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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.
Last night (8 October), Kandooma Maldives was named Leading Family Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), a title that perfectly matches the resort’s focus on families.
“The timing of this award couldn’t be better,” said Andrew Drummond, General Manager of Kandooma Maldives. “It recognises our commitment to family holidays, but we also know that you can’t stand still. Family expectations change, and we have to keep evolving with them.”
“Whether it is the little ones who enjoy the kids’ club and, for some, a newfound independence from mum and dad or the opportunity to build memories together as a family through shared activities, Kandooma really is a great destination.”
Andrew explains that it is easy to sit still, but that’s not how the resort is winning over families: “I think it is our effort to keep evolving. Recently we realised there was a gap in the family offering that needed a bit more attention, so we have turned our eyes to tweens. It is sometimes a balancing act where young adults are craving independence, the freedom to explore, socialise and make their own choices, while parents still need reassurance that their kids are safe and well looked after.”
“They’re not kids who love going off to the Kids’ Club and they are not yet adults who are content lounging by the pool. We’re focusing on finding a way to engage 13- to 18-year-olds and give them a great holiday. At Kandooma we haven’t forgotten them.”
Villa options at Kandooma cater to different stages of family life, from Beach and Garden Villas with space for additional beds and interconnecting options, to Beach Houses suited to younger families and two- and three-bedroom accommodation for larger or extended families.
At Kandooma kids under 13 stay and eat free and it is one of the reasons young families keep returning to the 146-villa property in South Male Atoll, together with easy accessibility from Velana International Airport by speedboat.
“As a father myself, I understand that travelling with a family can be complicated enough without adding unnecessary steps to the journey,” Andrew said.
“Seaplane transfers can mean additional costs and luggage restrictions. At Kandooma, families can be met by our airport team, have their luggage taken care of and be escorted to their boat for a straightforward transfer to the island. When you’ve travelled a long way to reach the Maldives, these things really matter.”
The South Asian Travel Awards celebrated its tenth anniversary last night, recognising stand-out tourism businesses across India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Kandooma Maldives is an experience-led, all-inclusive island resort located in the South Malé Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Designed with families, couples, friends and active travellers in mind, the resort features 146 villas across garden, beach and overwater settings, including family villas and multi-bedroom accommodation with private pools.
The Kandooma experience is brought together through five signatures: Kandooma Blue, Kandooma Table, Kandooma Flow, Kandooma Social and Kandooma Ways, spanning ocean adventure, dining, wellbeing, social experiences and Maldivian culture. Facilities include Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre, Perfect Wave Surf Shop, Kandoo Kids’ Club, watersports, a 24-hour gym, restaurants and bars, event and meeting facilities and a changing programme of complimentary and bookable activities, live entertainment and island experiences. Kandooma Maldives is Green Globe Certified.
Visit www.kandooma-maldives.com.
Marine experiences at Sun Siyam Iru Veli begin just beyond the island’s shoreline, from its house reef in Dhaalu Atoll to the waters of Faafu, Meemu and South Ari Atolls. For guests, this geographical reach means the underwater journey can take many forms, from a first guided snorkel close to the island to more advanced diving and encounters farther across the atolls.
The Big Encounters
Among the most notable journeys beyond the waters of Iru Veli is the Whale Shark Excursion to the South Ari Marine Protected Area. The guided snorkelling experience takes guests in search of the world’s largest fish, with the chance to snorkel alongside them when conditions allow. The same waters also offer manta encounters, another remarkable way to venture farther afield and see these graceful ocean giants in their natural environment.
Across the Atolls
The journey continues across Meemu and Faafu Atolls, where full-day explorations move between open-water encounters, quieter lagoons, coral reefs and uninhabited islands. Around Makunueri, guests can snorkel vibrant reefs with the chance to encounter turtles, sharks, rays and a variety of reef life. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, private journeys offer a way to discover coral gardens and lesser-visited stretches of ocean, with some also providing a first introduction to scuba in calm waters.
The House Reef, in Daylight and After Hours
Closer to Iru Veli, the house reef tells a different story. By day, guided snorkelling invites guests to coral formations and resident marine life directly around the island. After sunset, the same waters take on an entirely different character as nocturnal species emerge. The guided night snorkelling offers the chance to encounter nurse sharks and experience the reef from a whole new perspective with the help of fluorescent and blue lights.
A Different Side of the Water
For those looking for something less conventional, the SSI Mermaid programme brings a playful side to underwater exploration. Guests can swap fins for a mermaid tail and learn the techniques needed to move comfortably and confidently through the water. Combined with underwater photography and video, this experience offers a chance to explore a more imaginative side of underwater exploration at Iru Veli.
A Lasting Impact
The marine discovery at Iru Veli also extends beyond observation. Through the resort’s coral planting initiative, guests can contribute to the continued restoration of the house reef and leave a lasting connection beneath the surface. Back on land, the weekly Marine Night brings these stories together, sharing more about marine life, reef conservation and underwater environments surrounding the island.
Beyond the many ways to explore the ocean from the surface, the SSI-certified dive centre at Iru Veli offers adventures for seasoned divers and complete beginners alike. Certified divers can continue exploring the surrounding dive sites with the resort’s professional team, while first-timers can start with an introductory scuba experience. Guests looking to go further can also earn SSI certification during their stay, turning their holiday into the start of a new diving journey.
From the house reef to some of the Maldives’ most remarkable marine encounters, Sun Siyam Iru Veli reveals an island experience shaped as much by what lies beneath the surface as by what surrounds it.
Discover more marine activities, explore the latest Sun Siyam Iru Veli offers.
This festive season, SO/ Maldives invites guests to get gloriously lost beneath the surface with Lost in Waterworld – An Underwater Gala of Glamour, an ocean-inspired celebration where shimmer meets rhythm, barefoot elegance meets high style, and the island becomes the ultimate stage for festive revelry.
From 20 December 2026 to 8 January 2027, SO/ Maldives transforms its private island into an imaginative waterworld of luminous nights, ocean-inspired feasts, live performances, beachside glamour and playful island rituals. Think festive sparkle with a saltwater attitude: less traditional Christmas, more tropical couture.
Set within the shimmering waters of Emboodhoo Lagoon and just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, SO/ Maldives brings its signature fashion-forward spirit to the festive season. Across its 80 beachfront and overwater villas, private pools, design-led spaces and barefoot island settings, guests are invited to leave the ordinary behind and dive into a celebration created entirely in SO/ Maldives style.
The Ocean Glows
The journey begins on 20 December with The Great Ocean Glow, as the festive season officially comes to life at Lazuli Beach Club with the lighting of the Christmas tree, a cocktail reception and a soundtrack of DJ beats, saxophone and violin. At The Citronelle Club, Waves of Flavour brings the ocean to the table with an indulgent seafood-themed dinner buffet, while Hadaba sets a more intimate mood with Seafarer’s Sharing Feast, paired with wine and soulful saxophone melodies.
The days that follow unfold like chapters in an island fashion editorial. From Sun, Sea & Sizzle poolside lunches and Retro Waves Night featuring Unoosha & The Band, to Ocean Infusions, wine experiences and beachside dining, each day introduces a new mood, flavour and rhythm.
Christmas, With A Little More Glamour
Christmas Eve arrives with Sparkling Shores Christmas, where sunset bubbles, saxophone, violin and DJ beats set the tone at Lazuli Beach Club before guests move to the beach for Pearls & Palms Christmas Eve, a lavish BBQ under the stars featuring Unoosha & The Live Band, saxophone and violin. For younger guests, festive magic begins with gingerbread making and a spectacular ocean arrival from Santa.
Christmas Day begins with festive breakfast before flowing into Sail & Savor Brunch, accompanied by live violin, followed by The Gin Voyage at Sky Dining and the grand Christmas Waves & Wonders buffet dinner at The Citronelle Club. As night falls, Moonlight Movie Magic brings the island together for a cinematic evening beneath the stars at Lazuli Beach Club.
The celebration continues beyond Christmas with ocean-inspired brunches, wine dinners, Maldivian flavours, family adventures, poolside afternoons and culinary journeys spanning Mediterranean, Thai and other global influences. At Flames of the Atoll, Maldivian cuisine takes centre stage with Boduberu rhythms and live violin, while Maldivian Day – Maldivian Soul celebrates local culture through an island market experience.
The Grand Oceanic Gala
Then comes the night everyone has been waiting for.
On 31 December, SO/ Maldives presents The Grand Oceanic Gala – a New Year’s Eve celebration designed to make the midnight moment feel suitably cinematic.
The evening begins with Sea Breeze Soirée, a sunset cocktail reception on The Citronelle Club Beach, before guests make their way to Lazuli Beach Club for an extraordinary beachfront dinner beneath the stars. With performances from Unoosha & The Live Band, saxophone and DJ entertainment, the gala builds towards a spectacular countdown, complete with a dance show, live music and fireworks illuminating the Indian Ocean. The night continues with an after-party and late-night snack station, because at SO/, midnight is merely an intermission.
For those staying on after the countdown, The First Feast welcomes 2027 with a celebratory brunch accompanied by saxophone and violin, followed by more culinary discoveries, chilled island evenings and ocean-inspired experiences throughout the first week of the new year.
Lost In The Moment
Beyond the headline celebrations, Lost in Waterworld invites guests to experience the island at every tempo.
Mornings begin with sunrise yoga and aqua fitness. Afternoons bring painting, family challenges, creative workshops, beach activities and poolside energy. The SO/ Spa introduces a series of ocean-inspired treatments and festive beauty rituals, while The Nest keeps younger guests entertained with everything from sandcastle competitions and tie-dye sessions to tropical jewellery making, pizza making and island-inspired art.
The festive journey continues through January, with Orthodox Christmas celebrated in island style through Chill & Chanter and O Holy Night, Seaside Eve, before the season closes with guest-chef experiences, culinary showcases and a final taste of the waterworld.
“Lost in Waterworld is our invitation to experience the festive season differently with more imagination, more rhythm and a little more attitude. At SO/ Maldives, the ocean is not simply our backdrop; it is the inspiration behind the way we celebrate. From the first glow of the season to the last beat after midnight, every moment is designed to feel unexpected, effortless and unmistakably SO/,” said Alexander Traeger, General Manager, SO/ Maldives.
This festive season, SO/ Maldives is not simply celebrating Christmas and New Year. It is creating a world beneath the waves a place of shimmer, sound, flavour and barefoot glamour where every sunset feels like an entrance and every night deserves an encore.
Book your festive offer here. For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com.
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