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.
Set within the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, just a short luxury speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives presents a refined expression of contemporary Maldivian living. Elegant overwater and beachfront villas and residences are thoughtfully designed with modern amenities, offering privacy, comfort, and a seamless connection to the island’s breathtaking natural surroundings.
At the heart of the resort lies a curated culinary world defined by six distinctive restaurants and four chic bars, each elevating dining into an immersive journey of flavour, atmosphere, and discovery. From interactive live cooking stations and theatrical Teppanyaki and tandoor experiences at The Gallery, to the refined Mediterranean character of Bluefin, every venue offers a distinct interpretation of global and island-inspired cuisine. Suan Bua reimagines authentic Thai flavours through a contemporary lens, while Acqua brings the warmth of Italian coastal dining to the Maldives. The Sailhouse offers relaxed beachfront dining in an open-air setting, and The Club provides a refined space for breakfast, sundowners, and canapés, defined by curated culinary moments and elevated service.
Complementing these are four distinctive bars: Coco Drift, a swim-up bar with views of the horizon; Sunset Social, featuring catamaran-style seating where golden-hour views meet signature cocktails; Rum Bar, a relaxed tropical escape with infused spirits and island-inspired cocktails; and Dolphin Bar, a laid-back swim-up venue for light refreshments and all-day leisure.
Beyond dining, the resort offers a holistic lifestyle experience anchored by three distinctive wellness concepts: SPA Cenvaree Retreat and SPA Cenvaree, delivering restorative wellbeing journeys through signature Thai-inspired therapies rooted in traditional healing philosophies; and Candy Spa, a vibrant concept designed for younger guests. Multiple kids’ clubs and E-Zones create engaging environments for children and teens, while fully equipped fitness centres support active wellbeing throughout the stay. A curated selection of water sports and marine adventures further enriches the experience, inviting guests to explore the lagoon through movement, discovery, and connection with nature.
Together, these elements define a seamless and elevated island experience where refined living, culinary artistry, wellness, and recreation come together in harmony, positioning Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives as a distinctive expression of modern Maldivian hospitality.
Think summer in the Maldives is all about sipping cocktails and doing absolutely nothing? You could. But at Siyam World Maldives, you could also swim with sharks, race electric go-karts, become a certified mermaid, train with football legends and explore one of the Maldives’ newest shipwrecks, all before deciding what is for dinner. Because normal island holidays are not really our thing. Here are 10 reasons why Siyam World is turning up the fun this summer.
Dive into the Maldives’ Newest Obsession
Some resorts have house reefs. Siyam World has a shipwreck. The newest underwater attraction in Noonu Atoll is a 66 metre former Maldivian tuna freighter that now rests beneath the surface, ready to be explored by divers and marine life alike. Today it is an exciting new wreck dive. Tomorrow it will become a thriving artificial reef. Not bad for a retired fishing boat.
Train with Football Legends
This August, young football fans can swap the local pitch for paradise as former Premier League stars Andrew Johnson and Wayne Routledge arrive at Siyam World for two exclusive football camps. Not every summer holiday comes with professional coaching and ocean views. 10th – 14th AUGUST 2026 – Andrew Johnson / 15th – 19th AUGUST 2026 – Wayne Routledge. For kids between the ages of 5-12 years. More info here.
Swim with Sharks. Brag About It Later.
Swimming with sharks sounds terrifying. Until you realise these are gentle nurse sharks and curious sea turtles gliding through crystal clear waters. A three-hour snorkelling trip suddenly becomes one of those holiday stories you will tell for years.
The Floor Is Lava. The Water Park Is Not.
The Maldives’ biggest floating water park is basically an invitation to unleash your inner child. Climb it. Jump off it. Race your friends. Repeat.
Become a Mermaid. Seriously.
Some people come home from holiday with a tan. Others leave Siyam World with a mermaid certificate. This Try Mermaid Pool Program includes one session in the pool, all the equipment you’ll need as well as a certificate of completion. We know which one sounds more fun.
Golf, But Make It Shipwrecked.
Take on the Shipwrecked golf challenge, compete with friends and maybe even win resort credit while you are at it. Losing gracefully is optional.
Saddle Up, Maldives Style
Horse riding is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Maldives. That is exactly why we love it.
Dinner Underground, Island Style
Hidden beneath the island, Barrique is home to exceptional wines, curated menus and one of the most unique dining experiences in the Maldives. Choose between multiple course gourmet tasting menus that are served surrounded by hundreds of world-renowned vintages, where our sommelier is ready to take you through a wine journey that you will never forget. Because even adventure seekers need a sophisticated evening now and then.
Swap Flip-Flops for Pole Position
Who says paradise cannot come with a little friendly competition? Siyam World’s electric go-karts bring speed, excitement and plenty of laughs to the island, proving once again that this is a destination designed for those who like their holidays with a side of adventure.
Take on the Delmare Golf Challenge
Add a competitive twist to your stay with Siyam World’s golf challenge at Shipwrecked. Guests have the chance to win resort credit while enjoying a fun and social activity set against the backdrop of the ocean. Fun fact, the gold balls are fish food.
To make the most of summer, Siyam World is offering an exclusive limited-time offer with up to 45% off best available rates, complemented by added benefits including complimentary shared seaplane transfers on selected stays, USD 150 resort credit per bedroom, and a one-time floating breakfast for longer stays. Guests can enjoy the full Premium 24-hour WOW! all-inclusive experience, with up to two children under 12 staying and dining complimentary. The offer is available for bookings until 31 August 2026, for stays until 31 October 2027. Then tell us again that the Maldives is only for doing nothing.
To find out more, visit the resort’s website or follow @siyamworld on social channels.
Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is celebrating a series of prestigious accolades that reaffirm its position as one of the Maldives’ leading luxury destinations and reflect its dedication to creating meaningful guest experiences.
At the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, Sirru Fen Fushi was recognised in three highly competitive categories:
- #1 Best Resort Pools in the Maldives
- #5 Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives
- #5 Most Outrageous Villas in the Maldives
These awards reflect the votes and experiences of discerning travellers across the region and celebrate the resort’s unique blend of contemporary luxury, immersive experiences and natural beauty.
Adding to this achievement, Sirru Fen Fushi has also been honoured with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, a recognition awarded to properties that consistently earn outstanding guest reviews and rank among the top 10% travellers’ preferred destinations worldwide.
Nestled in the pristine waters of Shaviyani Atoll, Sirru Fen Fushi offers an extraordinary island escape defined by spacious villas, exceptional dining, family-friendly experiences and a strong commitment to sustainability. Home to one of the Maldives’ most iconic infinity pools overlooking the turquoise lagoon, the resort continues to attract travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure in a secluded setting.
“We are incredibly grateful to our guests for their trust and support, and to our dedicated team whose passion and commitment make these achievements possible,” said Abdulla Nabeel, Commercial Director. “These recognitions are especially meaningful as they reflect the experiences of the travellers we welcome to our island every day. We are honoured to receive them and remain committed to delivering exceptional hospitality and unforgettable moments.”
The awards mark another milestone in Sirru Fen Fushi’s ongoing journey of excellence, further strengthening its reputation as a destination where authentic luxury, personalised service and natural beauty come together to create truly memorable stays.
For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
-
Action1 week agoAnantara Dhigu partners with rrreefs on 3D-printed reef restoration project
-
News1 week agoOZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO earn Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice honours
-
News1 week agoNiyama invites travellers to explore the Maldives with new summer escape package
-
News1 week agoFrom Shipwreck to Living Reef: Siyam World launches ambitious marine restoration project
-
News1 week agoGlobal Wellness Day at Joy Island features giant floating breakfast experience
-
Awards1 week agoTripadvisor ranks Machchafushi Island Resort among world’s best hotels
-
Awards1 week agoTripadvisor names Centara Ras Fushi among travellers’ favourite destinations
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Vilu Reef introduces new era of luxury with Ocean Signature Villas