The ceremony took place at its recently launched helipad, at the hilltop with an almost 360 view of the southwest side of the island of Mahé, under the warm afternoon sun of Seychelles.

The MAIA staff was joined by the Secretary of State in the President’s Office, Barry Faure, who is also the Chairman of the Seychelles Tourism Board, along with the Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Alain St.Ange, and his deputy CEO, Elsia Grandcourt.

Also enjoying this joyful event were many of the resort’s guests, including the highly-respected journalist of the Sunday Times Magazine, Nuala Harvey, and her colleague, Wendy Watts, as well as 2 very special guests, Boris and Nathalia. Boris and Nathalia were on their fifth stay at the hotel, and each time they are in Seychelles, it was announced, have chosen Villa 104 and the same butler.

The General Manager of MAIA Luxury Resort&Spa, Frederic Vidal, opened the ceremony by welcoming all present, followed by an introduction of the first employee of the resort, Nathalie Madeleine, and a walk down memory lane, as he recounted the challenges and achievements of the resort.

Mr. Vidal took the opportunity to thank all staff for their hard work, dedication, and the passion they put into their jobs. The MAIA Luxury Resort&Spa has won many awards since it opened its doors. “All these prestigious awards and accolades are the result of an incredible team work, where every member of the Maia family plays his or her role,” Frederic Vidal said. On behalf of his team, Mr. Vidal also expressed their appreciation towards the owners of MAIA Luxury Resort&Spa, the Southern Sun Hotels Group, and the Qatari Diar.

Special words of thanks went to the Vice President of Southern Sun offshore, Richard Weilers, who is seen as the father of MAIA. It was Mr. Weilers who came up with the incredible concept that focuses around the 5 senses of MAIA, according to Mr. Vidal.

On his part, Mr. St.Ange, who was presented with a T-shirt with a big 5 on the back – printed especially for the occasion – said that it was an honor to be part of this joyous moment. “It is a great pleasure to be here with you today on this wonderful occasion. Five years in operation represents a great achievement for MAIA, as well as for our tourism industry,” he said.

Following the speeches, more celebrations took place such as a cake cutting and the release of 216 helium balloons by the hotel staff and guests. The release of balloons was a gesture for good luck and prosperity.

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