Would you believe the future has begun?

Technology is changing the way people travel. Or perhaps it’s the other way around. These days, people seem to like getting things done at the snap of a finger, to be able to talk to other people instantaneously regardless of where they…

Ahmed Shaheer

Hotel Insider sits down with Ahmed Shaheer, Managing Director, State Trading Organisation PLC State Trading Organisation (STO) is the largest commercial establishment in the Maldives and has a host of firsts under its belt. Among other things, STO was the first to…

Pearl – Experiencing A Waking Dream

As I descend the steps, growing accustomed to the dark, the play of light by the landing arrests me. The undulation of wavy blue light is enchanting and more enchantment awaits. Pearl, the world’s first (and as yet only) underwater spa is…

Benjamin Kreuz

Hotel Insider meets Benjamin Kreuz, general manager of COMO Cocoa Island. Benjamin has a strong background in hospitality, having worked with luxury international brands in the USA, Europe and China. Also, he is, in more ways than one, married to the Maldives.…

Julian Hagger

This time, we meet Julian Hagger (executive vice president global sales & marketing, LUX*), a young French and British national with sixteen years of sales and marketing experience with major brands like Ritz-Carlton, Marriott and Belmond. We go over how these big…

Boutique Hotels – a different way to stay

Like with most things, it’s hard to nail what a boutique hotel is exactly, yet you’d get an idea if you look at its history and contrast it with more traditional hotels.  The term was coined by American entrepreneur Steve Rubell, who…

Nika Island Resort – championing local heritage

It’s like I’ve stepped back in time as I walk through Nika, a boutique resort in North Ari, run by a family of Italians. Coral stone figures prominently in its buildings, the reception, the rooms, even the low walls marking its lanes.…

Designer Ryuzo Nakata pops up at Huvafen Fushi

Sapporo born fashion designer Ryuzo Nakata turned up at Huvafen Fushi Monday evening for the launch of his pop-up event on the island.  At the cocktail reception that evening, Nakata displayed a collection of womenswear that included dresses that favoured sheer cloth…