Another day in paradise

When guests at Anantara Maldives gather around the soft glow of candlelight for an evening of mystic storytelling, it is the Island Chief himself who takes them on a unique journey through the region’s rich tapestry of history and folklore. In a solemn tone Chief Didi recounts intriguing tales of legends and heroes. When the sun rises the next morning, he’s also the first one up, ensuring the beach is spotless for another day in paradise.

Born in the far south on Addu Atoll near Gan, where the British military base was located and Didi worked as a young man, he set sail for the capital Male in 1976 to seek new opportunities. The journey took three days, with the passengers surviving on ‘garudhiya’ (Maldivian fish soup), rice, fish and coconuts. This was during the time when tourism started to develop in the region and Didi worked a number of different jobs, mostly laboring.

News broke of a new resort being built at the lagoon with its four islands where Anantara is now located, and in no time Didi was part of the building crew – and never left. That was 22 years ago…

“Once the resort was completed, I worked my way through the ranks. First as a waiter, then as a room attendant, and all the way to Island Chief. Here in the Maldives, every island or small lagoon of islands has a chief. It’s his job to oversee daily life; to make sure everyone is happy and to solve problems. I look after the island as if it’s my own home, and do whatever it takes to ensure the welfare of its people and visitors. That’s a job I will never get bored of!

“I get up at dawn, and right away do a tour of the island to check that everything is okay. I enjoy working with the staff to ensure they’re also proud of their island. Chatting to guests is such a pleasure too – especially when they return, because that means they had a really meaningful experience here the first time around.

“But the highlight for me is the storytelling nights we host for guests. I share with them stories that are passed on here from one generation to the next, the way we preserve our heritage. Stories about the history of the Maldives, our seafaring ancestors, the local people… They enjoy hearing about the legends and ghosts that are such a big part of our traditions and culture. We sit under the stars in a coconut grove, enjoy snacks inspired by our indigenous food and drink fresh tropical juices.

“Our heritage and the Maldivian people are what make this such a special place. By taking this journey back into time with us, guests can find out who we are, and where we come from. And that’s a place deep within our hearts…”

For hundreds of years throughout Thailand, people would leave a jar of water outside their house to provide refreshment and extend a welcome to the passing traveller. Anantara is taken from an ancient Sanskrit word that means 'without end', symbolising the sharing of water and heartfelt hospitality is at the core of the Anantara experience.

Anantara resorts and spas are currently located in the seaside town of Hua Hin and on Koh Samui, both in the Gulf of Thailand, and in the Golden Triangle in the country’s north. In the world-renowned destination of the Maldives, the neighbouring Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli are a 30 minute boat ride from the capital Male.

The newest member of the Anantara family, Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, opened in 2008 in the most fashionable district of Bali – the Island of the Gods. October 2008 will see the launch of Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa, situated in the serenity of Mai Khao Beach and just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

For more information, log on to Anantara.com.