Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas earlier this year opened the “first and only observatory” in the island nation — a 16-inch telescope with 360-degree movement. Minimal light pollution and its location just north of the equator allow the telescope easy viewing of the 100-billion-star Sombrero Galaxy, more than 29 million light years away, and the star cluster of Omega Centauri.
“Sky guru” Ali Shameem, who selected the telescope and offers several private stargazing sessions per evening, declines to name its cost or its ROI, which perhaps can be measured in moments: A self-taught astronomer who studied physics, Shameem shared his first glimpse of Saturn’s rings in a 4 a.m. viewing session with a London couple who were resort regulars. “We all had tears in our eyes and exchanged hugs,” he recalls. “As a Maldivian it is almost a given that you will end up working in the hospitality industry… I consider myself very lucky to be able to merge my job with my lifelong passion.”