A Look Back at Key Appointments This April!

In April, the idyllic resorts of the Maldives remained steadfast in their pursuit of perfection. With this, resorts worked on ushering in a wave of key appointments and promotions to elevate the guest experience to new heights. Committed to crafting unforgettable moments and personalized services, these appointments underscored the unwavering dedication of the industry to anticipate and exceed the expectations of every traveller. Here, we delve into the notable appointments made across the archipelago, showcasing the ongoing efforts to redefine luxury, sustainability, culinary excellence, and wellness in paradise.

Mahmoud Elkhouly Returns to Nika Island Resort & Spa as Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing

Nika Island Resort & Spa recently welcomed Mohmoud Elkhaouly as Assistant Director of Sales. Prior to working in the Maldives, Mahmoud worked in Egypt as a Reservations Sales Agent. His career started as a Reservations Sales Agent at Sonesta Beach Resort. From there, he worked his way up to Reservations Supervisor at Ayada Maldives Resort & Spa.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli Appoints Athif Ibrahim as Learning & Development Manager

This April, Sun Siyam Iru Veli also appointed Athif Ibrahim as the new Learning & Development Manager. Athif’s hospitality journey started at One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives. From here on, Athif has worked in various roles. This includes a notable tenure in front-office management. His his current role, Athif will harness his expertise to drive innovative learning strategies and create tailored developmental programs. Through these programmes, he can ensure the empowerment of staff members at Sun Siyam Iru Veli.

Sun Siyam Resorts Promotes Ahmed Naufal to Group Director of Sales & Marketing

Sun Siyam Resorts also announced the promotion of Ahmed Naufal to Group Director of Sales & Marketing. Prior to this role, Naufal worked as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing at Sun Siyam Resorts. In his new role, Naufal will be responsible for developing robust sales and marketing growth strategies, fostering global partnerships, and driving business success for all of Sun Siyam Resorts. Naufal has been working with Sun Siyam Resorts since August 2021. He started his journey with the brand as Director of Sales and Marketing, playing a vital role in the global sales initiatives.

Chef Warren Moore Joins Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives as New Executive Chef

Chef Warren Moore, hailing from South Africa brings his wealth of experience as he joins Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll as the resort’s new Executive chef. With over 25 years of experience in the Restaurant and Hospitality industry, Chef Warren is set to elevate the culinary front at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll. Prior to this role, Chef Warren also served as the Executive Chef at Jawakara Islands Maldives. Additionally, he has also spent seven years working in various esteemed properties of the Crown and Champa Resorts Group.

Baglioni Maldives Announces Two Key Appointments in April

This April, Baglioni Maldives also announced the appointments of Ahmed Azeef as Front Office Manager and Mariyam Rishma Hameed as Sales & Events Manager. With this appointment, Ahmed Azeef brings his wealth of experience to Baglioni Maldives. Additionally, Mariyam Rishma also brings a decade of experience to enhance the sales and events aspect of the resort.

The Ozen Collection Appoints Maalik Abdul Qayoom as Sales Manager

Yet another important appointment was announced this April at The Ozen Collection as Maalik Abdul Qayoom takes the role of Sales Manager – Destination Management Companies (DMCs). With this appointment, Maalik brings over 8 years of experience in Reservations and Revenue management. Prior to this role, Maalik has worked with esteemed hospitality brands such as Jumeirah, Fairmont, and The Residence as well.

SO/ Maldives Appoints Narain ‘Nick’ as Sales Manager

SO/ Maldives also made an important appointment this April as Narain ‘Nick’ takes on the role of the new Sales Manager of the resorts. Before this appointment, Nick has gained over 15 years of experience in different fields. In addition to hospitality, Nick also has experience in airlines and travel as well.

Avani + Fares Maldives Appoints Thaaif Ahmed

The newly opened Avani + Fares Maldives Resort announced the appointment of Thaaif Ahmed as the new Director of Sales & Marketing as well. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Thaaif brings exceptional leadership capabilities to the role. Prior to this, he played a pivotal role in driving revenue and growth at NH Collections Maldives. He has also worked at Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives, Anantara Veli Resort Maldives as well as Naladhu Private Island.

W Maldives Promotes Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed

This April, W Maldives announced the well-deserved promotions of Ahmed Zahir, who transitions into the role of Rooms Division Manager, and Ismail Saeed, now assuming the position of Welcome Manager. Formerly excelling as the Welcome Manager, Ahmed Zahir brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. The promotion is poised to further enhance guest experiences and operational excellence within the Rooms Division. Ismail Saeed, previously serving as the Lounge Manager, steps into the pivotal role of Welcome Manager. In this new role, his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to guest satisfaction will undoubtedly flourish.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa warmly invites guests to discover an extraordinary underwater world just meters from its shore. Recently, the resort unveiled the Maamutaa House Reef, a thriving marine ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity and easy accessibility. In fact, it’s one of the Maldives’ finest snorkeling and diving spots, just a short swim away.

To celebrate this exciting milestone, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is gearing up to host Aqua Week 2025 from 13 to 20 July. During this week-long event, the resort brings together underwater exploration, environmental care, and creative marine experiences designed to inspire and engage guests of all ages.

What to Expect During Aqua Week 2025

Aqua Week also marks the official launch of the resort’s Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project and offers guests unique chances to connect with the ocean like never before:

First, guided snorkeling tours invite guests to collect visual data on seagrass habitats while learning about their important role in the marine ecosystem.
Then, there are underwater content workshops led by Insta360, where guests get hands-on experience capturing vivid 360-degree marine footage.
Plus, underwater scooter rides powered by Edge K5 add a fun and thrilling twist to reef exploration.
On top of that, certified mermaid Gloria Xue hosts mermaid classes and performances, including fantasy-themed photoshoots and live shows at the Aqua Villa.

Altogether, this vibrant week blends sustainability, storytelling, and technology, encouraging guests to explore and protect the ocean in fresh and immersive ways.

Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project: Protecting Marine Life

At the core of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s environmental efforts is its three-phase Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project, which forms part of the resort’s commitment to sustainability under the Green Globe program. Seagrass meadows play a vital role in supporting young marine species and soaking up carbon, making their conservation absolutely crucial.

The project timeline is as follows:

Phase 1 (July) focuses on seagrass identification and mapping alongside resort staff and guests.
Then, in Phase 2 (August and September), guest-led snorkeling excursions help gather images and raise awareness.
Finally, Phase 3 (October) will feature the premiere of a short documentary highlighting the project’s findings and impact.

Throughout this process, guests are invited to actively take part in this meaningful conservation initiative, turning their vacation into a valuable contribution toward ocean health.

Maamutaa House Reef: A Living Marine Wonderland

Just 100 meters from the resort’s beach lies the newly revealed Maamutaa House Reef, a vibrant underwater habitat bursting with life and color. This reef stands out as a rare gem in the Maldives, offering exceptional biodiversity along with easy access. Visitors can spot green and hawksbill turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, colorful schools of parrotfish and angelfish, and sometimes eagle rays and octopuses, all within easy reach of the resort.

“This reef is not only accessible, it’s alive,” shares the resort’s marine biologist. “Guests don’t need to travel far to witness marine wonders. It’s an ecosystem that inspires awe and action.”

The journey to the reef is part of the adventure itself. Guests glide through flourishing seagrass meadows, essential habitats for marine life before reaching the reef’s drop-off. Here, hard and soft coral formations flourish, nurtured by the atoll’s natural geography and nutrient-rich ocean currents.

Signature Reef Experiences for Every Guest

The Maamutaa House Reef forms the foundation for a variety of engaging activities that suit all ages and experience levels, including:

Marine biologist-led guided snorkeling tours
Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) sessions launched right from the beach
Night snorkeling under UV lights, revealing stunning biofluorescent marine life
Citizen science programs focused on seasonal seagrass research
Kids’ Ocean Explorers, a fun and educational program designed for young marine enthusiasts

Whether guests are first-time snorkelers or seasoned divers interested in marine research, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa offers effortless access to unforgettable ocean adventures, with no boat rides or long transfers needed.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is clearly setting a new standard for reef access, sustainability, and immersive marine experiences. For travelers eager to explore the Maldives through education, conservation, and discovery, this house reef, along with everything it inspires, offers a journey truly worth taking.