The Shell - April/May 2023 Issue

M.V Maldives

Flavours of the Maldives

In Conversation with Abdul Rasheed Ali

Chief Engineer at Villa Park

A World Wine Journey

Award-wining South African wine label Sandstone has cultivated a bespoke selection of fine wines exclusive to Villa Resorts properties in the Maldives islands. The concept behind the highly acclaimed label celebrates the merging of two distinct landscapes, from the stony mountains of the Cape’s Vineyards to the exotic sandy shores of the Maldives.

South Africa is widely recognized for its unique variations in topography and geology of the coastal wine regions which are renowned for producing wines of exceptional quality and diversity. The Sandstone range has been grown and produced by small family-owned wine producers in South Africa’s cooler coastal regions of Elgin and Constantia. Truly reflecting the terroir of the Cape vineyards, Sandstone offers quality wines with an individual profile, innovative taste and style which in turn creates an authentic sense of place and heritage – designed to be savored on the pearl white shores of the Maldives.

The core philosophy of the Sandstone label is to provide fresh, clean and delicate wines that refresh the palate and are impeccably tailored to the tropical archipelago. In addition, enhancing an authentic and international culinary experience that features local ingredients such as fresh seafood and vegetables naturally grown in the islands botanical gardens, complemented by hand-picked fine wines.

Kent Scheermeyer sommelier

Experienced German wine sommelier, Kent Scheermeyer, has lived in Cape Town for the past 25 years, developing his expertise and knowledge in the wine industry. This year he curated the bespoke Sandstone label after recognizing an opportunity for Villa Resorts to introduce fresher wines with optimal health and to enhance and redesign a sensational wine experience for guests.

Crafted exclusively for Villa Resorts, the collection comprises of two whites, a sauvignon blanc and chardonnay; two reds, a pinot noir and merlot; as well as a rosé. The collection also includes a Méthode Cap Classique and a rosé sparkling wine.

Sandstone accentuates a bespoke approach for Villa Resorts, introducing the innovative concept of Cape Vineyard to table in a remarkably short time.

The ability to produce a 2022 vintage Sauvignon Blanc from grapes which were hanging in the vineyard a mere 11 months ago, ensures an optimal quality and incredible freshness, which is tough to find in the Maldives.

Moreover, Kent highlights the sparkling wines have been created using the traditional hand-made Champagne processes which involves a second bottle fermentation and sees the sparkling wines develop over a period of two years. This real method produces a superior taste and unparalleled quality.

Commenting on the bespoke collection for Villa Resorts, Kent said “After visiting the Villa Resorts, I noticed the wine lists were missing freshness, pronounced flavors and a signature style which is imperative for a wine list to reflect the environment, the food and the climate. This was predominantly due to the lack of availability of fresh quality wines in the Maldives.

Together with the Villa team, we began working on enhancing the dining experience for guests to really immerse themselves in unforgettable culinary journeys. Introducing a refined, balance and more simple wine list that is categorically organized with food pairing ideas to suit the style of wine was important to establish clarity for guests while presenting an opportunity for them to gain further knowledge on wine culture and discover recommended wines that pair effortlessly with the traditional dishes on the menus.

With my passion in wine making, my main priority is the freshness and age of the wines with the objective to deliver optimum quality and exceptional flavors straight from the Cape Vineyards to the Maldives islands”

Idylic Wedding Ceremonies at Villa Nautica

Celebrate love in one of the most magical destinations in the world surrounded by an abundance of nature and your loved ones.

Whether perched above sapphire lagoon waters or enveloped by lush palms on pearlescent white sands, each private sanctuary at Villa Nautica has all you will need for a paradise island escape seeped in authentic Maldivian charm.

Intimate ceremonies, beautiful vow renewals, milestone celebrations, gala dinners and glittering soirees;

Villa Nautica is a mesmerizing location for any occasion. Bespoke celebrations are effortless with a dedicated wedding coordinator attending to your every conceivable detail with precision. Authentic warmth and a caring approach makes every moment a joy to live the wedding of your dreams. From planning to execution, create once-ina-life-time moments with your new partner in the idyllic setting of Villa Nautica.

Exchange your vows on the beach with the sand between your toes, the turquoise lagoon gently lapping the shore, and laid-back luxurious living spaces framed by clusters of palm trees. For ocean lovers, a romantic sunset cruise with an incredible fiery pink backdrop as the sun dips below the ocean proves an elegant and mesmerizing experience to share with your loved ones. Adventure lovers may opt for a tailored experience at one of the iconic photogenic spots around the island.

Exchange your vows on the beach with the sand between your toes, the turquoise lagoon gently lapping the shore, and laid-back luxurious living spaces framed by clusters of palm trees. For ocean lovers, a romantic sunset cruise with an incredible fiery pink backdrop as the sun dips below the ocean proves an elegant and mesmerizing experience to share with your loved ones. Adventure lovers may opt for a tailored experience at one of the iconic photogenic spots around the island.

Crafting magical experiences that reflect each couples personal style and wedding dreams wouldn’t be complete without a delectable menu for the ultimate culinary experience.

Good food doesn’t just please your palate, it connects and inspires. Make the most of delicious island ingredients with a custom menu by Villa Nautica’s culinary experts. World-class cuisine meets legendary service from the heart. Soak up a romantic ambience and indulge in gourmet dining in one of the elegantly decorated restaurants or indulge in a beach BBQ buffet in true island style. When it comes to the perfect cake, the talented chefs will craft an exceptional delicacy guaranteed to wow you and your loved ones.

Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the crystal lagoon, move to the rhythm of the Maldives traditional Bodu Beru beat following your dream-worthy ceremony. Majestic colorful views blend sublimely with the traditional Maldivian outfit worn by the Bodu Beru performers.

Relax into island time as you prepare for a once-in-a-life-time experience and a day to cherish forever. Rejuvenate mind, body and soul in the tranquil setting of Araamu spa, nestled by lush tropical palms and flourishing botanical gardens. Find harmony and balance at this serene hideaway, as you restore peace of mind and energy levels before you embark on the journey of a lifetime with your loved one. Select from a range of holistic treatments, nourishing massages and beauty therapy’s, all carried out by an expert team of spa therapists specializing in Asian inspired techniques with a focus on health and wellness. A personalized wellness program with targeted treatments can change your whole outlook on life and encourage you to reconnect on a deeper level.

With an expert team taking care of every detail of your memorable day, all that is left for you to do is simply relax and enjoy every precious moment. Villa Nautica is passionate about meaningful experiences, precious moments and reconnecting in the most beautiful and breathtaking settings.

A Family Oasis to Celebrate The Joys of Life

Set in some of the most scenic atolls in the Maldives archipelago, nestled amidst the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean lies a collection of jewel islands offering luxury family retreats to celebrate the joys of life and the prosperity of new beginnings this Easter.

Villa Resorts have arranged a wide array of exhilarating experiences and adventurous activities catered to guests of all ages this Easter at each of the award-winning Maldives resorts. Specializing in crafting once-in-alifetime experiences tailored for families and couples alike, the Spring festivities beckon the freedom to embrace endless happiness and adventures at Villa Park, Villa Nautica and Royal Island Resort this joyous Easter.

Commencing the activities on Easter Sunday 9th of April through to the 15th, Easter celebrations took place in idyllic settings crafted for playful adventure, rare experiences and enchanting culinary journeys.

Families were spoilt for choice on how to spend each fun filled day. From planting trees to support a greener future, fishing competitions, sandbank picnic lunches to egg themed treasure hunts; joyful Easter celebrations had the whole family smiling whilst relishing precious moments together seeped in authentic Maldivian culture.

Unrivalled celebrations will take place in spectacular settings with endless azure blue views as the islands transform into Easter themed playgrounds designed to immerse guests in a world of adventure and opportunity. Young travelers have the freedom to ignite their creativity and culinary skills in a variety of cooking workshops including a young Master Chef competition and sweet delight baking activities. Culinary journeys took on the form of lavish dining experiences, with each dish authentically prepared with fresh ingredients picked from the island’s botanical gardens and served across the spectacular array of restaurants with traditional Maldivian flair.

Villa Resorts continue to spearhead sustainability initiatives with a careful consideration for the natural environment evident throughout the Easter activities and eco-conscious experiences. Guests were invited to immerse themselves in the surrounding nature, while partaking in egg themed treasure hunts, egg decorating, Easter card making and other arts and crafts activities utilizing recycled materials from the island.

M.V Maldives Victory

Villa Nautica Dive Site

The M.V. Maldives Victory sank on the 13th Friday 1981 with a massive amount of cargo on board, ranging from cars to radio cassette players, cement, alcohol, and common household items.

The ship settled upright and slightly tilted to the right, with her chains on the port side set free in a last attempt by her crew to rescue her. Unfortunately, the impact when the ship collided into the reef of the airport opened the hull, causing the vessel to take on water. Despite the efforts of her crew, the battle was lost, and the ship sank to a depth of 45 meters below the Male’ International Airport.

Salvage operation of the M.V. Maldives Victory

The salvage operation of the M.V. Maldives Victory was considered one of the most efficient during that time, carried out by both local divers and expatriates. The wreck was completely transformed to be environmentally and hazard-free within a few months’ time. The furious currents that rushed through the channel sandblasted the old

paint on the ship, allowing the salt to slowly eat away at the metal. Monsoon after monsoon brought coral lava, and an artificial reef was formed. This has since become an international hit among divers worldwide and has generated an incredible amount of money for the tourism industry since 1981.

Diving on the M.V. Maldives Victory is a demanding experience, with a maximum bottom time of 20 minutes on an air profile and no deco. Nitrox could extend the dive to a hassle-free no-deco dive of 45 to 50 minutes’ total bottom time, but outgoing currents can make it challenging. The bridge, wheelhouse, and cargo compartments are the most interesting parts of the wreck. Marine life on the wreck includes occasional giant barracuda, dogtooth tuna, giant travellys with jacks, and lots of nudibranchs. Night dives are especially stunning, revealing a complete opposite scenario with giant Napoleon wrasse sleeping in some of the holds or in the bridge crowded with parrotfishes and mostly the display of corals in full bloom on the wheelhouse.

The Maldives Victory wreck faced further damage during the construction of the Sinamale’ bridge in 2016. The construction resulted in the destruction of two wings of the wreck’s wheelhouse, and substantial damage to three decks below the wheelhouse, including the captain’s cabin. This damage was most likely caused by anchoring during the construction process of The Sinamale Bridge.

The M.V. Maldives Victory remains intact, but its heavy metal decay and other damages have taken a toll on the wreck. Some of the masts that once stood straight have given way, and the coral still blooms, but the sedimentation that storms into it from the airport’s lagoon covers the coral polyps, preventing them from regenerating. As per Article 4 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives (Act No: 4/93), the Maldives Victory, along with 71 other sites, has been declared a protected area.

However, due to the wreck’s condition, it is recommended to avoid wreck penetration dives in certain compartments. With each passing day, the wreck is getting weaker, and it is essential to preserve it. On a lighter note, we celebrate the 42nd birthday of the Maldives Victory, albeit belatedly. Despite the damages it has suffered, the wreck continues to attract divers from around the world and remains one of the most popular dive sites in the Maldives.

Araamu Spa

A Luxury Island Journey

Rooted in natural remedies and authentic Maldivian healing rituals, the concept of the new Araamu Spa menu is Island Luxury. A beautiful merging of 100% natural and organic ingredients from the island combined with a luxurious Spa experience seeped in decadent practices and authentic techniques. A focus on infusing all five senses flows throughout the menu, with each treatment touching on individual senses to ignite a rejuvenated new you.

Treatments start with an introduction to the fresh natural ingredients prepared in front of guests. Head to toe island inspired soothing treatments are designed to reinvigorate and restore a harmonious balance between nature and self in an idyllic island setting. Introducing the latest treatments on the Araamu Spa menu, ranging from decadent facials to rejuvenating massages.

Elemental Herbology Facial

Elemental Herbology is a natural skincare and body care brand that aims to provide ultimate skin nutrition. By combining innovative technology with natural botanicals to transform the skin and promote wellbeing. Unique formulations counteract the skin damaging effects of aging, lifestyle, and the environment to give instant and long-lasting results. Designed around five elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and the traditional Chinese theory that tells us everything in life is composed of and influenced by these five different elements.

Araamu Spa has launched a menu of bespoke Elemental facials in alignment with the brands holistic philosophy and prescriptive approach to skincare and wellbeing. Flowing with the slogan of pamper your senses, the herbology facial brand mirrors Araamu Spa’s bespoke approach to tailored Spa and beauty experiences.

Following in the belief that everything in life needs to work in harmony to achieve perfect balance. All elements are required to be in balance depending on your skin type, environmental factors, lifestyle and seasons. Guests are treated to a personalized assessment prior to treatment to determine which element would be best suited to their needs and skin goals.

Voyager Treatment

Deep tissue massage aims to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues. This helps to break up scar tissue that forms following an injury and reduce tension in muscles and tissue.

The massage starts with a detoxifying foot ritual, deep abdominal breathing and charka balancing, followed by stimulating bamboo brooming before the massage begins. During the

treatment, an expert therapist will combine powerful stretching techniques and joint rotations to help facilitate muscle recovery and release deeply accumulated tension all throughout the body.

A signature touch to this treatment is Bamboo Brooming which is carried out prior to the massage to help prepare the muscles for deep tissue massage. It also helps to invigorate and stimulate the circulation and warm up the body by bringing oxygen to the muscles.

A refreshing ginger and frangipani tea sets the calming atmosphere for a rejuvenating and smoothing treatment from head to toe. The treatment will start with a detoxifying foot ritual, followed by deep abdominal breathing, and charka balancing. Afterwards the guest will be introduced to the fresh ingredients used in the treatment. Presented for the guest is freshly grated coconut meat, natural yogurt, fresh ground coffee and organic coconut oil infused with Frangipani essence.

The treatment commences with a full body scrub using skin toning techniques before a full body wrap consisting of yogurt and grated coconut is applied to the entire body, coated and wrapped in cling film for 10 minutes. This process acts as a nourishing and restorative body cocoon for the entire body. Incorporating head to toe transformation; the treatment offers a relaxing scalp massage with coconut oil infused with frangipani and designed to invigorate the hair follicles and encourage growth and fullness. To complete the Exotic Cocoon invigorating ritual experience, guests are treated to a selection of refreshments including dried fruits, nuts and tea of their choice in the relaxation area.

Flavours of the Maldives

Watermelon and Coconut Cooler

Ingredients

- 1 cup of cubed watermelon

- 1 cup of fresh coconut water

- Juice of half a lime or Lemon

- 5 small ice cubes

- 6 leaves of fresh mint and spring for Garnish

Add the above ingredients to a blender, blending the watermelon, coconut water, lime juice, mint leaves and ice cubes together. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and icy. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and some water melon cubes. A perfect cold cooler on a hot Maldivian day.

In Conversation with Abdul Rasheed Ali (Absee)

Chief Engineer at Villa Park

Abdul Rasheed holds the significant role of Chief Engineer at Villa Park. Joining the team 26 years ago he has become a vital part of the resort’s operations. Originating from the city of Hdh. Kulhudhuffushi, the capital of Haa Dhaalu Atoll located in the North of Maldives. Abdul (known as Absee) moved to the capital city Male’ at the age of 12 to study before branching into his current Engineering profession which was inspired by his family.

Sharing his knowledge and passion for engineering is what drives Absee and he relishes every opportunity to make a positive difference and pass on his acquired knowledge to aspiring team members joining the industry. One of the quotes he lives by and has often needed to put into practice is - never say no. Acknowledging the importance of always being available and passionate about finding a solution for any situation.

Starting at the age of 12, I believe the hard work I undertook at an early age built my character and shaped me into the determined and independent person I am today. This upbringing instilled in me a ‘never say no’ attitude. In fact, there was no opportunity to say ‘NO’ to anything in front of my family. I was expected to obey whatever they said, much like a small servant.

This was the reality in those days for everyone who came to study in the capital, Malé. However, those who took this situation as a challenge and succeeded without giving up have become very successful individuals today.

I grew up in a family of technical creatives. My father is a well-known blacksmith (Kanburu), renowned throughout the atoll. I have four

brothers; two are mechanical engineers and the other two are civil engineers. In fact, 75% of the buildings on my home island were built by my brothers.

After completing grade 10 at EPS School, I chose to pursue technical studies at VTC in Malé back in 1995. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be sponsored by Villa Group Chairman, Mr. Qasim Ibrahim, to further my studies in Electrical and Electronics after one year of government-funded education at VTC.

When I moved to the capital city of Malé, I lived at my uncle’s house. During this time, there wasn’t much free time as I was always needed to help with almost everything around the house. That was the culture in those days.

Can you tell us more about your career and how you came to work in engineering?

How did your journey start with Villa Resorts?

I joined the Villa Park team in early 1997 as an Assistant Electrician during the pre-opening phase. When I first joined, Villa Park was akin to a jungle, and our initial task involved clearing the entire resort by cutting down trees and removing undergrowth to make way for construction. The work was hands-on, and I was thrilled to be a key part of the resort’s opening.

Within a month of starting, I was promoted to Electrician, then advanced to Senior Electrician, and subsequently to Chief Electrician, and finally to Engineer. I progressed in my field, serving as Deputy Chief Engineer for 11 years before being promoted to the position of Chief Engineer, a role I have held for the past five years. While I am currently based at Villa Park, I often travel to other Villa Resorts to attend to technical work as needed.

I am grateful for the amazing opportunities I have had during my tenure with Villa Resorts. In 2012 and 2014, I went to Malaysia to study electrical and electronics troubleshooting to enhance my expertise. In 2019, I completed a oneyear project management diploma. In 2010, I pursued a two-year course in mechanical engineering and maintenance at Polytechnique in Malé, thanks to a sponsorship by Villa.

I am incredibly thankful to Chairman Qasim, who has always supported me and remained remarkably close throughout my journey. He has consistently encouraged me to develop my career and to continue doing what I love.

Can you tell us more about how the electrical and engineering procedures run at Villa Park?

Villa Park is one of the largest islands in the Maldives. With a vast array of electrical and engineering processes, we manage a bustling resort with over 1000 staff members and up to 900 guests during peak occupancy times.

Villa Park has pioneered numerous initiatives in the industry. We were the first resort to install a high-voltage ring main circuit, balancing the voltage supplied to guest villas. We also introduced the use of steam generators in our laundry department, reducing diesel consumption by using steam for hot water and ironing. The resort operates two step-up transformers at 400-11,000 volts, and three step-down transformers spread across the island to maintain voltage balance. This is particularly important considering the resort spans about 1.8 kilometers in length - a feat typically only achieved in the Maldives’ capital city.

We take great pride in being the first resort to meet all requirements for the Green Key award certification in the Maldives. I’m honored to be a significant part of the Green Key maintenance team, striving to achieve our sustainability goals. Our primary

focus is the protection and preservation of our critical environment. We also hold the distinction of being the first resort to be awarded the GREEN LEAF by the president of Maldives, Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, in 1998.

As part of our ongoing sustainability efforts, we’ve installed over 2464 solar panels with a grid capacity of 1152 kW. This solar energy contributes significantly to powering the resort. The next phase of our solar initiative involves installing a Lagoon solar system. This new grid, set to be placed in the lagoon, is projected to produce more than 900 kW of solar energy. Our ultimate aim is to power the entire resort through this system and achieve carbon neutrality by the end of this year—a highly ambitious goal.

Moreover, we’re planning to introduce a new energy system in May that will use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to generate electricity. This more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and overall sustainable solution is expected to further enhance the resort’s power management while reducing carbon emissions.

Can you tell us more about the upcoming sustainable initiatives at Villa Park?

After recently installing solar panels, we are now working on augmenting our system with additional solar panels and an off-grid system that includes batteries. This upgrade will allow us to generate solar energy continuously throughout the day and night. With the new system, we aim to generate around 1560KW per day. These green initiatives have already enabled us to avoid approximately 12,364KG of CO2 emissions.

In addition, we’re preparing to install a cutting-edge technology system called Sensor Flow. This is an air conditioning control system equipped with motion sensors, occupancy sensors, and a CT coil in the AC power line that will control usage in all guest villas. The system will automatically adjust the temperature according to sensor data from the villa, adapting as guests enter or leave the room. The temperature will respond to their movements, leading to significant electricity savings and positioning this system as one of our major sustainable initiatives. Given that AC power consumption accounts for 50% of our resort’s total electricity usage, this new technology will drastically reduce our diesel consumption.

We are currently conducting trials of the system in 20 rooms. Following a 90day review period, we plan to install the new system in all our villas.

Can you describe a day in your life at Villa Park? What are some of your routines?

I am an early bird, often waking up at 4:30 a.m. I maintain a habit of playing badminton and jogging twice a day to stay fit. After these activities, I have breakfast and then proceed to inspect various outlets to ensure everything is set for the day.

I hold a brief meeting with my department around 8:30 a.m., followed by a morning meeting with all departments. The specifics of each day vary, so my routine can change based on what’s happening at the resort. Given the physical demands of my work, I am always on alert.

Can you tell us more about the water production at the resort and how this affects the guests?

At Villa Park, we generate our own desalinated water. Our system has the capacity to produce 832 tons of water per day, and we typically produce over 750 tons daily to meet all water requirements in our guest villas. By replacing single-use plastic with glass bottles for serving water, we’ve managed to eliminate approximately 51,000 pieces of single-use plastic per month from the island. The bottled water we provide is processed through reverse osmosis.

I manage a team of 52 colleagues across different areas such as electrical, workshop, automobile, welding, and powerhouse, including AC, among others. I believe in the power of praise and feel it motivates my team to work to their full potential.

At Villa Park, we pride ourselves on self-reliance; we don’t engage thirdparty companies for engineering troubleshooting projects. We carry out all such projects in-house, including overhauling all generators and servicing 1500kVA dynamos. Our power capacity stands at 6MW, with two 1500kVA sets and three 1000kVA sets.

Do you offer any training or educational courses for aspiring colleagues to join Villa Park?

We take great pride in the training and educational opportunities we provide at Villa Park. We recruit fresh school graduates and nurture their skills onthe-job at the resort. As a lecturer myself, I’ve recently completed the C3 electrical course with 12 of our colleagues over the past six months. This course is affiliated with Maldives Polytechnique.

It brings me immense joy to guide the budding talent of the future and help them flourish in the industry. Despite the challenges they may encounter, I firmly believe that with the right guidance, anyone can achieve success.

In addition to this, I also offer refreshers to my colleagues, covering theory skills in all technical fields. I provide training in workplace safety and instill good work habits to continually boost their morale.

What advice would you give to aspiring electricians and engineers looking to work in the industry?

Commitment and ownership of one’s work are crucial. Whatever task you’re assigned, dedicate yourself fully to its completion. Remember, training is only half the journey. All technical employees must possess a strong work ethic. Success in the technical field isn’t derived from strictly following the book, but rather, from an on-theground, practical approach to work.

A philosophy I abide by is to always seek alternative solutions to any situation. I believe that every problem has a solution and that service should

never be interrupted due to a lack of spare parts. Even when we don’t have the exact replacement parts for a repair, we always find a workaround. Nothing is beyond repair.

To anyone aspiring to join this industry, I recommend adopting the same mindset. Always strive to go above and beyond what is required in your job.