News

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

Published

2 hours 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

3 hours 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.

News

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts introduces three distinct festive experiences in Maldives

Published

20 hours ago

October 17, 2026

m@ldives

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is set to welcome guests to a festive season shaped by discovery, creativity, tradition and togetherness, with distinctive year-end experiences unfolding across Atmosphere Kanifushi, VARU by Atmosphere and RAAYA by Atmosphere.

Bringing together Maldivian heritage, immersive experiences, culinary celebrations, wellness and uniquely designed entertainment, the festive lineups invite guests to experience the season through the individual character of each island.

At Atmosphere Kanifushi, the festive season unfolds as Kanifushi Odyssey, from 21 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, with a journey through themed island celebrations. Guests can step into Pirates Under the Stars, welcome Santa by the sea on Christmas Eve and experience the enchanting atmosphere of Christmas in Neon Tides on Christmas Day. The programme also celebrates the island’s cultural spirit through The Spirit of Kanifushi, alongside themed culinary evenings such as Kanifushi Trattoria and World Kitchen. The festivities culminate in The Crown of Midnight, a spectacular New Year’s Eve gala marking the beginning of a new year in unforgettable island style.

At RAAYA by Atmosphere, Wonka Winter Wonderland runs from 23 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, bringing a playful, imaginative twist to the festive season with chocolate-inspired experiences, creative activities and celebrations for all ages. Highlights include the Wonka Winterland Glow-in-the-Dark Party, a Christmas morning featuring chocolate carving and Santa’s arrival, and a traditional Maldivian dinner accompanied by Bodu Beru. For New Year’s Eve, the island transforms into a Masquerade celebration, where distinctive dining and captivating entertainment set the scene for a memorable countdown.

At VARU by Atmosphere, the festive programme, from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, rooted in the spirit of the Maldives celebrates Colour of Lights – A Luminous Island Journey weaving local tropical island character into the celebrations. Guests can savour Maldivian high tea and treats prepared at live sweets stations, enjoy festive cinema beneath the stars and join the VARU family for Christmas carols. These island-inspired experiences lead into the Festive Christmas Eve Gala, bringing guests together through local traditions, warm hospitality and the naturally Maldivian character of VARU.

Beyond the major celebrations, the festive calendars across Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts feature a variety of experiences, with most activities included in the Holiday Plan. Designed to let guests experience the islands at their own pace, these include wellness and rejuvenation, marine exploration, creative workshops, family activities, culinary discoveries and evenings beneath the Maldivian sky.

Together, the three resorts offer distinctly unique interpretations of the festive season, united by a shared approach to hospitality: creating meaningful experiences that guests can discover, enjoy and remember long after their island stay.

Discover your next Maldivian escape and explore the festive calendars on the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts website.