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Nominees announced for SATA 2016

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sataMaldives.net.mv – South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) opened up for nominations on 30th June 2016 have received overwhelming  support from major hospitality brands present in India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

While announcing the final nominees of SATA 2016, Mr. Tuan Saabir Vaffoor, Vice President mentioned that: SATA is the first Hospitality Award brand recognized by regional organizations including Federations of Chambers of Commerce in Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Confederation of Associated Tour Operators (CATO, India), Association of Tourism Trade Organizations of India (ATTOI), Association of Travel Agents (ATA, Maldives) and Liveaboard Association of Maldives (LAM).

Mr. Tuan added, undoubtedly SATA will be a great event and an amazing brand. We have already started communicating with 2017 hosting destination as we have got a tremendous number of international and National brands together with us to celebrate the best of South Asian Hospitality.

SATA has also appointed major regional tourism medias including Asian Traveler as premium media partner and Asian Diver, Asian Geographic, Floating Asia and Maldives.net.mv as media partners of the event scheduled to take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka during late October.

SATA Nominees 2016 : 

Visitors Choice Categories :

(nominated by organizer : based on types of participation from respective destinations)

Leading International Airport:

  • Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka
  • Ibrahim Nasir International Airport , Maldives
  • Trivandrum International Airport, India

Leading Honeymoon Destination :

  • India
  • Maldives
  • Sri Lanka

Leading Diving Destination:

  • Maldives
  • Sri Lanka

Leading Surfing Destination

  • Maldives
  • Sri Lanka

Leading Heritage Destination

  • India
  • Sri Lanka

Leading Beach Destination

  • India
  • Maldives
  • Sri Lanka

Leading Cruising Destination

  • India
  • Maldives

Leading MICE Destination

  • India
  • Maldives
  • Sri Lanka

—

Self Nominated Categories :

(Brands and Services nominated by the brand / property)

Leading International Airline :

  • Singapore Airlines
  • Mega Maldives

Leading City Hotel :

  • Casa Colombo Collections , Sri Lanka
  • Ceylon City Hotel, Sri Lanka

Leading Airport Hotel :

  • Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives

Leading Transport Provider :

  • Flyme , Maldives

Leading Guest House / Tourist Inn

  • Shamar Guest House and Dive, Maldives
  • Surf View Raalhugandu, Maldives
  • Canopus Retreat, Maldives
  • Yonder Retreat, Maldives
  • Velana Beach , Maldives
  • Aqua Inn, Sri Lanka
  • Kaani Village & Spa, Maldives
  • Kaani Beach Hotel, Maldives

Leading Liveaboard Brand :

  • Emperor Divers, Maldives
  • Scuba Spa, Maldives
  • Voyages Maldives
  • Blue K Safari , Maldives

Leading Liveaboard  :

  • Emperor Voyager,Maldives
  • Scuba Spa Ying, Maldives
  • Scuba Spa Yang , Maldives
  • Gurahali , Maldives
  • Soleil2 , Maldives

Leading House Boat :

  • Marvel Cruise, India
  • Spice Routes Luxury Cruise , India

Leading House Boat Brand :

  • Marvel Cruise, India
  • Pepper , Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, India
  • Cinnamon , Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, India
  • Ginger , Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, India
  • Clove , Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, India
  • Cardamom , Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, India

Leading Beach Hotel / Resort:

  • Finolhu , Maldives
  • Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Adaaran Club Rannaalhi, Maldives
  • Park Hyatt Handahaa , Maldives
  • Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives
  • Como Hotels Cocoa Island , Maldives
  • Como Hotels Maalifushi, Maldives
  • Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
  • Amari Havodda Maldives
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives
  • Royal Palms Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka
  • Uday Samudra Beach Hotel & Spa, India
  • Sonevafushi, Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Tangerine Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka
  • Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes,Sri Lanka
  • Uga Bay by Uga Escapes, Sri Lanka
  • Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
  • Amaya Beach Passikudah, Sri Lanka
  • Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, Maldives
  • Heritance Negambo, Sri Lanka

Leading Meetings & Conference Resort / Hotel :

  • Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Uday Samudra Beach Hotel & Spa, India
  • Leading Business Hotel :
  • Best Western Elyon Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Taj Samudra, Sri Lanka
  • The Kingsbury, Sri Lanka

Most Romantic Resort:

  • Amilla Fushi, Maldives
  • Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru, Maldives
  • Royal island Resort& Spa, Maldives
  • Coco Boduhithi , Maldives
  • Conrad Maldives at Rangali Island, Maldives
  • Adaaran Prestige Vaadoo, Maldives
  • Jumeirah Dhevenafushi, Maldives
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives
  • Sonevafushi, Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Hunas Falls by Amaya, Sri Lanka
  • Langdale by Amaya, Sri Lanka
  • Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, Maldives
  • Outrigger Konotta Maldives
  • Serene Pavilions , Sri Lanka
  • Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, Maldives
  • Heritance Tea Factory , Sri Lanka

Leading All Inclusive Resort / Hotel:

  • Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Vivanta By Taj -Coral Reef, Maldives
  • Adaaran Select Meedhupparu , Maldives
  • Constance Moofushi, Maldives
  • Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
  • Turyaa Kalutara , Sri Lanka

Leading Designer Hotel / Resort :

  • Amilla Fushi, Maldives
  • Park Hyatt Maldives
  • Amari Havodda Maldives
  • Casa Colombo Collection, Sri Lanka
  • Heritance Negambo, Sri Lanka

Leading F&B Hotel/Resort:

  • Dusit Thani Maldives
  • Cinammon Bey Beruwala, Sri Lanka
  • Centara Rasfushi , Maldives
  • Centara Grand IslandResort & Spa , Maldives
  • Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives
  • Uday Samudra Beach Hotel & Spa, India
  • The Kingsbury, Sri Lanka
  • Outrigger Konotta Maldives
  • Sun Aqua Pasikudah , Maldives
  • The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
  • Heritance Ahungalla , Sri Lanka

Leading Luxury Hotel / Resort:

  • Dusit Thani Maldives
  • Amilla Fushi, Maldives
  • Coco Boduhithi, Maldives
  • Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
  • Vivanta By Taj -Coral Reef, Maldives
  • Adaaran Prestige The Water Villas, Maldives
  • Park Hyatt Maldives Handahaa
  • Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives
  • Royal Palms Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka
  • Sonevafushi, Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Ulagalla by Uga Escapes, Sri Lanka
  • Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes,Sri Lanka
  • Residence by Uga Escapes, Sri Lanka
  • Chena Huts by Uga Escapes, Sri Lanka
  • Uga Bay by Uga Escapes, Sri Lanka
  • Casa Colombo Collection , Sri Lanka
  • The Kingsbury, Sri Lanka
  • Sun Aqua Pasikudah , Sri Lanka
  • Heritance Negambo, Sri Lanka

Leading Family Hotel/Resort:

  • Dusit Thani Maldives
  • Amilla Fushi, Maldives
  • Angsana Velavaru , Maldives
  • Royal Island Resort & Spa , Maldives
  • Sun Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Como Hotels Cocoa Island, Maldives
  • Como Hotels Maalifushi, Maldives
  • Royal Palms Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka
  • Sonevafushi, Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
  • The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
  • Turyaa Kalutara, Sri Lanka

Leading Wellness & spa Hotel / Resort:

  • Dusit Thani Maldives
  • Amilla Fushi, Maldives
  • Centara Rasfushi, Maldives
  • Vivanta By Taj -Coral Reef, Maldives
  • Park Hyatt Maldives Handahaa
  • Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives
  • Como Hotels Maalifushi, Maldives
  • Amaya Lake, Dhambulla , Sri Lanka
  • The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi , Maldives
  • Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel, India
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives

Leading Wellness & Spa Brand :

  • Araamu Spa, Maldives
  • Como Shambala , Maldives
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives
  • Uday Samudra Beach Hotel & Spa, India
  • Chi, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
  • Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, Maldives
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa , Maldives

Leading Dive Hotel / Resort:

  • Holiday Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Vivanta By Taj -Coral Reef, Maldives
  • Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Maldives
  • Angsana Ihuru , Maldives
  • Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
  • Park Hyatt Maldives Handahaa
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives
  • Constance Moofushi, Maldives
  • Sonevafushi, Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, Maldives

Leading Eco Resort / Hotel :

  • Cocopalm Dhunikolhu, Maldives
  • Leopard Trials, Sri Lanka
  • Park Hyatt Maldives Handahaa
  • Sun Island Resort and Spa , Maldives
  • Sonevafushi, Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka
  • Leading CSR Programme
  • CocoPalm Dhunikolhu Maldives
  • Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Royal Palms Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka
  • Uday Samudra Beach Hotel & Spa, India
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • The Kingsbury, Sri Lanka

Leading Surf Hotel / Resort :

  • Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Maldives
  • Como Hotels & Resorts , Maldives
  • Cinnamon Dhonveli , Maldives

Leading Dive School / Center :

  • Sea Splash , Dusit Thani Maldives Dive School
  • Dive Oceanus , Maldives
  • Dive Point, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Maldives
  • Blue Journeys, Park Hyatt Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Down Under, W Retreat & Spa, Maldives
  • Meridis Dive & Relax , Maldives
  • Sun Diving School, Maldives

Leading Activity / Water Sports Center :

  • Meridis Dive & Relax , Maldives
  • Outrigger Maldives
  • Q-Adventure , Maldives
  • Watersports Point, Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Maldives
  • Park Hyatt Maldives Handahaa
  • WAVE., W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives

Leading Convention Center .

  • Bandaranaike Memorial International Conventions Halls (BMICH), Sri Lanka

Leading PSA / GSA Partner , Handling Agent :

  • Avia Maldives
  • Marvel Tours, India
  • Go Maldives
  • Cyprea Private Limited

Leading Travel Agent :

  • OV Holidays, Maldives
  • Classic Travel, Sri Lanka
  • Capital Travel, Maldives
  • Flyinstyle , Sri Lanka
  • Splendid Asia , Maldives
  • Maldives Holiday Collections, Maldives
  • Travel Connections Maldives
  • Resort Life Maldives
  • Let’s Go Maldives
  • Gateway Malabar Holidays , India
  • Moodhu Holidays, Maldives
  • Sun Travel & Tours , Maldives

Leading Tour Operator :

  • Viluxur Holidays, Sri Lanka
  • Classic Travel , Sri Lanka
  • Cyprea Hotels & Travel, Maldives
  • Flyinstyle, Sri Lanka
  • Maldives Holiday Collections, Maldives
  • Splendid Asia , Maldives
  • Travel Connections , Maldives
  • Capital Travel , Maldives
  • Moodhu Holidays, Maldives
  • Marvel Tours , India

Entertainment

Former Savoy Hotel pianist Richard Sully to perform at V Villas Maldives at Mirihi

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V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection has announced a residency by British pianist Richard Sully from 4 to 9 November 2026, featuring a series of live performances alongside dining experiences, sunset cruises and evening gatherings across the resort.

Sully, a former resident pianist at London’s Savoy Hotel, has performed at venues across Britain and internationally. His repertoire includes popular music, light jazz, classic standards and compositions from film and theatre, which he performs entirely from memory.

The residency will begin on 4 November with sundowner cocktails and a Lobster Extravaganza on the beach, accompanied by a live piano performance. The opening evening will combine music with beachfront dining.

On 5 November, Sully will perform at AKOYA Sea Lounge, offering guests an evening of live music in the resort’s oceanfront setting.

The programme will continue on 7 November with a sunset cruise aboard the Mirihi Thari Sailing Yacht, bringing the musical experience onto the Indian Ocean.

On 8 November, Sully will present a sundowner performance at Muraka, before concluding his residency with a final evening performance at AKOYA Sea Lounge on 9 November.

The five scheduled experiences form part of the resort’s efforts to incorporate live entertainment into its dining and leisure offerings, allowing guests to enjoy music in different settings across the island.

V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, part of the MGallery Collection, offers beach and overwater accommodation, oceanfront dining and marine experiences. The November residency will add a series of music-focused activities to the resort’s guest experience programme.

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Six Maldives spas operated by Mandara Spa recognised in global top 100 list

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Six spa destinations operated by Mandara Spa in the Maldives have been recognised in the TOP 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, marking a significant milestone for the international spa and wellness brand and its hospitality partners.

The recognition spans six properties across four hospitality groups: Mandara Spa at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, and Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi; Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives; Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi; and Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura.

From secluded island retreats to contemporary urban hospitality, the six destinations reflect the diversity of wellness experiences across the Maldives. Each is shaped by its unique setting and character, while sharing a commitment to attentive service, therapeutic expertise, and genuine guest care. Beyond the awards themselves, this collective achievement celebrates the dedication of the spa teams and the enduring hospitality partnerships that have helped shape Mandara Spa’s presence in the Maldives.

Wellness in the Maldives is shaped as much by the character of a destination as by the treatments it offers. Mandara Spa’s long-standing collaboration with Adaaran Resorts reflects this diversity across three distinctive properties. At Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, the spa complements an intimate luxury island experience, while Adaaran Select Meedhupparu offers a restorative balance to the resort’s activities and experiences. Meanwhile, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, known for its surfing and vibrant island atmosphere, provides guests with an opportunity to unwind after days spent exploring the surrounding waters.

At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Mandara Spa draws on traditional healing practices to offer moments of relaxation within the resort’s tropical surroundings. Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi brings a contemporary perspective to wellness, combining therapeutic traditions with tailored care that reflects the resort’s relaxed and modern character. In contrast, Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura brings the brand’s approach to the heart of Malé, offering hotel guests and visitors a place to recharge amid the energy of the capital.

Across all six properties, Mandara Spa’s approach extends beyond a single spa concept. Each experience is shaped by its surroundings, the identity of its hospitality partner, and the expectations of its guests. By combining its therapeutic heritage with an understanding of individual destinations, the brand creates wellness experiences that feel connected to their settings while maintaining a shared commitment to attentive service.

While the six spas differ in location and experience, their success is shaped by the people who bring each wellness journey to life and the guests who place their trust in Mandara Spa. Across the Maldives, therapists, spa managers, and operational teams work together to create experiences that feel welcoming, thoughtful, and attentive to individual needs. Equally important are the guests who continue to choose Mandara Spa as part of their travels, whose confidence and appreciation inspire the teams to uphold the standards of care that define the brand.

This commitment extends throughout the guest experience, from maintaining service standards to working closely with resort teams to ensure thoughtful and consistent care. The recognition offers an opportunity to acknowledge these collective efforts while expressing sincere gratitude to the guests and hospitality partners whose continued trust has supported Mandara Spa’s journey in the Maldives.

“Having six of our spas recognised in the same year is a proud moment for everyone at Mandara Spa. This achievement reflects the dedication of our therapists and spa teams, who bring genuine care and professionalism to every guest experience. We are especially grateful to our guests for the trust they place in us and for allowing us to be part of their wellness journeys. Our sincere appreciation also goes to our hospitality partners at Adaaran Resorts, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, NOOE Maldives, and Barceló Hotel Group for their continued support and collaboration. It is a privilege to share this recognition with everyone who has contributed to our journey in the Maldives,” said Trent Munday, Mandara Spa.

Through each of these partnerships, Mandara Spa has brought its spa management expertise to properties with distinct identities and guest expectations. While every collaboration has its own history and character, they share a common understanding of the importance of wellness within the wider hospitality experience. By working closely with hotel and resort teams, Mandara Spa develops offerings that reflect the individuality of each destination while drawing on its experience in spa operations and service delivery.

Beyond the treatments themselves, successful spa operations depend on thoughtful planning, skilled teams, and a close understanding of each property’s hospitality environment. This includes developing wellness concepts, supporting therapist development, and maintaining the standards that allow each spa to operate consistently within its resort or hotel environment. Across the six recognised destinations, these efforts demonstrate how thoughtfully integrated wellness can enrich the guest experience and contribute to the distinctive character of each property.

As Mandara Spa celebrates this milestone, the recognition also highlights the brand’s enduring commitment to wellness, rooted in the rich healing traditions of Asia. Across six distinct destinations, each spa brings together time-honoured therapies, skilled practitioners, and thoughtful service to create meaningful moments of relaxation and renewal. This shared achievement reflects Mandara Spa’s dedication to honouring its heritage while continuing to evolve its wellness experiences, supported by the people and hospitality partnerships that have shaped its journey in the Maldives.

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Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi brings together 40 women for surfing, wellness retreat

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One of the Maldives’ most celebrated surf destinations, Lohis, is making waves beyond the surfing world as Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi hosts a landmark all-female surf retreat, bringing together 40 women for eight days of surfing, adventure, wellness and meaningful connections.

Taking place from 11 to 18 October, the exclusive surfing experience, organised by renowned surf coach and SurferElle founder Elle Sampiere, marks an exciting new chapter for Lohis, showcasing not only the exceptional quality of its waves but also its growing appeal as a destination where world-class surfing meets extraordinary island living. For this special gathering, the iconic Lohis lineup has been dedicated to the female surfing community, creating an environment where participants can challenge themselves, share experiences and build friendships against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

Lohis: Where the World’s Surfers Come for More Than Just Waves

Situated along the edge of Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi in North Malé Atoll, Lohis has earned an international reputation for its celebrated left-hand reef break, attracting passionate surfers from around the world.

What makes Lohis truly distinctive, however, extends beyond the wave itself.

Few surf destinations offer the opportunity to wake up on a tropical island, walk directly from your accommodation to an internationally recognised surf break and enjoy the comforts of an all-inclusive resort between sessions. At Lohis, surfing is not simply an excursion. It is part of everyday island life. With access managed through a limited number of surf passes, capped at 45 registered surfers per day under the resort’s standard surf management programme, Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi offers a carefully managed surfing experience that distinguishes it from many of the world’s more crowded surf destinations.

The resort also provides access to several celebrated breaks across North Malé Atoll through organised surf excursions, offering visiting surfers the opportunity to explore the diversity of waves that has made the Maldives a sought-after destination on the international surfing map.Just a short speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, this unique combination of exceptional surfing, accessibility, natural beauty and relaxed island hospitality reinforces Lohis’ position among the world’s most distinctive surf resort experiences.

A New Wave of Women Redefining Surf Travel

The SurferElle gathering brings a powerful new dimension to Lohis’ established surfing heritage.Throughout the eight-day retreat, participants are embracing a programme that extends well beyond the surf lineup, with professional coaching, yoga, wellness experiences, snorkeling, diving, fishing and island excursions creating opportunities for adventure, relaxation and personal discovery.

More importantly, the gathering reflects a growing movement within international surf culture: women seeking experiences that combine the thrill of the ocean with genuine connection, confidence and a sense of belonging.

The exclusive female surfing environment encourages participants to support one another, develop their abilities and enjoy the freedom of surfing alongside women who share their passion.

Against the turquoise waters and tropical scenery of the Maldives, the event demonstrates how a surf holiday can evolve into something more meaningful, an experience that inspires long after the final wave.

Connecting International Surf Culture with the Maldives

Beyond the international attention surrounding the gathering, the retreat also places importance on fostering connections with the emerging community of Maldivian female surfers.

By celebrating women’s participation in surfing and encouraging engagement between visiting surfers and the local community, the initiative highlights the potential for surf tourism to create opportunities for cultural exchange, inspiration and greater visibility for women in ocean sports.

It is a reflection of how the Maldives can continue to evolve as a surf destination, not only through the quality of its waves, but through the people, experiences and communities that shape its identity.

More Than a Wave. A Destination That Stays With You.

For Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi, the SurferElle gathering represents more than a special event. It demonstrates the destination’s ability to bring together the very best elements of surf travel: celebrated waves, a carefully managed surf environment, exceptional island surroundings and experiences that create lasting emotional connections.From early-morning sessions at Lohis to relaxed afternoons overlooking the Indian Ocean, the resort offers a distinctive rhythm of life where adventure and relaxation exist naturally side by side.As the gathering continues, Lohis is demonstrating that its greatest appeal lies not only in the waves surfers travel across the world to experience, but also in the memories, friendships and sense of community created around them.

At Lohis, the wave brings people together. The island makes the experience unforgettable.

Located in North Malé Atoll, Maldives, Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi is an all-inclusive island resort renowned for its natural tropical beauty, relaxed hospitality and direct access to the internationally celebrated Lohis Surf Break.

With a dedicated surf management programme, access to nearby surfing destinations, a range of accommodation options, dining experiences, wellness facilities and island activities, the resort offers a distinctive combination of world-class surfing and immersive Maldivian island living.

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