Best Luxury Resort Group 2026 & Experiential Hospitality & Guest Experience Excellence Award 2026 For hospitality providers, keeping their finger on the pulse of the ever-changing industry they are a part of is key in delivering world-class concepts and forward-thinking brands. As its name suggests, Pulse Hotels & Resorts does exactly this. A hospitality development group with a difference, Pulse focuses on creating extraordinary experiences and intelligent spaces which both inspire and delight. The group’s co-owner, Mohamed Khaleel, caught up with us for more. Headquartered in Singapore, Pulse Hotels & Resorts has been elevating the ordinary and taking holiday experiences to the next level since it was established back in 2015. A subsidiary of Deep Blue Private Limited, which is an investment company specialising in tourist resorts and other related businesses in the Maldives, it is unsurprising that Pulse’s portfolio currently spans a variety of high-end resorts, residences, and developments across these islands – all of which pride themselves on nurturing real guest connections. With the entrepreneurial spirit of Mr Sanjay Maniku and Mr Mohamed Khaleel guiding it at every turn, Pulse has grown into a haven of quality and value for the discerning traveller to the Maldives, and the group caters to all seeking an intelligent and contemporary experience in the heart of this island paradise. A big group with bigger plans, Pulse’s drive to pioneer across the hospitality industry is reflected through its seven brands, each of which highlights the non-stop innovation it is renowned for across this space. The first of these brands is the Nautilus, a private hideaway with ultra-luxury touches housed in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which is situated just a stone’s throw from the famous Hanifaru Bay. Open from May to November, guests visiting this location can enjoy unforgettable experiences swimming these crystal-blue waters and encountering manta rays and majestic whale sharks. 26 beach/ocean houses comprise this resort, which is ideal for the ultra-high-net-worth traveller through to couples and families seeking total bliss. Second is Kandima, a unique resort set on a three-kilometre island. The perfect destination for those with active lifestyles, 270 cool and stylish studios and villas give way to ten restaurants and bars, numerous activities, and the Maldives’ largest children’s club. Just some of the things that can be enjoyed here include go-karting with a 500m asphalt race track, a gaming hub, and entertainment seven nights a week. Families of any size revel their time at this resort, which also welcomes friendship groups, couples, and solo travellers. Next up is Nova, a soulful and boutique sanctuary housing an all-inclusive community of 76 top-of-the-line villas. This resort is located within the South Ari Marine Protected Area, which is widely considered to be one of the most magical settings in the country. Encompassing this community concept on all sides is a variety of ocean life, and as this is one of the few places in the world where manta rays and whale sharks can be seen all year round, there is never a bad time to stay here and revel in endless ocean views. One of the grandest spaces in this portfolio, the Coral Residences is an integrated beachfront community boasting 40 private two/threebedroom owned and holiday apartments. All are fully serviced, a reflection of the luxury ethos seen through everything from the world-class facilities and five-star amenities to the stunning architecture these residences boast. Highlights include a 24/7 concierge service accessed via an app, gourmet grocery delivery, and private chef experiences, not to mention full access to Kandima. Those in search of a more eco-chic retreat will feel right at home at Eri, where nature, culture, and wellness converge across nearly 68 studios and villas. Just 45 minutes from Velana International Airport by speedboat, Eri’s commitment to wellness is seen through its barefoot sanctuary and serene spa. Top it all off with a variety of choice dining options and a reputation for being a diver’s paradise, and what shines through is a nature-filled resort where wonder awaits both above and below the clear-blue waves of the Indian Ocean. The final two resorts rounding out this portfolio are currently in development, with Aura set to open later this year and Avalon pencilled in for 2027. Whereas Aura will consist of 74 villas spread across the beach and the water – with a rigorous sustainable focus running throughout – Avalon is set to comprise 49 private residences on the island of Hiriyafushi in South Dhaalu Atoll, a place where organic architecture meets a seamless, world-class service. Both developments will reflect Pulse’s high standards and luxury ethos. “A collection of resorts with distinct souls.” Rather than simply replicating experiences across these brands, Pulse specialises in creating emotion and blending this with a consistent service excellence throughout its entire portfolio. This ties into the overarching vision of the group, which is to deliver holidays filled with happiness, wellbeing, and bliss at every turn. It recognises that the flag bearers of this vision, the team here, are vital in Pulse being able to provide soulful escapes to its ultra-luxury guests, and this is why the staff are – and always will be – the group’s backbone. Exploring this further, Mohamed told us: “Instead of following a script, our teams are free to make real, customised moments that show off the distinctive personality of each brand. Their passion, professionalism, and emotional intelligence make guests happy, keep them coming back, and help the group succeed in the long run.” He continued: “Pulse is a great place to work because we value trust, respect, and personal growth. People are proud to be a part of the team and want to do their best.” What follows is cultural alignment. Driven by the shared dedication to do the right thing at the right time, embrace life in a playful and curious way, remain deeply rooted and nurture a sense of belonging in its destinations, reflect humanity at every turn, and leave things better than how they found them, Pulse’s devotion to excellence across the holiday experiences it provides ensures that it is always looking ahead. By leveraging the innovative spirit touched on above, it can continue to refine its offerings to compete on both a local and a global level. For example, given the Maldives has become an increasingly popular destination for hotels since the first over-water villas – today a staple of its idyllic landscapes – arrived in 1992, it should come as no surprise that it is becoming increasingly difficult for hotels to attract and retain skilled and experienced staff. This, combined with the oversaturation, means that the Maldives, whilst still a magnificent destination, does not have the exclusive status it once did. Seeking this for its guests, Pulse is instead looking to open resorts abroad. Mohamed explained: “Emerging destinations in Africa, such as Zanzibar, and in other Asian countries, such as Sri Lanka, are becoming Pulse Hotels & Resorts
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