Exploring the Night Sky With Anantara Kihavah's New SKY Gurus

Zunnu, a native of the small island of Kudarikilu in Baa Atoll, combines his daytime role as an assistant IT manager with his nocturnal passion as a SKY Guru. His journey into the realm of astronomy began at the age of 16 with a curiosity for astrophotography, which soon blossomed into a lifelong passion for the cosmos.

Despite his IT background, Zunnu’s heart lies in unravelling the secrets of the night sky. His dedication to astrophotography and celestial exploration is evident through his involvement with online telescope operators and active participation in astronomy forums. Joining the resort in 2017, Zunnu seized the opportunity to develop his passion for stargazing under the tutelage of the resort's first SKY Guru, Ali Shameem.

Over the years, Zunnu has honed his skills and knowledge, delighting guests with tales of celestial wonders. He finds joy in sharing his passion, making the complex and beautiful night sky accessible to all. His favourite star? Aldebaran, but he's always excited to show guests any cosmic spectacle — solar and lunar eclipses, meteor showers, and planetary conjunctions that regularly grace the Maldivian skies.

Shalli, the latest addition to the SKY Guru team, hails from the island of Kendhoo in Baa Atoll. His journey from the transport department to becoming a SKY Guru at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas speaks volumes of his profound interest in astronomy. Inspired by the breathtaking Maldivian night skies, Shalli embarked on an intensive training programme under his predecessor's guidance, delving deep into the mysteries of the cosmos.

Shalli’s transformation into a SKY Guru has been marked by his eagerness to learn and share his newfound knowledge with guests. He takes great pleasure in unveiling the secrets of the stars, planets, and constellations. Antares holds a special place in his heart, but the joy of showing guests the wonders of the universe, from distant galaxies to celestial phenomena, is what truly fulfils him.

Together, Zunnu and Shalli invite guests at the resort to set off on a magical journey across the night sky. Utilising a powerful telescope, capable of peering 30 million light years into the cosmos, they guide guests through both hemispheres' stars and planets. With a green laser, they point out different constellations, explaining the vast distances in light years and the variety of galaxies that sprinkle the night sky.

The SKY observatory, the pinnacle of Maldivian astronomical observation, offers guests a unique vantage point. Here, lunar eclipses, the Milky Way, and planets invisible from Europe or America become the highlight of an unforgettable stay. Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, guests may even catch a glimpse of Saturn’s pale-yellow rings or Jupiter’s ever-changing belts.

As Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas continues to be a sanctuary for both relaxation and discovery, our SKY Gurus stand ready to guide guests through the stars, ensuring that each stargazing session is an unforgettable adventure into the cosmos.