Universal Resorts, which pioneered Maldivian hospitality over 50 years ago, on Tuesday, has rebranded to ‘VERSA Hospitality’ as it eyes to become a guest-facing brand platform for international expansion.
In a statement on Tuesday, the parent company of Universal Resorts, Universal Enterprises announced the rebranding of its hotel management arm to ‘VERSA Hospitality’ and the simultaneous launch of its new hospitality lifestyle brand, NIVA Hotels & Resorts.
According to Universal Enterprises, the strategic move transforms the independent family business from a respected and largely B2B-focused resort owner and operator into a globally recognized, consumer-centric hospitality brand designed for future growth into international markets.
Commenting on the shift, Universal Enterprises Managing Director Ahmed Umar Manik underscored that the company, for more than five decades, has very successfully operated its iconic Maldivian resorts – pioneering the concept of Maldivian resort life.
“We had a bold vision to share this extraordinary destination with the world, starting with the opening of Kurumba, the first resort in the Maldives, in 1972, and going on to create world-renowned resorts such as Baros, Kuramathi, Huvafen Fushi, Velassaru, Milaidhoo and Labriz,” he said.
He emphasized that the company is now ready to step out as the travel landscape evolves.
“Now, as the global travel landscape evolves, it’s time for the group to step out, building brand recognition with our guests, partners and the wider industry. VERSA isn’t merely a new name; it’s a strategic repositioning to unlock the full potential of our resort portfolio and position the company for our future growth ambitions,” he said.
Universal Enterprises noted that the announcement also coincides with the appointment of Visha Mahir, a second-generation member of the founding family and board director of Universal Enterprises, as Chief Executive Officer of VERSA Hospitality. Visha has held several senior leadership posts within Universal Enterprises for the past two decades, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Universal Resorts.
Commenting on her appointment, Visha said it is a privilege and honor to step into the role and lead her family business into this new chapter.
“Our story is woven into the very fabric of this island nation. Yes, we’re recognised as innovators in Maldivian luxury hospitality, but more importantly, we’ve built our reputation on authenticity and a deep connection to our home. Our aim at VERSA is to respect that precious past, ensuring that as we expand, our heritage and heartfelt service remain at the core of everything we do,” she added.
According to Universal Enterprises, NIVA is the cornerstone of VERSA’s new growth strategy, coined from the words ‘nourish’ and ‘viva’. The company detailed that NIVA reflects a new era of travel where emotional fulfillment takes precedence over status and speaks to a new generation of travelers seeking genuine, unforced experiences, where the freedom to simply be, nourishes life.
NIVA will unite six of Universal’s Indian Ocean properties, including the historic Kurumba in the Maldives and new destinations in the Seychelles, under one philosophy: to bring lightness back to travel. The destinations have been renamed accordingly:
Niva Kurumba (Maldives)
Niva Velassaru (Maldives)
Niva Kuramathi (Maldives)
Niva Dhigali (Maldives)
Niva Labriz (Seychelles)
Nica Aria (Seychelles) – opening in 2026