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

The Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of luxury resorts invites families to embark on an unforgettable journey. With these exclusive ‘Ultimate Family Summer Getaway’ packages, families can immerse themselves in the harmonious blend of opulence and natural beauty. Guests can explore this package at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. Embrace luxury island living in any of the resort’s two or three-bedroom overwater and beach pool villas, providing guests with 24-hour personalized signature ‘Aris Meeha’, St. Regis Butlers, and ‘Thakuru’ butler services that cater to their every need.

Guests can reserve their extraordinary summer retreat before May 31, 2024. This is applicable for stays until September 30, 2024, when kids under 12 can dine and stay for free. Benefits include daily breakfasts and dinners, a welcome amenity for kids, complimentary access to the kids club, and a host of specially curated experiences to create cherished memories for a lifetime.

Family Fun Getaway at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands unveils its exclusive summer program. The resort invites families to embrace the island life against the backdrop of the mesmerizing Indian Ocean. The resort’s thoughtful curation entices guests with transformative travel experiences. Guests can explore epicurean journeys with Michelin-starred guest chefs to wellness retreats guided by leading names. Additionally, guests can also go on adventurous surfing retreats with surf icons.

Exploring Culinary Journeys at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

Families can embark on a gastronomic journey, enjoying a Michelin-starred dining experience at the resort. From July 31 to August 1, Chef Bruno Verjus will bring a taste of his two-star Michelin Parisian restaurant Table by Bruno Verjus to the Beach Shack. He will also offer an exclusive masterclass for guests. From August 10 to 11, Chef Pam Soontornyanakij, Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024 and chef-patron of the one-Michelin-star Restaurant Potong, will present a bespoke menu. Guests can explore her progressive Thai-Chinese cuisine at the Summer Pavilion.

Healing Journey this Summer

In a ‘Summer of Renewal,’ celebrity healer Susy Markoe Schieffelin will lead her signature sound baths. Guests can explore this experience under the Maldivian skies from July 19 to 23. Renowned practitioner Abi Adams will also guide guests through emotional and hormonal balance journeys. Abi will be using breath, meridian dancing and yoga from August 15 to 19. Last but not least, Surf enthusiasts can learn to master the four most popular waves in the North Malé Atoll. The resort is bringing championship surf heroes Nic von Rupp from June 8 to 11 and Victor Bernardo from July 3 to 6.

Something Exciting for the Young Explorers

Young explorers from ages 4 to 12 can ignite their imaginations at Ritz Kids and learn about marine life, nature and sustainability. Young guests can go on an adventure with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. Children can dive into the action at Ritz Kids, a futuristic indoor-outdoor haven filled with interactive playgrounds, napping pods, cinematic movie experiences, and an adrenaline-pumping pool complete with slides and jets.

With the ‘Family Fun Summer’ Package, guests can savour daily breakfasts at La Locanda, dinners at Summer Pavilion, Arabesque, Beach Shack, or EAU Bar, and a special welcome amenity for kids. Families can choose from elegantly designed villas including Two Bedroom Water or Beach Pool Villas, or elevate their stay at The Ritz-Carlton Estate, a private beach residence with its own exclusive cove and sunset views.

Visit the website at ritzcarlton.com/maldives or book your stay here.

Ultimate Summer Escape at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, situated on a private natural island in one of the destination’s most exclusive atolls, welcomes families for a luxurious summer getaway in the Maldives. Guests can explore the breathtaking surroundings, complemented by the resort’s distinctive design inspired by nearby marine life, including the atoll’s house reef. Along with The St. Regis Butler Service – a hallmark of the brand’s commitment to excellence – a dedicated St. Regis Butler is available to curate tailored experiences and meet every need of the guests.

Exploring the Local Culture

Families can delve into local culture with thrilling expeditions on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni, from dolphin sightings to sunset fishing. The resort also offers marine conservation experiences through unique interactive classes and activities for both children and adults with the resident Marine Biologist. Adults can revel in luxurious amenities and exquisite dining experiences, while young travellers will find an abundance of excitement on the island. At the resort’s dedicated Children’s Club, children aged 4 to 12 can partake in yoga classes, painting, origami, and other creative crafts. Kid-friendly snacks and refreshing juices are available from the private dining menu. For teens ages 16 and older, the Socialite Club boasts an open-door recreation area with a variety of entertainment, including table tennis, foosball, billiards, and air hockey, as well as video and board games.

Families booking the ‘Ultimate Family Summer Escape’ package will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including a special welcome amenity for kids, daily breakfasts at ALBA, dinners at select restaurants, kid-sized luxuries like robes and treats, and complimentary access to the resort’s dedicated Children’s Club. Guests can choose from a variety of elegantly designed villas set amidst lush forest surroundings or with breathtaking ocean views, including the award-winning John Jacob Astor Estate, Caroline Astor Estate, Knickerbocker Villa, or Cesar Balsa Villa each featuring family-friendly amenities such as private plunge pools and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.

For more information, visit the website at stregismaldives.com or book your stay here.

Tropical Summer Fun at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

Nestled on Vagaru Island overlooking the azure waters of Shaviyani Atoll in the Maldives, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites guests to its multi-generational luxury resort for an immersive and eco-friendly holiday experience. Families can bask in the unspoiled beauty of the island’s pristine white beach, savour diverse dining experiences, and embark on daily excursions for diving, snorkelling, dolphin watching, and sunset fishing to explore the vibrant marine life.

FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club

Travelling with children is now even easier with FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club. The club provides a captivating and educational environment for young adventurers on Vagaru Island. The club runs over 100 activities. This ranges from arts and crafts to cooking classes. Some of these activities are specially designed for the whole family to enjoy.

Fine Dining Experiences

Fine dining experiences can be elevated through bespoke destination dining services. This ranges from in-villa barbecue dinners and traditional Maldivian Malafaaiy dinners on the beach to a sublime eight-course interactive Indian fusion dinner in the hidden oasis of RIHA. The resort’s sustainability efforts are centred on the vibrant JW Garden, which sources fresh produce for creative cuisine. The JW Garden to Table concept celebrates locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a farm-to-table experience for eco-conscious travellers. This summer, guests can delight in a new vegan menu with innovative plant-based dishes. Explore dishes crafted from homegrown JW Garden ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and wellness.

With the ‘Family Fun Summer’ package, guests can immerse themselves in luxurious island living. Guests can explore the modern and spacious Duplex Overwater or Beach Pool Villa. Each of these villas features private pools and personalized Thakuru butler service. The package includes daily breakfasts at Aailaa and a choice between daily lunches or dinners at select restaurants. Additionally, guests will receive a welcome amenity for kids, a one-time 30-minute complimentary photography session. You can also get one printed photo and complimentary usage of non-motorized watersports throughout their stay.

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

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