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Kurumba Maldives Secures Accolades at World Luxury Hotel Awards and World Travel Awards

Kurumba Maldives
Kurumba Maldives has received distinguished awards, in perfect timing for the resort's grand reopening on 1st December 2020.

Kurumba Maldives has received distinguished awards, in perfect timing for the resort’s grand reopening on 1st December 2020.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards announced Kurumba Maldives as the category winner in both continental and regional categories; Continent Winner in Luxury Family Hotel and Regional Win in Best Unique Experience Spa.

Established in 2006, World Luxury Hotel Awards recognises the highest achievements across the global hotel industry. Over 300,000 guests, travellers and industry players alike vote in the Awards. Kurumba Maldives also received another proud recognition as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort 2020, by the World Travel Awards in their 27th annual edition.

Though 2020 has proven an extremely awkward period for world travel, it is indeed very encouraging that even in these challenging times, people are still yearning for travel and supporting their favourite destinations and properties. It is a true testament to the support Kurumba has across the globe, and the great experiences that have, and that will continue to, take place in humble little resort.

A statement by Kurumba Maldives read.

About Kurumba Maldives

Kurumba was the very first private island resort in the Maldives when it opened its doors in 1972 in the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives. Opened by four young Maldivians on an uninhabited coconut plantation island in October 1972, Kurumba also marked the beginning of the tourism industry in the country.

Kurumba began with 30 huts built of coral and thatched with coconut leaves; the first guests were barefoot backpackers in search of sand, sea and sun. Furthermore, even today the resort remains Maldivian owned and managed. Kurumba Maldives nestles on a tropical island in the North Male’ Atoll. Which is conveniently accessible by a 10-minute speedboat ride from the airport. Moreover, the resort draws on its proud history, charismatic personality and heartfelt service. Kurumba offers compelling and diverse experiences amidst a stunning island setting.

Feature image by Kurumba Maldives
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Latest

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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