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Jennifer Buhr: World Citizen at the helm of a top retreat
Maldives Promotion House – There are few people in the world who can call themselves true world citizens. Few who could claim to understand the cultures and accept the people from various backgrounds as easily as she does. Since the time of wanderers and adventure travellers who roamed the world careless and free, the romantics are slowly dying, but Ms. Jennifer Buhr gives us hope.
Born to a British father and German mother, Ms. Buhr, came to this world with a lovely mix of culture. Early on she lived in Calcutta in India and Lahore in Pakistan while her father worked as a Chef in luxury hotels. She grew up inspired and admired, appreciating different cultures and lifestyles. She started her career as a junior apprentice at Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel of the Starwood Hotels and Resorts in 1972; she already had goals and big dreams. After working in various operations positions she reached her goal of being one of the first female General Managers in 1991 at Sheraton Grand Edinburgh, Scotland. Since then, she has worked in the hotel industry, all over the world, from Bulgaria, Botswana, Gambia, Egypt, Portugal and India amongst them, absorbing experience and learning from the various cultures and people of the world.
Ms. Buhr has always said that as a woman in the industry, the only tough job she has is, to balance the family life, with her husband and son while managing hotels, and working at demanding jobs. Though she says so, Ms. Buhr has proven time and time again that a woman with a dream and goal can achieve what they want if they had the passion for it. From the bottom to the top today she has fulfilled and successfully achieved various positions in the industry with more than 40 years of experience under her belt. She can in detail explain how the industry has changed over the years since she begun, with infused technological breakthroughs making it much more efficient and easy today.
As a true woman of style, Ms. Buhr loves fashion and her shoes, and as a romantic at heart, is always quick to assert that it is her family, her husband and son, that gives her the courage and push to go further in her career.
Ms. Buhr first came to the Maldives 15 years back as a tourist, and now she fulfills another life goal of leaving the busy city hotels for a life in a leisure hotel or resort. Today, Ms. Buhr holds the position of General Manager at, Starwood Hotels and Resorts flagship retreat, W Retreat and Spa Maldives, the luxury resort.
The artistic Ms. Buhr, who once dreamed of becoming a ballroom dancer, now wears not the dancing shoes, but that of a manager, of one of the world’s most luxurious destinations. Ms. Buhr today, can relax and be one with nature and the pristine beauty of the white sandy beaches and transparent waters of the island of Maldives, as she keeps on turning the wheels at the helm of her job. We wish her and her family the best and hope her story inspires females around the world to pursue such strong and professional careers.
Celebration
SAiiLand unveils a wonderland of festivities at SAii Lagoon Maldives
SAiiLand welcomes visitors of all ages to explore a secret fantasy garden, swim in a sea of holiday cheer, and create their own fairy-tale moments. From festive family pool parties to culinary feasts bursting with flavour, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a celebration full of warmth, fun, and SAiiSational spirit. With live music, treasure hunts, and immersive experiences, this festive season promises to bring joy at every turn.
This year, SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, invites guests to wander through a Secret Fantasy Garden, reach for the horizon, discover the unexpected, and dive into the island’s festive atmosphere. Whether crafting gingerbread houses, dancing under a sky full of stars, or enjoying a secret garden-inspired gala, every aspect of the SAiiLand adventure has been curated to blend joy, elegance, and island spirit.
Alexander Traeger, General Manager at SAii Lagoon Maldives, expressed excitement about sharing the season’s magic with guests. “Whether seeking exceptional dining experiences with family or winter sun adventures in the Maldives, there is something special for everyone.”
Visitors can enjoy festive cocktails at sundown, race through the SAii Amazing Race, or indulge in a feast beneath the stars. The festivities begin with a charming Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony and culminate in a stunning New Year’s Eve countdown, complete with fireworks and endless celebrations. Guests can look forward to live music, culinary delights, and a few magical surprises to make the end of the year truly unforgettable.
Featured
Fuvahmulah: Home to the world’s largest tiger shark aggregation
Fuvahmulah Island in the Maldives has been recognised as the location of the largest documented aggregation of tiger sharks globally, according to a recent study published on Nature.com.
Over six years, researchers led by Lennart Vossgaetter from the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Germany identified 239 individual tiger sharks through non-invasive photo identification methods. This represents the highest number of individual tiger sharks recorded in a single, geographically confined area.
The research revealed that tiger sharks around Fuvahmulah exhibit strong site fidelity, especially adult females, which remain in the area for extended periods during gestation. The waters surrounding the island provide critical habitat for these sharks, offering warm temperatures and a consistent food supply from discarded fish waste, making it ideal for reproduction.
Positive Outlook for Tiger Shark Conservation
The study highlighted Fuvahmulah as a vital site for tiger shark conservation in the Indian Ocean, housing the world’s largest known aggregation. The protected status of sharks in Maldivian waters contributes to the island being a “bright spot” for conservation efforts. Researchers emphasise that the island’s waters are essential for supporting female tiger sharks during gestation, serving as a crucial refuge that helps sustain their population.
However, the researchers also pointed out the necessity for further studies on the geographic connectivity of Fuvahmulah’s tiger sharks. Telemetry research could determine whether these sharks primarily inhabit the protected waters of the Maldives shark sanctuary or venture beyond its limits. Such insights are essential for understanding their movements and enhancing conservation strategies.
Balancing Tourism and Conservation
The study also raised concerns about the absence of formal regulations governing shark tourism in the Maldives, which has become a significant economic driver for local communities. The researchers noted that shark diving at sites like Fuvahmulah’s “Tiger Harbour” is currently unregulated, lacking official guidelines for shark provisioning for tourism purposes. Existing codes of conduct at diving sites are voluntary and vary by dive center.
Drawing inspiration from successful management strategies employed in other shark diving destinations, such as locally managed marine protected areas (MPAs) in Fiji, the researchers recommended establishing formal regulations to oversee shark provisioning and diving practices in Fuvahmulah. They argued that adopting sustainable practices is crucial to ensure the long-term conservation of tiger sharks and the economic benefits derived from shark tourism.
To prevent future conflicts between tourism and conservation, the study advocates for incorporating stakeholder interests into local management plans, promoting sustainable ecotourism practices in one of the world’s largest shark sanctuaries.
About Fuvahmulah Island
Fuvahmulah is the second southern-most atoll in the Maldives, situated 500 km from the capital, Male. The island, home to a population of 9000, is accessible via daily scheduled flights operated by the national carrier, Maldivian. Several dive centres are located near the harbour, accommodating the growing number of tourists who visit for tiger shark diving.
In addition to its fame as the “Tiger Shark Island”, Fuvahmulah is also known for its long, white sandy pebble beach, locally called “Thoondu”, on the northeast coast. The beach, with its natural beach breaks, is a popular destination for surfing.
News
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef named top Luxury Hotel at SATA 2024
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has proudly been awarded the title of Leading Luxury Hotel (Silver category) in the Maldives at the 2024 South Asian Travel Awards (SATA). This prestigious recognition was presented at a sophisticated ceremony in Kathmandu, Nepal, highlighting the resort’s steadfast commitment to luxury, exceptional guest experiences, and significant contributions to Maldives tourism.
Resort Manager Thoha Yoosuf received the award on behalf of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, expressing sincere gratitude for the honour. “We are incredibly proud to be recognised among the top luxury hotels in the Maldives. This award reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team, who strive to ensure that every guest experience at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is remarkable. We look forward to continuing to elevate luxury travel in the Maldives,” Thoha stated.
Part of the esteemed Sun Siyam Resorts collection, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef consistently provides world-class service, emphasising an authentic and indulgent Maldivian experience. Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the resort combines natural beauty with modern luxury, offering guests a tranquil sanctuary with outstanding amenities, including overwater villas, gourmet dining, rejuvenating spa treatments, and exciting water sports.
The South Asian Travel Awards honour excellence in hospitality throughout the region, recognising hotels, resorts, and tourism companies that excel in customer service, innovation, and sustainability. This prestigious accolade further cements Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s reputation as a leader in luxury travel, making it a top destination for discerning travellers seeking the ultimate Maldivian experience.
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