Seaside Finolhu, Baa Atoll Maldives introduces the resort's new Front Office Manager Ali Ashfag.
Ashfag’s journey in the industry started at the young age of 18 as a waiter and he has come a long way since his beginning in the industry. Transitioning to the front office eight years ago, and embarking on his journey as a butler, Ashfag now takes on his new role as Front Office Manager at Seaside Finolhu.
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In this new role, Ashfag brings in over a decade of experience across five internationally recognised brands and two local establishments.
Education & Start of his Career
Ashfag has completed a Master’s Certificate in Hospitality Management and Hotel Revenue Management from Cornell University. This unique combination as well as his hands-on experience has made him an exemplary leader in the industry.
Throughout his career, Ashfag has curated exceptional experiences and maintained impeccable service standards in his roles. Embracing the ongoing journey of a leadership role, Ashfag considers his future self in a decade as his guiding role model.
In his career, Ashfag has demonstrated unwavering commitment to integrity, discipline and humility. Embodying the qualities he admires in the people he has been fortunate enough to collaborate with has been Ashfag’s guiding path through this journey.
Ashfag’s Journey with Seaside Finolhu
Since joining Seaside Finolhu, Ashfag has made priceless contributions to the establishment, taking it to unprecedented levels of excellence. One of the notable introductions includes the concept of personalized butler service, which has redefined the luxurious standard at the resort.
Additionally, Ashfag has also made generous efforts when it comes to handpicking and training individuals. With his commitment, the trainees have now embodied the essence of butler service ‘Roohu’!
With his commitment and hard work, the front office has become one of the most efficient and functional departments on the island.
The five key values given by Ashfag for aspiring young hoteliers include Integrity, a positive attitude, emotional intelligence, humility, and kindness.
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.
