News
Unveiling celestial wonders: 2 decades of astronomical excellence in Maldives
In the enchanting realm of Maldives tourism, a celestial marvel has quietly unfurled over the past two decades. It’s a saga of passion, exploration, and celestial wonder, all orbiting around one individual’s steadfast commitment to bridging the gap between humanity and the cosmos. Meet Ali Shameem, the Resort Manager of Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, nestled within the illustrious Crown and Champa Resorts Collection.
A pioneer in the field of astronomy tourism, Shameem’s cosmic journey commenced a decade ago with a transformative experience at the revered Milky Way Citizen, an astronomy school in India guided by the visionary Dr. Parag Mahjani. Enraptured by the celestial expanse, Shameem earned their inaugural certificate in Astronomy in 2010, igniting an extraordinary odyssey through the celestial realms.
Fast forward to the present, and Shameem stands as a luminary figure in Maldives tourism, having orchestrated a constellation of unforgettable astronomical experiences for visitors to the archipelago.
“From private stargazing sessions under the Maldivian night sky to Astronomical cruise dinners and special events tailored to celestial enthusiasts, I have illuminated the tourism landscape with my passion for astronomy,” noted Shameem.
But his stellar journey doesn’t end there. Collaborating with luminaries such as Dr. Giovanni Benjamin and even the legendary Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Shameem has elevated the Maldives’ astronomical offerings to astronomical heights. Inviting top astronomers from around the globe to share their expertise, he has turned the Maldives into a celestial hub where enthusiasts and novices alike can marvel at the wonders of the universe.
In recent years, Shameem has been under the tutelage of Professor Massimo Tarenghi, a distinguished Italian astronomer renowned for his pivotal role in establishing the ALMA observatory in Chile, the largest radio telescope array in the world. Leveraging this wealth of knowledge, Shameem has spearheaded the creation of an observatory at Anantara Kihavah Villas, offering guests an unparalleled glimpse into the cosmos.
With an exceptional blend of astronomical expertise and a hospitality mindset, Ali Shameem has curated an unparalleled astronomical experience that continues to captivate guests for two decades and counting. As the Maldives maintains its status as a premier destination for luxury travel, Shameem’s dedication ensures that the marvels of the universe remain an integral part of the Maldivian experience.
Currently, Shameem is spearheading a similar astronomy program at Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, with the construction of an observatory underway. Despite the project not yet being complete, Shameem and the team have initiated stargazing sessions as a gesture to enhance the guest experience. Following beachside dining experiences, guests are treated to stargazing sessions lasting between 30 minutes to an hour, immersing them in the celestial wonders of the Maldivian night sky.
Furthermore, guests are provided with an enriching educational experience encompassing various aspects of astronomy:
- History of Astronomy: Kudadoo offers a detailed explanation of the history of astronomy, tracing its origins from ancient times and highlighting the remarkable discoveries made by ancient astronomers that have paved the way for modern-day astronomy.
- Visual Astronomy: Using a specialized laser light, Shameem’s team intricately outlines constellations from Ancient Greek Mythology, providing guests with a comprehensive understanding of the bright stars visible in the night sky. Details such as distance, type, age, and size of the stars are meticulously explained, enriching the stargazing experience.
- Deep Sky Astronomy: Through the utilization of a cutting-edge virtual application on an iPad, Kudadoo navigates guests through the latest discoveries in deep sky astronomy. This includes the positions of famous spacecraft, the asteroid belt, and newly discovered exoplanets. Guests are immersed in the virtual reality of the universe, expanding their knowledge and appreciation of the cosmos.
By combining immersive stargazing experiences with educational insights into the history and science of astronomy, Shameem ensures that guests at Kudadoo Maldives Private Island embark on a celestial journey like no other. As the observatory nears completion, the promise of even more extraordinary astronomical encounters beckons, reinforcing the Maldives’ reputation as a celestial sanctuary where the wonders of the universe are brought to life.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi, designed by Yuji Yamazaki, offers a sanctuary of serenity and luxury. With 15 exclusive Ocean Residences floating above the Indian Ocean, it redefines freedom with personal butlers available 24/7 to curate authentic experiences. From swimming with manta rays to beachside barbecues, Kudadoo blends effortless elegance with intimate luxury. Accessible
News
InterContinental Maldives unveils luxury experiences designed for solo traveller
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced its brand-new, Solo Serenity collection — a curated suite of luxury experiences designed to celebrate the solo traveller. Inspired by the global rise in independent journeys, the collection blends personalised rituals, curated experiences, and deep restorative self-care amidst the shores of Maamunagau. The collection underscores that one does not need a partner to indulge in the Maldives; reimagining experiences traditionally designed for two into empowering, tailored-made moments for one. Highlights of the Solo Serenity collection include the resort’s signature floating breakfast, personalised wellness journeys at the Avi Spa, beachside reflection moments, and sunset excursions by ocean and land.
Available in 3-, 5-, and 7-day journeys, the Solo Serenity collection supports self-discovery through a renewed sense of clarity, confidence, and inner harmony. Each experience encourages guests to reconnect with themselves and embrace independence. Upon arrival, guests are invited to reset through a personalised wellness consultation with one of the resort’s leading practitioners at the AVI Spa, easing them into a week of self-indulgence. The consultation may be followed by the recently debuted Maldivian Essence Treatment – a locally inspired ritual rooted in Maldivian wellness traditions. Following a luxurious treatment, guests can explore the range of Astrology-Themed Gifts that make the ideal keepsake – from crystal water bottles, to zodiac stones, or jewellery inspired by their birthstone.
Culinary rituals and solo dining moments play an integral role in the Solo Serenity collection. Guests may begin the morning with a Floating Breakfast Date with a View, a serene experience set in the privacy of their own pool, complete with champagne, fresh pastries, fruit, savoury delights, and more. Intimate culinary moments continue with a Beach Dinner Date Night, wherein a private, chef-crafted meal under the stars offers local delicacies paired with champagne sips. For an indulgent evening wind-down, the resort can arrange a Personalised Outdoor Cinema Night, transforming the powder-white beach into a private movie setting, with gourmet snacks, tailored film selections, and soft lantern lighting. Additional options include a sunset dolphin cruise, wherein travellers can enjoy solitude amidst the waves, accompanied by a champagne sabering experience and friendly dolphin sightings.
The resort’s sense of adventure invites solo travellers to embrace unforgettable encounters as well, independently. Options include an exciting Manta Ray Experience with the resort’s Manta Trust team, allowing guests to see the gentle giants up close alongside a knowledgeable guide, and a serene Coral Diving Day Date, where travellers can explore the resort’s vibrant house reef at their own pace. Those seeking intentional movement can enjoy a sunrise yoga session, followed by a self-discovery hour, wherein a blanket is set up on the nearby sands with journaling tools, morning coffee, and a beachside breakfast to enrich the experience. For guests seeking a deeper connection with themselves and the local culture, holistic well-being rituals and experiences are available. A Cooking Class Date offers a hands-on way to learn Maldivian culinary traditions, such as flavorful local curry, prepared alongside one of the resort’s leading chefs.
With the launch of the Solo Serenity collection, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort takes a pioneering lead in the global rise of solo travel, reimagining a destination traditionally associated with couples’ escapes. The Solo Serenity collection empowers independent travellers to craft a journey entirely their own—selecting the rituals, experiences, and restorative moments that best align with their personal interests and intentions.
Rates start from USD 1,290++ per night for an Overwater Pool Villa, with a variety of inclusions. To book the curated personalised solo-luxury experiences or reservations, guests are invited to visit the resort’s website or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
Love
Five days of Valentine’s experiences at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
In a place where the ocean stretches endlessly and time seems to soften, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives reimagines Valentine’s Day as more than a single celebration. This February, love unfolds across five thoughtfully curated days, inviting couples to slow down, reconnect and savour moments that feel instinctive, intimate and deeply personal. Each experience is designed to complement the rhythm of island life, allowing romance to emerge naturally from playful beginnings to a graceful finale by the sea.
The journey begins on 10 February with a couples’ pickleball tournament, setting a light-hearted tone for the days ahead. Designed to spark laughter and friendly competition, the experience offers couples a chance to share a moment of fun, ease and connection, a reminder that love is often found in the simplest joys.
As the celebrations continue on 11 February, couples are invited to sail into the golden hour on a sunset cruise across calm Maldivian waters. With the sky awash in warm hues and the ocean gently unfolding beneath, the evening offers space to pause, raise a toast and reconnect, framed by one of nature’s most romantic settings.
On 12 February, the pace slows further with an early morning couples’ yoga session led by the resort’s spa team. As the island awakens, partners move in quiet harmony, focusing on balance, relaxation and shared presence. The experience offers a mindful interlude, grounding both body and mind while strengthening togetherness.
As sunset approaches on 13 February, romance takes on a celebratory note at the Sunset White Party. Dressed in white, couples gather for an evening of music, movement and island elegance. As the sky deepens in colour, the atmosphere comes alive with laughter and rhythm, culminating in a special reward for the evening’s most spirited dancing couple.
The five-day celebration reaches its crescendo on Valentine’s Day, 14 February, with an elegant gala dinner at Coral Beach. Set against sweeping ocean views, the evening brings refined flavours and a carefully curated ambience together, offering couples a memorable and romantic conclusion to their Valentine’s journey.
At Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, Valentine’s is not confined to a single date on the calendar. It is a series of shared experiences, playful, peaceful and heartfelt, designed to linger in memory long after the island fades from view. Book your Valentine’s escape now and celebrate love with five days of meaningful moments in a truly serene island setting.
Love
Angsana Velavaru unveils Valentine’s Day experiences
This Valentine’s Day, Angsana Velavaru invites couples to experience a romantic Maldives getaway designed for intimacy, connection, and unforgettable moments. Set within a private lagoon in the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll, the resort offers an idyllic Valentine’s Day escape for couples seeking privacy, wellbeing, and meaningful shared experiences.
On 14 February, Angsana Velavaru presents Valentine’s Day Under the Stars, a beachfront dining experience created exclusively for couples. Set along the shoreline, this elegant five-course dinner combines refined cuisine with ocean views, candlelit ambience, and personalised service, making it one of the most romantic Valentine’s Day dinners in the Maldives.
Beyond the evening celebration, the resort extends Valentine’s experiences throughout February with a curated programme of couples’ wellness and spa offerings. Designed to encourage relaxation and reconnection, these experiences include shared spa treatments at the award-winning Angsana Spa, private yoga sessions by the beach, and holistic rituals that promoted balance and wellbeing for couples.
Couples can enjoy sunset walks along white-sand beaches, floating breakfast in private pools, or tranquil time together in the resort’s signature beachfront and overwater villas. The iconic InOcean villas, offer exceptional privacy and panoramic ocean views, making them ideal for honeymooners and couples celebrating Valentine’s Day in the Maldives.
With its blend of romantic dining, couple’s spa experiences, and secluded island living, Angsana Velavaru offers one of the most distinctive Valentine’s Day resort experiences in the Maldives. Whether celebrating new love or deepening a lifelong bond, couples are invited to mark Valentine’s Day in a setting where romance feels natural, personal and timeless.
For more information on Valentine’s Day experiences and romantic stays at Angsana Velavaru, please visit the resort’s website.
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