Soneva Appoints Aisha Ali As New Director of Sales For Maldives DMCs And The GCC Market

Soneva, the award-winning luxury resort operator, recently announced the appointment of Aisha Ali as Director of Sales – Maldives DMCs and GCC Market. Aisha will be based in Malé, Maldives.

Aisha’s career in the hospitality industry began in 2006 when she was hired in a reservations position for Soneva Gili (now Gili Lankanfushi). In 2009 she joined the Six Senses Resorts & Spas team as a Sales & Marketing Executive, working on sales for Soneva Fushi, Soneva Gili, and Six Senses Laamu until June 2012 when Six Senses was sold. Aisha continued working in the roles of Sales & Marketing Executive and Sales Manager for Soneva Resorts until 2016.

Aisha went on to work for Anantara as the Assistant Director of Sales for Anantara Kihava in the Maldives. There she spent the next two years developing the resort in the Middle Eastern, Chinese and Indian markets, whilst also supporting three other Anantara resorts.

In 2017, she left the resort life and moved back to Malé to spend more time with her daughter. Later, Aisha joined a new B2C travel company called Premier Destination, where she was responsible for launching the brand and establishing it as a high-end, luxury B2C travel company in the Maldives. She also led the overall operation of the company for over three years.

Nationally, only 4% of the workforce in resorts in the Maldives is female, compared to women constituting 45% of the workforce in industries such as education, healthcare and the civil service. The ‘Women in Soneva’ initiative is a recruitment drive aimed at achieving a more balanced representation of female Hosts at Soneva in the Maldives and Thailand. Currently at Soneva Fushi female Hosts make up 14.3% of the workforce, while the target is 30%; Soneva Jani is at 18.26%, with a target of 30%; and Soneva Kiri is at 38%, with a target of 45%.

For Soneva to meet its target of being the best employer of women in the Maldives, the resorts have been implementing the following measures:

1. Aim to improve conditions in the workplace for women and beat the trend of low ratios of female employees in Maldivian resorts.

2. Make Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi feel as secure and safe as possible for women Hosts.

3. Offering secure women-only accommodation, sitting room and washing areas

4. Ensuring appropriate structures and processes to deal with issues surrounding sexually inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment.

5. Offer Gender Awareness training for all Hosts to understand the responsibility they have to their fellow men and women, and act accordingly.

6. Ensuring at least one women’s activity a month in the Host Activity Calendar.

7. Providing a wide selection of women’s products at resort canteens.

Feature image by Soneva

Get ready to welcome the Lunar New Year in a breathtaking setting, as Sun Siyam Resorts invites you to experience a vibrant celebration from 27 to 31 January. Across their stunning Maldivian properties, each resort will come alive with a unique blend of tradition, culture, and indulgence. Whether you enjoy dazzling fireworks, cultural performances, or spa treatments inspired by Chinese traditions, Sun Siyam Resorts offers an unforgettable start to the New Year.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli

A Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Entertainment

On 29 January, Sun Siyam Olhuveli will host a lively Chinese New Year celebration that blends cultural traditions with spectacular entertainment. You’ll witness a colorful Snake Parade winding through the resort, followed by an unforgettable live performance by renowned Chinese singer Zhu Jiayun. Later that night, the sky will light up with a stunning fireworks display, adding to the magic of the celebration.

The evening’s entertainment doesn’t stop there. You can experience the artistry of Zheng Bao’s mesmerizing Sichuan face-changing performance. To top off the festivities, you’ll enjoy a luxurious gala dinner on the beach. The dinner features a fusion of international and Asian cuisines, set in a festive and elegant atmosphere.

For those seeking adventure, the resort offers exciting excursions, such as stingray-watching and introductory scuba diving. Meanwhile, the “Bamboo Harmony” spa treatment provides a deeply rejuvenating escape, blending traditional hand and bamboo massage techniques. Sun Siyam Olhuveli also ensures that families can enjoy the celebrations, with fun activities and surprises specially designed for children ensuring the celebration is enjoyable for guests of all ages.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

A Week of Fun and Festivities

At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, the Lunar New Year festivities will last a full week, from 27 to 31 January. The resort has planned a wide array of events that cater to all ages. The celebrations kick off with a grand Gala Dinner featuring a lobster BBQ, live beachside music, and traditional Chinese acrobatics. There’s also an exciting Red Envelope Raffle Draw, offering guests the chance to win special prizes.

The energy continues with a lively beach party, highlighted by a Lion Dance Show and DJ Watte’s energetic beats. Furthermore, younger guests will be entertained with a variety of activities, including the Lunar Obstacle Games, cookie decoration, and the “Find the Fortune” Treasure Hunt.

For those seeking relaxation, the resort offers a Lunar New Year Spa Special with 50% off selected treatments. The week-long celebration culminates in a dazzling fireworks display, providing a spectacular finale to the festivities.

Siyam World

Indulge in Cultural Festivities

Siyam World offers an unforgettable Lunar New Year celebration that centers around cultural performances and culinary indulgence. Guests can savor a grand Gala Dinner at Baraabaru, where a mesmerizing Lion Dance performance takes center stage. Afterward, live music from the resort’s band enhances the evening’s atmosphere.

After dinner, the excitement continues with a special Chinese New Year show and an energetic party. As the night progresses, a stunning fireworks display will illuminate the sky, ensuring a memorable celebration.

To complement these festivities, Siyam World offers the Yin & Yang Spa Packages. Inspired by ancient Chinese philosophy, these treatments promote balance and harmony. The package includes a 45-minute aromatherapy massage, followed by a refreshing 30-minute honey cucumber facial. This experience will leave you feeling revitalized and ready for the year ahead.

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Intimate Traditions in a Festive Setting

At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, you’ll enjoy a more intimate celebration that still captures the spirit of the Lunar New Year. The evening begins with management cocktails, featuring tea-based infusions, dumpling stations, and popcorn. These elements create a warm and welcoming ambiance, perfect for kicking off the celebrations. A magical lantern-lighting ceremony follows, illuminating the night as you prepare for the grand Gala Dinner.

During dinner, you’ll savor authentic Chinese cuisine and live cooking stations, all paired with unlimited bubbly. Additionally, an exciting raffle draw adds extra fun to the evening. The celebrations continue into the night with lively DJ entertainment at the karaoke lounge. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef ensures you’ll have a warm and vibrant start to the Year of the Snake, with the perfect blend of tradition and modern festivity.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli

Luxury Meets Tradition

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, you’ll experience a luxurious and culturally rich Chinese New Year celebration. Upon arrival, you’ll receive traditional red envelopes filled with good luck, which symbolize prosperity for the year ahead. After that, you can take part in an authentic tea ceremony, followed by a lavish Chinese New Year feast. The meal will feature iconic dishes, including Peking duck, spring rolls, and longevity noodles.

As the evening progresses, you’ll be treated to a vibrant dragon dance on the beach, along with cultural performances like the lotus and white peacock dances. To end the night on a high note, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky, ensuring a memorable conclusion to the festivities.

Unique experiences at Sun Siyam Iru Veli include Tai Chi sessions, spa treatments inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a traditional Chinese hot pot meal served right on the beach. The resort’s festive decorations, including lanterns adorning the ocean villa jetty, create an enchanting atmosphere that’s perfect for celebrating the Lunar New Year.

An Unforgettable Start to the Year

Sun Siyam Resorts delivers the perfect mix of cultural experiences, luxury, and family-friendly fun to celebrate the Lunar New Year. From lively performances to relaxing spa treatments and thrilling excursions, each resort offers its own unique take on the festivities. These experiences promise to make the Year of the Snake unforgettable. Sun Siyam Resorts ensures you start the year in style, with cherished memories that will last a lifetime

Soneva Appoints Aisha Ali As New Director of Sales For Maldives DMCs And The GCC Market

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