Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has been nominated in the 04th Annual Stella Awards 2020. for the category of best hotel resort regional
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has been nominated in the 04th Annual Stella Awards 2020. The luxury hotel has been nominated for the category of Best Hotel Resort Regional. Being a Stella winner means being the best of the best; a ‘shining star’ in a highly competitive market.
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Each year, Stella Awards spotlights the best hotels and suppliers delivering unchanging quality services to meetings and event professionals. Honors are awarded in 18 categories based on overall excellence, superb food and beverage, professionalism of staff, technology innovations, and other critical aspects of the meetings and event experience.
The Finalists are determined by the industry professionals during an open voting period. The winners of the prestigious award are chosen by an expert panel of judges overseen by the editor of Northstar’s leading brands.
Hard Rock Hotel chain is not new to the Stella Awards. In 2019, Hard Rock Hotel Davos won Gold place under Best Hotel/Resort for International and US Territories. In addition to that, the luxury hospitality brand secured Bronze under Best Overall Hotel Chain the same year. Hard Rock Hotels’ properties which secured Gold under Best Gaming Properties 2019 include Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for Northeast, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa for Southwest, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana for International and US Territories.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is part of the first integrated resort destination in the Maldives. Located at just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is the brands debut in Maldives.
Hard Rock Hotels is an award-winning luxury hospitality group with a collection of over 30 hotels, resorts and all-inclusive experiences globally. Renowned for the rock and roll vibes, the brand’s 21 resort locations offer great pools and unique spa experiences. In addition to that, exclusive kids club and multiple award-winning dining and bar options are available at Hard Rock Hotels.
Nestled at the southern edge of the Maldives, where the turquoise waters of Addu Atoll stretch deep into the Indian Ocean, Canareef Resort Maldives quietly evolves. This change doesn’t come from flashy renovations or new facilities. It’s driven by people. Those shaping the resort from the inside out. Meet Deepak Kannan and Shirhaan Sodig. Deepak, focusing on people and culture, and Shirhaan, managing technology and systems, play key roles in defining what it means to run a modern resort in the Maldives.
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Deepak Kannan: The People-First Leader Building Culture from the Inside Out
He began his hospitality career in 2000 at the front desk of Radisson Hotels. Over 25 years, he built an impressive resume across the Middle East, including the iconic Burj Al Arab by Jumeirah and several IHG Crowne Plaza properties in the UAE and Oman.
He rose from Front Office Shift Leader to Front Office Manager with IHG, sharpening his skills in operations and guest relations. Later, Deepak stepped into leadership roles as Hotel Manager and General Manager at well-known hotels such as Bin Majid Hotels and Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Excelsior Downtown Dubai, and Platinum Coast Hotel in Fujairah.
Moreover, In 2021, Deepak expanded his expertise by consulting for a major convention center in Chennai, India, where he set up their rooms division and operational systems. This experience highlights his versatile and strategic approach.
At Canareef, where he serves as Assistant General Manager, Deepak focuses on more than management. He builds a culture centered on teamwork and empowerment. He explains it simply: “To achieve a one vision, one team spirit and a strong people-centric culture that will empower the talent we have into shaping Canareef to be the most desired resort destination in the region.“
His leadership already makes a difference. The team works closely together, supporting each other to deliver guest experiences that linger long after the stay. For Deepak, hospitality means focusing on people first.
Shirhaan Sodig: The Tech Expert Keeping Things Running Smoothly
Behind the scenes at Canareef, few guests know the name Shirhaan Sodig, but his work touches nearly every part of their stay. From reliable Wi-Fi to IPTV entertainment, Shirhaan’s IT expertise ensures the resort’s technology runs flawlessly.
With over 15 years in IT, Shirhaan’s background includes fiber optic networks, IPTV, CCTV, telephone systems, and vital hospitality software like Opera PMS and Micros POS. He started his career as an Assistant Computer Technician at the Secretariat of Addu City Council, where he built a solid foundation managing complex networks.
For Shirhaan, technology goes beyond hardware — it reflects a mindset. He shares: “I believe there’s no such thing as impossible when you combine the right mindset with the right technology. In hospitality, every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, and that’s what drives me —using technology to quietly enhance guest experiences and empower teams to perform at their best.”
Before joining Canareef as IT Manager, Shirhaan developed his skills at South Palm Resort Maldives, serving as Assistant IT Manager and IT Manager. At Canareef, he led a major upgrade by implementing a resort-wide Fiber To The Home (FTTH) network, dramatically improving internet speed and reliability. He also created a custom IPTV app to enhance guest entertainment options.
Beyond Canareef, Shirhaan contributes as a visiting lecturer at Maldives National University, training future IT professionals. His qualifications include certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, CCENT, and a degree in Information Technology, blending academic knowledge with practical expertise.
Where Vision Meets Technology and Hospitality Flourishes
Canareef Resort Maldives offers a picture-perfect destination, but in today’s competitive market, beauty alone does not suffice. Travelers expect more: seamless technology, thoughtful service, and genuine hospitality.
That is exactly what Deepak and Shirhaan provide. Deepak shapes the resort’s culture and people, while Shirhaan ensures the technology supports that vision behind the scenes. Their combined efforts might not look flashy, but they build a foundation designed to last.
So when guests visit Canareef Resort, they get more than just palm trees and ocean views. They experience a resort powered by purpose, a team committed to making every stay truly memorable.
