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Sun Siyam Resorts promotes Mohammed Shihab to Group Director of Sales & Marketing, Ahmed Naufal to Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing

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To boost and strengthen its business development team and to take the company’s commercial strategy to new heights, Sun Siyam Resorts has recently promoted Mohammed Shihab to Group Director of Sales & Marketing, and Ahmed Naufal to Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing.

In his new role, Shihab will be heading the sales & marketing teams at all six Sun Siyam Resort properties in the Maldives & Sri Lanka by creating and developing strong and effective sales & marketing growth strategies as well as overseeing all global relationships with key partners to successfully drive business.

Shihab joined the company in 2020 as Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives, moved up the career ladder to Director of Sales and Marketing before taking on a new project under the Sun Siyam Resorts umbrella, and to be part of an exciting pre-opening team, when he joined Siyam World in 2021 as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing. Based at Siyam World, Shihab effectively led the Sales & Marketing team through the successful opening of the most revolutionary island resort and gamechanger to hit the Maldives tourism industry, and headed all Sales & Marketing matters for Sun Siyam Iru Fushi at the same time.

He has been proficient in the hotel industry since September 2011, starting his career as Sales & Marketing Supervisor at Meeru Island Resort and Spa, Maldives. He then took on a new challenge in the MICE sector, in September 2015, when he joined Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa as Senior Catering & Conventions Manager. Shihab also held the position of Director of Catering & Conventions at the same property before joining The Standard, Huravalhi Maldives in 2019 as Director of Sales & Marketing.

Born and raised in India and proudly half-Maldivian, Shihab speaks fluently Hindi, English & Dhivehi and brings more than 13 years of sales experiences in the hospitality industry with him.

Holding a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Bangalore, India and a passion for the hospitality industry, he is also avid about driving a business and successfully set new heights for this industry in days to come.

Based at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Naufal takes on his new role as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing from March 2023, overseeing all sales & marketing activities for Sun Siyam Iru Veli & Sun Siyam Olhuveli. He was promoted from his previous position as Director of Sales and Marketing at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, where he spearheaded the three connecting island property’s sales activities globally.

Originally from the Maldives, Naufal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Tourism Management from the Maldives National University, and has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry in the Maldives. He additionally holds two successfully completed course certificates from internationally renowned Cornell University in Business Strategy and Revenue Management 360.

His Maldives hospitality career began at One & Only Kanuhura in 2008, where he worked as Reservations Agent and then Baros Maldives in 2011 where he worked his way up for over six years from Reservations & Sales Executive to Cluster Assistant Sales Reservations Manager.

He then joined Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort in 2017 as Associate Director of Sales and also held the post of Director of Sales at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo from 2017-2018. Naufal later joined the Radisson Blu Resort Maldives in 2019 and Movenpick Maldives 2020 as Director of Sales before taking on his most recent role at Sun Siyam Olhuveli in 2021.

Deepak Booneady, CEO at Sun Siyam Resorts says; “We are incredibly proud to be able to promote such trusted and skilled team members within our company, since growing and supporting our people is part of our core values at Sun Siyam Resorts. We are confident that with Shihab’s & Naufal’s impressive professional experience and their “can do” attitude, the company will be able to reach its targeted achievements and definitely makes a splash in the industry.”

To find out more visit www.sunsiyam.com

Featured

Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar

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Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.

Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:

  • Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
  • Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
  • Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
  • Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
  • Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.

Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.

He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”

Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.

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Drink

Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.

Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.

Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.

On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.

This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.

Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen

Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.

Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse

At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.

The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven

Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.

Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.

Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.

Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”

With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.

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