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‘Aragu’ at Velaa Private Island Among the Best Restaurants in Asia

Aragu, best in asia
‘Aragu’ made it to the Best Restaurants in Asia – Becoming the first and only restaurant in the Maldives to make it to the list.

A jewel in the Indian Ocean, ‘Aragu’ made it to the Best Restaurants in Asia – Becoming the first and only restaurant in the Maldives to make it to the list. With this achievement, the signature restaurant of Velaa Private Island once again proved its standing as one of the most distinguished fine-dining venues in the Maldives.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants unveiled the restaurants in Asia that were voted between 51st and 100th in the latest edition. According to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, the 51-100 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021 aims to shine a light on a wider array of establishments across the region that will inspire food lovers as they consider their future dining and travel plans.

It’s a great honor to share that Aragu signature restaurant has made it into Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Making it the first and only restaurant in The Maldives to make the list!

A statement by Velaa Private Island.

In 2020, Luxury Lifestyle Awards recognized the restaurant among the Top 12 Best Luxury Restaurants in the Maldives as well.

The signature restaurant of Velaa Private Island serves cuisine that unites the East and the West with wines imported from the very best. With a twist on Modern European Cuisine and as one of the best restaurant’s in Asia, Aragu takes its gourmet experience to a new level.

Image: Velaa Private Island

The restaurant combines a passion for culinary art with awareness and sustainability. Furthermore, chef Gaushan de Silva creates an innovative twist on the evergreens of the old continent with carefully chosen flavours alongside organic produce from around the world to underline authenticity.

Other dining venues at Velaa Private Island include:

  • Tavaru, Teppanyaki and Wine Cellar: Tavaru’s menu celebrates Teppanyaki grill cuisine and creative sharing dishes in a modern light.
  • Athiri, Main Restaurant: Athiri consists of a team of chefs from 14 nations. Using the finest imported and local ingredients, Athiri serves a global menu of authentic and homestyle food
  • Avi, Pool Bar and Lounge Space: With its own mixologist and also live DJ, Avi is a casual pool bar by day and a vibrant cocktail bar by night.

The Velaa Private Island is located 200 kilometres north of Velana International Airport. The resort features 48 villas, of which 18 are built overwater. Moreover, one of the villas at the resort is only accessible by boat for pure complete isolation.

Feature image by Velaa Private Island
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Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

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