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Hussain Shahid promoted as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives’ Resort Manager

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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.

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Manhattan Grand Hotel aims to transform Maldives’ MICE industry

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Manhattan Grand Hotel is set to redefine the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry with the launch of one of the largest integrated MICE and event destinations in the Greater Malé Area. Combining premium accommodation, versatile event venues, multiple dining outlets and comprehensive event services under one roof, the hotel is now accepting advance bookings for conferences, exhibitions, corporate events, weddings and social celebrations from September 2026 onwards.

Purpose-built to meet the growing demand for world-class event facilities, the hotel offers three major event halls Mā Ashi (700 sqm), Maalan (400 sqm) and Holhuashi (390 sqm) supported by the Ras Ain Meeting & Conference Facilities, comprising Ras Giri Conference Room, Ras Faruma Training Room, Ras Vani Meeting Room and Ras Pod working spaces. Together with 162 contemporary guest rooms, four restaurants and dedicated event services, Manhattan Grand Hotel provides a complete destination for events of every scale.

Designed to cater for conferences, exhibitions, Government and State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) meetings, Annual General Meetings (AGMs), corporate conventions, product launches, seminars, training programmes, weddings, gala dinners and private celebrations, Manhattan Grand Hotel can comfortably host three major events simultaneously. With separate guest flows, dedicated banquet operations and professional event management teams, each event can operate independently without disruption to others, setting a new benchmark for MICE facilities in the Greater Malé Area.

Complementing the event facilities are four distinctive dining outlets Hen Na, Manhattan Fish Market, Café Barbera and Vilu offering organisers a variety of dining experiences for delegates, networking sessions, VIP functions and private events. The hotel also features professional audiovisual technology, LED displays, high-speed Wi-Fi, conference facilities, integrated catering services and dedicated event management support, delivering a seamless experience from planning through execution.

The Chief Operating Officer of Manhattan Grand Hotel said: “Our vision is to redefine how conferences, exhibitions and major events are hosted in the Maldives. Manhattan Grand Hotel has been purpose-built to deliver the scale, flexibility and professional services required by government institutions, state-owned enterprises, corporations and international event organisers. By bringing together one of the largest integrated MICE facilities in the Greater Malé Area with premium accommodation, dining and hospitality, we are changing the landscape of MICE events in the Greater Malé Area and setting a new benchmark for the industry. We look forward to welcoming our first events from September onwards.”

Strategically located in Hulhumalé, just minutes from Velana International Airport, Manhattan Grand Hotel is positioned to become the preferred venue for government institutions, SOEs, corporate organisations, international associations, event organisers and wedding planners seeking a world-class venue in the Maldives.

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Drink

SO/ Maldives introduces premium Dilmah Tea experience

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Luxury is often found in life’s quietest moments, the gentle sound of waves, the warmth of the tropical breeze, and now, the comforting aroma of a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Embracing this philosophy, SO/ Maldives has introduced an exclusive collaboration with Dilmah Tea, bringing one of the world’s most celebrated premium tea experiences to the island.

More than simply serving exceptional tea, the partnership reimagines how guests connect with the destination. Every carefully selected blend becomes an invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature, and embrace the effortless sophistication that defines the SO/ Maldives experience. Whether enjoyed overlooking the turquoise lagoon, paired with an elegant afternoon indulgence, or savoured during moments of wellness and relaxation, Dilmah Tea becomes another expression of the resort’s signature Island Couture lifestyle.

Rooted in authenticity and sustainability, Dilmah’s philosophy of handpicked, single-origin Ceylon tea perfectly complements SO/ Maldives’ commitment to meaningful luxury experiences. Together, the two iconic brands celebrate craftsmanship, conscious living, and unforgettable moments shared in one of the world’s most breathtaking island destinations.

To commemorate the collaboration, SO/ Maldives will host an exclusive Dilmah Tea Launch Experience on 04th August 2026 at the vibrant Lazuli Beach Club, inviting resort guests and distinguished partners to discover the art of tea through an immersive evening of flavour, storytelling, and entertainment.

Guests will begin the experience with a signature welcome before exploring an interactive Dilmah Tea Experience featuring a curated collection of premium tea varieties. Guided by the Dilmah team, guests will discover the heritage behind each blend, learn the art of tea appreciation, and experience thoughtfully curated snack pairings designed to enhance every flavour profile.

As the sun begins to set over the Indian Ocean, the evening will seamlessly transition into a celebration of SO/ Maldives’ unmistakable style. A spectacular Flying Dress showcase will capture the vibrant colours and elegance of island couture against the Maldivian horizon, followed by a captivating fire performance that lights up the beach, creating an unforgettable finale beneath the stars.

The introduction of Dilmah Tea further strengthens SO/ Maldives’ commitment to offering world-class culinary and lifestyle experiences that blend international excellence with the serenity of island living. Guests can now discover an elevated tea programme across selected dining venues and experiences, reinforcing the resort’s promise to deliver exceptional moments from sunrise to sunset.

From tranquil mornings overlooking crystal-clear lagoons to golden-hour reflections by the beach, every cup of Dilmah Tea invites guests to pause, breathe, and savour the beauty of the present, transforming an everyday ritual into an extraordinary island experience.

For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com or call +960 664-9100.

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Awards

.Here Baa Atoll receives Forbes VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition

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.Here Baa Atoll has been awarded the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition, affirming the resort’s commitment to responsible luxury and its dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences while embracing sustainable and ethical hospitality practices.

Developed by Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on luxury hospitality, the VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality programme recognises hotels and resorts that demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, employee wellbeing and responsible operational practices. The recognition is awarded following an independent assessment of more than 100 standards designed specifically for the luxury hospitality sector.

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll has been conceived around the philosophy of The Art of Duality—bringing together immersive luxury and a profound respect for the natural world. Across its two private islands connected by a pristine sandbank, the resort integrates thoughtful design, personalised experiences and responsible practices that aim to preserve the destination for generations to come.

The recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to minimise its environmental impact while creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with the unique marine ecosystem and cultural heritage of the Maldives. Through responsible resource management, conservation initiatives, local partnerships and a continued focus on guest and team wellbeing, .Here Baa Atoll strives to demonstrate that exceptional luxury and responsible hospitality can exist in harmony.

“This recognition represents an important milestone for .Here Baa Atoll and reflects the collective commitment of our team to creating experiences that are both meaningful and mindful,” said Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll. “Responsible hospitality is embedded in every aspect of the guest journey, from the way we design experiences to how we care for our people, our community and the remarkable environment that surrounds us. We are honoured to be recognised by Forbes Travel Guide for this commitment.”

As global travellers increasingly seek destinations that align with their values, the Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition reinforces .Here Baa Atoll’s position among the world’s leading ultra-luxury resorts, offering guests the confidence that their stay supports a property committed to responsible operations without compromising on service, comfort or exclusivity.

The achievement marks another significant milestone for the resort as it continues to establish itself as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive luxury destinations, where contemporary design, personalised hospitality and a deep respect for nature come together to create extraordinary experiences.

To learn more about .Here Baa Atoll, visit www.here-maldives.com.

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