News
SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS introduces Edhurun: New philosophy of personal hosting rooted in Maldivian culture
Marking International Butler’s Day, SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS unveils Edhurun, a guest philosophy that reimagines the butler tradition through a culturally grounded, psychologically attuned lens. While many luxury resorts in the Maldives reference local heritage, few have embedded it so intentionally into the heart of their service ethos. Edhurun signals a deeper shift—one that translates cultural insight into a refined Maldivian expression of hosting, quiet in tone yet elevated in execution.
Derived from the Maldivian word for “mentor,” Edhurun is not a job title but a principle: the art of knowing—without being asked. It forms a foundation of the brand’s people philosophy, Rayyithun, ‘The People of the Islands,’ and will debut at RAH GILI MALDIVES in early 2026, followed by DHON MAAGA MALDIVES in late 2026, with a portfolio-wide rollout to follow.
“This isn’t about adding another luxury label to service,” says Laith Pharaon, CEO and Co-Founder of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS. “It’s about removing what gets in the way—and honouring a kind of attention that feels instinctive, not rehearsed. Edhurun reflects that belief.
Why Edhurun
In Maldivian culture, the Edhurun is a mentor—respected not for instruction, but for presence. They guide through example, listen more than they speak, and possess a quiet authority grounded in trust. This is the spirit that defines the new hosting model at SIX & SIX. Hosts aren’t assigned to serve; they’re aligned with intention. Hospitality here is not transactional—it’s a choreography of rhythm, ease, and emotional awareness.
Attention is not announced. It’s simply felt.
More Than a Butler: A Translator of Place
Unlike traditional butler systems that prioritise efficiency and task execution, Edhurun is shaped by emotional intelligence, refined sensitivity, and narrative memory. Guests are not matched by villa category or booking tier, but by intention—whether seeking solitude, celebration, restoration, or creative clarity.
There are no scripts. Instead, subtle gestures signal understanding: a villa layout adjusted to mirror how a guest moved the day before. A note in the guest’s native language—brief, unsigned. A bottle of vintage wine uncorked quietly, timed to the hour it was enjoyed the night before. Even discreet safety arrangements are managed seamlessly. It’s hospitality pared back to its essence—where the rarest gesture isn’t attention, but understanding.
“Edhurun isn’t a role you train into, it’s a mindset you cultivate,” said Marc Gussing, Director of Operations for SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS. “Our guests arrive with high expectations—and rightly so. They notice what’s off before it’s said. What we offer isn’t less service, it’s sharper and more personal. It takes a different kind of awareness to get that right.”
Recruitment Beyond Credentials
This new model challenges traditional ideas of what qualifies someone to host at the highest level. While many will come from leading global brands, the programme also welcomes those with natural emotional depth, cultural fluency, and humility—qualities rarely listed on a CV. Training blends guest psychology, local heritage, and the quiet art of observation. Hosts learn how to hold space rather than fill it. How to recognise when silence carries more meaning than words. How to respond without overtaking.
This approach also informs inclusive recruitment. Alongside seasoned professionals, the programme seeks women, elders, and individuals with intuitive, interpersonal strengths. Their lived experience doesn’t lower standards—it deepens them. Their inclusion isn’t symbolic—it’s strategic.
A Cultural Anchor
Rayyithun—The People of the Islands—anchors the SIX & SIX people philosophy. It reframes hospitality not as performance, but presence. Roles like healer, builder, poet, or guide are treated not as tasks but as expressions of identity and care.
Seasonal apprenticeships, community-based learning, and co-created curriculums with island elders ensure that traditional knowledge systems remain living, not preserved. Through oral traditions, rituals of welcome, and intergenerational exchange, hosting becomes cultural stewardship. For the global traveller who has seen it all, this offers something quietly different—where culture isn’t displayed, but felt.
For the Traveller Who Has Seen It All
In today’s luxury landscape, privacy and comfort are givens. What sets an experience apart is how it makes you feel— without ever needing to announce itself. Here, Edhurun finds its quiet power.
It doesn’t deliver excitement—it reflects intention. The host becomes an extension of the guest’s rhythm, responding to energy and mood in subtle, almost unspoken ways, yet deeply profound. The luxury lies not in what is offered, but in how it’s received. In presence, not performance. In listening, not leading. In a sense of ease that doesn’t feel curated—it simply is.
A Signature of the Brand
As SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS evolves as a lifestyle-led luxury brand, Edhurun will become a defining signature across all six islands. Following its debut at RAH GILI, the model will be implemented at DHON MAAGA, with future resorts adapting the principle to reflect their own narrative while upholding the same commitment to intention- led hospitality. A structured mentorship and performance framework will guide its consistency and growth.
“This isn’t just a reinterpretation of butler service. It’s a return to something older—and in many ways, more refined,” says Laith Pharaon. “The kind of hosting where nothing is announced, but everything is understood. Where stillness carries weight. And where true luxury doesn’t need to be seen to be felt.”
Edhurun is just one expression of Rayyithun, the brand’s people philosophy that will continue to take shape through other roles rooted in Maldivian life—from the Masverin (Fishermen) and Raaverin (Toddy Tappers), to the Beruverin (Drummers) and Beysverin (Healers). Each reflects a different way of being—and a different way of caring, with more to come as the story unfolds.
This is the way of the Edhurun. And they walk it quietly—beside you.
Headquartered in Malé, SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS operates luxury and ultra-luxury resorts in the Maldives. By taking a fresh approach to hospitality—one rooted in simplicity, artistry, intuitive service, and honest, natural connections—SIX & SIX gives guests complete freedom to curate their own, unique journeys. The company will open six independently branded resorts in its first phase of development, with openings scheduled from 2025 through 2029.
Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) has announced that it has been awarded the Gold Award for “South Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel” at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. This recognition underscores the hotel’s longstanding reputation as the premier gateway to the Maldives, providing seamless hospitality experiences for travelers.
Held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka, the 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards welcomed industry leaders and esteemed delegates from across the region to celebrate outstanding achievements in hospitality and tourism.
The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) is the region’s most prestigious platform dedicated to recognising excellence in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Launched to elevate industry standards and celebrate the diverse offerings across South Asia, SATA honours outstanding achievements by businesses, individuals, and destinations that shape and inspire regional tourism. With participation from six nations – Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives – SATA has become a symbol of unity and collaboration in one of the world’s most culturally rich and geographically diverse regions.
Ali Shakir, Group General Manager, commented on the award by saying, “Winning the Gold Award as South Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel reinforces our promise of being more than just a transit hotel. Hulhule Island Hotel stands as the gateway to the Maldives, where comfort, convenience, and heartfelt hospitality meet. This achievement is dedicated to our passionate team who consistently go beyond expectations to create memorable experiences for every guest.”
Hawwa Fareesha, Hotel Manager of Hulhule Island Hotel added, “We are honored to receive the Gold Award for Best Leading Airport Hotel. This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of our exceptional team and the strong leadership of our Group General Manager. Thank you to all our staff – your passion and commitment continue to set us apart.”
Strategically located just minutes away from Velana International Airport, Hulhule Island Hotel stands as the Maldives’ premier airport hotel, offering comfort and convenience to both leisure and business travelers. The property features a wide range of modern facilities including well-appointed rooms, multiple dining venues, recreation options, and event spaces, all designed to provide a seamless transition for travelers entering or departing the Maldives. Known for blending efficiency with warm Maldivian hospitality, HIH has become the preferred choice for international passengers, airline crews, and corporate guests alike.
Madifushi Private Island has announced its recognition as the Silver Award winner in the “South Asia’s Best New Hotel/Resort” category at the prestigious South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. This marks the first time Madifushi Private Island has participated in the awards, making the achievement even more significant.
The 9th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards was held at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka, bringing together distinguished leaders and representatives from across the region’s travel and hospitality industry.
The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) is the region’s premier platform dedicated to recognising excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality. Launched to elevate industry standards and celebrate the diversity of offerings across South Asia, SATA honours outstanding achievements by businesses, individuals, and destinations that shape and inspire regional tourism.
With participation from six nations – Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives – SATA has become a true symbol of unity and collaboration in one of the world’s most culturally rich and geographically diverse regions.
Commenting on the recognition, Ali Shakir, Group General Manager, said “We are honoured to see Madifushi Private Island recognised on such a prestigious regional stage. This award is a proud moment not just for our resort but also for the Maldives. It validates our commitment to delivering authentic, meaningful, and memorable experiences.”
Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island, added “Being recognised as South Asia’s Best New Resort is a testament to the efforts put in by our wonderful team over the past 12 months. Given the remote, picturesque, peaceful, and serene location of Madifushi Private Island, along with our dedicated and well-established team working towards the common goal of providing serene wonders to our valued guests, we aim for the pinnacle of private island awards in the years to come. The direction from our Group General Manager, Mr. Ali Shakir, is on track towards us becoming the best private island in the Maldives.”
Nestled in the pristine waters of Meemu Atoll, Madifushi Private Island is an exclusive luxury retreat that blends natural beauty with refined hospitality. The island offers secluded beachfront and overwater villas, world-class dining experiences, and tailored wellness programs. Its unique positioning as a sanctuary of serenity makes it ideal for couples, families, and discerning travelers seeking both privacy and adventure. With a strong focus on sustainability and Maldivian-inspired experiences, Madifushi Private Island continues to redefine serene luxury in the Maldives.
The Maldives has reached a new milestone in its diving industry with the launch of the country’s first PADI TecRec diver training center. Established by Aquaventure Dive Center in Addu City, the facility marks the beginning of a new era for technical diving in the Maldives, creating opportunities for divers to explore greater depths beyond recreational limits.
As the first of its kind in the region, the PADI TecRec center is fully equipped to offer a wide range of technical diving courses, from entry-level Discover Tec programs to advanced Tec 50 certifications. The center’s team of PADI-certified technical instructors are prepared to guide both recreational divers who are curious about technical diving and experienced divers looking to challenge their skills.
With access to some of the most spectacular underwater environments in the world—including deep wrecks, current-swept channels, and uncharted reefs—the Maldives is now firmly positioned on the global map as a destination for serious technical divers.
“This is more than just a certification—it’s an opportunity to experience the Maldives like never before,” said Marc Kouwenberg of Aquaventure Dive Center.
In addition to courses, Aquaventure offers technical diving equipment and custom expedition packages designed for those ready to take the plunge into the Maldives’ most adventurous underwater landscapes.
Contact:
Marc Kouwenberg
WhatsApp / Viber: +960 797 4310
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