News
Harnessing Local Knowledge to Explore the Fascinating Secrets of the Distant Stars with Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villa’s SKY Gurus
We have all, at one time or another, gazed up into the night sky and contemplated the mysteries of the universe, but if ever you were planning to learn more about the stars and the secrets they hold, you would be hard-pushed to find a more ideal location than SKY at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah is not only a tropical island paradise but also a stargazer’s dream location. The private island’s remoteness means that it is free from light pollution, while its proximity to the equator affords spectacular views of both the southern and northern sky.
At SKY, Anantara Kihavah’s overwater observatory combined with a luxury cocktail bar, the far reaches of the universe are brought into crystal clear focus as guests sip Champagne or cocktails and gaze through one of the most powerful telescopes in the region while the resort’s two resident SKY Gurus regale them with fascinating stories of the night sky. Harnessing their local knowledge of the Maldivian sky to reveal the intriguing stories behind the countless stars that make up the distant constellations, Zunnoon Ahmed, known as Zunnu, and Ali Arushal, who goes by the name of Shalli, are Anantara Kihavah’s Resident SKY Gurus. Both natives of Baa Atoll, Zunnu and Shalli are not only captivating storytellers, but they also each have their own story to tell.
Zunnoon Ahmed
Born and raised on the small island of Kudarikilu in Baa Atoll, Zunnu has always been fascinated by the night sky. Driven by a curiosity to unravel the secrets and stories behind the stars that fill the cloudless Maldivian skies, his fascination evolved into a passion for astrophotography when he was just 16 years old, marking the beginning of his journey into the enthralling world of astronomy.
Although Zunnu pursued a career in the more conventional field of IT, currently serving as Assistant IT Manager by day and storytelling SKY Guru by night, his passion for stargazing only grew stronger. He collaborates with online telescope operators in his spare time, engaging in astro imaging to capture captivating glimpses of the cosmos through remote telescopes, while he is constantly looking for new ways to expand his knowledge. “I always make it a habit to check online astronomy forums for the latest celestial discoveries and engage in discussions with fellow space enthusiasts,” he explained.
Having originally joined Anantara Kihavah in 2017 as an IT Coordinator, overseeing the hotel network, managing hotel applications, and playing a key role in ensuring the seamless operation of various technological aspects for a smooth guest experience, Zunnu grabbed the opportunity to develop his celestial passion by volunteering to study stargazing under the supervision of the resort’s first SKY Guru, Ali Shameem.
Across the next five years, Zunnu conducted research, took theory tests and participated in stargazing demos as part of his detailed training process. “The experience of learning about the stars was a bit challenging when I started,” he explained. “But it has become truly fantastic now. The journey of understanding the cosmos has been both rewarding and enlightening.”
Recalling his first stargazing session at Anantara Kihavah, Zunnu commented on how the positive reactions of the guests turned it into a rewarding and fulfilling experience, both for him and for his captivated audience. Sharing his passion now comes easily to the engaging Zunnu. “We all have a natural curiosity to understand the world around us,” he explained. “And the night sky, with its myriad stars, has always been a source of wonder and questions. Stars often hold cultural and mythological significance in various societies. Many cultures have created stories, myths, and legends based on constellations and individual stars, adding a sense of mystery and importance.”
While his own personal favourite star is Aldebaran, Zunnu is more than happy to take advantage of Anantara Kihavah’s pristine location away from light pollution to find and share a variety of celestial events with the resort’s guests. “We regularly witness awe-inspiring solar eclipses, captivating lunar eclipses, mesmerising meteor showers, and enchanting planetary conjunctions in our cosmic spectacle,” he enthused.
Ali Arushal
A more recent addition to Anantara Kihavah’s small but elite team of SKY Gurus, Shalli is another native of Baa Atoll, having been born and raised on the island of Kendhoo. Shalli describes his childhood on Kendhoo as happy and enjoyable, and while his interest in the stars began at a young age, it was not until he joined Anantara Kihavah that he delved deeper into the field of astronomy.
Having joined Anantara Kihavah’s transport department in 2021, Shalli is part of the resort’s launch crew, where his main responsibilities include ensuring transport operations run smoothly. However, his fascination with the amazing views of the Maldivian night sky resulted in him volunteering to train as the resort’s next SKY Guru.
During one and a half years of learning about stargazing from the resort’s first SKY Guru, Shalli’s intensive training involved theory tests, reading assignments, and stargazing demonstrations. Eager to expand his knowledge and complement his training, Shalli also seeks out additional information from the internet and YouTube.
Describing his first stargazing session with guests as stunning, Shalli quickly warmed to his new role. As a SKY Guru, Shalli enjoys sharing his passion and imparting unknown knowledge about the stars to others. While he names Antares as his personal favourite star, he enjoys nothing more than being able to show guests distant constellations or share such amazing spectacles with them as a lunar eclipse, solar eclipse or meteors.
SKY Gurus lead guests on a cosmic journey across both hemisphere’s stars and planets, clarifying what can be seen in the sky with the naked eye and using a green laser, they point out different constellations and explains light years and different types of galaxies. Guests are then able to view the sky from the observatory telescope which has a viewing capacity of 30 million light years away.
The locale gives guests an opportunity to see lunar eclipses, stars and planets invisible from Europe or America. Sometimes, depending on climate and time of the year, you can even catch a glimpse of Saturn with its pale-yellow rings, belts of Jupiter that vary in width, colour and intensity from year to year and the several hundred thousand of stars that make up Messier 13.
SKY is the finest over water observatory in the Maldives built with a 3.8 metre revolving Ash dome and equipped with a research-grade Meade 16” LX200 telescope with a magnification of 400x mounted on a super-giant field tripod.
Embark on a cosmic journey at Anantara Kihavah’s SKY Observatory. For more information or to book, call +960 664 4111, visit their website or email reservations.maldives@anantara.com.
Featured
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort curates timeless Valentine’s experiences with IVAR Jewellery
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has unveiled an intimate celebration of love through an exclusive collaboration with IVAR Jewellery, bringing together craftsmanship, emotion, and timeless romance in a refined island setting. Rooted in shared values of artistry and enduring beauty, the partnership invites guests to experience love as something continuous, evolving, and deeply personal.
Central to the collaboration is IVAR’s Infinity Collection, inspired by the circle as a symbol with no beginning and no end. Each piece reflects a quiet and enduring expression of love, designed to preserve fleeting moments in lasting form. The collection speaks to intimacy, connection, and the promise of forever, offering jewellery that is both meaningful and timeless.
IVAR’s creations draw on the rich traditions of Indian craftsmanship, reinterpreted through a contemporary design approach. Crafted by skilled artisans using time-honoured techniques, each piece balances heritage with modern elegance. Designed for daily wear and long-term appreciation, the jewellery is intended to accompany life’s most significant milestones and be treasured across generations.
Inspired by this philosophy, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has curated a series of romantic experiences that reflect the elegance and symbolism of the Infinity Collection. At Iridium Spa, couples are invited to enjoy a Romantic Spa Escape, an immersive sensory journey infused with rose geranium and rose quartz. Each treatment is designed to restore balance, deepen connection, and create moments of calm intimacy that extend beyond the spa.
As evening approaches, romance continues with Valentine’s dining experiences set beneath open skies and framed by the island’s natural beauty. Soft lighting, refined menus, and an unhurried atmosphere encourage couples to linger, connect, and celebrate togetherness. Every detail is composed to honour shared moments and the quiet luxury of presence.
For couples preparing to begin their next chapter, IVAR’s Solitaire Collection offers a classic expression of commitment. Defined by diamonds of exceptional brilliance and clarity, each piece reflects the purity of the promise it represents. Set within the surroundings of The St. Regis Maldives, weddings become personal celebrations where elegance, emotion, and artistry come together.
Through this collaboration, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and IVAR Jewellery invite guests to experience a love that is both effortless and profound, fleeting yet enduring, creating memories inspired by the infinite symbol that lies at the heart of the partnership.
Fushifaru Maldives has announced a special programme to mark Chinese New Year 2026, with a series of festive activities and dining experiences scheduled from February 15 to 17.
The resort said the celebrations are designed to offer guests a relaxed island escape focused on togetherness, wellness and shared dining. Throughout the three-day period, guests will be able to enjoy a daily Chinese Tea Corner at Fanihandhi Bar, providing a dedicated space to gather and unwind during the festivities. Selected spa treatments will also be offered with special savings during the celebration period.
The main event is planned for Lunar New Year’s Eve, when the resort will host a family BBQ dinner at Raakani Restaurant. The evening will conclude with a fire show, intended to mark the arrival of the Year of the Horse and symbolise renewal and prosperity.
In addition to the scheduled events, Fushifaru Maldives will make its signature dining experiences available throughout the holiday period. Options include private beach dinners, in-villa dining, sandbank picnics and sandbank hut experiences, offering guests a range of settings for family gatherings and couples.
The celebrations will conclude on Lunar New Year Day with family-oriented activities, including a Red Packet Hunt, followed by a Lunar New Year Hot Pot Night at Raakani Restaurant.
Fushifaru Maldives said the programme has been designed to suit both family holidays and romantic escapes, combining dining, leisure and island experiences in a festive setting. Further details on the full programme and offerings are available through the resort’s Chinese New Year brochure and online gallery.
Known for its turquoise lagoons and impossibly soft white sands, the Maldives continues to rank high on the bucket lists of travellers in search of an ideal island escape. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites travellers to plan their next escape through its exclusive ‘Endless Summer’ offer, designed for those seeking perpetual sunshine, effortless island living, and holistic wellness.
For a limited time, guests can escape to this year-round summer paradise and recharge in the resort’s wellness sanctuary with a comprehensive package that transforms an ordinary vacation into an extraordinary wellness journey. This exclusive offer is valid for two guests and available to book from now until February 28, 2026, with a minimum four-night stay, for stays through December 20, 2026.
The Endless Summer offer features a Full Board meal plan that ensures guests are nourished throughout their stay, with daily breakfast at Island Kitchen and their choice of lunch and dinner at either Island Kitchen or Hawker. The culinary experience is further elevated with a one-time dinner at The Pearl, the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant, where guests can savour expertly crafted dishes while taking in breathtaking ocean views.
Families are especially welcome with this offer, as children under 12 eat free, making it an ideal choice for memorable multi-generational getaways. Each stay also includes USD 150 in resort credit, allowing guests to personalise their experience with spa treatments, excursions, or special dining.
The wellness-focused package invites guests to embrace the resort’s complimentary recharging activities, including rejuvenating Yoga sessions, invigorating scenic running routes, and fun-filled water volleyball. Young travellers can enjoy enriching experiences at the Westin Family Kids Club, while fitness enthusiasts have 24/7 access to the state-of-the-art WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, ensuring wellness routines remain uninterrupted.
For those drawn to the Maldives’ legendary marine life, the package includes complimentary snorkelling equipment and one-hour kayaking sessions, perfect for exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem of Baa Atoll. Guests can also enjoy the multipurpose court, offering additional opportunities for active recreation during their stay.
Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort presents a holistic wellness retreat inspired by nature and designed for shared moments of restoration. Contemporary overwater and beach villas provide generous space for couples and families, while nearby Hanifaru Bay draws marine enthusiasts each year with its seasonal gatherings of manta rays. Those seeking cultural immersion can join the resort’s weekly Liye Laajehun workshops, discovering traditional Maldivian craftsmanship as part of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy.
Whether planning a romantic escape, a family getaway, or a restorative solo retreat, the Endless Summer offer delivers an unforgettable island experience in one of the Maldives’ most pristine locations. Begin your journey at westin-maldives.com.
-
News5 days agoAmbani family members holiday in Maldives again
-
Featured1 week agoPulse Hotels & Resorts unveils eco-chic Eri Maldives in North Malé Atoll
-
News1 week agoInterContinental Maldives unveils luxury experiences designed for solo traveller
-
Love1 week agoFive days of Valentine’s experiences at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
-
Featured1 week agoEndless Summer awaits at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
-
Featured1 week agoFrom Lunar New Year to Easter: Sirru Fen Fushi reveals seasonal line-up
-
Love1 week agoAngsana Velavaru unveils Valentine’s Day experiences
-
News5 days agoMaldives named among world’s top destinations in Tripadvisor’s 2026 awards