News
Coco Collection appoints General Manager for Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – Coco Collection has announced the appointment of Paul Vincent Benedict Brown as the General Manager of Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island, the ultimate private island retreat reserved for only the most discerning travellers. Secluded, secret and serene, Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island is one of the world’s most exclusive private islands and the pinnacle of the Coco Collection experience. Comprising one split-level Master Residence and 5 guest accommodations, the island offers ample space for a family or group of friends. With an infinity pool, a private Jacuzzi, Dining Room, Library, Cocktail Bar, and Gym, nothing but the sparkling waters of the surrounding lagoon and the colorful house reef will be able to beckon guests to endeavor beyond the island, and explore the riches of the natural beauty of the Maldives.Apart from cultivating an exceptional stay by ensuring nothing but royal treatment for his guests, Paul will oversee the efficient operation of Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island while working closely with Armand Chaudhary, the newly appointed COO of Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection. Trained by the Household of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Paul is the founder and owner of White Glove Consultancy Services, a company that specializes in educating resorts, villas, private households and butlers on everything pertaining to first class service. During his time at Buckingham Palace, Paul’s duties bestowed him with the privilege to serve at Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s pleasure, as well as taking care of visiting Heads of State. On numerous occasions, Paul was also chosen to work privately for individual members of the immediate Royal Family in Buckingham Palace and at their private residences. Paul received The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic as well as the President of Iceland’s Medal of Honor in 1990.
After his departure from Buckingham Palace, Paul served as House Manager and Butler for Timothy Landon in the UK and for notable TV producer Aaron Spelling in the USA, before deciding to move to Asia, where he joined The Royal Phuket Yacht Club as Director of Guest Services and was personally responsible for the VIP guests while training and managing the butler service team at the club. Before joining Coco Collection this June, Paul inhabited the role of Executive Assistant Manager at The Village Coconut Island in Thailand, where he oversaw the day to day operations of the property.
“I am excited to have taken on the responsibilities of General Manager here at the magnificent Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island in Maldives, and it is with great pleasure that I look forward to working with the team that has so successfully launched this extravagant island. With my experience of etiquette and protocol in the performance of butlering duties, I am confident that we will elevate service levels to new heights, ensuring a Uniquely Coco stay for our guests!” comments Paul Brown, General Manager at Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island.
Paul’s primary focus will be to warrant that guests of the island will be treated like true royalty and to create a sense of familiarity and intimacy for each guest that genuinely embodies the vision of Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island Maldives: Your time. Your space.
Culture
Sirru Fen Fushi celebrates Eid with focus on heritage and guest experiences
Eid at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort unfolded this year as a heartfelt celebration of connection, reflection, and Maldivian heritage, bringing guests together through two days of meaningful experiences designed to honour the spirit of the holiday.
From the first morning of Eid, families gathered over generous breakfast spreads and continued to reconnect throughout the day with celebratory dining offerings that wove together shared traditions and island flavours. As evening arrived, the resort invited guests to slow down under the open sky–stargazing by the shoreline, floating sound- healing sessions by the lagoon, and gentle sunrise and sunset yoga created quiet spaces for gratitude and presence.
The festivities continued across the island with immersive activities for all ages. Guests joined friendly football matches and a junior football camp, explored new skills in hands-on cooking classes, centred mind and body through Muay Thai practice, and took part in light-hearted competitions such as kayaking and archery. Beyond the resort, those eager to discover local life ventured on guided island visits, while evenings resonated with Maldivian folklore storytelling and the rhythm of the traditional Boduberu performance, bringing the cultural heartbeat of Eid to life.
Honouring Maldivian Heritage
A highlight of this year’s celebrations was the Eid cultural showcase at Raha Market on the 20th of March. The space was transformed into a traditional Fange, a handcrafted palm-thatched hut, where guests could explore skills and tools that once formed the backbone of daily life across the Maldives.

Artisans demonstrated Hanu lathe, how it is used in the sharpening of the Kathivalhi chopping blade, and the versatile Furoa axe, offering insight into craftsmanship passed down through generations. Guests observed the intricate Roanu Veshun technique of coir rope braiding and the delicate Fangi Vinun craft of weaving coconut fronds into kajan roofing, a once-essential, fully renewable building material.
The experience continued with traditional hand-milling of grains–wheat, finger millet, and rice, recalling a time before modern conveniences. The hut glowed with the warm flicker of Faanoozu oil lamps, a reminder of the simplicity of island life before the arrival of electricity.
No Maldivian celebration is complete without hedhika, and guests enjoyed freshly prepared favourites such as gulha, bajiya, masroshi, and keemiya, each carrying the flavours of home kitchens and long-held family recipes.
A Night to Remember
Children brought joyful energy to the festivities with a special Eid parade, filling the island with colour and excitement. As the evening closed, guests gathered along the shoreline to watch the Eid moon rise over the ocean–a quiet, luminous moment that captured the essence of the celebration: gratitude, unity and the timeless beauty of island life.
This year’s Eid at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort was more than an event, it was a shared experience woven from culture, community, and the simple joy of being together. The resort looks forward to welcoming guests again next year to continue this cherished tradition.
For further information and reservations, please visit https://sirrufenfushi.com/ or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
Culture
Sun Siyam Olhuveli celebrates Eid with beach fiesta and cultural performances
Sun Siyam Olhuveli marked the joyous occasion of Eid Al Fitr on 20th March 2026 with a spirited celebration that brought team members together in a lively showcase of unity, culture, and camaraderie. Set against the backdrop of the resort’s sun-drenched shores, the Eid Beach Fiesta transformed the Water Sports Beach into a lively hub of laughter, friendly competition, and shared moments, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines the resort.
The celebration featured a series of engaging activities including classic beach games such as the wheelbarrow race, three-legged race, water bucket challenge, and the playful “Kukudu Koo” catch-the-chicken challenge, as highlighted in the event programme. These light-hearted competitions encouraged collaboration across departments, breaking routines and fostering meaningful connections beyond the workplace.

Eid in the Maldives is a time of togetherness and celebration, marked by communal prayers, festive meals, and gatherings with family and friends. Inspired by these traditions, Sun Siyam Olhuveli embraced the spirit of Eid through shared joy, cultural moments, and meaningful connections.

As part of the evening festivities, key team members took to the stage at the Lagoon to perform traditional Boduberu, offering guests an authentic cultural experience and marking the celebration with rhythm, energy, and island spirit.

“At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Celebrations like Eid Al Fitr are not only about honoring tradition but also about nurturing the connections that make our workplace feel like a community,” said Ahmed Shazeen, Director of Human Resource at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “It is these shared experiences that elevate team spirit and create a positive environment where everyone thrives.”

As part of the Lifestyle Collection under the House of Siyam, Sun Siyam Olhuveli continues to champion a culture where meaningful experiences extend beyond guests to include its dedicated team members. The Eid celebration stands as a reflection of this ethos, where culture, connection, and a touch of playful energy come together seamlessly on island time.

To discover more upcoming events and experiences at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, please visit the resort’s website.
Culture
Fushifaru Maldives showcases Maldivian culture through Eid celebrations
Fushifaru Maldives marked Eid al-Fitr with a series of cultural experiences aimed at showcasing Maldivian heritage and community values, as part of its “Moments of Kindness” initiative.
The resort organised activities designed to reconnect guests with traditional island life, placing a focus on cultural authenticity and community engagement. According to the resort, the initiative sought to revive elements of Maldivian traditions and present them in an interactive format for both international visitors and the local community.

A key highlight of the celebrations was a dedicated Maldivian Night, which featured a live demonstration of Malayfaiy, a traditional communal cooking practice. The experience was complemented by shisha offerings and cooking demonstrations, providing guests with insight into historical culinary techniques and social customs in the Maldives.

The evening also included a Maldivian buffet showcasing a range of local dishes, giving guests the opportunity to experience traditional flavours in a curated setting.

Fushifaru Maldives stated that the programme aimed to create meaningful connections through shared cultural experiences, while preserving and promoting local traditions within a resort environment.

The Eid celebrations form part of the resort’s broader efforts to incorporate elements of Maldivian identity into guest experiences, aligning with growing industry emphasis on cultural sustainability and community-oriented tourism.
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