Surfs up! Are you ready to catch the waves at the next destination?
The end of February officially marks the time for summer trip planning. Your next destination might just be the Maldives, so plan your trip check the latest flight updates and plan your itinerary. Over the past few years, the Maldives has managed to rebrand itself quite a bit. Although it used to be known as an undiscovered island destination, with the start of tourism, Maldives became a bucket list travel destination. Over time, Maldives has also started attracting surfers around the world. With its beautiful beaches and amazing waves, some surfers might just say the Maldives is Going Off! To add to the beautiful temperatures this time around, Maldivian Airlines just made an exciting announcement. With the latest announcement, travellers can now carry their surf bags to the next destination at reduced costs.
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This price reduction comes after citizens expressed their concerns to the President of the country over increased prices for surfers. Shortly after, Maldivian took to X to announce the price reductions. According to the post, large surf bags measuring 86 inches in length and 24 inches in breadth with 6-10 inches in thickness will see a price reduction of 33%. Additionally, the airline also introduced a new category of surf bags for those carrying smaller surf bags. For this category, surf bags which are 86 inches in length, 24 inches in breadth and up to 5 inches in thickness will get a 66% price reduction!
The new addition as well as price reduction by Maldivian will surely encourage surfers from all across the globe to explore new destinations through the airline. The Maldives is home to some of the most beautiful surfing locations! In addition to this, the airline also revealed bargain ticket prices for amazing destinations nearby.
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.
