Armaan Gunaydin

TWIST OF FATE From the outset, Armaan never envisioned a life so deeply connected to the Maldives, but as they say, life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. “I didn’t want to come to the Maldives initially, I didn’t know much about the place, and I thought it would be quite boring to be stuck on an island; obviously, I was very wrong.” He arrived on the island in 1997,“ I came as a representative to German tour operator, then I started to work as a rep”. Times have changed since then, and he fondly remembers that laid-back era in the Maldives: “nobody wore shoes in the resorts, I didn’t wear any either, there was no need in those days. Even guests used arrive barefoot; removing their shoes on board, and then

the plane like that”. Armaan paints a clear picture in our minds of the type of energy the Maldives had in the late 1990s, “Those days everything about the Maldives was very interesting, it was a very special kind of tourism, very dive oriented, I remember it very well it was an amazing time.” Naturally, the Maldives evolved; the islands became more developed as transport became more manageable and accessible. Still, the islands were “catering to a more relaxed but upmarket humble clientele.” Then came a shift - a changing point, where more infrastructure and development came. Although, initially, there was some resistance, “some guests even tried to collect signatures to stop the

“Some guests even tried to collect signatures to stop the development of the resorts.”

development of the resorts.” Eventually, change was accepted and ultimately welcomed. “ It went from a laid back rustic feel into a modern, luxury style, and feel of the resorts changed, which was very new here. Yet, despite the developments, “it’s still unlike any other destination or country in the world, is truly unique in its geography, beauty and

“Developing with the initial idea to a keep a bit more land and less volume.”

With many islands transforming to suit new clientele, it’s essential to keep sustainability at the forefront; Armaan believes in “some kind of volume control” to keep the authenticity of the Maldives alive. When you hear someone speak about going to the Maldives, it evokes a unique whimsical feeling. Armaan knows it’s crucial to maintain that niche feeling for the islands’ future, “developing with the initial idea to a keep a bit more land and less volume.” Hence, it remains an extraordinary place when people do visit. A PROSPEROUS LIFE As a businessman in the Maldives niche, we wanted to know the key points to a prosperous career. “I believe you have to be persistent, humble, and respect the culture of the Maldives - work with it, not against it.” A successful life, what is it all for, what is the point? “My family is of utmost importance in my life, and friends as well. I am very grateful to have such a supportive team working with me at Momentum.” It’s vital to keep a balance and keep yourself grounded. “I realize no matter what successes and how much we do in the end, I think we have to keep in mind what it is all for.” The pandemic has hit everyone hard; Armaan is ready for new beginnings and for everyone to feel a sense of true freedom again. “I have to say, freedom for me is freedom of movement; we shouldn’t ever again take it for granted again.” It feels like one dark chapter is closing, and another new and brighter chapter is opening for the Maldives with more tourists able to visit its sandy shores.

With so much already achieved, Armaan isn’t stopping anytime soon; he still has big dreams and goals on the horizon. “I would like to experience one day, if possible, the Silk Road. I was always fascinated with it even as a little boy” Starting somewhere in China then traveling through Asia to Europe”. In addition, he’s also inspired to go on an adventure by foot, “to hike through the Alps from Germany, it would be a beautiful experience to cross these paths, I think it’s fascinating to do something like this.” stirring something in all of us to live out our biggest pipe dreams.

Business endeavors are not the only thing that brings Armaan to the Maldives; it is the beauty of the place,“every time I leave Malé on a boat, I tell myself, what a beautiful country this is, the colors of the sea and the islands are simply stunning.” And what makes a place is the people, “you can meet someone in the Maldives and even 20 years later they will remember you by name even if it was a very brief encounter, which is what I think makes this place and their people so unique.” If you do happen to have business ventures, big or small - Armaan is the man to bring those creative and imaginative visions to life in the most beautiful place imaginable - The Maldives.

“I have to say, freedom for me is freedom of movement; we shouldn’t ever again take it for granted again.”

An asset management company which is currently involved with the development and the operation of Joali Muravandhoo, Joali Being (R.Bodufushi), Amari Havodda, Alila Kothaifaru and JW Marriott Embudhoo Lagoon.