News
Carten Schieck joins Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa


At the helm of the newly refurbished resort on Dhonakulhi Island, Schieck will work with his dedicated team to further enhance the new offerings and develop innovative concepts in order to create world-class experiences, and to elevate the resort as the number one ‘true hideaway’ in the Maldives.
No stranger to the Maldives, Schieck’s distinguished and extensive experience in the region’s luxury market, combined with his thorough understanding of developing award-winning island resorts, is imperative to his appointment at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
Most recently, Schieck has been an advisor on projects in the Pacific and Australasia, in addition to holding a director role at the Small Maldives Island Company.
Schieck specialises in implementing pioneering product innovations and this was highlighted through his eleven years at the forefront of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Joining as General Manager in August 2002, Schieck was an integral part of the successful rebranding of the property from Hilton to Conrad in 2007, establishing it as a world-class property.
It was here that Schieck was commended for developing industry-leading concepts such as Ithaa, the award-winning world’s first all-glass under-sea restaurant. Under his leadership, the resort won numerous accolades and attributes including Best Hotel in the World awarded by Sunday Times Travel Magazine 2006 and Best Luxury Hotel in the World by TripAdvisor in January 2007, to name a few. In 2009, Schieck’s expertise and leadership skills warranted him a new executive role within Hilton Hotels as Regional General Manager Maldives and Sri Lanka, overseeing a portfolio of five luxury properties.
Boasting enviable international experience within the hospitality industry, Schieck has travelled extensively acquiring roles in a number of five-star resorts around the world in locations such as Germany, Turkey, China and Sri Lanka. Schieck began his career in his home town of Leipzig, Germany in 1980 as a Food and Beverage Management trainee, before taking up the position of Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at the five-star Berlin Hilton, Germany. His career then took him overseas to Turkey, where he acted as Food and Beverage Manger at the Izmir Hilton for five years.
Schieck pursued his career further with the Hilton Hotel Group accepting the role of Executive Assistant Manager in charge of F&B at the Hilton Shanghai, being assigned his first role as General Manager at Hilton JAIC Tower, Colombo, Sri Lanka before travelling to the Maldives.
Schieck is renowned for his managerial expertise overseeing multi-million pound investments as well as his eye for perfection, particularly within the Food and Beverage sector.
Entertainment
The Presets to ignite nights in exclusive Kandooma Maldives showcase in April 2026

Imagine your favourite music festival—but swap muddy fields for white sands, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. In April 2026, acclaimed electronic duo The Presets will trade stadiums and festival crowds for an exclusive beachfront series of shows at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, offering fans an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime island escape curated by Music in Paradise.
From Coachella to Splendour in the Grass, The Presets—Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes—have made their mark on the global stage. But this time, they’re doing things differently. From 11–18 April 2026, fans will experience a week of sun-drenched luxury capped off by three electrifying live performances, including a sunset DJ set on the beach and an exclusive rooftop party at the resort’s Sunset Bar.
“We’re beyond excited to host The Presets at Kandooma,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Their energy, talent, and incredible live shows are a perfect match for our vibrant island setting. Guests can expect something truly unforgettable.”
With a career spanning two decades, The Presets are electronic music royalty in Australia. Their breakout 2008 album Apocalypso went triple platinum and produced the festival anthem “My People.” With multiple ARIA Awards, APRA Songwriter of the Year titles, and collaborations like the RAKA EP with Golden Features under their belt, the duo continues to shape the sound of electronic music worldwide.
Their 2018 album HI VIZ soared to the top of iTunes within hours of release and included hits like “Do What You Want” and “Martini,” both nominated for major Australian music prizes.
Fans can now secure the Early Bird Gold Experience Package for A$3,790 per person (twin share) for seven nights in a Beach Villa—saving over $1,000. This VIP experience includes:
- Entry to 3 Nightly Exclusive Events
- 3 Intimate Performances
- Meet & Greet with artists
- Professional Photo with artists
- Music in Paradise Welcome Bag
- Music in Paradise Event Poster
- Event commemorative t-shirt
- Return shared Speedboat airport transfers
- Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
- Delicious buffet breakfast daily at Kandooma Café
- Tea, coffee & bottled water in-villa, and replenished daily
- Complimentary snorkel trip & use of snorkelling gear
- Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee
Additional packages offering different villa types are also available exclusively from Music in Paradise here. All packages exclude airfares.
News
Embudu Village achieves Travelife Gold certification for sustainability

Embudu Village, one of Maldives’ most cherished island resorts, has been awarded the Travelife Gold Certification, a globally recognised mark of excellence in sustainable tourism. The certification encompasses a resort’s environmental footprint, impact in the community, as well as labour standards, and the protection of biodiversity.
Embudu Village previously held the Travelife Silver Certification. Following a recent evaluation, though, the resort successfully met Travelife’s comprehensive criteria for Gold Certification. This accomplishment reflects Embudu’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Travelife, a leading international sustainability certification body for hotels and resorts, evaluates properties against a strict checklist. Certification is awarded after an in-depth, on-site audit conducted by an independent auditor. The findings undergo a comprehensive quality assurance review before Travelife confers certification status.
Expressing his gratitude in receiving the certification, Ramsay Perera, General Manager of Kaimoo Resorts, said: “Our team is thrilled to be recognised with the Travelife Gold Certification. This reflects our longstanding commitment to sustainable tourism and protecting the natural beauty of Maldives.”
As one of the Maldives’ pioneering resorts, Embudu continues to lead by example, proving that authentic island hospitality can go hand in hand with sustainable practices. With the Travelife Gold Certification, Embudu Village strengthens its promise to offer guests a meaningful holiday experience in the heart of the Maldives.
Awards
Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa recognised in Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards

Building on Amilla Maldives’ recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, Javvu Spa is celebrating its own honour in this prestigious global listing.
Nestled within the island’s lush jungle and bordered by the Indian Ocean, Javvu Spa offers a peaceful retreat where modern wellness gently blends with nature’s rhythms. This recognition is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the spa team’s dedication and Amilla’s ongoing focus on personalised, intuitive care for the wellbeing of its guests.
This honour follows Amilla Maldives’ own recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, positioning the resort as one of a select group of destinations worldwide to be acknowledged for both its resort and spa. The dual recognition reflects a thoughtful commitment to excellence across the guest experience, from island living to holistic wellness.
Javvu Spa’s inclusion in the 2025 Star Awards further strengthens its role as a leading wellness destination in the Maldives, offering guests a serene sanctuary to restore, reconnect and renew.
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