Seb’s Farm at RAAYA: A Sustainable Dining Experience

Seb’s Farm: Redefining Island Dining at RAAYA by Atmosphere

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 7, 2025

RAAYA by Atmosphere has introduced a new gem to its culinary offerings: Seb’s Farm, a farm-to-table restaurant that celebrates sustainability, local flavors, and unforgettable island experiences. Nestled in the heart of Raaya Island, this innovative dining venue combines fresh, organic produce with a stunning alfresco ambiance, redefining island dining for its guests.

At Seb’s Farm, every detail is thoughtfully crafted. Picture dining under the Maldivian stars, with rustic wooden tables adorned with fresh blooms and seasonal produce. The gentle ocean breeze sets the mood for a menu brimming with local flavors and sustainable practices.

The farm itself is a marvel, housing vegetables, fruits, fragrant herbs, a hydroponic garden, and a poultry farm. Dishes are created using ingredients grown on-site or sourced from local fishermen. The Seb’s Farm Signature Menu offers Maldivian-inspired delicacies like RAAYA Fish Soup, infused with curry leaves and Maldivian chili, and Kanamadhu Chocolate Fudge, a decadent almond cake paired with coconut ice cream. Refreshments include creative cocktails such as Seb’s Florals with cucumber and lime, and Raa Gin infused with passionfruit and strawberry.

Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere, describes Seb’s Farm as more than a dining venue. “In today’s fast-paced world, people yearn for meaningful connections. Seb’s Farm offers a chance to reconnect with nature through gardening sessions, culinary masterclasses, and farm tours. It’s an experience designed to uplift the spirit.”

The farm’s sustainable ethos extends beyond the plate. Food waste is transformed into compost for the farm and nearby islands, while rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and zero-waste kitchen practices further underscore RAAYA’s commitment to the environment.

Located just a 45-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, RAAYA by Atmosphere is a five-star resort featuring 167 beach and overwater villas. With six diverse dining options, the resort blends local Maldivian traditions with global flavors, offering activities ranging from water sports and diving to stargazing and wellness at the signature ELE|NA Ayur spa.

Seb’s Farm is a testament to RAAYA by Atmosphere’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and unforgettable guest experiences, redefining what it means to dine on a Maldivian island.

Varel Singapore Appoints Agnes Cheng as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 24, 2026

Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has appointed Agnes Cheng as General Manager, bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience across luxury, upscale and boutique hotels in Singapore. In her new role, she will oversee the hotel's operations, commercial strategy and financial performance, with a focus on guest satisfaction and business growth.

Agnes has held senior positions at several established hospitality groups, including Naumi Hotels, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, Far East Hospitality and The Ascott Limited. Her experience covers hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue optimisation, food and beverage (F&B) management and strategic partnerships.

Before joining Varel Singapore, Agnes served as General Manager of Naumi Hotel Singapore, where she managed hotel operations, commercial performance and financial performance while overseeing the Rang Mahal restaurant. During her tenure, she led operational improvements and major asset enhancement initiatives, including restaurant refurbishment and enhancements to the hotel's façade.

Under her leadership, Naumi Hotel Singapore received the Best Boutique Hotel accolade at the TTG Travel Awards in both 2025 and 2026. The hotel also received the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Award 2026 during her tenure.

Agnes also brings experience in hotel openings, having played key roles in the launches of Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore, Bay Hotel Singapore and Grand Park Orchard. Across these appointments, she developed new business opportunities, built long-term client relationships and guided sales teams towards achieving revenue targets.

Known for her hands-on and collaborative management approach, Agnes places importance on team development, operational efficiency and service quality. Her leadership approach focuses on empowering employees, creating a positive working environment and maintaining consistent service standards while supporting business performance.

Fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, Agnes brings a combination of operational knowledge, commercial expertise and experience across different hotel brands to her new role at Varel Singapore. As General Manager, she will focus on building on the hotel's existing foundation, strengthening guest satisfaction and supporting its continued growth in Singapore's hospitality market.

The Hari Singapore Appoints Aaron Tan as Director of Culinary

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 23, 2026

The Hari Singapore has appointed award-winning chef Aaron Tan as its Director of Culinary ahead of the hotel's opening in early 2027. Bringing more than 25 years of experience across hotels, fine-dining restaurants and international events, Tan will lead the hotel's food and beverage operations, including four restaurants and bars, banqueting and in-room dining.

Tan will focus on delivering quality food with flavour at the centre, supported by thoughtful presentation and a strong kitchen team. From breakfast and dining experiences to in-room service, he aims to create a consistent culinary identity across the hotel.

“Aaron has a deep respect for tradition, but he’s never afraid to bring something new to the table,” said General Manager Andreas Kraemer. “Just as importantly, he wants to grow cooks, not just menus. I can’t think of a better person to shape dining at The Hari Singapore.”

Sharing his approach to food, Tan said, “Singapore diners know good food, and they can tell when something is real. For me, food has to look good and taste even better, with flavour always first. I don’t expect to win anyone over with one dish. We will earn their trust plate by plate, visit by visit. My philosophy has always been simple: cook with heart, and never forget your roots.”

Tan joins The Hari Singapore from Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, formerly InterContinental Singapore, where he has served as Executive Sous Chef and Executive Chinese Chef since 2019. During his tenure, he strengthened the profile of its Cantonese restaurant, Man Fu Yuan, through refined cooking and culinary collaborations.

In 2025, Tan introduced the Manchu-Han Imperial Feast to Singapore for the first time, working with Master Chef Qi Jinzhu after 14 months of preparation. In 2026, he also led a four-hands culinary collaboration with Lily’s at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok.

His culinary journey began in Singapore, where he developed his skills under Hong Kong master chefs before expanding his experience across Western, Asian and fusion cuisines. He later held senior positions at Conrad Centennial Singapore, Fairmont Singapore and Hotel Vagabond. He was also one of three chefs responsible for the Singapore Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.

Tan's achievements include winning the 2016 Lee Kum Kee International Young Chef Chinese Culinary Challenge in Hong Kong, where he represented Singapore against 42 chefs from 13 countries. He has also led Singapore teams to medals at the World Championship Chef competitions and won Gold at the Souchu International Cooking Competition in Beijing.

Beyond the kitchen, Tan serves as Vice President of the Society of Chinese Cuisine Chefs (Singapore), where he mentors emerging culinary professionals. With his experience in Cantonese cuisine, international culinary collaborations and team development, Tan will lead the dining programme at The Hari Singapore as the hotel prepares to welcome guests in early 2027.

Boutique Hospitality Services Appoints Apat Salamone to Drive Hospitality Partnerships and Technology Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 22, 2026

Boutique Hospitality Services Limited has appointed Apat Salamone as Hospitality Partnership Manager as its parent company, Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited (BC), looks to expand its hotel management, third-party operating and hospitality technology businesses.

Apat brings 12 years of hospitality experience, covering hotel operations, B2B business development and sales. In his new role, he will lead business development across BC's Hotel Management Services (HMS), Third-Party Operator (TPO) and upcoming hospitality technology (SaaS) business.

His responsibilities will include building the commercial pipeline, managing owner and client relationships for properties operating under BC's hotel management agreements, and overseeing key business development activities. These properties include JonoX Karon Phuket. He will also help steer key milestones towards the planned launch of BC's SaaS product by the end of 2026.

The appointment comes as BC strengthens its focus on hotel operations and technology. The company is a certified Third-Party Operator for Accor and Marriott, managing both internationally branded and independent hotels on behalf of their owners. Alongside its hotel management business, BC is developing technology solutions designed to help hotels improve operational efficiency and overall performance.

BC's portfolio includes its own brands, Journeyhub Hotels and Jono Hotels, alongside internationally branded properties such as Novotel and ibis Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub, Mercure Phuket Patong Journeyhub and greet Bangkok Sukhumvit 16 Jono. The portfolio is also set to expand with the addition of Mövenpick Resort Phuket Kamala Beach and JonoX Sukhumvit 5 – Handwritten Collection.

With Apat's appointment, BC aims to strengthen its business development efforts while advancing its hotel management and technology plans. His experience across operations, sales and business development is expected to support the company's efforts to build stronger partnerships with hotel owners and expand its hospitality offerings.

As the company prepares for its planned SaaS launch by the end of 2026, the appointment also reflects its broader focus on combining hotel operating expertise with technology solutions to support better-performing properties.

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Seb’s Farm: Redefining Island Dining at RAAYA by Atmosphere

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Varel Singapore Appoints Agnes Cheng as General Manager

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The Hari Singapore Appoints Aaron Tan as Director of Culinary

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Boutique Hospitality Services Appoints Apat Salamone to Drive Hospitality Partnerships and Technology Growth

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