Maldives Uncovered: The Sunny Side Podcast
This podcast is all about the Maldives as a tourism destination. You'll hear insights from top industry leaders and experts. Join our community to get inspired and gain the knowledge you need to reach your business or personal goals.
Maldives Uncovered: The Sunny Side Podcast
What If The Most Valuable Luxury Is Looking Up
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We sit down with Shizna “Shizu” Ahmed, a Maldivian resident astronomer, to talk about how stargazing in the Maldives turns science into a deeply human kind of luxury. We dig into women in unconventional tourism roles, the power of dark skies, and why curiosity and wonder can future-proof travel.
• Shizu’s path into astronomy and how it fits inside resort hospitality
• Why the Maldives is one of the best places on Earth for stargazing
• Translating astronomy into simple stories guests can feel
• What modern luxury means when it’s built on time and presence
• Being a woman in a male-dominated field and earning trust without overcompensating
• Inspiring young Maldivians to follow curiosity and create their own path
• Misconceptions about being a resort astronomer and what the job really takes
• Protecting dark skies, reducing light pollution, and the case for dark-sky certification
• Rapid-fire favorites, biggest guest reactions, and space myths worth debunking
Welcome To Maldives Uncovered
SPEAKER_00Welcome to Moldives Uncovered, the Sunny Side Podcast by Destination Future, diving into the heart of one of the world's most iconic travel destinations. You hear exclusive insights and expert opinions from top industry leaders, sharing their knowledge on ever-evolving landscape of tourism in the Maldives. Whether you're professional in the industry or simply passionate about travel, this podcast is your gateway to staying inspired and informed. Let's embark on this journey together as we explore the future of tourism in paradise.
SPEAKER_01Today I'm sitting down with Shisna Ahmed or Shizu as we call her. Shizu is a residence astronomer and resource where she helps guests slow down, look up and reconnect with the night sky. Through her work, astronomy becomes more than science. It becomes a shared experience that blends curiosity, nature, and storytelling. Her journey is a powerful example of how unconventional roles, especially for women, are shaping up the future of tourism in the Maldives. Welcome to the podcast, Shizu.
SPEAKER_02Thank you for having me, Nabil.
SPEAKER_01Okay, so let's begin.
How Shizu Became A Resort Astronomer
SPEAKER_01The question I have in mind for today to start with, of course, our listeners would want to know. Shizu, you have been you have one of the most unique roles in Maldives tourism, an astronomer. And definitely for my first time meeting a female astronomer, Maldivian female astronomer. How did you uh how did this journey begin?
SPEAKER_02Um, astronomy has always been more of a passion for me. I've always enjoyed looking at the stars, and it sort of makes my mind quiet and gives me a sense of wonder. And my journey really began at my previous resort that I was working at. I used to spend a lot of time at the observatory, and I also had the opportunity to learn about the night sky. And growing up, I also used to watch a lot of videos about space and stuff. So that curiosity was always kind of there.
SPEAKER_01Uh astronomy in a resort is definitely an additional service point or guest experience. At what point did you realize that astronomy as a service could coexist with hospitality and guest experience?
SPEAKER_02Um, I think it had already existed, but I think people don't really realize how lucky we are to be in the Maldives because we we are quite known for our reefs, lagoons, and the clearest water, but we also have an incredibly beautiful dark sky. And also because a lot of travelers come from big cities where they normally don't get to see clear skies. So when I saw how guests respond to that, it really made me realize how naturally it fits into the whole experience.
SPEAKER_01Well, guests here, astronomer, what do you think surprises them most about you or what you do?
SPEAKER_02I think most guests would say, or they they always say that I have the best job, and honestly, I agree.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, most guests say all the resort jobs are the best jobs because it's literally we live in paradise, especially in the Maldives, right? Everything seems so seamless or effortless, and everyone says, Oh, well, you you can work on in paradise. So astronomy is uh from what I see or what I read, is still
Being A Woman In Science
SPEAKER_01a male-dominated field globally, right? When we talk about this field, and what has it been like curving your space as a woman in this discipline?
SPEAKER_02I have worked with scientists from different parts of the world at my previous workplace, and very few of them were actually women, but the women that I did meet and worked with has really inspired me, and I learned a lot from them as well.
SPEAKER_01How was uh being a Moldavian woman uh in this field shaped the way you approach science, storytelling, and guest engagement?
SPEAKER_02I would say that it makes me more grounded. I don't approach astronomy in purely in an academic way. I usually connect it with nature, the ocean, and our own environment. And the universe isn't something people think about every day. But when you when you do think about it, it makes you feel very small and humbled, sort of.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. Um, especially um uh the the tourism industry or the resort industry um in Maltes is very um male dominated, right? Uh have you ever felt the need to prove your credibility uh more than your male counterparts? And how did you navigate that itself?
SPEAKER_02Definitely, especially in the beginning, I would say. And there's always the moment where people are assessing you before they fully trust you. But I've learned that confidence doesn't really come from trying to constantly prove yourself, or it mostly comes from being consistent and authentic in what you do.
SPEAKER_01Absolutely. So, um, what are the challenges you would say uh women in science-based roles within the tourism industry often face, uh, but rarely talk about?
SPEAKER_02I think one of the biggest challenges that women face in the whole industry is being taken seriously without having to overcompensate. Um, there's also the pressure to balance professionalism with approachability, especially in hospitality. It's something many women navigate very quietly.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I understand. Uh yeah, where you're coming from like uh yeah, I mean it's a very male-dominated uh industry, right? As uh as females, sometimes there are there could be such such challenges. Uh but uh you know we it's changing, we are becoming more open-minded, and uh uh it's becoming more of an equal uh environment for all genders to work in, which is good. Um moving to the uh my next questions.
Why Maldives Skies Are Special
SPEAKER_01Um Maldives is known for its oceans and skies, seas, sand and sun. Uh, how does our geography make it a unique place for stargazing and astronomy?
SPEAKER_02Actually, Maldives is one of the best places for stargazing because of our location. We are almost on the equator, slightly north, but we get to see both southern and the northern hemisphere from the Maldives throughout the whole year. And also because we're surrounded by the ocean, there's like very little light pollution. So we get to see one of the clearest night skies in the world, I would say.
SPEAKER_01How do you translate um this complex science into meaningful uh magical experiences for guests who may have no science background?
SPEAKER_02Uh, I would say for a lot of people, um, it's quite hard to understand most of the scientific terms. And instead of explaining everything scientifically, I relate it to things that people already understand, like time, distance, or even emotions. For example, instead of just talking about how fast something is, I might explain that the light that they're seeing is from the past, almost like looking at a memory from the universe. So
Turning Science Into Guest Magic
SPEAKER_02that makes it feel more real and easier for people to understand and connect with.
SPEAKER_01Do you feel um astronomy helps guests to connect more deeply with the destination beyond the luxury, uh you know, tangible things that we offer and leisure?
SPEAKER_02I think yes, 100%. Uh it adds a complete different layout. Guess comes for the beaches, the sun, the luxury, but when they look up at night, it shifts their perspective. Like uh it makes the whole experience feel much bigger and more than just the place that they're staying in.
SPEAKER_01Resorts, uh, and especially in the tourism industry, uh, across across the world, everyone is looking for unique experiences or luxury experiences, uh, whether it is uh it's to do with uh with experiences that uh going into uh related to the ocean, going uh scuba diving and wellness experiences, whereas culinary, everyone is trying to uh redefine the luxury experience, right? In your wave, how does uh astronomy redefine what luxury experience can mean in a resort setting?
SPEAKER_02I would say luxury today isn't just about physical comfort or uh what we present as luxury, but it's more about meaningful experiences. And I think astronomy offers something that you can't really buy or replicate. It's all about time, presence, and perspective, which I think is a different kind of luxury.
SPEAKER_01In your journey as a uh astronomer, have you seen moments where guests' uh perception uh or perspective shifts, not just about space, but about life, uh, once they have uh gone uh the session with you?
SPEAKER_02Yes, many times actually. And guests often start their sessions just curious, but by the end of it, they're quieter and more reflective. So it's like they've posed from everything else, and those moments are quite special.
SPEAKER_01This this role exists or this service exists, but I do not see that many resorts uh at least they do not market this or publicize this as a service, right? Um, how can these these um these these roles, experience or roles like yours, add more emotional debt than authenticity to the tourism that we offer?
SPEAKER_02Uh I think it brings a lot of authenticity.
Authentic Luxury Through Perspective
SPEAKER_02Uh also it represents Maldives in a complete different light than let's say it's not all about the sandy beaches and the water villas and all of that. But instead of just consuming a destination guest experience, something that connects them to nature, to science, and also something bigger. I think it makes it more memorable.
SPEAKER_01This is um, yeah, the the next question is going to be uh about empowering women. This is a big focus of our uh destination future. Uh, we want to see more locals, young locals, uh, girls and boys also working in the industry, taking these different roles, um, conventional roles like yours. Um, what kind of impact do you hope your work has uh has on the young Maldivian girls who may be interested in science-related jobs uh uh or roles around this discipline?
SPEAKER_02I hope it shows them that they don't really have to follow a fixed path. Um, you can still create something unique or even study something unique or whatever you're passionate about. And yeah, you don't really have to leave who you are behind to do it.
SPEAKER_01Do you think resorts can uh play a bigger role in science education and awareness beyond uh entertainment or an offering?
SPEAKER_02I think resorts have the both platform and also the audience. Uh, if experiences are designed thoughtfully, they can inspire curiosity and awareness as well, uh, instead of just entertainment. They can also play a role in protecting the night sky by being more mindful of light pollution, even small changes like using softer lighting and things can make a huge difference.
Inspiring Young Girls In Tourism
SPEAKER_02Because uh because the dark sky is also part of the experience and also a big part of the Maldives.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, absolutely right. I mean, when we uh stay or come to Male and Male region uh and and look at the sky and then go back to a resort uh and look at the sky, it's uh it's a thousand times uh different than what we see in Malay region because we although we don't realize there's lots of lights and powerful lights around, and I hope these resorts really um look at this this as uh as a selling point, you know, making the resort less uh less lighty and and also you know it's also from a sustainability angle and from a cost angle, it's a good thing to do to use less voltage lights, I would assume, right? And then they protect the sky, right? If a young Moldavian girl is listening to us today and says, I want you what you do, what would you tell her honestly?
SPEAKER_02Uh I would say don't wait until you feel fully ready. Um, if you're passionate about something, start with just curiosity and just learn as you go. And don't be afraid to do things differently, and there's no single path to this kind of work. Yeah, true. Um this is a big thing to learn a lot about in about astronomy in different ways.
SPEAKER_01Absolutely. Sorry, this yeah, this rule uh this uh um role, astronomy is this relatively new role in the mortgage, right?
Misconceptions And Doing It Right
SPEAKER_01Do you think there is many misconceptions around uh around being an uh an astronomer in a resort environment?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, I think so. People people might just think that it's just looking through a telescope all night, but there's a lot more behind like planning, learning, and also adapting to different kinds of guests. And also astronomy experiences mostly depend on on the weather conditions, and it's a really mix of science and communication, and also the whole design of the experience.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, having done uh some sessions with you, I can tell you, our listeners, that it's not just about uh watching uh the sky or looking at the sky uh through a telescope, it's also um uh having the courage and the patience to uh listen to Shizu continuously telling us about the stars and the sky, whether we we can see them or not. So I will tell you it's not about only telescope, right? No, exactly. So, how do you balance uh scientific integrity with the expectation of luxury hospitality and guest satisfaction uh in your job role?
SPEAKER_02Um I think it's more about simplifying things without losing its accuracy. Um, you don't need to explain everything in detail, but of course, if you have guests who are really, really interested in it, and sometimes when guests stay longer for a session, I would explain things in more detail. But you just need to make sure what you're sharing is meaningful and also correct at the same time.
SPEAKER_01Have you ever been corrected by a guest saying that no, that's not Venus or Jupiter or something during any of your sessions, or you knew it all? Oh, they didn't check. No, no, right? Okay, good, good, good. I mean it's just uh yeah, just I I guess you know, all your um all your uh participants or guests they said, okay, that's Venus, that's Jupiter.
SPEAKER_02Has there ever been but I do meet guests who I do meet guests who already has a lot of information about space and everything, yeah.
SPEAKER_01Uh has there been any moment uh uh for you you question this path? Like we said, it's a it's a very different role in a resort, like every night you have to go and and and stand out and do this, right?
Dark Sky Protection And Certification
SPEAKER_01And it will did you have a question get choosing this path? And if so, what kept you or what keeps you still going?
SPEAKER_02Uh I did question this path like in the beginning. Um it felt a bit uncertain at the beginning, so yeah. But seeing the impact on guests and how they react when they see things through the telescope or when they learn something new and how they react and how they remember things is something quite special.
SPEAKER_01Okay. You don't have to answer this question uh with a guest name, or if it is uh uh confidential. Did you ever see a guest cry after you explained what you see in the sky?
SPEAKER_02I've actually met a guest who cried during a session. It was uh her first time seeing the moon in such detail. So after seeing the craters of the moon and everything, she cried a little.
SPEAKER_01Wow, wow, so that can have an ending impact, right? I guess you know, guests who come from these big cities these big cities and uh um where like collision or whatever, for whatever reasons,
Rapid Fire And Farewell
SPEAKER_01they don't uh they can't see the night sky, whether it's uh it's during the the seasons, uh it's it's a big shock for them to come to the Maldives and see this clear spot. So I understand it can be emotional at times, correct?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, okay.
SPEAKER_01Um so how do you see these uh kind of science-based roles evolving within the tourism experiences in the Maldives?
SPEAKER_02Um, I think they'll become increasingly important. Uh so just as we work to protect our coral reefs and marine ecosystems, we should also be thinking about protecting our night skies from light pollution. Uh so places like the Maldives are incredibly special because of how dark and clear our skies still are. And that's something we shouldn't take for granted. And also at the same time, people are looking for more deeper, more meaningful experiences when they travel. And I think science-based roles can really offer that in a very unique and in a very lasting way.
SPEAKER_01Um, yeah, you mentioned about coral reefs and and marine ecosystems. We in I think almost all the all resorts that will have a marine biologist who look after the reef or create programs around reefs. Now we have we have turtle scientists also in most of the resorts, right? They protect the turtles. Um I I guess there is a need to create astronomy as a as a strong uh position within the tourism industry. Uh, correctly, there's opportunity as I I see it, correct? Um okay. So what what what more do you think uh the industry uh can do to create space for these kind of unconventional roles or careers, especially for women in tourism?
SPEAKER_02Um I think they could create more space for unconventional roles and be more open to new ideas. Not everything has to fit into traditional job structures. That's where innovation comes from, and also important to also it is important to create environments where women feel supported and also be taken seriously.
SPEAKER_01Very true. So uh you mentioned um earlier about dark sky, and do you think the Maldives uh tourism as an industry or tourism authority need to take dark sky seriously as they take marine biology or the reef conservation and turtle conservation seriously? Do you think there's an opportunity for us to create our own dark sky certification for resorts from a sustainability angle as well?
SPEAKER_02100%. And there are people who actually um travel to places where they have like a dark sky certification. And uh Maldives also has a huge opportunity, especially for resorts, for example. Um you could get certified for the dark sky lodging.
SPEAKER_01Um, so that's uh that that's uh that's something that that we could really own as a as a destination, right? So moving on, if we truly want to future proof uh the industry, more the tutorialism, what roles do curiosity, education, and wonder play?
SPEAKER_02I think curiosity is everything, and it's what turns a simple experience into something more memorable. So without curiosity, travel becomes more like a routine, but with curiosity it becomes more meaningful. And education and wonder help people to connect more deeply to a place, and that's what stays with them longer, even after they leave, and also that's what they come back for.
SPEAKER_01These unique experiences uh makes the Maldives the special place in their heart to keep coming back for this, right? So you have you must have seen and every night you must be looking up in the sky. So when you look at a look up at the sky um after a long day, what does it remind you of?
SPEAKER_02Uh it reminds me of how small we actually are, but also how connected everything is. And as a Maldivian, I would say it feels very grounding. And as a woman, I think it's very empowering as well. And even though I work with it every day or every night, it still feels like something that I'm discovering for the first time.
SPEAKER_01Do you find the sky is different every night? Or for me, it looks the same. Do you think it's it looks different every night?
SPEAKER_02Uh so in the Maldives, the sky mostly changes every six months. But if you let's say if you look at the stars tonight, and if you wake up in the morning just before sunrise, you get to see a complete different set of stars. That's also one of the unique points of being in the Maldives. Everything moves faster.
unknownOkay.
SPEAKER_02So through the whole night, you get to see the entire sky, I would say. The entire set of stars that's visible.
SPEAKER_01Okay, for those who wake up um early morning, please watch the sky uh after you listen to this episode. All right, Sisu before sunrise. Before sunrise, okay, all right, okay, before sunrise. So those listening, uh, if you listen to this podcast, uh, this uh episode, and if you wake up before sunrise, go see and uh tell us if what Shizu says is actually true. I have not tried it, so I don't know. Shezu, this brings us to uh uh to the series. This this brings the uh the end uh to the series questions we have um on on this topic. Uh the next uh part of the episode is uh a rapid fire, which is a traditional uh in this podcast where we will ask a few questions from uh you and you can give an answer that comes to your mind. Are you ready?
SPEAKER_02Yep.
SPEAKER_01Okay. Um, what's your favorite celestial object to talk about?
SPEAKER_02Uh I really like to talk about Saturn because it never really fails to impress with its ring system.
SPEAKER_01One thing about space you love to debunk.
SPEAKER_02Uh that all the stars that we see are dead, but not true because we are just seeing their light from the past.
SPEAKER_01Best reaction we have seen from a guest?
SPEAKER_02Uh one of the best reactions was the guest crying after seeing the creators of the moon. But also I love the reaction when people see Saturn through the telescope for the first time. I have to convince people that it's real, that I didn't put a sticker on the telescope.
SPEAKER_01Wow, interesting. Um, one word to describe your journey so far.
SPEAKER_02Unconventional.
SPEAKER_01Okay. Interesting. Very good. Or unconventional. Very different, right? I mean, it's uh it's it's like we uh like we uh I said before, it's not a common role, not even as as common close to the marine biology or or the turtle scientists we have, astronomy. It's some resorts do it, some resorts try to do it, but it's not really a common practice, isn't it? Shizu, thank you so much for joining me today. It's been inspiring to hear your journey and the way you are bringing science, curiosity, and wonder into the Maldivian experience. Conversation like this always reminds me that the future of tourism isn't about places, it's about people and ideas. Thanks again for sharing your story with us, Jesus.
SPEAKER_02Oh, thank you for for having me, Nabil.
SPEAKER_01Thank you, it's a pleasure. Thank you.
