Connect with us

News

Adduan returns to his roots to lead Equator Village Resort

Published

on

Waheed Maldives.net.mv – When he was 24, Mohamed Waheed of Feydhoo, Addu City, made a trip that thousands of people from his southern atoll home have made before him: he got on a boat and sailed for Male’.

The capital’s economic heft has drawn Maldivians from across the archipelago for generations – something that Male’s rampant overcrowding can attest. Once people make the trip to Male’, they normally stay there. But bucking this trend, Waheed has returned home.

On 1 September, he was appointed as Resort Manager at Equator Village in Gan. Waheed has joined an elite club of Maldivians who have worked their way up the career ladder to the rank of resort manager – the most senior position in any hotel.

Waheed started his career as a trainee receptionist at Villingili Beach Resort in 1986 before the island was converted from a resort into a suburb island of Male’. He then held numerous positions in resorts, rising to become Front Office Manager, then Assistant Manager and finally Assistant Resort Manager at Summer Island Maldives.

Kaimoo resorts, which own both Summer Island Maldives and Equator Village, then offered Waheed his dream job: as Resort Manager back home in Addu.

Commenting on his new job, Mohamed Waheed said: “It’s such a privilege to return to Addu as a resort manager, more than 30 years since I left home. I hope other Maldivians, who have left their homes for Male’, also think about returning to help develop and improve their home islands. 

“Addu has so much potential, especially in tourism: the atoll has Maldives’ best diving and you can explore the atoll on a bicycle thanks to the link road. I’m really looking forward to managing Equator Village and building on its success.”

Commenting on the appointment, Mohamed Manih Ahmed, Managing Director of Kaimoo THS Group said: “Mr. Waheed has been a mainstay at Summer with two decades of distinguished service, and I understand his absence would be significantly felt on the island. I offer our congratulations. I am sure he will bring the same enthusiasm, dedication and vigour he has displayed at Summer to Equator.”

Equator Village is located in Gan, an island with an interesting colonial history. From 1956 – 1976 Gan was a British Royal Air Force Base, and many British servicemen and women who served there often return to the island to visit. They nearly always stay at Equator Village.

The resort is located in what used to be the RAF Sergeant’s Mess, and the hotel’s grounds still retain a unique colonial charm, with large trees, manicured lawns and English-style flower gardens.

Addu’s appeal isn’t just history, though: the diving here is some of the best in the Maldives. The Atoll’s best dive spot is arguably a shipwreck called British Loyalty. It was a fuel tanker that was attacked by the Germans during the Second World War. The ship’s sinking was the only known attack in the Maldives for the war’s duration. The unexplored caves, all year round manta ray sighting makes Addu one of the most spectacular dive atolls in the Maldives.

Addu also allows tourists to cycle from island to island via the link road, offering them a unique opportunity to experience Maldivian towns and villages, as well as go off the beaten track and seek out deserted beaches. Addu’s “Eedhigali Kilhi”, one of the largest mangroves in the Maldives is an environmentally protected area and a beautiful area for bird watching. Equator Village offers bicycles for guests to explore the atoll.

Today, the Equator Village has 78 spacious, simple and garden view bungalows. The hotel has a restaurant, poolside bar and a large swimming pool that overlooks the ocean. A wide variety of activities are available including squash, table tennis, tennis, and live music. The Serena Spa offers a wide selection of aromatic oils and wellness packages are available to sooth your mind and body.

 

Family

Masters of the skies: Tom Kerss joins The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for Easter 2026

Published

on

This Easter, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes award-winning astronomer Tom Kerss as part of its 2026 Masters of Crafts programme. Taking a break from hunting auroras across the northern hemisphere, the master of the skies travels south in search of the original Easter bunny: Lepus the Hare. From the Maldives’ unique vantage point–offering views of both northern and southern constellations – Tom Kerss will guide guests across the galaxies, uncovering lesser-known constellations and the legendary stories behind them.

A former astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, Kerss has become one of the world’s leading voices in observational astronomy and astrotourism, widely recognised for making complex astronomical concepts both accessible and deeply inspiring. Kerss has guided thousands in witnessing the Northern Lights and other rare celestial phenomena including spectacular eclipses. His expeditions and lectures inspire a new generation of sky-watchers and his bestselling books—including Northern Lights, Diamonds Everywhere and Unknown Universe—have captivated readers worldwide.

A calendar of celestial activities at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will open guests’eyes to the wonders of the night sky from one of the world’s most breathtaking ocean settings. Adults and children will enjoy exclusive experiences on land and water, from guided telescope stargazing and astrophotography workshops using smartphones to capture stunning celestial images, to talks and lectures from a storied sky explorer, alongside interactive sessions for junior stargazers at Ritz Kids.

Throughout the festive season, the search will be on for Lepus the Hare, one of the most under- appreciated constellations. Found beneath Orion’s feet, Lepus is home to a host of fascinating galaxies, as well as the Spirograph Nebula and Globular Cluster M79. On land, and brought to life by the prolific children’s illustrator of Tom’s books, Anni Betts, guests will catch glimpses of Lepus across the island resort, from the magical Mystique Garden to its Culinary Island. Thought to be the origin of the Easter Bunny, folklore legend tells of Ostara, the ancient Germanic goddess of spring, who transformed a bird frozen in the winter snow into a radiant hare. In devotion to the goddess, the enchanted creature laid luminous, coloured eggs in honour of her festival—a symbol of renewal, wonder and the magic of the season.

Calendar highlights from April 4–12 include:

  • Exclusive open-sky, planetarium-style stargazing and starlore sessions on the beach, where guests will explore incredible star patterns— from amazing animals and brilliant birds to monsters and monster-slayers—alongside the science, history and myths surrounding them.
  • Open-water stargazing aboard the resort’s yacht, paired with a Champagne reception, offering a serene perspective of the stars from the tranquillity of the ocean.
  • Astrophotography workshop–With its remote location and access to a large portion of the southern sky, the Maldives offers exceptional astrophotography opportunities. Using professional-grade cameras and smartphone techniques, guests will capture their own stunning celestial images.

In conversation with Tom Kerss:

  • Seven Wonders of the Sky, Tom introduces seven of the most breathtaking events that captivate astronomers around the world, including the Northern Lights, total solar eclipses, great comets and more. From periodic wonders to how these phenomena fuel the growing world of astro-tourism.
  • The Moon & You: Guests will discover the profound ways the Moon has shaped humanity, from cultures and calendars to our very DNA. From myth-busting to developing a deeper appreciation for Earth’s natural satellite, guests will also have the rare opportunity to touch a real piece of the Moon.
  • Diamonds Everywhere: Drawn from Tom’s bestselling book of the same name, this visually striking talk explores some of the 101 astronomical curiosities featured. How thin are Saturn’s rings? Where did the Big Bang happen? Are there really diamonds everywhere? An inspirational journey designed to spark wonder long into the night.

For the little ones:

  • Sky Safari–A journey through the stars to discover animals among the constellations, from exotic creatures to household pets. Tom will test junior guests’ animal knowledge while revealing the strange and wonderful facts and faces of historical star charts. (Ages 5+)
  • We Are Stargazers–Exploring how stargazing shaped civilisation, this session shows how ancient cultures embedded their stories and values into the sky. Using simple tools, children will uncover remarkable sights offering clues about the cosmos—and ourselves. (Ages 7+)

The Easter celebrations will bring days of indulgence to fuel the resort’s starry stories. On the April 4 a Gala Dinner hosted at the design masterpiece EAU Bar, curated by the resort’s stable of exceptional chefs, will bring together signature dishes from all culinary corners of The Ritz- Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’, from Cantonese, Lebanese, Italian, Japanese to local Maldivian flavours.

Little ones will revel in a traditional Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday, with an Easter carnival on the April 8 bringing the seasonal celebrations beachside at sundown, while on the April 10 a starlight concert dinner delivers a treat for all senses with live music performed from an overwater stage at the resort’s insta-famous circular EAU Bar.

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives.

Continue Reading

Family

JOALI BEING brings colour, movement and renewal to Easter 2026

Published

on

This Easter, JOALI BEING — the transformative, well-living island in the Maldives — invites guests to embrace the vitality and beauty of colour through its 2026 theme, “Colours of Renewal”. Taking place from 1 to 12 April 2026, the programme draws inspiration from the joy, freshness and energy that colour brings to life, encouraging guests of every generation to reconnect, move freely and celebrate meaningful moments together.

In the lead-up to Easter, the island will spotlight family connection through its pre-Easter campaign, “The Wonder of Us: A Family’s Well-Living Journey” — the final chapter in the Joyful Journeys of Well-Living video series. Centred on shared rituals and joyful movement across generations, the campaign sets an emotional foundation for the celebratory days ahead.

Throughout the Easter season, colour will be thoughtfully expressed across the island — woven into design, nature, culinary artistry and immersive experiences as a symbol of harmony, renewal and joyful transformation. Rooted in the Joy of Well-Living, Colours of Renewal ignites uplifting experiences designed to foster togetherness, vitality and discovery.

Easter highlights include:

Celebrity Fitness Coach – Joe Wicks

Well-living comes alive in motion with acclaimed guest expert Joe Wicks MBE. The renowned fitness coach will lead uplifting, family- and teen-friendly sessions — from beach conditioning and CORE circuits to DJ-powered fitness nights and Junior Power Camp by the sea.

The Transformative Power of Breath – Carlos Aparicio

Returning practitioner Carlos Aparicio will present his transformative Biocuántica sessions throughout April, guiding guests towards brain–heart coherence and inner balance. He will also lead 9D Breathwork — an immersive, neuroscience-led sound and breathing experience designed to encourage emotional release and deep renewal.

Joyful Movement, Play & Family Connection

An expanded Easter activity programme invites families to connect and celebrate vitality together, with highlights including:

  • Kids Dance to the Beat – A high-energy movement session blending dance and simple exercise circuits to build endurance, strength and mobility in a playful way.
  • Muay Thai Training – An energising session focused on strength, coordination and controlled technique.
  • Easter Egg Decorating – A creative culinary experience where children decorate their own chocolate Easter eggs before tasting their sweet creations.
  • Family Sushi Masterclass – A hands-on culinary experience designed for shared creativity.
  • Easter Sunday Feast – A celebratory dining experience bringing families together to mark Easter with seasonal flavours.
  • Easter Party – Hop into a world of colour and joy with a festive celebration filled with games, interactive activities and delightful seasonal treats, capturing the spirit and magic of Easter for guests of all ages.

“This Easter, we celebrate the joy of colour not only as something beautiful we see, but as something meaningful to feel together,” says General Manager Graeme Freeman. “Colours of Renewal is a celebration of togetherness — a time to move, create, laugh and reconnect across generations. Through shared moments of play, creativity and mindful discovery, families can embrace joyful energy while gently restoring balance and harmony. At JOALI BEING, these are the moments that stay with you long after the journey ends — where hearts feel lighter, bonds grow stronger, and the true spirit of well-living is discovered, together.”

The Easter programme brings this philosophy to life through thoughtfully curated experiences — from immersive therapies and movement sessions to culinary masterclasses and vibrant family celebrations — each designed to nurture vitality, creativity and meaningful connection.

A stay at JOALI BEING is a transformative escape where guests return home feeling lighter in body, mind and spirit. Villas start from USD 3,162 per night for two guests sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a B&B basis. For full details on JOALI BEING’s festive programme, please visit the resort’s website. For bookings and further information, kindly contact reservations.being@joali.com. 

Continue Reading

Action

Sun Siyam Olhuveli invests in staff wellbeing with upgraded sports facilities

Published

on

Sun Siyam Olhuveli has unveiled newly upgraded volleyball and futsal grounds for team members, reaffirming its commitment to employee wellbeing while advancing responsible, future-focused operations. The renovated volleyball grounds were officially inaugurated on 14 February, while the upgraded futsal ground opened earlier this year—together creating dedicated spaces for recreation, connection, and healthy competition across the island.

Designed to encourage regular physical activity and camaraderie beyond the workplace, the improved sports facilities represent a thoughtful investment in social infrastructure. They reflect a belief that wellbeing is fundamental to long-term performance, nurturing morale, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging among team members.

Alongside these developments, the resort has implemented NO BIN DAY every Tuesday, a practical initiative aimed at minimising food waste across operations. By encouraging mindful planning and responsible consumption, the initiative challenges teams to rethink habits around food—transforming sustainability into a shared, everyday discipline.

“Taking care of our people and the environment must go hand in hand. By investing in spaces that support our team’s wellbeing and introducing simple disciplines like NO BIN DAY, we are building a culture where responsibility is lived every day—naturally, collectively, and with purpose,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Both initiatives form part of Sun Siyam Care, the group’s corporate social responsibility platform, and align with the Social Infrastructure and Responsible Consumption and Production pillars under the GDS framework. Together, they reflect a people-first approach to sustainability—where everyday actions create lasting impact for teams, operations, and the wider community.

Sun Siyam Care is committed to creating a positive impact for people, communities, and the environment through responsible operations, social investment, and long-term sustainability actions across its destinations in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Guests are encouraged to learn more about these initiatives by visiting the Sun Siyam Care website at sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-care.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.