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Mohammed Shihab appointed Assistant Director of Sales, Marketing for Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives

Sun Siyam Resorts has appointed Mohammed Shihab as the Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing for Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives.
Shihab will oversee relationships with key partners, develop sales growth strategies in line with market trends, and will be actively involved in enhancing the product through innovation and crafting experiences.
With a decade of experience in the tourism and hospitality, from a modest beginning in Maldives-based Crown & Champa Resorts, Shihab has had a strong foundation built and ever since has risen through the career ladder with confidence and hard work. His latest associations have been with The Standard and The Westin brands.
“As his name means ‘shooting star’, he never fails to aim high and reach new goals. We are confident that with his impressive experience, can do attitude and being a people person, we will be able to reach new heights,” Sun Siyam Resorts said, in a statement.
Shihab firmly believes that “no matter what heights you reach, never forget the ground from where you took off.” Born in India, he is proudly half Maldivian. A full on adventure seeker, his career is half the adrenaline rush while the other half is extreme sports.
“I am excited and honoured to be a part of Sun Siyam Resorts. I am looking forward to contribute to the overall growth and development of the company and at the same time, advance my expertise and share my knowledge for my colleagues to progress as well,” Shihab was quoted in the statement, as saying.
Set in the turquoise heart of the Indian Ocean that is the Maldives, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is situated at the tip of South Male Atoll, accessible by a 45-minute exhilarating speedboat transfer from the main Velana International Airport.
Beautifully designed villas line the powder white sand beach of the island or stand over its turquoise lagoon, fusing modern flair with traditional architecture.
At Olhuveli, a myriad of facilities and leisure activities is provided to suit all needs and desires.
The Sun Spa boast eight secluded and private spa pavilions along with steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy, a spa boutique as well as a beauty salon.
The PADI/SSI diamond dive centre is fully equipped to serve even the most professional diver with a multi-lingual team of experienced and friendly instructors.
A wide range of water sports are also available including kite surfing as well as varieties of land sports and off-island excursions for a well deserved break.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has undergone major changes with an increase in room inventory and support facilities, creating a well sought after four star deluxe resort with affordable luxury in mind. The newest addition to the resort will be the Romance Island project, which is set to be completed in early 2021.
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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island achieves PADI Eco Center Certification

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has been officially certified as a PADI Eco Center, becoming one of only two resorts in the Maldives to receive this recognition in 2025. The certification is awarded to dive resorts that extend their efforts beyond standard operations, with a strong focus on protecting marine environments and raising awareness among future generations.
As part of the certification process, the resort’s team adopted the Conrad House Reef through PADI’s Adopt the Blue programme. A Dive Against Debris clean-up dive was conducted around the reef near Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, during which 10 kilograms of marine litter, primarily plastics and metal fragments, were collected.
The team also joined Green Fins in June 2025 and has since introduced a series of sustainable practices. These include paperless dive check-ins, eco-briefings before excursions, reduced use of plastics through the introduction of glass alternatives, and signage encouraging responsible snorkelling and diving across the dive centre.
Guests are also directly engaged in conservation activities through coral restoration initiatives. In 2025, the team has facilitated 17 coral line adoptions, where participants attend an educational session before attaching coral fragments to nursery lines and assisting with their placement underwater.
Jessica Miller, Marine Biologist at Conrad Maldives, commented: “This certification represents a milestone for us. It’s the result of dedicated teamwork and genuine care for the ocean. Watching our guests become part of the solution, whether through coral planting or learning about local marine life, is what makes this so special.”
Nick Flynn, General Manager of Conrad Maldives, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the team’s achievement in making Conrad Maldives a certified PADI Eco Center. This milestone is part of our long-term commitment to sustainability and a testament to how luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
Ranjit Batra, Chief Executive Officer of Ventive Hospitality, the owning company of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, highlighted the wider significance of the achievement. He said: “The PADI Eco Center recognition for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island underscores our commitment to protecting marine ecosystems while shaping the future of responsible travel. We are proud of Conrad for leading the way in sustainability across the Maldives.”
The certification strengthens Conrad Maldives’ broader sustainability objectives under Hilton’s Travel With Purpose programme. The resort will continue to offer educational dives, coral adoption opportunities, and conservation briefings, encouraging guests to actively participate in marine protection efforts during their stay.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island operates under Hilton and is part of Hilton Honors®, the global guest loyalty programme. Hilton Honors members booking directly through official Hilton channels receive a range of benefits, including exclusive discounts, free standard Wi-Fi, flexible payment options combining Points and money, and contactless technology via the Hilton Honors mobile app, which enables digital check-in, room selection, and access.
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Angsana Velavaru recognised as Best Water Villa Resort at TTM Awards 2025

Angsana Velavaru has been named Best Water Villa Resort at the TTM Awards & Gala 2025, presented by Travel Trade Maldives, the country’s leading travel trade platform.
The award acknowledges the resort’s InOcean Pool Villas, the Maldives’ first standalone water villas located one kilometre from the main island. These villas have become a signature feature of Angsana Velavaru, designed to accommodate both couples and families, with private pools, direct access to the ocean, and spacious interiors.
Beyond the architectural concept, the villas are intended to provide guests with a personal and adventurous connection to the surrounding sea. The resort also offers a wide range of experiences through its ‘101 Things to Do’ programme, which includes marine exploration, wellness activities, and culinary experiences. Cultural engagement is a central element, with opportunities for guests to interact with local island communities and traditions. The resort further integrates sustainability through its ‘Stay for Good’ initiatives, which combine environmental care with community involvement.
Commenting on the award, General Manager Ahmed Zahir said: “We are truly honoured to receive this award from the TTM Awards, a platform that embodies the spirit of the Maldivian travel community. This accolade not only celebrates the uniqueness of our InOcean Pool Villas but also pays tribute to the dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to create moments of discovery, connection and meaning for our guests. At Angsana Velavaru, we believe a stay should be more than a holiday—it should become a journey that remains with our guests long after they return home.”
Angsana Velavaru continues to position itself as a destination offering immersive experiences. Guests are invited to explore coral reefs, engage in island life, and create enduring memories in harmony with the natural environment.
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Barceló Nasandhura Malé named Best City Hotel at TTM Awards 2025

Barceló Nasandhura Malé has been awarded Best City Hotel at the TTM Awards 2025, held on 28 August at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi.
The recognition reflects the passion, hard work, and dedication of the team at Barceló Nasandhura, whose commitment to excellence has been evident since the property opened earlier this year. The hotel has focused on creating memorable guest experiences and setting new standards for city hospitality, which contributed to this achievement.
The TTM Awards, part of the Maldives’ largest travel trade show, celebrates the country’s hospitality sector across 28 categories, bringing together leading travel and tourism professionals from the region.
As it marks this milestone, Barceló Hotel Group reaffirmed its dedication to shaping the future of city hospitality in Malé.
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