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
Awards
The Standard, Maldives wins Best Beach Resort at TTM Awards 2026
The Standard, Maldives, by Hyatt has been awarded Best Beach Resort at the esteemed TTM Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s stunning natural shoreline and exceptional beachfront experiences, while continuing its outstanding guest satisfaction and excellence in hospitality.
Presented as part of the TTM Awards & Gala 2026 at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August 2026, the annual awards recognise outstanding achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry.
Situated in the idyllic Raa Atoll, The Standard, Maldives offers a fresh perspective on lifestyle travel, seamlessly combining relaxation, adventure, and social connection. Fringed by pristine white-sand beaches, candy-blue waters, and surrounded by a thriving house reef, the resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Maldives while enjoying a dynamic and engaging island escape.
The recognition reflects the resort’s exceptional beach experience, defined by its expansive shoreline, thoughtfully designed accommodations, and diverse range of ocean-inspired activities. From discovering colourful marine life just offshore and participating in a variety of water sports to unwinding by the beach or pool, guests are encouraged to experience the destination at their own pace while embracing the spirited character of The Standard brand.
“Receiving the title of Best Beach Resort at the TTM Awards 2026 is an incredible honour for all of us at The Standard, Maldives,” said Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard, Maldives. “Our beaches are at the heart of the guest experience, providing the perfect setting for relaxation, adventure, social connection, and discovery. This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering a vibrant and inclusive island escape that stays true to The Standard’s playful spirit, while offering something for every traveller, from couples and groups of friends to families seeking meaningful moments together.”

Complementing its stunning natural surroundings, The Standard, Maldives features an array of distinctive experiences, including destination dining by the beach and Baby Island, scenic sunset cruises, wellness journeys at The Standard Spa, the resort’s overwater wellness centre, and a vibrant calendar of entertainment and recreational programming. Families are equally well catered for with dedicated children’s activities and engaging programmes designed to inspire creativity, exploration, and meaningful family connections. This unique blend of leisure, wellbeing, social experiences, and family- friendly offerings has made the resort a sought-after choice for travellers seeking an island holiday that goes beyond the ordinary.
Presented annually as part of Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), the TTM Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the country’s tourism and hospitality sector. Being recognised as Best Beach Resort 2026 highlights The Standard, Maldives’ commitment to delivering exceptional beachfront experiences, innovative programming, and memorable stays that resonate with guests from around the world.
Since welcoming its first guests, The Standard, Maldives has earned international recognition for its distinctive approach to island hospitality, bringing together contemporary design, authentic local influences, and personalised service. This latest achievement further reinforces the resort’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ most exciting and desirable beach destinations, setting the benchmark for lifestyle-led resort experiences in the region.
Action
Royal Island takes Best Dive Resort honour at TTM Awards 2026
Royal Island has been named Best Dive Resort at the TTM Awards 2026, recognising an underwater experience shaped by one of the Maldives’ richest marine environments and a dive operation built around discovery, expertise and a genuine respect for the ocean.
Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Royal Island sits surrounded by coral gardens, channels and thilas alive with reef fish, turtles, rays and sharks. Its location places some of the atoll’s most rewarding dive sites within easy reach, while the island’s own house reef makes the underwater world feel less like an excursion and more like an extension of the resort itself.
At the centre of it all is diveOceanus, Villa Resorts’ specialist diving brand. At Royal Island, the operation is remarkably comprehensive. Complete beginners can take their first breaths underwater through Discover Scuba Diving, while certified divers can progress through PADI courses all the way to Divemaster. Dedicated programmes extend to children, advanced and Nitrox diving, refresher courses and freediving, with private instructors and private dive boats available for those wanting a more individual experience.
The facilities make it easy to build diving into the rhythm of a stay. House reef and training dives run throughout the day alongside scheduled two-tank and afternoon boat dives, with night diving available by arrangement. A full range of equipment is available, including dive computers and underwater cameras, while certified Nitrox divers receive complimentary Nitrox fills. Freedivers are equally well catered for, with dedicated courses, coaching, equipment and open-water sessions.
Beyond diving, Royal Island is exceptionally placed for some of the Maldives’ great marine encounters. Hanifaru Bay is approximately 25 minutes away, where seasonal plankton blooms bring extraordinary gatherings of manta rays and, at times, whale sharks. As the season changes, diveOceanus also operates manta snorkelling journeys into neighbouring Raa Atoll, extending opportunities for encounters across much of the year.
That access comes with responsibility. Marine conservation has long been part of diveOceanus across Villa Resorts, with coral restoration programmes established at Villa Nautica, Villa Park and Royal Island alongside reef monitoring, clean-ups and guest education. At Royal Island, the team maintains coral nurseries in the lagoon and house reef and involves guests directly in coral planting and restoration. It has also led wider reef-cleaning initiatives alongside the Baa Atoll Council and Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, extending that work beyond the island itself.
What sets Royal Island apart is the completeness of the experience. The house reef, the wider Baa Atoll, the expertise and facilities of diveOceanus, and the conservation work happening quietly alongside it all create something deeper than a collection of good dive sites. The Best Dive Resort title recognises an island where life below the surface has always been central to the experience.
Awards
Villa Nautica’s Araamu Spa wins Best Spa at TTM Awards 2026
Araamu Spa at Villa Nautica has been named Best Spa at the TTM Awards 2026, recognising a wellness experience shaped as much by its surroundings as by the treatments themselves.
Hidden within a quiet corner of the island, Araamu Spa feels like a world of its own. Dense tropical greenery surrounds winding pathways, flowers spill into shaded courtyards and the pace of Villa Nautica gradually falls away. It is lush, calm and deeply restorative, a space designed to shift the mood almost as soon as you enter.
Araamu is the dedicated spa and wellness brand of Villa Resorts, with its philosophy carried across the collection. Rooted in relaxation, rejuvenation and a more holistic approach to wellbeing, each Araamu Spa brings together experienced therapists, traditional healing practices and contemporary wellness in settings that remain closely connected to nature. The Villa Nautica spa menu describes the experience as a journey towards restoring balance through classic treatments, Ayurvedic therapies and beauty care.
At Villa Nautica, the experience is particularly immersive. A robust collection of body therapies, facials, Ayurvedic treatments and island-inspired rituals sits alongside flower and herbal bath ceremonies, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam facilities. The spaces themselves are part of the ritual, with private courtyards, tropical planting and moments of complete quiet creating an atmosphere that feels more like a hidden garden sanctuary than a conventional resort spa.
At the heart of the menu is Swept Away, Araamu’s signature experience inspired by the purifying energy of the ocean. The journey begins with warming ginger lemonade, a detoxifying foot ritual and deep breathing before moving through Himalayan salt therapy, scalp reflexology, cool salt-stone massage and a warm herbal vitality bath. It is deliberately transformative, moving through heat, scent, touch and stillness before ending with fresh papaya and time simply to be.
What makes Araamu Spa at Villa Nautica memorable is not one treatment or facility on its own. It is the way everything works together: the greenery, the flowers, the warmth, the stillness and the feeling of being completely removed from the outside world. The Best Spa recognition reflects an experience that does not need to be loud to leave an impression.
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