Leadership Appointments at Atmosphere Core

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Atmosphere Core, a leading hospitality brand in South Asia with bold expansion plans across Asia and Europe, has announced the appointment of new General Managers to lead three of its acclaimed resorts within COLOURS OF OBLU and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts.  These strategic appointments come as the company deepens its focus on operational synergy, brand consistency, and guest experience innovation — key drivers of success in the evolving luxury and lifestyle travel landscape.

Mario Stanic was appointed General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere, bringing over 30 years of international luxury resort experience across the Maldives, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

Maurice Van Den Bosch took on the role of General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere, with more than 25 years of hospitality leadership experience across the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean, including prior roles within Atmosphere Core.

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Brett Craig Castleman joined as General Manager of OBLU SELECT Sangeli, bringing 27 years of global hospitality experience across Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean.

Commenting on these key appointments, Mr. Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer Atmosphere Core, said, “Leadership agility and strong operational alignment are vital to our continued success. Mario, Maurice and Brett bring not only extensive international experience but also a deep commitment to our philosophy of heartfelt hospitality. Their leadership will strengthen our collective mission to deliver the Joy of Giving, creating exceptional guest experiences and empowering our teams to thrive”.

Atmosphere Core Elevates Mr. Jose Gregorio Manzo to Assistant Vice President, International Sales

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Atmosphere Core announced the promotion of Mr. Jose Gregorio Manzo to Assistant Vice President, International Sales. In his new role, Jose will spearhead the company’s international sales strategy, strengthen global partnerships, and support the brand’s long-term commercial growth. This appointment marks a significant step in Atmosphere Core’s ongoing expansion and commitment to deepening its global footprint.

Jose’s promotion reflects his proven track record across European markets, where he played a pivotal role in elevating commercial performance, maximising visibility, and cultivating long-term strategic partnerships. His new leadership responsibilities will centre on guiding key markets, aligning global initiatives, and driving sustainable growth in line with the company’s long-term vision.

With extensive experience in the global tourism and hospitality sector, Jose brings a wealth of commercial expertise to the role. His background spans international sales, commercial development, and strategic market management for leading travel brands providing a solid foundation for steering Atmosphere Core’s international ambitions.

“I am truly honoured by this promotion and grateful for the trust placed in me. Representing Atmosphere Core is a privilege, and I look forward to contributing even more to the company’s global success. My goal is to strengthen our partnerships, open new opportunities, and ensure that our brands continue to grow and inspire travellers around the world.” -  Jose Gregorio Manzo 

Throughout his tenure at Atmosphere Core, Jose has consistently delivered strong year-on-year growth across Southern and Western Europe. Under his leadership, two key markets entered the company’s global top ten, supported by improved sales performance, reinforced partnerships, and enhanced brand visibility. He also played an instrumental role in rolling out major commercial initiatives across the region.

“Jose’s promotion to Assistant Vice President, International Sales is a strategic milestone for Atmosphere Core,” said Michel Politano, Senior Vice President Commercial, Atmosphere Core. “His exceptional track record across European markets, combined with his astute key account management capabilities, has consistently elevated our performance and strengthened our global partnerships. As we expand our international footprint, Jose’s leadership and meticulous application of sales processes will be instrumental in driving sustainable growth and advancing our commitment to global commercial excellence.”

Atmosphere Core Unveils Its Fourth Brand, ONE Atmosphere

Atmosphere Core announced the launch of its fourth brand, ONE Atmosphere, marking its strategic entry into the extended-stay segment. Designed for today’s work–live–travel flow, ONE Atmosphere will offer fully serviced apartments that combine the freedom and expanse of residential living with the consistency of hospitality, including branded amenities, seamless concierge services, and thoughtful design details.

Speaking about the launch, Mr Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director, Atmosphere Core, said, “As travel becomes more fluid and work becomes borderless, guests expect more than a hotel room, they expect a lifestyle solution. They want a space that adapts as they move through different cities, work patterns, and rhythms of everyday life. ONE Atmosphere is designed to meet this shift by offering a reliable model of flexible living that blends the warmth of home with the precision of hospitality. Our spaces will be consistent, functional, design-led, and deeply attuned to how people live today.”

Building on this guest-centred philosophy, the design of ONE Atmosphere will focus on efficient layouts, layered with calming materials and curated local art to create intuitive environments that feel welcoming, practical, and visually inspiring. Every element will aim to enhance comfort and usability while reflecting a sense of place.

ONE Atmosphere apartments will be built for living, not simply staying overnight, with hotel-style services operating quietly in the background. Across all locations, the brand will deliver ‘ONE Experience’, a portable sense of home ideal for long stays, relocations, project assignments, holidays, and hybrid travel. This experience will be further strengthened by a comprehensive suite of amenities and leisure, work, and convenience features, under the ‘ONE Promise’, elevating intelligent serviced living into a lifestyle statement. Together, these amenities and services will create a holistic, flexible environment.

Commenting on the brand’s growth potential, Mr Sandeep Ahuja, Managing Director, ONE Atmosphere, said, “the serviced apartment sector is expanding rapidly yet remains highly fragmented. With ONE Atmosphere, we aim to establish a unified standard that can scale with ease while delivering a consistent, comfortable, and efficient experience. By leveraging the operational discipline we’ve developed across our award-winning resorts in the Maldives, we are confident in our ability to set a new global benchmark for extended-stay hospitality”.

ONE Atmosphere’s launch pipeline features a mix of metropolitan, urban, and leisure destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Gulf countries, with further international markets under evaluation as part of the brand’s long-term global rollout.

Atmosphere Core Celebrates 100th Wine Masterclass with Landmark Bottega Gala Gold Event

A standout achievement in the Maldives’ experience-led hospitality scene, Atmosphere Core has completed its 100^th Wine Masterclass as part of the resorts’ signature Holiday Plan. Held at Atmosphere Kanifushi on 6 December 2025, the landmark centenary event, Bottega Gala Gold, offered guests a rare opportunity to meet and engage directly with representatives of one of Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine makers, while discovering the stories, terroir and craftsmanship behind the label.

What began in September 2021 with a Champagne Guy Charbaut masterclass at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO has since evolved into one of the region’s most distinctive wine-hospitality initiatives. Spanning nine island resorts, all the complimentary wine masterclasses invited in-house guests to enjoy hosted tastings and immersive encounters directly with the company’s partner winemakers.

Over the past four years, Atmosphere Core has forged pioneering partnerships with five terroir producers. Champagne Guy Charbaut (1er Cru Champagne) masterclasses have been held annually since 2021; Bodegas Viñátigo (Canary Islands) since 2022; Glenelly Estate (Stellenbosch) since 2023; Martín Códax (Galicia) since 2024; and, most recently, Bottega SpA a fourth-generation Italian estate, whose masterclasses debuted in 2025. Each partner was selected for its authenticity, expressive terroir, and craftsmanship, qualities increasingly sought by today’s global traveller.

From formal masterclasses and intimate vineyard-style dinners to lively sundowners and gala tastings, Atmosphere Core’s wine experiences showcase the versatility of its partners and the culinary team’s evolving sommelier expertise. In an innovative approach within the industry, all 100 events have been included within the resorts’ signature Holiday Plans.

Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wine at Atmosphere Core, said, “We set out to build a wine culture that allows us to be outrageously creative with the way we pair wines with culinary experiences and tell stories, while being vigorously disciplined in our selection, partnerships, training, and service. Reaching our 100th Wine Experience reminded us why we started. To make wine knowledge accessible, to spark curiosity, and to give generously to our guests and colleagues. That mindset, the Joy of Giving, is what has shaped every single one of these 100 moments.”

Atmosphere Core’s award-winning wine program is designed around three dimensions: in-resort experiences for guests, in-vineyard expeditions for culinary teams, and in-market events with travel and media partners. Together, these threads create an impactful wine culture.

Partner winemakers travel to the Maldives to host masterclasses, while the resort’s culinary teams journey to their vineyards in Europe and South Africa, deepening mutual understanding. Guest feedback has also highlighted the rarity of such terroir-driven offerings being built into a resort island holiday, as curiosity for authentic wines continues to grow globally.

With the successful milestone of its 100^th Wine Masterclass now achieved, Atmosphere Core looks ahead to an expanded calendar of planned wine experiences, with the 2026 program currently in development. As the wine program evolves, the Joy of Giving remains at its core, ensuring guests always have something new to discover, one expressive bottle and one memorable story at a time.

Five Years of Refined Elegance from Maldivian Gem to Global Sanctuary

There is a particular magic that happens when island sanctuaries meet a visionary dream. Five years ago, that magic found its name: THE OZEN COLLECTION. What began as two intimate sanctuaries in the Maldivian seascape, the profoundly private OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and the contemporary OZEN LIFE MAADHOO has blossomed into a philosophy of hospitality that whispers luxury rather than shouts it.

Born in the heart of the Indian Ocean, THE OZEN COLLECTION established its legacy with two distinct Maldivian sanctuaries: the ultra-exclusive OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and the bespoke OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. The brand swiftly distinguished itself through its pioneering approach to luxury hospitality, masterfully reinterpreting the all-encompassing concept via its signature RESERVE™ Plan and INDULGENCE™ Plan. These are not mere pricing structures, but rather philosophies that transform a holiday into a seamlessly personalised narrative of carefree indulgence centred around guests.

This commitment to excellence has been consistently validated through prestigious international recognition, a narrative of success written in accolades. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI exemplifies peerless distinction, its Royal RESERVE having been crowned 'Maldives' Leading Luxury Hotel Villa' at the World Travel Awards. The resort's esteemed MICHELIN Key affirms its exceptional style and service, while its 'Best All-Inclusive Wine List' award at the 2025 World's Best Wine Lists Awards underscores a sophisticated culinary ethos.

Meanwhile, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO crafts its own celebrated story. Honoured in the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025, a distinction reserved for the top one percent of properties globally, it stands as a testament to unforgettable guest experiences. This popular acclaim is complemented by its industry recognition as 'Sustainable Champion' at the Hotelier Maldives Awards, demonstrating that profound luxury and genuine environmental stewardship are fundamentally intertwined.

Building upon this foundation of success, THE OZEN COLLECTION now ventures on an ambitious new chapter of global expansion. The brand will transport its signature elegance and personalised service beyond the atolls with forthcoming openings in India, OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, OZEN MANSION KOLKATA, and OZEN PRIVADO GOA—while simultaneously deepening its Maldivian presence with the exclusive OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI, promising new horizons of secluded luxury.

Stéphane Laguette, Chief Commercial Officer of Atmosphere Core, reflected on the journey: "Our first five years were about listening and refining our guests' unspoken wishes, to the quiet verge of luxury. We learned that true excellence isn't about being the largest, but about being the most meaningful. As we turn this page, we carry these lessons to new shores, ready to write the next chapter of intimate, unforgettable escapes."

As THE OZEN COLLECTION turns the page to its next chapter, its compass remains steadfastly aligned with its original bearing: the art of crafting sanctuaries where narrative is paramount. Here, architecture breathes with its environment, service moves with intuitive grace, and each curated experience serves a singular purpose, to honour the unique story of every guest who entrusts their journey to its care. This is not merely hospitality; it is the preservation of moments that linger long after the journey home, a legacy written not in sand, but in memory.