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Ali Shakir Takes on New GM Role at OBLU NATURE Helengeli

Ali Shakir - the new General Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SNETIDO
Atmosphere Core has announced the promotion of Ali Shakir to the position of General Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO with effect from 1 February 2024.

For Ali Shakir, the local talent who is increasingly seen as taking on a leadership position within the company this is seen as a significant achievement.

Over the years Ali Shakir has successfully overseen the resort’s renovation and relaunch as the sole leader on the property. He will be heading the resort’s operations, ranging from guest services to the intricacies of food and beverage to creating spectacular tropical experiences for global travellers. 

My journey with Atmosphere Core has been truly remarkable, and I am excited about this new role. Working closely with HR and L&D, I will lead the charge in developing and implementing growth strategies for our team. Keeping the team motivated and maintaining top-notch product and service delivery is paramount. We will infuse the essence of the Joy of Giving philosophy, not only for our guests but also within our team dynamics – Says Ali Shakir.

Since joining Atmosphere Core in 2019 as the Resort Manager at VARU by Atmosphere, he has been a part of the successful pre-opening of four properties: OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, and VARU By Atmosphere. 

Ali Shakir’s promotion to General Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is a testament to his expertise and commitment. At Atmosphere Core, we prioritise developing internal talent and providing opportunities for skill building and career growth. I’m confident that under Ali’s leadership, the resort will evolve into a delightful haven where guests can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy thoughtful, graceful service – Says Ashwin Handa, Senior Vice President Operations at Atmpsphere Core. 

Bringing over 27 years of invaluable experience in the hospitality industry, prior to his appointment at Atmosphere Core he worked at reputed resorts such as Angsana Velavaru, Hulhule Island Hotel, and Paradise Island Resort and Spa. Ali Shakir has completed the General Managers Program from Cornell University, USA and holds a General Hotel Service certification from the Institute of Hotel and Catering Service, Maldives. He won the prestigious Maldives CX Leader Of The Year 2018 Award by the Customer Experience Foundation Maldives.

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO reopened on 21 December 2023 with an all-new vibrant look set to entice the senses. Showcasing 153 beach and water villas, the four-star superior resort is located at the tip of the Northern Malé Atoll. Helengeli Island offers an incomparably exotic house reef and superb channel diving experience, just metres from the shoreline. 

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Michelin-Starred Chef Darren Chin to Host Exclusive Culinary Series at The Nautilus Maldives

Chef Darren Chin

The Nautilus Maldives will welcome a remarkable guest this November as part of its celebrated Masters for Masters series. From 5 to 7 November 2025, the ultra-luxury resort will host Michelin-starred Chef Darren Chin for an intimate three-day culinary residency that beautifully blends French technique and Southeast Asian soul.

Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus, expressed his excitement about the upcoming residency and the collaboration with Chef Darren Chin.

“We are honoured to welcome Chef Darren to The Nautilus. His pursuit of integrity, refinement, and storytelling through cuisine resonates deeply with our philosophy of free-spirited experiences and timeless hospitality. Together, we invite our guests to a rare and meaningful culinary encounter.”

Exclusive Dining Experience with Chef Darren Chin

During his residency, Chef Darren Chin will lead guests through a unique culinary journey inspired by the Indian Ocean and his Southeast Asian heritage. Specifically, the experience includes two elegant dinners at Zeytoun. The Nautilus’s signature overwater restaurant, where panoramic ocean views provide a peaceful setting for guests to enjoy his carefully crafted tasting menus.

Moreover, the resort will host a sunset cocktail soirée at the Naiboli Poolside Bar, offering a relaxed, barefoot-chic atmosphere. Guests can savor bespoke canapés made by Chef Darren while they enjoy curated music and the warm Maldivian evening breeze. Perfect for leisurely conversations.

At the heart of this event, Chef Darren’s Global Discovery menu takes center stage. This modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine balances French culinary techniques with regional flavors. Notably, the menu highlights:

  • Locally and regionally sourced ingredients
  • Bold spices, delicate herbs, and fermented elements
  • Sustainably harvested seafood

Each dish expresses a thoughtful dialogue between tradition and innovation. Celebrating Malaysia’s multicultural roots while embracing creative freedom.

Chef Darren Chin described the collaboration’s deeper meaning

“This collaboration is about more than cuisine. It’s about creating space — for the ingredient, for emotion, for reflection. The Nautilus offers the perfect canvas for that kind of artistry — where each dish becomes a conversation between craft and place.”

Together, the combination of island settings: Zeytoun’s serene overwater dining and Naiboli’s inviting poolside vibe, provides the perfect backdrop for this exceptional gastronomic residency.

Chef Darren Chin’s Culinary Vision and Legacy

Chef Darren Chin blends tradition and modern creativity in his cuisine. After he graduated with highest honours from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, he returned to Malaysia and established DC Restaurant, which has become a cornerstone of contemporary Malaysian fine dining. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2023 and retained it in the 2025 guide.

In recognition of his contribution, the French Republic awarded Chef Darren the prestigious title of Chevalier (Knight) of the Ordre du Mérite Agricole in 2025.

He grounds his approach to cooking in five core principles: a spirit of exploration, commitment to sustainability, dedication to sourcing local ingredients, pursuit of harmony in flavors, and a strong connection to culinary origins. These values continue to shape his innovative and meaningful dishes.

Event Details

Dates: 5–7 November 2025
Location: The Nautilus Maldives
Events Include:

  • Two fine dining dinners at Zeytoun
  • One sunset cocktail soirée at Naiboli Poolside Bar

For more information or to reserve your place, visit The Nautilus Maldives website.

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