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

Published

3 years ago

June 20, 2023

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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Patina Maldives announces Orthodox Christmas celebrations with Russian cuisine and live entertainment

Published

23 hours ago

October 18, 2026

m@ldives

From 4 to 7 January 2027, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, embraces the spirit of Orthodox Christmas through a celebration of Russian culinary traditions, live music and shared experiences for all generations. Set against the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean, the occasion brings together cherished customs and contemporary island living, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and discovery.

On 4 and 5 January, Fari Beach Club presents special dining experiences with Guest Chef Maxim Artyukhov, Brand Chef and Executive Chef of SATEEN GROUP. Drawing inspiration from the culinary heritage of the Don region, Maxim Artyukhov brings his interpretation of European and Russian cuisine to the island, combining locally sourced farm produce with contemporary culinary techniques and the rich flavours of regional gastronomy.

On 6 January, Helios Pavilion becomes the setting for an evening of culinary discovery and live entertainment. Christmas cocktails and refined canapés welcome guests before a specially curated menu brings together international delicacies and much-loved Russian specialities by Chef Maxim Artyukhov. The evening unfolds to the sounds of Anton Belyaev, founder and frontman of Therr Maitz. Blending indie, electronic, soul and pop influences, his live performance fills the evening with energy and festive spirit, while a spectacular fireworks display illuminates the skies above the Indian Ocean.

Younger guests discover the island through a programme designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and a sense of adventure. On 6 January, a Mindful Walk, Kids Yoga, Wildflower Challenge, Green Creations, outdoor games and an introduction to snorkelling invite children to explore their surroundings in new ways. The Padel Tennis Tournament brings guests together through friendly competition and shared sporting experiences. While parents enjoy the Christmas dinner, younger guests have their own dedicated space for play and entertainment.

On 7 January, Russian winter folklore comes to life with a special appearance by Ded Moroz and his granddaughter, Snegurochka. Beloved figures of the Russian Christmas tradition, they bring festive cheer to the island and delight younger guests with special gifts.

At Patina Maldives, Orthodox Christmas brings cherished traditions into a setting defined by natural beauty, thoughtful experiences and meaningful connections. From Russian culinary heritage and live music to moments of discovery for younger guests, the celebration offers an opportunity to come together, share the spirit of the occasion and create lasting memories by the Indian Ocean.

For more information, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com.

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Belgian Chef Wout Bru to bring exclusive dining experiences to Meyyafushi, Fushifaru Maldives

Published

1 day ago

October 18, 2026

m@ldives

Acclaimed Belgian chef Wout Bru will bring his distinctive culinary vision to the Maldives for an exclusive residency across Meyyafushi and Fushifaru Maldives from 31 October to 7 November 2026, featuring two special dining experiences in celebration of Meyyafushi’s first anniversary.

Renowned for his modern-classical culinary philosophy, Chef Wout combines contemporary techniques with Mediterranean influences, placing quality ingredients and their natural flavours at the heart of his cuisine. His distinguished career includes international recognition in France and Belgium, with Le Grand Verre receiving its first Michelin star in 2023.

Chef Wout will personally host an exclusive dinner at Bubble Underwater Restaurant at Meyyafushi Maldives on 2 November 2026, followed by a second dining experience at Raakani Restaurant at Fushifaru Maldives on 5 November 2026. Each dinner will take place on one evening only, featuring a specially curated menu by the chef. Both experiences will be open to in-house guests and outside visitors, including guests staying at the sister resort and those visiting from surrounding islands, subject to availability and advance reservations.

The residency will begin at Meyyafushi, a premium all-inclusive resort featuring 94 private-pool villas and suites and distinctive dining concepts, before continuing at Fushifaru, an award-winning boutique resort celebrated for its authentic Maldivian character, pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.

“Food has a unique way of bringing people together and creating memories that stay with us long after a journey ends. Welcoming Chef Wout Bru to our islands is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Meyyafushi’s first anniversary while further elevating the culinary experiences we offer across both resorts. We look forward to sharing these special occasions with our guests and creating memorable moments that reflect our commitment to exceptional hospitality,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager of Meyyafushi and Fushifaru Maldives.

Through this collaboration, both resorts aim to elevate their culinary offerings, create memorable guest experiences and celebrate the connection between exceptional gastronomy and the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Meyyafushi Maldives:

Dinner date: 2 November 2026
Venue: Bubble Underwater Restaurant
Price: USD 450 net per person – 4 course wine pairing dinner
Reservations: reservations@meyyafushi.com
Website: www.meyyafushi.com

Fushifaru Maldives:

Dinner date: 5 November 2026
Venue: Raakani Restaurant
Price: USD 300++ per person – 5 course Michelin dinner
Reservations: reservations@fushifaru.com
Website: www.fushifaru.com

Both dinners are available to in-house guests and outside visitors, including guests staying at the sister resort and those visiting from surrounding islands, subject to availability and advance reservations.

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Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi brings together local, international female surfers

Published

1 day ago

October 18, 2026

m@ldives

Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi with its renowned wave Lohis, recently welcomed an all-female surf group for a week of surfing, wellness, and meaningful connections. Beyond experiencing the Maldives’ world-class waves, the visit created an opportunity to bring together international surfers from Surferelle, a women-focused female surf KOL, and members of Surf Her Story, a local female surfing community, for an inspiring exchange of experiences, perspectives, and stories.

Connecting Women Through Surfing

The gathering brought together women from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, united by their shared passion for the ocean.

Through conversations and shared experiences, participants exchanged perspectives on surfing, personal growth, confidence, and the challenges women face in pursuing their passions.

What began as a meeting of surfers became a reminder that, despite cultural differences, women often share similar aspirations and challenges. The exchange offered an opportunity for mutual encouragement, new friendships, and inspiration that extended well beyond the water.

Surf Her Story: Empowering the Next Generation

Founded by former professional surfer Maju Freitas, with the support of local surfers Aya Naseem and Rishtha Suja, Surf Her Story is a community-driven initiative dedicated to introducing more girls across the Maldives to surfing.

The idea began four years ago when Freitas first visited the Maldives and noticed something missing from its incredible surf scene.

“I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God! This place has amazing waves… but WHERE ARE ALL THE GIRLS?'” she recalls.

Determined to make a difference, Maju created Surf Her Story to help more Maldivian girls discover the physical, mental, and social benefits of surfing.

Beyond developing surfing skills, the initiative aims to build confidence, encourage self-expression, and create a supportive sisterhood where girls can grow together, both in and out of the ocean.

“My biggest dream is for every girl to have the opportunity to experience the freedom, happiness, and empowerment that surfing has given me throughout my life,” says Maju. “I truly believe surfing can change lives, and through Surf Her Story, I hope to share that feeling with as many girls as possible.”

Giving Back to the Community That Makes Surfing Possible

As a surf destination, the Maldives offers extraordinary experiences to visitors from around the world. Lohis Maldives believes that the benefits of surf tourism should also extend to the local communities that call these islands home.

Welcoming Surf Her Story was a small but meaningful step toward that vision: creating space for local female surfers to connect with an international community, share their voices, and gain encouragement from women with different life experiences.

By facilitating these connections, the resort hopes to contribute to a future where more Maldivian girls feel welcome in the water, confident in their abilities, and supported in pursuing their ambitions.

At Lohis, the true value of surf travel lies not only in the waves we enjoy, but also in the positive connections and opportunities we leave behind.

The resort looks forward to continuing to support community engagement, celebrate women in surfing, and create experiences that bring lasting value to both visitors and the local community.