News
Hussain Shahid promoted as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives’ Resort Manager
After 14 years of loyal service, which commenced as Director of Human Resources back in 2009, Hussain Shahid has developed a broad cross-section of skills in hotel management, resulting in his promotion from Executive Assistant Manager to Resort Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, this month.
Speaking about his time at Kandooma, he reflects on the day he joined, saying it felt like home. Hotels were not in his blood. When Shahid was a teenager growing up in the Maldives, he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps into a Government role. He flashes a bright smile as he recalls, ‘I wanted to wear a tie and look smart, which I did for a couple of years!’ a contrast from the simple, impeccably presented linen shirt adorned with a polished name badge he is wearing today.
Shahid shares that after secondary school, when he formed a music group with friends, his relationship with resorts began, entertaining guests for a couple of years.
“This experience made me really happy. However, I didn’t realise at the time that resorts would become my career one day.” You can see the joy in his eyes that this memory evokes.
He explains that when he married and started a family, his government pay wasn’t enough to cover the bills, “I wanted more for my family and joined the hospitality industry. The pay was much better, and my professional experience landed me in a managerial position.”
Shahid attributes being able to help a guest achieve a ‘once in a lifetime’ dream to being critical to his job satisfaction, “When I know that I was part of a guest achieving their bucket list goal or fulfilling a dream, then that is when my day is done!”
He shares a similar philosophy about his team, “I take great pride in being able to shape and assist a team member to develop a career path and nurture their growth within our industry. Seeing my team succeed, build capability or achieve goals, together or as an individual, gives me inner satisfaction.”
Shahid shares that he derives a tremendous sense of motivation from guest feedback, “Looking back on memories of guests who visited us and their feedback plays a vital part in my daily routine. It inspires me to do better but also makes me smile when we do things right. This feedback and my genuine concern for people drive my passion for the industry.
Talking about the qualities needed to be a great leader, Shahid rates patience at the top of his list, “Patience is significant in everything I do and who I am as a leader. Respect, humility, staying calm, listening, and resilience are the other leadership traits that are core qualities of good leaders that I do my best to embrace.
Shahid shares that this promotion brings him closer to his ultimate career goal, “Being promoted to Resort Manager at Kandooma means more responsibilities and a greater focus on our culinary division. Being more accessible to the team, playing a key role in problem-solving and offering guidance on all operational aspects of the property.”
As a role model for many in the Maldives, Shahid shares his advice for young people looking to join the industry, “I have always believed that a person needs to possess two things to reach a leadership position in the hotel industry: one, an appropriate amount of education and two, experience.
“If I were young again, I would complete my high school education and perhaps a Diploma in Hospitality and start in a branded resort, local or international, to acquire a few years of experience. I would then embark on getting a university degree or an MBA to assist me in climbing the management ladder. I also think that an international stint is equally as important.”
His most important advice is, “Giving everything you’ve got to each job you fill is important for your career’s next steps. Long after you leave a job, others will remember the good or not-so-good things you’ve done and how professional you were. It goes a long way!”
Shahid has his sights set firmly ahead to achieve his goal to not only manage an operation but be responsible for the overall management of a property, “I want to be known as a great operational leader and one that can manage large-scale resort operations”. He will surely achieve this goal one step at a time in the not-too-distant future.
Located in the South Male atoll just 40 mins from the airport by boat, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful island paradise. White sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters form the backdrop for various leisure pursuits and some of the best diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas. Families are well catered for with a choice of 2- and 3-bed villas, the Kandoo Kids’ Club, and its complete activities programme. Six food and beverage outlets ensure healthy appetites are satisfied and the flavours of the Maldives are explored. For guests who desire the ultimate relaxation, sun loungers and hammocks are located around the island. The Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers the ultimate tranquillity and escape for body and mind.
On October 31, Oaga ArtResort invites guests on a Dhathuru to the island of Maaranfushi, where a day of beachside BBQ, traditional Maldivian picnic fare, live music and games slowly gives way to something much darker.
As sundown approaches, Dhon Hassanube makes his first appearance at Oaga, introducing guests to the story of the Vigani, a mysterious demon once bound to Maaranfushi to protect the islands of the Maldives from its curse. But with the Vigani said to have returned, Hassanube has some explaining to do.
The story will unfold across the island, with new characters and mysterious entities revealed along the way. Guests are guided through an island tour, meeting those caught within the curse and uncovering fragments of its story as they go. What begins as a Dhathuru soon becomes a Cursed trick or treating Island Tour, leading to unexpected encounters, storytelling and a Halloween special dinner at Kaa Kada.
The soundtrack to the story comes courtesy of Project Groove, bringing live music to the Dhathuru, while Amney and Faudi take the stage at Kaa Kada for an evening of live storytelling and music. The final chapter unfolds at Raa Baa, where Suvāsthi’s Unethical Projection brings the tale of the Vigani to life before Cursed Groove takes over for a night of Halloween revelry.
For families and younger guests, Fiyoh Kids Club has its own little Dhathuru of Halloween fun, with trick or treat basket decorating, costume making, games and playful activities for young explorersto create their own chapter of the story.
From the first clues at Maaranfushi to the final chapter at Raa Baa, this Halloween invites guests to become part of a story that unfolds around them. Come curious, follow the clues and keep an eye out for who, or what, you might meet along the way.
The Curse of the Vigani awaits at Oaga Art Resort this Halloween.
Nine divine years of this exquisite island paradise in Lhaviyani Atoll… Fushifaru Maldives gears up to celebrate its ninth anniversary this October with a special programme of experiences taking place from 20 to 24 October 2026, culminating in the resort’s official anniversary celebration on 24 October.
Over the past nine years, Fushifaru has established itself as an award-winning boutique resort in The Maldives known for its intimate barefoot island atmosphere, personalised service, rich Maldivian character and memorable guest experiences.
To mark the occasion, the resort has created a programme designed to bring guests, team members and the island community together in true #FeelingFantastic spirit. Celebrations will begin with Bodukakka–Guest Chef Challenge, inviting guests to team up with Fushifaru’s culinary team for a friendly cooking competition inspired by local flavours. Guests can also take part in a SUP Race around the island, with the winner receiving a romantic sandbank dinner for two.
Guests will also witness Fushifaru’s connection to the natural environment through Coral Planting and Guided Snorkelling, offering guests the opportunity to contribute to marine conservation while exploring the island’s underwater world.
The celebrations will culminate on 24 October with Fushifaru’s official 9th Anniversary Celebration, bringing together guests and the Fushifaru team for an evening dedicated to nine years of memories, friendships and exceptional experiences. The milestone reflects Fushifaru’s continued focus on creating meaningful and authentic Maldivian experiences while building lasting relationships with guests from around the world.
For Fushifaru sales enquiries and bookings, please contact reservations@fushifaru.com or visit www.fushifaru.com.
Meyyafushi will celebrate its first anniversary from 1 to 3 November 2026 with a three-day programme of wellness, gastronomy, entertainment, culture and meaningful island experiences.
The anniversary marks an important milestone for the five-star Premium All-Inclusive resort, which has spent its first year welcoming guests to experience its distinctive combination of contemporary luxury, immersive dining, recreation and connection. To celebrate, Meyyafushi has curated a programme showcasing some of the resort’s most memorable experiences.
The festivities will begin with a serene Sunrise Floating Sound Bath at the Sky Lounge, offering guests a peaceful start to the celebrations, a Golden Cocktail Hour and Gala Dinner await in the evening, followed by a vibrant Glow in the Dark Grand Party.
The second day will focus on both sustainability and gastronomy. Guests will be invited to join a Coral Planting Journey, supporting the resort’s marine conservation efforts and pillar of kindness #KindnesstotheEnvironment, followed by an exclusive four-course Dinner with Chef Wout Bru, a renowned Belgian Michelin-starred chef.
On the final day, guests can enjoy a refined Wine & Charcuterie Tasting Experience at overwater Wine Cellar Raa, before the celebrations conclude with a Cultural Show and Bonfire, bringing together music, tradition and the relaxed spirit of island life.
Meyyafushi’s first anniversary represents not only a celebration of its opening year, but also the beginning of a longer journey focused on creating meaningful connections between guests, people and the natural beauty of the Maldives.
For Meyyafushi sales enquiries and bookings, please contact reservations@meyyafushi.com or visit www.meyyafushi.com.
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