Some of the best tour guides I’ve had the pleasure to meet on my travels – knowledgeable, charismatic, fun, conscious of health and safety and keen to make the trip memorable for everyone
The Team
Ruth Franklin
Co-Founder
How long have you been working in the Maldives?
I fell in love with the Maldives over 20 years ago and have been lucky enough to live here for over 10 years. Local island life is very different from my UK life but I wouldn’t change it for the world and intend to be here for a long time yet!
Favorite place?
My favorite place used to be under the water! I am lucky to have done over 1000 dives in the Maldives and whilst I got a thrill from seeing the big stuff – mantas and whale sharks, I loved hunting out the small stuff!
However, now I love exploring local islands especially one’s that are a first time visit. Dhigurah, Fulhadhoo, Addu and the islands in the far north are some of my favourite.
What do you enjoy showing our guests the most?
I get great satisfaction from sharing my knowledge and passion for the Maldives with potential guests.
Why is sustainable tourism important to you?
As a member of the global travel and tourism industry, it is our responsibility as a travel company to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect the environment, it’s local communities and the local economy of the destination in which we operate.
General interests?
Diving – though I do less now than when I came as a guest! Swimming, reading, and spending time with my local friends and family.
Listen to Ruth talk about Secret Paradise & Sustainable Tourism on The Truth Behind Travel, The Altruistic Traveler and Travel-Preneur podcasts.
Maryam Azfa
ADMINISTRATION AMBASSADOR
How long have you been working for Secret Paradise Maldives?
Joined Secret Paradise in mid of August 2022 to support Ruth in the office. I have worked in reservations previously but working in Secret Paradise has made me feel that my work is always appreciated no matter how little. It’s been lovely to be part of this close-knit team.
Favorite place?
Under the stars. I have been a city girl all my life and haven’t seen the stars above Malé city. First time I saw the sky clearly in all it’s glory was at the southwest end of Laamu Fonadhoo. Absolutely mesmerizing. Forgot anything else existed.
What do you enjoy showing our guests the most?
I haven’t had the pleasure of interacting with a guests in person yet. But if I were to do so I think I would lead them towards points of interest in my home city of Male. Artificial Beach and Sultan Park come to mind. It may not seem like much but comparing how they look now to pictures from only a few years ago, the difference will leave one surprised. Promise you this, Malé city is ever-changing. Visit every few years and you’ll either be confused that everything is different or discover some place new. Or both.
Why is sustainable tourism important to you?
As Maldives is mostly known for it’s luxurious resorts, the developments in relation to tourism has always been towards satisfying these preferences. Unfortunately, this means that the natural beauty and culture of the Maldives is taken for granted in the race to open opportunities for income through tourism.
This can, however, be counteracted through sustainable tourism in which the premise of travelling to Maldives is redirected towards educating tourists about Maldivian traditions and sparking their interest to explore the untouched nature of this unique region, allowing Maldives to sustain it’s authentic culture, traditions and environment.
General interest?
Journaling, art or something crafty (runs in the family). I have recently been indulging in a new hobby of finding good places to eat at. Who knows, hopefully I’ll have a whole list by the end of the year.
Hussain Fayaz ‘Kamey’
Tour Leader
How long have you been working for Secret Paradise Maldives?
I am lucky enough to have been part of the Secret Paradise journey from the beginning. My first guided multi day tour with guests was in October 2012!
Favorite place?
My favorite place is Haalif Barrah which is in the most northern atoll of the Maldives. It is home to the largest freshwater lake in the Maldives and has much natural beauty.
What do you enjoy showing our travelers the most?
The marine life of the underwater world of the Maldives, as well as introducing them to local culture.
Why is sustainable tourism important to you?
Sustainable Tourism is important because we need to preserve what we have right now and be responsible for our actions to protect for future generations. In tourism we should be role models to lead change.
General interests?
Diving, photography, and football.
Read more about Kamey and his love of culture in this article by Visit Maldives & CNN.
Ub Waseem
Tour Leader
How long have you been working for Secret Paradise Maldives?
I have been working with Secret Paradise since September 2016. I had worked in the tourism industry for over 2 years previously but I love the exploration opportunities my job provides!
Favorite place?
My favorite Maldives island is Fuvahlumah, which is also my home island, as it is so unlike other islands. However, my favorite place to be is in the ocean!
What do you enjoy showing our guests the most?
I enjoy showing guests the underwater beauty of the Maldives as well as being able to offer insights into our culture.
Why is sustainable tourism important to you?
Sustainable tourism is important to me because, apart from all the environmental and economic benefits, it also ensures ethical policies for the people who work in the tourism and hospitality industry, especially people like tour leaders.
General interests?
Meeting new people, diving, snorkeling, traveling.
Ahmed Shaffaf
AIRPORT AMBASSADOR
How long have you been working for Secret Paradise?
I started working for Secret Paradise in 2015 as a part-timer who had never worked in the tourism industry before. Secret Paradise showed me what it’s like to work within the industry and I fell in love with what I do for the first time.
Favorite place?
I have to say my favorite place is The Sea of the Stars. The images seen on the internet are from Vaadhoo which is located quite far from the capital so sadly it’s not possible to take a day tour. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the ocean, there is no specific time to see it, it all depends on luck.
What do you enjoy showing our guests most?
We are an archipelago country blessed with over 1200 islands and over 2000 species of marine life. I love to show and talk about the beautiful culture we have from south to north. When you travel from the north to the south of the Maldives there is a big difference in culture – language, sports, and people’s lifestyles are different and in some cases unique.
General interests?
I love having the opportunity to make friends from all around the world. I enjoy watching Animé and also collecting historical artifices. If you join me on a Malé walking tour, I will be able to show you some of my old coins!
Aishath Raisha “Raai”
Brand Ambassador
How long have you been working for Secret Paradise Maldives?
I have been part of the team since November 2022.
Favorite place?
I have been to a few places in the Maldives that have stuck to me, but I feel like my favorite place is yet to be found and is waiting out there for me to come and explore!
What do you enjoy showing our guests most?
I like demonstrating how we think as a company, I like to share our values and principles when it comes to sustainability and being responsible. I am proud of what we do and how we operate. I also like sharing our weird and quirky customs, the beauty underneath our oceans and how beautiful our islands are!
Why is sustainable tourism important to you?
It is important for me because of several reasons. Tourism is the biggest growing industry in the Maldives and through this industry we touch so many people’s lives as a nation.Contributing to economic development of communities and cultural preservation can help to distribute the benefits of tourism more equitably among everyone. I also want to minimize the negative impact we all have on the environment. By promoting sustainable practices like we do, we are helping protect and preserve the ecosystems and biodiversity of our country.
General interests?
Traveling, learning new things, music, art, poetry, psychology, astrology, numerology, esoteric science, metaphysics, philosophy, human behavioral biology, quantum science, volunteer work, environmental conservation, humanitarian work. Pick a topic and let’s discuss!
Zaffran Hussain “Zaff”
Tour Leader
How long have you been working for Secret Paradise Maldives?
I’ve been working part-time for Secret Paradise since 2015 and in 2021 decided to move full time when the opportunity was offered. These guys are like family!
Favorite place?
Huraa and Maafushi, both very different islands that offer different Maldives experiences
What do you enjoy showing our guests the most?
Given that most guests come here for our underwater beauty, snorkeling and showing the lovely life underwater would be my favorite thing. I am in a privileged position where snorkeling and seeing beauty like this is a first for a lot of people. To have been a part of an entirely new experience for people is something I feel very privileged and blessed about.
General interests?
I love cats. Put me into a cat sanctuary and I could die in peace. Other than that I play pool and basketball. I like reading and keeping up with current affairs. I also sing in the shower and sometimes in front of people. Ask me and I just might belt out a few lines of Britney Spears.
Mohamed Athif “Archie”
TOUR LEADER
How long have you been working for Secret Paradise?
I’ve been working as a tour guide with Secret Paradise since December, 2018. I was working as a freelance guide previously for more than 6 years. Working with Secret Paradise is a reward for me as the team works for the development of each other.
Favorite place?
My favorite place is Thulusdhoo as the island offers one of the best surfing spots in the Maldives. I also like to travel to uninhabited islands just to observe the true nature on our doorstep.
What do you enjoy showing our guests most?
Sharing the knowledge of how the Maldives has been formed and how it was populated from so many different corners of the world.
Why is sustainable tourism important to you?
Sustainable tourism is important to me because it helps protect our environment, preserve cultural heritage, and support local communities, ensuring that the places we visit remain enjoyable and accessible for future generations. It also contributes to our personal experience by offering authentic and meaningful interactions with locals.
General interest?
Traveling and researching are my main interests, I am always eager to learn new things and knowledge so that I can share it with others.
Rumaisha Hussain ‘Rumey’
AIRPORT REPRESENTATIVE & GUIDE
How long have you been working for Secret Paradise?
I joined Secret Paradise on 12th December 2021 and so far everyone has been very welcoming and I love it here!
Favorite place?
My favourite place would be Huraa since the history amazes me and the islanders are very welcoming and friendly.
What do you enjoy showing our guests most?
I enjoy telling the history and folklore of my country which interests most people.
Why is sustainable tourism important to you?
Sustainable tourism plays an important role as the benefits of sustainable tourism outweigh the negatives, and therefore tourism turns into a positive one. By using a sustainable tourism model, we ensure the preservation of not only people’s experiences, but also the rich culture, heritage, marine-life and natural resources that define our country’s identity. With this responsibility, we protect not only our environment, but essentially everything that makes our planet so valuable and irreplaceable.
General interest?
I love learning new things and trying new things but mostly I love swimming, snorkelling, travelling, photography and baking cakes, maybe I will get to share with you!
Mohamed Shakir “Shark”
Tour Leader
How long have you been working for Secret Paradise?
I started my journey with Secret Paradise on the 6th of March 2022, my purpose to gain further knowledge in my interests and apply it to the real world.
Favorite place?
I would say my favourite place in Maldives would be my ancestral atoll Haa Alifu, which is the northernmost point of the country. I find the islands are more raw and preserved in their most organic form. From the daily ambiance to the dialect the locals speak, the food, the culture, it all has its own magic.
What do you enjoy showing our guests most?
I enjoy the process of telling the story of Maldives on tour through my perception, the interactions can be quite enlightening.
Why is sustainable tourism important to you?
Tourism industry has the biggest impact on our nature, culture and economy. Sustainable practices within the industry guarantee’s it’s durability.
General interest?
I love creating. I enjoy the process of creating Art. It is such a broad spectrum one could never get bored of creating.
Raif Niham
AIRPORT REPRESENTATIVE & GUIDE
How long have you been working for Secret Paradise?
I joined in March 2023, so I’ve been working for Secret Paradise for just over 3 months and happy to be part of the team.
Favorite place?
This may seem unusual but my favourite place is the harbour. I enjoy watching what goes on, the different types of boats that come and go, especially when I am on duty at the airport assisting guests with their transfers.
What do you enjoy showing our guests most?
I love showing guests the crystal clear ocean and the blue skies.
Why is sustainable tourism important to you?
Preservation of our natural habitat and environment is a responsibility given to us by the future!
General interest?
I like travelling and exploring new islands. I also enjoy playing board games with my friends.
Hamna ‘Hamty’ Hussain
Tour Leader
How long have you been working for Secret Paradise?
I started working in Secret Paradise in January, 2024
Favorite place?
My favorite place to be is underwater; it’s a different dimension that exists within this world, the most peaceful place on Earth. A place so full of mystery and wonder, it’s teeming with lessons and alien creatures. It’s a realm that washes away my ego, connecting me with the world and reminding me that life is endless-it reconnects me with my purpose. But if it’s to choose a place, it would be my home, Fuvahmulah where I found myself and fell in love with life. It stands out as the most unique place in the Maldives-the one island atoll with shining, moving pebbles and wetlands and two beautiful freshwater lakes that take your breath away.
What do you enjoy showing our guests most?
Our rich and diverse marine life, and our culture and traditions and, the general way of living in the Maldives.
Why is sustainable tourism important to you?
As a Maldivian dive instructor, conservationist, and tour guide, embracing sustainable tourism is important for several reasons. It enables the preservation of our breathtaking natural beauty, protects the rich marine life I’m passionate about, and ensures the longevity of our cultural heritage. By promoting responsible tourism, I contribute to the economic well-being of my fellow Maldivians, mitigate the impact of climate change on our vulnerable islands, and enhance the overall visitor experience.
General interest?
Diving, Freediving, Music, Arts, Psychology, Sports, Skating, Dancing, Sharks, Conservation – just choose your topic of conversation!
Aishath Nafsha
Tour Leader
How long have you been working for Secret Paradise?
I recently joined Secret Paradise Maldives and have been working since January 2024. The reason that I decided to join was because the values of the company are very true to my soul and who I am as an individual.
Favorite place?
My favorite place to be is the ocean or by the beach where I can listen to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. It is my happy place and where I feel most at home.
What do you enjoy showing our guests most?
I enjoy showing different marine life to guests who have wanted to see but have never had that experience before. It feels wonderful to be part of their journey as it may be one of the most memorable experiences in their life and to have been able to witness it alongside fills me with joy.
Why is sustainable tourism important to you?
The reason sustainable tourism is so important to me is that I want my future children/grandchildren to be able to experience Maldives as I did while growing up or as close to it as possible. The only way to ensure that it happens is through sustainable tourism practices and sustainable practices being within the community.
General interest?
My general interest are the ocean, nature, travelling, animals, diving, meeting new people, learning about different cultures, gaining knowledge and psychology.
Hear From Our Previous Guests
More than guides they act as local friends sharing their insight at every stage of the trip.
The guides were really informative, passionate and engaging. They made the trip so much fun. They were as much part of the group as leaders and really got involved, which was great.
The guides marine knowledge, commitment to sustainability, fun approach and professional behind the scenes organisation was outstanding.
