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Nest of Green Turtles Hatches at JA Manafaru’s Beach!

newborn green turtle at JA Manafaru Beach
A nest of green turtles has hatched on the beach of Maldives luxury resort, JA Manafaru. Green turtles are virtal to the marine ecosystem.

A nest of green turtles has hatched on the beach at Maldives luxury resort, JA Manafaru. The green turtles matter to the marine ecosystem as they graze on seagrasses and algae. The turtles maintain the seagrass beds and make them more productive, thus keeping them healthy. According to JA Manafaru, happily, the turtles have gone off to explore the Maldivian ocean!

While green turtles do enjoy seagrass and algae, they also enjoy the occasional jellyfish. However, green turtles have been known to die after digesting something that looks like jellyfish. And what could that be? Unfortunately, plastic bags. Despite them occasionally being found in the reefs and lagoons of the Maldives, green turtles are an endangered species and protected in the Maldives.

JA Manafaru features a Marine Awareness Centre to conserve local ecology. Furthermore, there are marine conservation initiatives in the Maldives such as Olive Ridley Project to protect sea turtles and their habitats in the Indian Ocean through rescue and rehabilitation as well.

About JA Manafaru

JA Manafaru Maldives features 84 luxurious beachfront and over-water villas and residences. Each villa comes with its own private plunge pool. The resort offers activities abound for both adults and children with an SSI certified dive center for beginners and experienced divers. Award-winning Calm Spa & Sanctuary at JA Manafaru offers rejuvenating treats such as; Ayurveda, aromatherapy, and wellness journeys for the soul. Moreover, to keep all ages entertained, there are both Kids and Teens Clubs.

JA Manafaru Maldives’ water sports centre’s offerings include; flyboarding, jet-skiing, water-skiing, mono-skiing, seabob, fun tubing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, catamaran sailing, and canoeing.

Furthermore, the resort offers seven 7 dining venues as well. Additionally, the dining venues provide an array of options with traditional Indian Ocean cuisine, international fare, and seafood feasts. Likewise, the signature restaurant, White Orchid sits in the middle of the ocean treating guests to balmy breezes. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of exclusively premium beverages across multiple venues at JA Manafaru.

Feature image by JA Manafaru Maldives

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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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