maldives—a first-of-its-kind integrated beachfront residential community that seamlessly blends the comforts of home […]
Dreams into diplomas: Patina Maldives empowers team members via world-class hospitality education
At 18, Ali Shiyaz made a choice shaped more by circumstance than desire. He left school behind and stepped into the world of resort work—not for adventure, but for survival. Education would have to wait. A decade later, dressed in a graduation gown instead of a staff uniform, Shiyaz stood in the library of Patina […]
Resort workers, businesses bear brunt of Maldives’ dollar exchange policy
A closer look at the recent figures celebrated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during his latest press conference on May 3 reveals a growing disconnect between macroeconomic gains and ground-level hardships faced by thousands of workers and businesses in the country’s tourism sector. While the administration touts a rise in official reserves and a budget […]
100 stays from heart: Yamaguchi Shinichiro’s love affair with Maldives, Kurumba
For many travellers, a vacation in the Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—an escape to a postcard-perfect paradise of turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and luxury hospitality. But for Japanese national Yamaguchi Shinichiro, it’s been a recurring love story, one that spans over four decades and a remarkable 100 visits to the same resort: Kurumba Maldives. […]
How agility fuels Atmosphere Core’s bold journey in hospitality
Stéphane Laguette, Chief Commercial Officer Atmosphere Core, shares his insights on 2024 successes, emerging trends in hospitality, and the company’s blueprint for 2025. Atmosphere Core, a leading hospitality company in the Indian Ocean region, celebrated a milestone year in 2024, launching its ninth resort, RAAYA by Atmosphere, and achieving remarkable results despite geopolitical challenges. Chief […]
Women in Maldives’ hospitality: Overcoming challenges, shaping future
Maldives, a nation synonymous with luxury hospitality and world-renowned tourism, has witnessed a steady transformation in the role of women within the industry. Traditionally, hospitality in the Maldives has been male-dominated, particularly in leadership and operational roles at resorts. However, in recent years, there has been a notable rise in female representation across various levels […]
OBLU SELECT Lobigili bridges gender gap with 80% women team
Having a women-majority workforce is uncommon in the Maldives. Typically, resorts have a significant gender gap, with ladies making up only around 25% of the staff. In contrast, at OBLU SELECT Lobigili almost 80% of the 100-strong workforce is made up of women. Even the Housekeeping teams have ladies – something rarely seen in Maldivian […]
