Hotelier Maldives - Issue #56

A Talent for Hospitality

hotelier.mv | Volume 8 | Issue 56

HOTEL REVIEW

South Palm Resort Maldives - Addu Atoll’s Secluded Gem

FIRST LOOK

The Signature Collection by Hideaway

THE GM’S VIEW

Henri Arnulphy, Constance Moofushi

WELLNESS

INTERVIEW WITH DR RAHUL KRISHNAN, SPA MANAGER, SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHI

CONTENTS

16

18

HOTEL REVIEW

SOUTH PALM RESORT MALDIVES - ADDU ATOLL’S SECLUDED GEM

SPECIAL FEATURE

A TALENT FOR HOSPITALITY

30 THE GM’S VIEW

HENRI ARNULPHY, CONSTANCE MOOFUSHI

6

9

NEWS & EVENTS

14

EVENT CALENDAR

48

KEY APPOINTMENTS

72

BUYER’S GUIDE

78

LISTINGS

www.hotelier.mv

33 THE GM’S VIEW

GAVIN SANDERS, RADISSON BLU RESORT MALDIVES

40

HAPPENINGS

44 WOMEN IN HOSPITALITY

MONIKA ANGLIKER, GUEST SERVICES MANAGER, KANDOLHU MALDIVES

38

CAREERS

41

39

CAREERS

HAPPENINGS

46

64

WELLNESS

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

58

WATERSPORTS & DIVING

66

WELLNESS

LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE MANTA WINGS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME BBM ENTERS 2022 INSPIRING YOUNG CHEFS IN THE MALDIVES A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YASITH KESHAN FIFTY YEARS OF DIVING IN THE SUNNY SIDE

MEET ALI WAHEED, THE HIGHLY EXPERIENCED BOAT CAPTAIN AT SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHI PREMGEETH P NAIR, CHIEF ENGINEER, GRAND PARK KODHIPPARU INTERVIEW WITH DR RAHUL KRISHNAN, SPA MANAGER, SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHI HEIDI GRIMWOOD, VICE PRESIDENT, ELE I NA SPA

28 24

FIRST LOOK

MU MANIKU, CHAIRMAN, UNIVERSAL ENTERPRISES

THE SIGNATURE COLLECTION BY HIDEAWAY

12

NEW OPENINGS

42

ISLAND HOTEL REVIEW

35

EXCLUSIVE

54

DESIGN

60

EDUCATION & TRAINING

70

PURCHASING POWER

50 ON 50

MALDIVES TO SEE TWELVE NEW RESORT OPENINGS IN 2022

STRUGGLE AND SUCCESS: THE STORY OF HUSSAIN SHAHID, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT MANAGER, HOLIDAY INN RESORT KANDOOMA MALDIVES

47

AIRLINES

56

AIRLINES

52

F&B

53

F&B

63

SUSTAINABILITY

IATA FIGURES SHOW DIP IN DEMAND FOR AIR TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD FROM 2019 SHUBHAM MOONDHARA, HEAD OF CORPORATE STRATEGY & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, TRANS MALDIVIAN AIRWAYS ABDUL MATHEEN ADAM, RESTAURANT MANAGER, THE EDGE, GRAND PARK KODHIPPARU LG & SPIRE STRENGTHENS ITS INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE IN THE MALDIVES EMPORIA AND GULF APPARELS SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY IN ITS EXPANSION INTO MALDIVES

COMFORT IN THE CITY – H78 BEACHFRONT HOTEL, HULHUMALE’ AN INSIGHT INTO GX ASSOCIATES HOW TO EFFECTIVELY LEAD YOUR TEAM INTO A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD KABIRDOSS INIYAN, PURCHASING MANAGER, HIDEAWAY BEACH RESORT & SPA

ADVERTISER’S INDEX MUNI Homecare Villa Hakatha SEARA Sports Maldives TTS Maldives IFS Maldives Deli United Lals Group Trans Maldivian Airways ILAA Maldives Reollo Enterprises Sea Gear Greenpath Pvt Ltd

2 3 4,5 27 45,69 51 56,63 56 68 71 79 80

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

7

EDITORIAL

A Talent for Hospitality Dear Readers,

Hotelier Maldives Volume 8, Issue No: 56

Welcome to issue 56 of Hotelier Maldives.

Maldives is celebrating 50 years of the tourism industry and celebrations are planned for each month. Earlier this year the Ministry of Tourism had announced a calendar of events of which a panel discussion among the pioneers of the industry was held at the Maldives National University.

We at Hotelier Maldives are marketing the year with a new series; 50 on 50, profiling 50 individuals and corporations that have made the most impact on the industry and who are set to do so in the next 50 years. We start the series with the profile of MU Maniku, chairman of Universal Resorts and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI).

Rapid growth and increase in arrivals over the past decade and more has challenged Maldivian hoteliers in recruiting the manpower required to effectively run their properties. Recent studies confirm this and present a scenario where we will have a total of 86,519 workers employed in the tourism sector (compared to the current figure of 49,129) if all anticipated projects are completed on time. This is a significant increase and we look at the issue in the cover story for this edition.

In our regular segments, we have reviewed South Palm Resort in the southern most atoll of Maldives, Addu Atoll. It is currently two properties operating in the atoll that are located on private islands. With several dive sites, rich history and captivating views, Addu Atoll is one of the most unique locations in the Maldives. For those looking to discover these experiences and seeking serenity, South Palm Resort Maldives offers an unforgettable stay.

In the GM’s view segment, we have interviewed Henri Arnulphy, General Manager at Constance Moofushi and Gavin Sander, General Manager at Radisson Blu Resort Maldives.

In addition to this, we also profile several other professionals working in the Maldives hospitality industry, both local and expats.

In the Buyer’s Guide, we have featured trending products and suppliers and feature an interview with the Purchasing Manager of Hideaway Beach Resort and Spa, Kabirdoss Iniyan.

If you would like to comment or publish an opinion article, please email them to mamduh@hoteliermaldives.com or info@perspective.mv Sincerely,

EDITORIAL Mohamed Mamduh, Managing Editor, mamduh@hoteliermaldives.com Naufal Naeem, Editorial Advisor and Contributor Donna Richardson, Contributing Editor Naza Nazeem, Content Marketing Executive CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Aminath Shiuleen, Janet Smailes, Sahla Zahir, Balsam Iyaz, Emilio Fortini, Laura Williams, Aminath Zahir, Nabeeha Ahmed and Leesha Haneef LAYOUT DESIGN & COVER ARTWORK Ali Riyaz PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE FOLLOWING: Velana International Airport, Hurawalhi Maldives, The Nautilus Maldives, Madifushi Private Island, Hilton Maldives Amingiri, Kanuhura Maldives, Faarufushi Maldives, Nova Maldives, OBLU Xperience Ailafushi, OBLU Select Lobigili, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, South Palm Resort Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Constance Moofushi, Radisson Blu Resort Maldives, h78 Beachfront Hotel, Patina Maldives Fari Islands, Euro Divers, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa and Freepik CLIENT RELATIONS & ADVERTISEMENT SALES sales@hoteliermaldives.com, +960 7910858 MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Naza Nazeem naza@hoteliermaldives.com

Mohamed Mamduh Managing Editor

MU Maniku is profiled in our new series 50 on 50 in this issue. (Seen here with Managing Director, Hotelier Maldives, Mohamed Mamduh and Janet Smailes, Contributing Editor at Hotelier Maldives)

8

www.hotelier.mv

PUBLISHER PERSPECTIVE PVT LTD 4th Floor, M. Kaneeru Villa, Orchid Magu Male, Republic of Maldives, PO Box No 20212 Mobile: +960 7246292, +960 7999008 Email: info@hoteliermaldives.com www.hoteliermaldives.com

NEWS & EVENTS

Brad Calder Awarded Best General Manager Worldwide at Hotel Travel Awards Brad Calder, cluster general manager of Hurawalhi Island Resort and Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, has been titled ‘Best General Manager Worldwide’ at the Hotel Travel Awards 2021.

The Hotel Travel Awards recognises and rewards hotels worldwide based on the exceptional service and facilities they provide to their guests. They use a stringent inspection procedure carried out by world-class inspectors to honour the establishments they work with.

Hurawalhi also won two other awards worldwide: Finest Luxury Sustainable Hotel and Finest Luxury Underwater Restaurant.

Speaking of the awards, General Manager Brad Calder said: “We are all ecstatic to receive the award of Finest Sustainable Luxury Resort Worldwide as this is a true recognition

of all of our environmental efforts to eliminate single use plastics, optimize recycling and composting for our organic garden and capture the sun for our energy needs. ‘Luxury Treading Lightly’ has always been our motto to protect this beautiful environment in which we live.

“Our acclaimed 5.8 Undersea Restaurant also was awarded the Finest Luxury Underwater Restaurant Worldwide and continues to grow into an iconic restaurant recognized the world over to deliver culinary excellence in a truly unique and natural setting.

“I feel very honoured and of course humbled to receive the accolade for Best General Manager Worldwide. Of course such an achievement is not possible without having such a wonderful team to support the vision that I set to deliver memorable moments to our guests. Without my team this

would not have been possible.

I look forward to Hurawalhi continuing to be recognised as

one of the leading resorts in the Maldives and worldwide.”

Vaccinated Travellers Allowed Quarantine-Free Travel between Maldives and Singapore With Maldives among the countries of Singapore’s Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme, fully vaccinated passengers are now allowed quarantine-free entry into Singapore. The first VTL flight from Maldives was operated

by Singapore Airlines on 16 December 2021.

Ms Susan Yong, General Manager- Maldives, Singapore Airlines said: “The commencement of VTL flights from Male to Singapore is a reflection of the importance of the Maldives market. We are excited to welcome more passengers on board our flights.”

Flights between Male and Singapore were temporarily suspended in March 2020. By December 2020, Singapore Airlines had resumed its

operations and currently operates daily flights between Male and Singapore, with SQ437 operating three times

a week as the designated VTL flight. To further boost air links, Singapore Airlines will be increasing its flight frequency

from seven to ten times a week, from 2 January 2022.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

9

NEWS & EVENTS

Maldives Government Seeks Bids to Develop and Operate Resorts On 17 January, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) announced three islands to be leased as a cluster from Shaviyani Atoll Maldives. This announcement came as a revision to MoT’s initial Invitation for Bids (IFB) first published on 26 October 2021 welcoming investment opportunities for foreign and local investors interested in developing and operating a tourist resort in the country.

The newly announced three islands are Dhigurah, Medhurah and Mairah (Dhiguvelidhoo) with USD 1,200,000 set as the minimum lease acquisition cost for all three cluster islands from Shaviyani Atoll. The revised IFB now entails 19 available islands for tourism investment.

The Nautilus Maldives Launches Innovative Wellness Experience with Ananda in The Himalayas able to experience signature Ananda Meditation and Breathwork practices through guided audio sessions as part of the daily schedule at the Solasta Spa overwater yoga pavilion to enhance its extensive spa offerings. The Ananda Dhyana meditation and breathwork series is specially designed for guests at The Nautilus to recharge themselves by enhancing clarity of thought and achieving a heightened sense of balance.

The Nautilus Maldives has partnered with the world’s top ranked destination spa and wellness retreat, Ananda in The Himalayas, to offer a first of its kind wellbeing experience.

The collaboration begins in January 2022 and combines the confluence of the majestic Himalayas and the expansive Indian Ocean.

Ananda, located in the tranquil Himalayan foothills, is renowned for its traditional Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation and Vedanta with transformational wellness programmes, guided by leading experts in these fields. Meanwhile, The Nautilus is known as one the most bespoke private island

10

www.hotelier.mv

experiences and its “anytime, anywhere, as you please” concept of hospitality, set against the magical backdrop of the Baa Atoll in the Maldives, beckons guests to come as they are.

Mohamed Ashraf, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives says: “With the recent events and changed life circumstances, health awareness and a sustainable lifestyle are becoming increasingly important for our guests. Therefore, we are delighted to have found such a strong partner in the field of holistic wellbeing and to further enhance the wellness journey of our guests together with the

strong expertise of Ananda.”

“The concept of Ananda is a journey towards discovering the inner self aided by ancient wellness practices and a retreat to places of solace where tranquil nature and nurturing care create lasting transformations,” says Mahesh Natarajan, Chief Operating Officer, Ananda in the Himalayas. “The partnering of Ananda’s wellness expertise with bespoke luxury from The Nautilus across two magical destinations presents a unique and immersive opportunity to our global patrons.”

As part of the partnership, guests at The Nautilus will be

From January to March 2022, guests at The Nautilus will be invited to experience a selection of signature Ananda gourmet wellness cuisine as part of the culinary offerings at The Nautilus. Ananda’s signature wellness cuisine incorporates key Ayurvedic principles, with natural foods low in fat and calories, emphasising whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and the avoidance of added or artificial salts, colours, flavours, or preservatives.

Further, a unique multi-day Ananda Wellness Retreat at The Nautilus is already in the works for April 2022. The retreat will introduce Ananda experts in residence at The Nautilus from April 7 to 11, 2022, conducting daily classes, workshops and guided sessions in yoga, meditation and presenting Ananda’s gourmet wellness cuisine.

2022 EDITORIAL CALENDAR Hotelier Maldives magazine is published bi-monthly and covers all aspects of hotel operations.

Sustainability, Plastic and Climate Change

Wellness and Wellbeing in Post-Pandemic

Issue 57

Issue 58

The Hotel Investment Guide

Training and Development in a People’s Industry

Issue 60

Issue 61

Top 10 Honeymoon Resorts Issue 59

Conservation Tourism: A Balancing Mechanism

Issue 62

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD HOTELIER MALDIVES MEDIA KIT 2022

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

11

NEW OPENINGS

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

Maldives to See Twelve New Resort Openings in 2022 After eight exciting openings this year, the Maldives is set to see the opening of twelve new properties in the upcoming year, an addition of 1572 rooms. With these new properties, the total number of registered resorts in Maldives is expected to reach 179 resorts. Most of these new openings are located in Male’ Atoll, followed by Raa Atoll and South Ari Atoll.

Madifushi Private Island Madifushi is a 16-hectare nature centric island in Meemu Atoll boasting 200 rooms either set amongst the tropical flora and fauna, the beach or over-water. All villas and suites are complete with a terrace that leads to a private pool with access to the palmfringed beach or perched over the Indian Ocean with either a sunset or sunrise view.

Avani + Fares Maldives Making its debut in August 2022, Avani + Fares brings relaxed contemporary charm to one of the world’s dreamiest island destinations. Located in Baa Atoll, the resort is comprised of 200 guest rooms, including standard rooms and a selection of villas.

Facilities include an all-day restaurant, a speciality restaurant, the Pantry designer deli, AvaniSpa, AvaniKids and a large swimming pool and pool bar.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa The 109 all-villa Hilton Maldives Amingiri is a family-friendly getaway in Male’ Atoll. This is the fourth resort under the Hilton’s portfolio of brands in the Maldives, joining Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton. The resort features six restaurants and bars, as well as a spa and wellness center and a pool. Hilton Amingiri is set to open in the second quarter of 2022.

Maniya Faru Resort Located in South Male’ Atoll, the island of Maniya Faru will join sister property Reethi Faru Resort at the end of next year. The luxury resort features 110 seafront villas, an ala carte restaurant, and an overwater spa.

Amari Kudakurathu Maldives With 200 keys, Amari is set to open its second resort in September 2022. Amari Kudakurathu is situated in the pristine Raa Atoll.

12

www.hotelier.mv

Six Senses Kanuhura The Six Senses brand will add Kanuhura in Lhaviyani atoll to their portfolio in late 2022. Six Senses Kanuhura will offer 80 private overwater, beach and spacious family villas offering sunset or sunrise views. Encompassing three private islands – two deserted neighbouring islands and Kanuhura itself – this laid-back retreat is the epitome of white sands, turquoise lagoons, lush tropical greenery and gently swaying palm trees to doze under.

NEW OPENINGS

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa

OBLU Xperience Ailafushi

Emerald Collection’s second property in the Maldives, Emerald Faarufushi is expected to open to guests on 1st May 2022. Located at the northern tip of Raa Atoll, the resort features 80 independent villas. A private dock leads to 39 Water Villas with Pool and three Superior Water Villas with Pool. There are also 27 Beach Villas, 10 of which are with private pools, along with 10 Family Beach Villas with Pool and one Presidential Beach Villa.

Oblu Xperience Ailafushi, opening in March 2022, is all about immersion in a free-spirited Maldivian vibe. In the local language of Dhivehi, ‘Aila’ means family and ‘Fushi’ means island. True to its name, this 268-villa resort brings a fresh, experiential environment where guests can enjoy an island escape. Guests can join a group Zumba class or book a 3D movie at The Dome, a futuristic 15-metre entertainment centre available from July 2022. Alternatively, they can choose to socialise with like-minded souls at La Promenade, offering exhilarating retail and café options, or experience alfresco dining at The Copper Pot Truck, offering fresh seafood.

Nova Maldives With a modern All-Inclusive Community Concept, Nova Maldives offers a laidback retreat in South Ari Atoll. Smart, playful, rooted and responsible, Nova Maldives embodies the very essence of the Pulse Hotels & Resorts brand, infusing genuine hospitality with a human touch and innovative solutions that make use of the latest technology – not to mention a playful spirit. The resort features 76 villas in ten different categories. There are five restaurants and bars, Eskape Spa and a variety of recreational activities.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Opening early 2022, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will offer guests serenity and adventure in Raa Atoll. Guests can enjoy spectacular sunrise or sunset views from one of the 80 beachfront and overwater villas or dive excursions to Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Oblu Select Lobigili

ZAZZ Island Maldives

Opening in February 2022, Oblu Select Lobigili is an adultsonly haven ideal for a chilled-out getaway. Lobigili translates from Dhivehi as ‘Island of Love.’ There are 68 vibrant chic beach and overwater villas and an underwater restaurant, Only Blu Underwater Restaurant. The unique, multi-sensory culinary journey features gourmet cuisine set against a colourful backdrop of marine life.

Located in South Ari Atoll, ZAZZ Island Maldives is part of ZAZZ Escapes collection and is set to open in Q3 2022. The property is designed to take guests on a journey of discovery and fun – a choice to disconnect or share adventures while scene shifting back to nature, without giving up the human privileges of comfort and convenience. ZAZZ island offers a choice of six dining venues, a wellness centre and 101 overwater and beach villas.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

13

EVENT CALENDER

IBTM ASIA PACIFIC Apr 5 – 6, 2022 Marina Bay Sands Singapore Singapore, Singapore Brought to you by the most experienced name in MICE events, IBTM Asia Pacific provides a gateway to the Asia Pacific meetings, incentives, conferences and events market. Meet with a curated mix of industry suppliers and pre-qualified hosted buyers and be inspired by content that will help elevate your events.

IBTM Asia Pacific is the leading event for the meetings and events industry in the region bringing together a high calibre group of international, APAC regional and local meeting planners and exhibitors for two days of pre-scheduled one-to-one business meetings, education and networking. The event is underpinned by IBTM’s sophisticated, industry-leading Hosted Buyer programme which creates personalised appointment diaries for Hosted Buyers and exhibitors to ensure that delegates only meet people with whom there’s a very good chance of doing business.

HOW TO BE COMPETITIVE IN 2022 Thu, Apr 14, 2022 – 8:00 PM HN Summit Series - The REVENUEMANAGER - Season 2 - Episode #2 The pandemic has obviously changed a lot. New technology has evolved, travel behavior has changed, guests’ needs are different.

How should hoteliers respond to this new reality? How can we ensure the hotel remains competitive in 2022 and beyond?

About HNtv Summit Series As the trusted voice for professionals in global hospitality, HNtv Summit Series play a critical role in leading the conversation on the future of our industry. The Series brings together key decision-makers and influential thinkers from across the sector, as we continue to drive the conversation forward bringing people together and creating new pathways to interact and connect.

Click here to see the full schedule of upcoming episodes.

This event is organized by RX

ITB INDIA Apr 5 – 6, 2022 https://www.itb-india.com/ ITB India 2022 will be an all-virtual event with the physical show postponed to 2023. Scheduled on the same dates, ITB India 2022 Virtual will be held from 5 – 7 April 2022. After close observations of international developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of the Omicron variant, and extensive conversations with local authorities and partners, the show organisers made the difficult decision to move the show completely virtual, which now gives exhibitors and trade visitors maximum planning security.

ITB India Virtual brings together key travel industry leaders and international exhibitors from various segments of MICE, Leisure, Corporate and Travel Technology. The B2B virtual event builds the bridge to the Indian and South Asian travel markets, offering three full days of virtual business appointments and digital conference programme. After the virtual trade show, all conference sessions will remain online until 6 May 2022, and all registered participants have full access to the conference recordings. With ITB Community in Asia (ITB Community), the organiser had already established a global virtual platform for the tourism industry where exhibitors can successfully leverage on virtual appointments with Indian and South Asian travel buyers and international delegates.

This virtual event is organized by Messe Berlin GmbH

14

www.hotelier.mv

ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET 2022 May 8 – 11, 2022 Dubai World Trade Centre Dubai, United Arab Emirates At Arabian Travel Market, we connect you, the global travel trade, with an insight of how the industry will look in the next five years, share innovations, and create endless business opportunities over the course of four days.

Our conference programme is specifically created with you in mind. Hear from top motivational speakers, entrepreneurs, and leadership figures from a variety of sectors such as Destinations, Travel Technology, Airlines, Cruise, Hospitality, Car Rental, Hotels and Hospitality.

You’ll also find practical tips and simple innovations from exhibitors and new products being showcased exclusively at ATM. For the first time ever, ATM 2021 was a hybrid event with an inperson show in the Dubai World Trade Centre and a virtual event which took place the following week designed for those who could not attend the show in Dubai. Our visitors contributed to what was an incredible and successful event, so thank you again for attending and we look forward to seeing you in 2022.

INTERNATIONAL HOTEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM (IHTF) 2022

HICSA 2022

Apr 27 – 28, 2022 TBA Madrid, Spain

Apr 6 – 7, 2022 Grand Hyatt Mumbai, India

With COVID slowly coming under control, Arena International are delighted to announce the return of our IHTF in physical format.

Coming to Vienna in April,

The Hotel Investment Conference-South Asia (HICSA), since its inaugural edition in 2005, has been an unequalled gathering platform for the hospitality industry the world over. The conference is valued for its content-rich sessions and excellent networking opportunities attracting the hospitality industry’s top brands, hotel owners, bankers, developers, and professional advisors from around the globe.

Connecting over 200 C-Suite delegates to discuss the latest challenges and innovation of technological advancement in the hospitality sector. with hospitality one of the worst hit during the pandemic but not on the mend; the event will bring together hoteliers, management companies, OTAs, and solution providers to discuss the learnings and challenges of 2021, how technology is helping transform the hotel industry while looking forward to in enhancing guest experience to increasing revenue and driving profitability.

This event is organized by Arena International Events Group

INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY INVESTMENT FORUM (IHIF) 2022 May 3 – 5, 2022 Berlin Berlin, Germany

The 17th edition of the Hotel Investment Conference-South Asia (HICSA) is scheduled to be held on 6th and 7th April 2022 at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai. While the previous edition sought to understand the damage caused by the pandemic, this edition of HICSA will be centred around Resilience. Two of the most challenging years in recent times will soon be behind us, and notwithstanding the sparks of hope that have highlighted this unprecedented period, it is imperative that we understand the road to a complete recovery. We are proud to share that this edition of HICSA will feature 45% new speakers and another 10-15% who have graced the HICSA stage only once before. The conference is unique and special this year as for the very first time it showcases an impressive gender representation with more than 20% of speakers being inspiring women. A collection of keynote addresses, group and panel discussions will tell the story of the ordeal we continue to face and the ongoing journey of hospitality towards better days. The theme of this year’s conference is about that journey where the collective focus is on working at it harder, trying to make it better, doing it faster, making us all stronger Harder, Better, Faster and Stronger.

The HICSA organizing committee is extremely grateful to all the speakers, sponsors, supporters, and delegates for showing your trust in us and extending your continuous support and looks forward to welcoming all of you at HICSA 2022.

This event is organized by Hotelivate Private Limited

IHIF is the place where the global hotel community meets; where it joins together as one. This is what always sets IHIF apart and makes it distinct. This year’s event, which gathered over 1,200 senior leaders, was held on the 1-3 September at the InterContinental Berlin, and arguably carried more meaning than in years past. It is proof that as an industry we can set the example for the world to travel and convene —confidently and safely.

Over 180 industry-leading speakers took to the stage, addressing both the challenges and the plethora of opportunities that have come out of the pandemic, including Tony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International, Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, Minor Hotel Group, Christopher Nassetta, President & CEO, Hilton, Christopher Norton, CEO, Equinox Hotels, David Kong, CEO, BWH Hotel Group , Federico J González, CEO, Radisson Hotel Group, Hubert Viriot, CEO, Yotel, Patrick Pacious, President & CEO, Choice Hotels International and Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO, Accor. To view our speaker line-up in full please click here.

This event is organized by Questex

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

15

HOTEL REVIEW

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

South Palm Resort Maldives - Addu Atoll’s Secluded Gem With several dive sites, rich history and captivating views, Addu Atoll is one of the most unique locations in the Maldives. With every island passed, there’s a different story to tell. For those looking to discover these experiences and seeking serenity, South Palm Resort Maldives offers an unforgettable stay and is currently the only private island BOOKING resort open in the Guests can book directly Atoll.

with the resort online and through email reservations@ southpalmresort.com. Rates range from USD 270 per night to USD 700 per night on full board during high season. The resort has also curated a selection of addedvalue packages with special entitlements that are tailored to guests’ personal needs.

LOCATION AND GETTING THERE Situated in a secluded corner of the southernmost Addu Atoll, South Palm Resort Maldives is surrounded by stunning ocean views, a beautiful beach and lush tropical vegetation.

16

www.hotelier.mv

The resort’s natural beauty is enriched by a freshwater lake on the island and its proximity to local islands.

After your arrival at Velana International Airport (VIA), you are provided complimentary access to the VIP lounge.

From VIA, it takes a 70-minute domestic flight to Gan International Airport and a further ten-minute scenic speedboat ride to the island.

Guests can also fly directly to Gan International Airport from Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo via Sri Lankan Airlines from November 2021.

ACCOMMODATION South Palm Resort Maldives offers six different accommodation options.

The Sunrise Villa is its most affordable accommodation category, featuring stylish interiors; sleek lines and soft linen within the 50sqm space.

Located deeper within the greenery are Palm Villas that are the same size as Sunrise Villas, but a just a few steps from the beach. The most popular choice among guests are Beach Villas, where you can enjoy the spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets right from your 65sqm villa and private beach. If you’re travelling with children, the 100sqm Family Villas are located next to the Kids’ Park, where various fun-filled activities are planned for them with 24-hour babysitting service.

Perched above the azure water, Water Villas are 70sqm and feature a modern wooden

deck with a daybed and direct access to the lagoon. Lastly, the resort’s newest accommodation option is the exclusive OverWater Pool Villa, perfect for honeymooners seeking a great view, utmost privacy plus a spacious 75sqm room.

DINING At the resort’s main restaurant Banyan, guests are spoiled for choice with mouth-watering buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You will find traditional Maldivian cuisines as well as international cuisines. The experience comes with amazing views of the Indian Ocean.

After dinner, head over to the poolside Moodhu Bar for your favourite cocktails and entertainment till midnight.

Close to Water Villas, the Kanduolhi Bar is the perfect setting for a sunset cocktail or an afternoon snack. It also features a large barbecue for grilling delicious meats and fish and is the ideal place for special events. Furthermore, if you are in the mood to stay in, count on the staff to deliver your meal to your villa. In-villa dining is available 24 hours. On special requests, the resort also arranges candlelight dinners and beach BBQ dinners.

WELLNESS The Maldives is a well-known wellness destination, home to a variety of spas; some perched over the water while others are located within the lush greenery or the beach. At South Palm Resort Maldives, wellness

ACTIVITIES Due to its pristine location in Addu Atoll, guests at South Palm Resort Maldives will never run out of things to do. They have a choice of thirty different diving spots to explore, including the popular British Loyalty wreck.

Other activities on water include windsurfing, kayaking, private snorkelling, kite surfing and etc. experience takes a new level of different, with its Kurumba Spa floating on a freshwater lagoon!

Guests are taken to the floating spa rooms on a traditional dhoni. A wide range of sessions are available including Balinese and Ayurvedic treatments.

The Kurumba Spa Signature massage is a favourite among guests. It is a relaxing combination of four massages, starting with a 30-minute long strokes and deep skin massage and ending with a 30-minute reflexology to give you a feeling of overall comfort.

Throughout the week, the resort has a list of daily activities, such as sunset fishing on Mondays and Maldivian nights on Fridays. For a taste of the rich culture and heritage in the area, take an Addu City tour and visit Gan the former RAF base or visit Hulhumeedhoo island, where you can see some of the Second World War remains near the beach area and the oldest cemetery in the country “Koagannu”. You can also hire a skilled photographer from the resort to capture these amazing moments or head to the resort’s souvenir shop for some incredible mementos.

At the end of your stay at South Palm Resort Maldives, you’ll be packing countless unforgettable memories and rich local experiences to take back home with you.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

17

SPECIAL FEATURE

BY NAZ A NAZEEM, AMINATH SHIULEEN

A Talent for Hospitality Maldives opened its door to international tourists in 1972 with the opening of the first resort in the country, Kurumba Village.

At the time, this remote archipelago was only inhabited by fisher folk and was unknown to the outside world and with no foreign investment to speak of. There was only a small airstrip on Hulhule’ Island (the present international airport), developed with the labor of volunteering men and women from the country, with no regular flights.

18

www.hotelier.mv

Twenty-five years later, in 1997, the island nation welcomed the first internationally branded resort in the Maldives, Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa. The entrance of international hotel brands had challenged the country’s talent pool to meet exacting and demanding standards to meet new performance benchmarks.

Maldives’ solid reputation for luxury tourism and the ongoing expansion of tourist infrastructure bodes well for medium-term growth.

Nonetheless, high dependence on tourism and limited near-term prospects for diversification mean that the economy remains highly vulnerable to external shocks.

Addressing skills mismatches in the labor market can enable more Maldivians to reap the benefits from growth.

Tourism and its Impact on Employment Over the past fifty years, the tourism and hospitality industry has brought tremendous prosperity and progress to the country. It is the largest sector of Maldives’ economy providing for more than 22.3 per cent of the country’s GDP and more than one-third of the government revenue (source: Tourism Yearbook 2021, Ministry of Tourism).

Consumption expenditures of tourists provide direct or indirect employment opportunities in the tourism industry. The rapid growth of international tourism has led to numerous job creations within the country. Tourism can create employment directly through resorts, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir sales and indirectly through the supply of commodities needed by tourism-related businesses.

From 2009 until 2019, the Maldives benefited from a steady growth in tourist arrivals. In fact, the number of arrivals almost tripled over the period from 2000 to 2019.

The year 2020 began with the same momentum, with January recording a 14 per cent increase in arrivals compared to January 2019. However, due to the

pandemic, total arrivals plunged to its lowest in fifteen years, affecting thousands of jobs.

The Resort Employee Survey conducted by National Bureau of Statistics in 2019 revealed that an estimated 44,954 employees were working in the 147 tourist resorts. The Survey conducted in 2020 showed that there were 48,664 employees employed in the 155 resorts at the beginning of the year.

This is an 8 percent increase between the nine-month period from April 2019 to January 2020.

During the lockdown from March to July 2020, the number of employees mid-year (June) 2020 stood at 4,713, based on the operational staff active at 46 resorts. At the end of 2020, there were 35,887 employees employed in 140 resorts.

A recent report by the Ministry of Economic Development states that out of the 181,144 total employed population in the Maldives, the service sector represents almost 74 per cent. The report goes on to mention that a total of 3,769 individuals reported to have been terminated from their jobs, of which approximately 50 per cent took place in tourist resorts.

After 2021 concluded with over 1.3 million arrivals, the year 2022 looked optimistic for the industry. As of January 2022, the Maldives had 162 resorts, 10 hotels, 146 liveaboards and 623 guesthouses across the country representing the broad nature of the industry in this small island nation where the local population is only 540,000.

Monthly arrivals exceeded 109,000 tourists in January.

However, as per research conducted by the government and other agencies, there is a massive shortfall of local manpower for tourism services compared with the increasing number of tourists. The key to sustained and sustainable growth of Maldives tourism sector is internationally competitive and flexible enterprises built on the quality of their products and services, and delivered by a workforce that is trained to a high standard and able to develop and grow within the workplace.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

19

SPECIAL FEATURE

The Challenges in Developing Talent A variety of factors create challenges in developing the local talent pool.

The geography of the Maldives, the gender imbalance and the education system are some of the main factors.

Geography The bed capacity of the Maldives has increased from 18,730 in 2000 to 51,827 in 2020. From this, over 70 per cent of the beds are from resorts. However, the problem is noticeable when we look at the distribution of these resorts by atolls. Over 32 per cent of the beds are in Male’ Atoll, followed by Alifu Dhaalu with 11 per cent and Raa with 8.9 per cent. These changes are mainly present due to lack of accessibility and poor domestic transportation in certain areas.

As a result, many young talents in local islands are unable to receive the opportunities that those in more developed areas in the Maldives receive.

20

www.hotelier.mv

Gender Imbalance The Resort Employee Survey of 2020 confirms that tourist resorts have remained and continue to be a male dominant sector where 88 per cent are men, with only 12 per cent of the employees as women.

Among males only 40 per cent were locals and among female employees only 3 per cent were locals.

There are cultural and social taboos against female employment in the tourism and hospitality sector in Maldives.

The accommodation and tourism sector occupations have a negative connotation that prompts parents to discourage their daughters from seeking employment in this sector. Travel to resort islands, double shifts, necessary in accommodation operation, are another major obstacle disrupting family life for married women, as is the necessity of providing official transportation from and to the island workplace so that women can commute to work instead of staying at the resort island.

However, it seems that this issue has improved greatly compared to the past. In a percent Women in Hospitality (published in Hotelier Maldives) interview with Farsa Saeed, Sales Manager at St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, said, “Initially there were a lot of raised eyebrows and judgment from society for leaving family behind and living among strangers on a remote island. I believe we have come very far from mere five years ago. There are more and more women joining the industry and defying gender stereotyping – proving that women can make a difference here too. In terms of opportunities, I have received many in the past few years which have helped me grow in my role.”

The tourism and hospitality industry can only be fully exploited when the local workforce, including women, participates in it.

Education System Many industry professionals would agree with Hussain Shahid, Executive Assistant Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma; when he said in a recent interview with Hotelier Maldives that the Maldives is quite behind in education when compared to many countries.

“You cannot change some people’s paradigms once they are sixteen or eighteen years old. You need to start from the bottom of the educational level.”

Shahid stated that schools in Maldives need to provide students at a young age the chance to experience and learn what working at a resort is like.

He also said that educational institutions should focus more on integrating education and work experience.

Furthermore, there are many courses that are not available here in the Maldives or offer poor quality of education. There are also cases where many young locals are not well aware of the courses and institutions in the country.

Actions and Solutions Now the big question comes down to what is being done, as one of the world’s most sought after tourist destinations struggle with finding manpower.

Regulations The regulation of the Ministry of Tourism limits the employment of foreigners to a 45:55 ratio of total tourism employees, although this percentage can be increased or decreased when necessary. Work permits are granted on employers’ request by the Ministry of Economic Development with the possibility of renewal.

The Ministry of Economic Development has the exclusive authority to issue work permits to foreigners and record the permits issued.

Furthermore, as stated in the Maldives Government Strategic Action Plan 2019-2023, the Government intends to increase the representation of Maldivians, particularly women in tourism related employment, and address issues relating to employment rights through introduction of minimum wage, regulation of service charge, and strengthening labor rights.

Training Needs Analysis of the Tourism Sector With the recent development pattern in the Maldives showing an imbalance between labor demand and supply, the Government is implementing the “Maldives: Enhancing Employability and Resilience of Youth (MEERY)” project.

The objective of the project is to improve the relevance of technical and vocational skills and foster entrepreneurship to promote youth employment in priority sectors. As a step of this project, a national study - ‘Training Needs Analysis for the Tourism Sector’ was compiled by MEERY Project Consultant Mr. Kai Partale and was published in March 2020.

The study aimed to find out which jobs were available in the tourism industry, the interests of youth, the required level of training, how to engage more women in the industry and which programmes are of need to the industry.

The study identified some critical issues within the industry to help formulate recommendations in various human resource areas such as skills analysis, recruitment, selection, labor demand in certain occupational areas, and training and development.

These issues included the tourism and hospitality industry not being an attractive industry to work in, low awareness of career paths in the industry and not utilizing local training providers.

According to a survey carried out from a cross-section of the industry, the employee/bed ratio has been estimated at 1.2 person per bed for the resort sector, 0.68 person per bed for the guesthouse sector and 0.48 person per bed for the hotel sector. With a total of 45,988 registered beds in 2019, 49,129 workers are required across the three accommodation sub-sectors (excluding safari

vessels). With an increase of 35,000 beds according to the Strategic Action Plan 20192023 and an assumed even distribution over the three accommodation categories, 86,519 workers will be required by 2023. This is excluding the turnover rates. The survey also reveals that no employment growth has been foreseen for the travel agency sector, as it appears overstaffed at present levels with a lot of in-active businesses.

Findings on the resort labor market indicates that the occupation of Chefs/Cooks remains the most important in the future with growing difficulties to find staff. This is followed by Food and Beverage services, Diving Instructors and Housekeepers.

Furthermore, when looking at the reasons why resort workers left their jobs voluntarily, job opportunities from competitors was the main reason, followed by low salary and lack of career advancement.

The report also found that academic qualifications are required most for positions in Resort Management, Human Resource Management, Accounting & Finance, and Medical Services. The proportion of diploma level qualifications is relatively high in positions such as Front Office, Spa & Wellness, Clinic / Health Center, Powerhouse, Diving and Water Sports.

Certificates are predominantly held in Transportation, Maintenance, and Housekeeping positions.

The study (Training Needs Analysis of the Tourism Sector) also identified initial skill gaps and training requirements. It revealed that the private sector and industry organizations have identified that there are skill gaps and training requirements in the following areas: soft skills, information communication and technology skills, e-commerce and digital marketing, financial literacy and bookkeeping, language, culinary arts and food production, event management, safety, tour guiding, water sports activities and guesthouse management. Identifying these gaps is a step forward into providing the industry with a quality labor market which in return will contribute towards enhancement of the country’s tourism industry.

Of note are also the several solutions for women’s’ participation in the labor market offered in the study.

This included establishing women and family-friendly work conditions (eg: with programmes of transportation to nearby resort islands), providing targeted gendersensitive training, conducting gender-focused projects in tourism, supporting local tourism development and more.

In general, the higher the positions were, the higher percentage of staff holding a diploma, bachelor’s, and a postgraduate degree. It is also interesting to note that front line staff, or those directly in contact with guests, generally had a higher education degree than those who did not.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

21

SPECIAL FEATURE

Educational Institutions The main educational and training institutions in the Maldives tourism and hospitality industry are Maldives National University, Villa College, Clique College, Maps College, and Maldives Polytechnic. While Male’ is the main location for education and training, MNU, Villa College and Maldives Polytechnic also offer courses at Regional Campuses/Outreach

22

www.hotelier.mv

Centers on other islands.

The Training Needs Analysis report stated that MNU partners with IHG Maamunagau for a duration of 240 – 720 hours depending on the programme and Villa college with Villa Hotels, diveOceanus, and Q Adventures for a duration of four weeks.

Zeenath Solih - Dean, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, The Maldives National University, informed the audience during the third panel discussion at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2021, “One of the systems we have implemented in Maldives National University is outreach centers. Individual resorts, if they are willing, can sign a MoU with us to conduct our approved programs at the resort. And if their lecturers are fully qualified based on MQA standards, this is one way they could recruit employees. They could find local talent from nearby islands and train them

while they are doing internships at the resort.”

Challenges in sourcing and retaining the human resources required for the hospitality industry has increased during post-pandemic. However, it has also been an issue that has been ‘lurking’ to surface. It is critical that solutions to these challenges be imagined now and plans and strategies drawn to realize them.

50 ON 50

BY JANET SMAILES

50 on 50 : MU Maniku, Chairman, Universal Enterprises To celebrate the 50th year of the Maldives tourism industry, we are starting a new series commemorating 50 leaders in the industry with the most impact, both in the past and looking to the future.

The first segment features MU Maniku, Chairman of Universal Resorts and Chairman of the Board of Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI).

PARADISE FOUND “Without tourism the Maldives would still be a very poor and undeveloped country,” says MU Maniku, Maldives tourism pioneer and Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI).

MU Maniku did not set out to be a tourism professional, he initially studied agriculture in Pakistan and was working at the Ministry of Agriculture in 1971 when a chain of chance meetings brought together three Maldivians and an Italian.

They proceeded to carve out an industry that would catapult the Maldivian archipelago onto the world stage and attract a veritable who’s

24

www.hotelier.mv

who of celebrities during its 50 years of growth.

It all started when his friend Ahmed Naseem, who was stationed in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), appeared on a cargo boat with an Italian tour operator who was looking for white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters to swim and fish in. Naseem introduced the Italian George Corbin to MU Manik and another friend, Hussain Afeef, and the three young men took pleasure in hosting their Italian visitor, introducing him to the wonders of the Maldivian islands and its underwater treasures. Corbin was enchanted, it was the paradise he had been searching for and he promised his new Maldivian friends he would be back and would bring more Italians with him.

Fuelled by youthful exuberance, trust, and excitement, the four agreed on a plan to bring a group of Italians to

the Maldives the following year. This was by no means straight forward as the only method of communication was morse code via Colombo!

Despite the anxious waits between messages the plan came together with Corbin and 19 fellow Italian adventurers flying from Italy to Ceylon and onwards to the Maldives on an Air Ceylon charter plane arriving on 16th February 1972.

MU Maniku and George Corbin

With no hotels, MU Manik and his friends put the tourists up in their homes; Maagiri, Luxwood and Kaneeru Villa, taking them out each day to explore the nearby islands to fish and swim.

The trip was a great success and Corbin suggested that a resort was built so he could bring more people to enjoy “Paradise”.

A NEW ECONOMIC ERA “The Maldives was very different back then”, says Maniku, “the country was poor, with less than 2.5 million in annual revenue. The streets of Male’ were just sand, boats were small sailing or rowing vessels and the airport was little more than a landing strip for cargo planes that brought in supplies via Ceylon”. In addition, a previous UN study had concluded that the Maldives “lacked the infrastructure necessary to become a tourist destination”.

see the potential and Bandos was built, closely followed by Villingili.

Word of the new island paradise began to spread with tour operators venturing across from Sri Lanka to investigate.

Once they had seen the allure they were quick to promote it, selling Maldives excursions to their European clientele.

Swedish operator Vingresor was one of the first, closely followed

The first tourists to the Maldives in 1972 MU recalls supplies, equipment and communication were all a challenge during the early years. Everything had to be done via morse code or ham radio and local communication was via walkie talkie and a huge mast! Supplies had to be flown in or put on cargo boats which were often unreliable.

None of this deterred them. And bolstered by the success of the first group they dug into their own pockets pooling their skills and resources to construct 30 rooms on what is now Kurumba Maldives. The rooms were simple, coral walls and coconut thatched roofs. A generator was procured from Singapore and the labor came from themselves with the support of local craftsmen. The hard work and long days were sustained by their drive and enthusiasm, However, they also realized that some professional help was needed if they were going to compete with their neighbors. This decision resulted in the creation of a small hotel school in Villingili (albeit informal), in 1980 enlisting one of MU’s previous classmates to run it, and bringing across experts from Sri Lanka to teach the locals the arts and crafts of hospitality.

Additionally, experienced Chefs from Germany were recruited for Kurumba and the industry began to gain its professionalism.

and within 8 months the resort was finished. The first guests arrived on 3rd October 1972 and the Maldives tourism industry was born.

At the time tourism in Asia was flourishing with neighboring countries Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Thailand and Seychelles full of tourists and had flourishing economies.

Consequently, the Maldives government and other local businessmen were quick to

With no investors to support them, all the resorts were 100% Maldivian, built with hard work, grit and determination, all profit was re-invested and long hours were worked to keep the places running. Desalination plants proved to be a costly investment and the first one broke down within weeks of its arrival, so, as MU explains, “we opened it up, examined the contents and set about finding the necessary spare parts and programming information to get it working. We tested out all manner of parts and cobbled them together. It wasn’t pretty but it worked and continued working!”

by TUI, LTU, Kuoni and others.

In 1973, 3790 visitors arrived, mainly from Italy, Sweden and Germany.

As there were no experienced hoteliers to run the resorts, everything was done by the owners themselves and willing but equally untrained locals with MU working as both chef and bartender for many years, fuelled by an insatiable drive to give people the experience of a lifetime.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

25

50 ON 50

CONNECTIVITY The airport was not built to cater for large aircraft so the ever-increasing number of flights bringing in both tourists and supplies had to come via Sri Lanka. A new and improved airport was constructed and opened in 1981 with Condor being the first to land, flying direct from Frankfurt to the Maldives. Landing a DC-10 with 260 tourists on board, effectively making the Maldives a destination in its own right and opening up trade corridors to fresh ingredients that would elevate the F&B offerings to a high end product.

Promoting the destination was the next challenge so in 1983 the group journeyed to Germany to see what the ITB in Berlin could offer. Sri Lanka already had a stand. So the following year, in 1984 the Maldives had its own stand and the relationships with tour operators grew.

one would come, he decided to upgrade Kurumba. He hired a German architect, added a pool and more restaurants, and reopened Kurumba in 1987, firmly establishing it as a star class property, a gamble that paid off.

Other properties followed suit creating the basis for the luxury destination concept that the Maldives is now synonymous with.

Initially the only islands developed were those that could be reached by boat.

However, once the helicopter transfers were introduced, Ari Atoll became accessible and the advent of the seaplane in 1993 opened up other atolls to the tourist industry.

Hulhule Airport in 1972

In the early years the Maldives was a cheap destination that attracted predominantly divers.

Rates were $14 for a single room in Villingili, $23 for Kurumba.

MU saw the folly of staying at the low end of the market and despite the tour operators saying it was foolhardy and no

The first flight operated to the Maldives by Condor

THE CHALLENGE OF GROWTH

Kurumba Maldives What started as a cheap destination for divers has evolved into a high end, honeymoon and family destination. The explosion of the guest house industry from 2010 onwards opened the destination still further.

MU’s vision has always been “a bed suitable for all”, and as he

26

www.hotelier.mv

says, “each island has its own character whether it be a local island or resort island and is therefore a destination in its own right” so there is literally something for everyone.

Bed capacity has doubled year on year and with over 80 resorts on the drawing board

and several more ready for development, the Maldives still has a lot more to offer.

However, as a country of only 540,542 people and a negative population growth there is a growing manpower vacuum, add to this the increasing mobility of the working population and the increasing opportunities to study abroad.

And it becomes evident that being able to attract an expat workforce to bolster the manpower requirements is going to get even more important.

MU is keen to emphasize the importance of studying abroad and gaining exposure to other cultures as he credits his five years studying in Pakistan at an American style campus as some of the best years of his life due to the diversity and amount of

people he met.

MU Maniku, Ahmed Naseem and Hussain Afeef pioneered an industry that defied the UN report and created an economic boost that would sustain the island nation through global disturbances and natural disasters, their logistical uniqueness providing both challenges and solutions.

Now in his 70’s, MU Maniku still has a finger firmly on the pulse of tourism. In addition to his role as Chairman of MATI, he is chairman of both Universal Enterprises and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), plus has recently developed two resorts in Raa Atoll.

AVIATION SUPPLY

AIR EXPRESS FREIGHT

SERVICES & AIRLINE GENERAL AGENCY SERVICES

SERVICES FOR CRUISE LINES, SUPER YACHTS & NAVAL SHIPS

BUNKERING

INTER ATOLL TRANSPORTATION

INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDING

LINER & FEEDER SERVICES

MARINE OFFSHORE LOGISTICS & SEA MARSHALLING

SHIP AGENCY SERVICES & VESSEL HUSBANDING SERVICES

RELOCATION, REMOVAL & MICE

PROJECT LOGISTICS & LOGISTICS SUPPORT

TOTAL TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS MALDIVES (PVT) LTD 05th Floor, Ma. Bodudhaharaage, Chandhanee Magu, Male’, Maldives. +960 3011 888 / info@ttsgroup.mv ttsgroupmaldives.com facebook.com/ttsgroupmaldives

twitter.com/ttsgrpmaldives

instagram.com/ttsgroupmaldives

27

linkedin.com/company/tts-group-mv ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

FIRST LOOK

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

FIRST LOOK:

The Signature Collection by Hideaway Introducing a resort in a resort, The Signature Collection by Hideaway is situated on the north point of the 33-hectare luxury island.

Featuring some of the largest villas in the Maldives, exceptionally personalised service and utmost privacy, The Signature Collection

by Hideaway is here to redefine barefoot and secluded luxury in the Maldives.

The Signature Guests have the option of nine ultra-luxurious villas, all designed to the taste of the most sophisticated travellers with modern MiddleEastern influences and touches.

The one-bedroom Signature Beach Residence with Sunrise Pool is 350 sqm and offers direct access to the North-Point beach, which is also the view from your spacious bedroom.

The bathroom comes with a free standing Jacuzzi bathtub, multi-jet rain shower, designer wash basins, and a mirror TV. Along with a private swimming pool and in-pool Jacuzzi, the handcrafted wooden private deck features a swing, sofas, sunbeds, and open-air outdoor rain shower. Adding to the

28

www.hotelier.mv

Signature Beach Residence

entertainment, there is a stateof-the-art surround sound system, complimented with multimedia entertainment.

The Grand Beach Residence with Sunrise Pool is a 700sqm three-bedroom haven accommodating up to six guests. There is an Oversized Master Bedroom on the upper floor with ensuite bathroom and two extra bedrooms similar in style on the ground floor.

Providing an extra edge over the one-bedroom Signature Beach Residence, Grand beach Residence has a strategically

built pavilion together with a Maldivian style, hand-crafted deck, with sumptuous views of the ocean, a furnished sunken gazebo, and open-air outdoor rain shower. Right next to the luxuriously curved pool, you’ll find a state-of-the-art treadmill and exercise bike with floor to ceiling mirror style television experience. Furthermore, there is a private Sauna bath that is directly accessible from the outdoor sundeck.

The ultimate private retreat for large families and groups of friends, the four-bedroom

Sultan Beach Residence with Sunset Pool gives you a large outdoor relaxation area and spacious interior living space.

Highlights of this stunning 1100 sqm property includes a distinctive water slide that extends into the scintillating waters of the massive pool.

There is also a library room that doubles as a study room for some peace and quiet, as well as a Nanny room with ensuite bathroom. Three of the bedrooms offer king-size beds, while the other bedroom features two comfortable twin-size beds. All come with

free standing Jacuzzi bathtubs, multi-jet rain showers, and designer wash basins. There is a sizable steam room inside the Master Bedroom with twinkling lights to ensure a magical and refreshing experience; perfect for use after a workout.

Grand Beach Residence

Just a few steps from the villas is the Oasis, the restaurant, bar and lounge aimed to cater to the Signature Guests. Inspired by the Mediterranean’s convivial coastline, the Oasis offers a comfortable international premium dining experience, surrounded by elegant designs with fine Middle Eastern touches and lush foliage. The restaurant serves ala-carte breakfast, lunch and dinner and is the perfect place to relax, having a pool, a carefully curated Wine list and a shisha corner.

The Signature Collection by Hideaway is a world of its own.

The Signature Guests have their own private butler who caters to their each and every need, from pre-arrival to departure.

They can experience the best of the beach with Mr. Moodhu, your in-house concierge to personalise excursion experiences. Mr. Moodhu can show you the most brilliant parts of the coral reef of the island, or teach you how to fish, and offer in-depth expertise to create the perfect excursion itinerary during the stay. Other experiences include Private Yoga classes or In-villa spa treatments, sandbank getaway and a gastronomy journey by one of the resort’s expert Personal Chefs.

Sultan Beach Residence

This is where you can truly hideaway from the rest of the world – a holiday like no other.

The Oasis

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

29

THE GM’S VIEW

BY JANET SMAILES

GM’s View: Henri Arnulphy, Constance Moofushi Surrounded by crystal clear lagoon and impressive stretches of white sandy beaches, Constance Moofushi is a diving and snorkelling paradise, located in South Ari Atoll, close to some of the best diving sites in the Maldives and on the migration route of the manta rays.

gave me a unique opportunity to get to know every inch of the island and really appreciate how the resort worked.

The resort offers a perfect combination of luxury and simplicity, the natural charm and barefoot elegance, coupled with Constance’s chic give the resort a soul, making the all-inclusive luxury resort unique.

HA: I have always had my own idea of hospitality, which is very simple “be the best host possible”.

Henri has been with the Constance Hotels group for over six years, taking over the reigns as GM of Constance Moofushi in March 2020. Hotelier Maldives spoke to Henri about his journey, the challenges of the pandemic and life as a GM. HM: What started you on your hospitality journey?

HA: Coming from Mauritius which is very much a tourist destination, I grew up in the industry as my parents were owners of a small guest house and other hospitality businesses. However, after High school graduation, I wanted to do something different, so I became a car salesman, a job that lasted seven months before realising that my heart lay in hospitality. I was given the Guest Relation Officer position in a resort close to my home

30

www.hotelier.mv

HM: The role of a GM largely involves leading and directing people, do you have a certain management style or philosophy and has this changed since you have been in the Maldives?

and the passion started from there.

Once in the industry I was eager to learn, becoming the first management trainee of the resort at the time, gaining an invaluable insight into all departments, before moving to Australia to learn and study further. This opened the door to a lot of F&B experiences including stints in Abu Dhabi, China, and some yachting from Greenland to Antarctica before I joined Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf in 2015.

HM: What enticed you to the Maldives and how did you land your current position?

HA: I had joined Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf as the Resort Manager for Constance Tsarabanjina. A luxury Robinson Crusoe private island located in the Archipelago of Mitsio, Madagascar, which was a selfmanaged property very like the way the Maldives resorts operate.

After three successful years, I was promoted and relocated as Resident Manager at Constance Moofushi in the Maldives, effectively swapping one luxury Crusoe type resort for another.

I joined Moofushi in August 2018 and spent a fruitful eighteen months learning the resort as the number two, so when the GM left in March 2020, I was trusted by the management to take over the General Manager role, just as Covid-19 struck!

HM: What is it like to be the GM of Constance Moofushi?

HA: Constance Moofushi has a very strong soul, and I feel extremely privileged and proud to be the Manager here. I love the Resort in every possible way: from its amazing location, its design, the friendly team, and the approach to luxury.

Having been the RM for eighteen months the transition to GM was very smooth.

We were closed for six months during the pandemic which

However, as you grow in management positions, being the best host is not enough, your role is to lead and inspire others to do their best themselves.

Placing all the important GM administration work aside – my philosophy is to make sure each, and every person in the team understand my dedication as a leader. By doing this, I believe that you transfer the positive attitude, and the right energy to your team, so they will perform at their best.

The Maldives attracts a lot of nationalities, we currently have twenty-one, so it is important to bring them together with the same clear vision.

HM: What makes Constance Moofushi unique and how do you consistently deliver on your promises?

HA: First, I will say its name, I truly like the sound of “Moofushi” and what it means in the local language: “Roots”.

The resort has a very natural and relaxed feel to it, our restaurants are open and have

sand floors, so everything is very traditional. We are also spoiled with our location, close to fantastic reef & natural beaches.

In terms of hospitality and services – we simply continuously deliver and have remained among the best for so long because we are true to what we do. No fake promises, the product is easy to understand, it is a pure human scale Luxury All Inclusive Resort – barefoot chic.

HM: Any events or new projects that we should know about?

received from the Headquarters made my mission as a GM clear.

I stayed transparent with my management team at all times, so today we are a stronger team. Overall, I am confident that the hard times will soon bring more good times.

HM: What is your opinion on vaccination tourism and is this something Constance will participate in?

HA: We were one of the first resorts to start the vaccination program in the Maldives. The

One of my best moments was when we recently signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Maldives National University (MNU) to help entice local talent into embracing a career in Hospitality. This will help the local talent and further enhances Constance Moofushi’s relationship with the local community.

However probably my most lasting and unique memory will be spending nearly five months on the resort with forty team members and no

business needs, but to me and the future of our industry, it will remain essential that we keep the human touches alive; the smiles, the hugs, the pleasure of hosting, the surprises, and the respect for nature.

HM: The role of a GM has many facets, where does your passion lie?

HA: What drives me is a good working environment; where I feel free to work, and where my personality is accepted.

HA: We completed a soft renovation of the resort at the end of 2019, while our style and attitude remained the same, we needed to implement the right upgrades needed for the product; a fusion of elegance and eco-chic, so the refurbishment was mainly concentrated on the rooms, main restaurant, and public areas.

HM: The role of the GM is always challenging, and the pandemic has made it more so, what are your biggest challenges at the moment and how are you dealing with them?

HA: We re-opened just over a year ago, which has seen some wild fluctuations in occupancy as countries can close or open their boarders at a moment’s notice, we were doing extremely well at the start of the year and then the UK market disappeared overnight leaving us and others with an unexpected dip in occupancy.

Things are constantly improving; however, it is still difficult to predict what the future holds making operational planning extremely challenging.

Keeping the team motivated and getting supplies were also a challenge, with the unpredictability of the business making forecasting, budgeting, and daily operations interesting to say the least! However, we have been able to maintain our high standards and quality throughout.

Looking back at the year, we managed it well, the positive strategies and backing we

same goes for all Constance properties, in Seychelles, Mauritius & Madagascar. We reacted quickly to support in the vaccination program.

Our CEO himself, Mr. JeanJacques Vallet and all other leaders in our different regions set the example by leading the way and getting vaccinated first.

I believe we must all be vaccinated to be able to get things going, I do not see another option.

HM: What do you love most about the Maldives, and what has been your most memorable Maldives moment so far?

HA: Maldives is a small country, and the one island one resort concept means you are close to each other, this also helps to quickly build good relationships, both on the resort and with various stakeholders in the country.

guests. We all worked together, as maintenance, gardening, and room teams to keep the equipment functioning, the resort clean and carry out the required preventative maintenance. It was a truly unique experience, and we created some great memories.

HM: Technology and connectivity within the tourism field is constantly evolving, what changes have you seen during your career and what can we expect in the future?

HA: With today’s connectivity, you can build a relationship with your customers before they even visit your Resort.

This is magical and was simply not possible when I started fourteen years ago.

As a Millennial myself, I am reasonably active on different social media platforms and will embrace the changes that are coming our way for our

The same philosophy is cascaded to the team. I give to the management team the space, and freedom they need to perform happily. We share ideas, listen to each other, and try new things together as a team. This is what I really like in my role, and I have fun doing it. Empowerment is important, especially on a resort.

Being business minded from a very young age, I enjoy the numbers. The GM role allows me to control the strategic decisions of the resort operation, which are reflected in the results. I enjoy seeing a strategy working and having a fruitful outcome. It is not easy, but I always enjoy the challenge and we are constantly pushing to achieve new goals as a team.

HM: What advice would you give to those looking to progress to a GM role, what qualities make a good GM? HA: Hard work will contribute, ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

31

THE GM’S VIEW but there is no perfect road to achieve a General Manager role.

I have been taught to love what you do, and you will do it well.

Have a clear goal and idea of where you are going and how you want to get there.

Regarding being good a GM, you need the core qualities of consideration, understanding, resourcefulness, compassion and approachability. Things happen and you analyse them, wondering if you could have done something different to change the outcome, ultimately though, it’s a question to ask my team.

hotels have 8 properties within the Indian ocean so there is also the option of cross promotions so people can progress up the ranks by moving to a different property. Our Spa Manager, and F&B Manager are recent examples as both were promoted from the Seychelles and our Head Sommelier was recently promoted from our sister property Constance Halaveli, so there is constant scope for development within the group.

This year, even with the difficulties faced with the pandemic, we ran a total of

complex, and you deal with different nationalities and have the ability to network at every level.

HM: Constance has two properties in the Maldives, how are they different and what do they do to stand out from the crowd?

HA: All resorts in the Maldives are different, they have their own diverse style, altered services and their offers differ.

The range of choices and possibilities for customers visiting the Maldives is vast.

Resorts maintain their identities

HM: What hobbies do you enjoy in your downtime and how do you recharge?

Some of our top best practices we are proud of are:

I enjoy many other things too: diving here is amazing, a good spa treatment during a day off, or just a good movie or documentary during a Maldivian rainy day. I also genuinely enjoy hosting our guests around a good meal and a few Grand Crus.

HM: With new Resorts opening and opportunities arising, how do you deal with staff retention and what staff development opportunities are available?

HA: Losing a good team member is never easy, but if they leave you for the good reasons, I personally do not see anything wrong with that, as long as they are happy, and keep great memories of their time with us here.

Constance Hotels is a company that acknowledge talent, equal opportunity, and hard work.

We run Personal Development Programs (PDPs) throughout the year. The PDP’s are not fixed programs but designed specifically for the individual to enable their growth. Constance

32

www.hotelier.mv

HA: I am extremely sensitive to the subject, and strongly believe much more can be done. Here at the Resort, we have been certified Green Globe for six years, plus for three years in a row, Constance Moofushi has been awarded the “Respect for Nature Award” – an internal Award within Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf as best sustainability Resort in the Group.

We have a sustainability committee in place and brainstorm new ideas constantly. All small contributions count, and any good ideas will be implemented.

HA: On the island – I recharge by going for a run, it allows me to free my mind. I recently restarted it a bit more seriously and it feels great.

Outside the Island – travelling is my escape route, I am continuously looking for a new country or city to visit and experience. Good travelling is a worthy investment.

HM: Sustainability and environmental issues are at the forefront of issues that the Maldives needs to address. What are your thoughts on this and what strategies does Constance Moofushi have?

• Using waste heat from the generators to heat water in guests and Team Members room • Our own water bottling in re-usable glass bottles (hugely reducing the need to buy plastic water bottles) nineteen PDPs for both local and international talents. Those programs led to nineteen promotions; a number never reached in previous years. We trust the team and support their growth. We are proud to have been able to promote several locals into management roles through this program.

HM: What advice would you give aspiring hoteliers wanting to join the industry?

HA: An attraction to the industry always helps, then find what you are good at and “Give it a try…!” It doesn’t matter what your interest is, pursuing it in a hospitality environment can add elements of fun and variety that you won’t find elsewhere. Being an engineer, accountant or IT guy in an office / city environment can be boring and routine, on a resort the role is diverse and

and the final choice will be determined by the guests profile and what they are looking for.

In the Maldives, both Constance properties are under the same corporate leadership, and have the same DNA, culture and values. Both have a strong focus on the quality of food, the wine list and “True Team” member attitude.

Constance Halaveli, will provide you with more activity options (Tennis / kids Club / etc), the rooms are more spacious, have more privacy and their own pools, plus the high-end Leading Hotels of the World standards.

Constance Moofushi, is the Human-scale Premium All Inclusive Resort, with great beach, snorkelling and diving, plus laid back luxury, barefoot living and friendliness making it the perfect rendezvous.

• Coral rejuvenation initiative.

We set a new record in September planting 286 corals. Plus we have a full time Marine Biologist who holds evening education events on different topics for the guests.

• CSR activities through our committee with neighbourhood islands • “No Bin Day” recently introduced twice a week at the Team Members canteen • Other contributions such as garbage segregation, ecofriendly amenities, paper straws, a Chef’s Garden, reuse of wood and waste coconut shells, broken umbrellas into bags, and so much more…

THE GM’S VIEW

BY DONNA RICHARDSON

GM’s View: Gavin Sanders, Radisson Blu Resort Maldives Gavin Sanders is the general manager of Radisson Blu Resort Maldives, the first and only of its kind in the archipelago. With over three decades of experience, Gavin has taken to his new role as GM of this splendid island with gusto. Before arriving in the Maldives, Sanders was general manager of Radisson Golf and Convention Centre Batam. He embarked on his hospitality journey in 1987 at Radisson Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel in London and built his career at Radisson Edwardian Hotel Heathrow from 1989 to 2012, climbing up to the post of general manager.

He was assigned to Radisson Blu Edwardian hotels in New Providence Wharf, Bloomsbury, and Kenilworth. The Maldives is his second international assignment.

HM: How does it feel to become the GM of Radisson Blu Resort Maldives?

GS: I am excited to continue my 30+ years career with Radisson Hotel Group – and can think of no better place right now than at Radisson Blu Resort Maldives.

HM: Do you adhere to a certain management style or philosophy?

GS: I have experience in logistics for large events, can control payroll and expenses,

Maldives, the brand is well known recognised with a strong digital presence.

HM: What are you passionate about when it comes to work?

GS: I like making people happy, that is why I like being in hospitality industry. I want to make sure that the guests and team members are content.

HM: How do you handle difficult and challenging situations?

and with a proven sales background, I can improve profitability, whilst ensuring execution of the highest level in all areas of hotel operations.

HM: What are the main changes you have seen during your career and can you predict any for the near future?

GS: The pandemic has caused a big shift in how we operate the business. Anything can happen.

I can see that in upcoming years, the climate and social changes will drive conscious travelling. It will force the industry to do more efforts in their responsible business with conservation programs and by giving back to the community.

HM: What are your key priorities at the resort?

GS: Our key priority is the health and safety of our guests and staff members by implementing all necessary measurements. As a new

resort, we have plenty of room for development. We have identified and addressed all these areas so that we can keep improving our guests’ satisfaction.

HM: What makes your resort unique?

GS: Set in the beautiful South Ari Atoll, a marine protected area, the resort is surrounded by numerous dive sites with all year-round whale shark sightings, dolphin and seasonal manta sightings. Among the resort’s many treasures, is an overwater event hall boasting a 360-degree view of the Indian Ocean. We have incredible accommodation in the shape of one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas. Located on the Hanhaara Fushi adult-only islet, featuring overwater spa, yoga pavilion, this truly is a paradise. From the Robinson Crusoe-inspired pool bar. Younger guests are educated and entertained at the Pirate Cove and underwater adventure kids Club. As the first Radisson property in the

GS: I love challenges and enjoy creatively solving problems. I have a positive attitude towards people and life in general. I build relationships quickly and am tenacious in achieving goals.

HM: What are your most memorable Maldives moments?

GS: Waking up in the morning and seeing dolphins swimming in the ocean from my bedroom window. Not a sight that you can get just by a chance in other part of the world.

HM: Do you have any advice for hoteliers joining the industry?

GS: Love what you do and show it passionately. Skill can be taught and learned, but attitude, moral, and work ethic are more important.

HM: What hobbies do you enjoy when you are not at work?

GS: I enjoy all kinds of sports in general, but I profess my love ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

33

THE GM’S VIEW

for football. I like travelling and winning in multiplayer online games.

HM: What advice would you give to hoteliers aspiring to get to your position?

HM: What qualities make a good marketing professional?

GS: To be a good leader you must be a good listener and a good communicator. To be able to lead a large and diverse team, you will need the capacity to anticipate, trust your team enough to delegate, and always take time to evaluate.

GS: Love of the product and the desire to share the love! Ensuring that we fully understand our guests and business partners and can create unique and authentic experiences. Keeping up with trends, being exciting and different.

HM: What does your resort offer? How do you consistently deliver on your promise?

GS: Our resort offers contemporary-designed accommodation with modern amenities. There are many culinary offerings with three restaurants, three bars, and experiential wine cellar dining.

We understand that service is the main aspect of the stay, so we have a ‘Yes I Can’ service philosophy to ensure that we deliver our promises to our guests.

HM: Are there any exciting upcoming events we should know about?

GS: We are preparing a festive calendar covering Christmas, New Year, and Russian Orthodox. This year we aim to exceed our guests’ expectations offering a wide range of entertainment for all ages.

HM: What luxury experiences are available at your resort?

GS: Radisson Blu is an upper upscale brand. All our villas have a large private swimming pool and our leading villa category is 215 sqm. Complemented with extensive dining outlets

34

www.hotelier.mv

and spacious overwater spa treatment rooms, the resort provides generous space for each of our guests.

HM: What challenges have your resorts faced during the pandemic?

GS: The challenge in the resort is continuous changes related to the traveling restrictions in various countries, government regulations such as quarantine and employment policies. We need to dynamically adapt to these changes; it is unlikely to change soon. However, we are optimistic that we are moving towards a new normal which allow borders reopening and for people to travel safely.

HM: What opportunities are available on your resorts?

GS: With Radisson there are no limits. We are enhancing our service offerings and amenities and focussing on bringing more to the resort for children and tailoring personal and fulfilling unique experiences.

EXCLUSIVE

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

STRUGGLE AND SUCCESS: THE STORY OF HUSSAIN SHAHID, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT MANAGER, HOLIDAY INN RESORT KANDOOMA MALDIVES Achievements may take different forms, different scales, and there are many sacrifices and challenges behind it. Hussain Shahid’s greatest win isn’t a trophy, neither it is a title or a promotion. For him, his greatest achievement is people. Hotelier Maldives looked closer into his twenty-three year old story in the hospitality industry.

THE BEGINNING In 1990, Shahid was employed in the Ministry of Trading Industries in a section called Foreign Investment Services Bureau, which made him acquainted with almost all foreign investors at the time.

During his work, Shahid met the chairman and CEO of Soneva, Sonu Shivdhasani, whose resort Soneva Fushi had redefined luxury tourism in the Maldives.

After more than eight years of working for the government, Shahid decided to expose himself to the resort industry.

Hence, when the time was right he approached Sonu for a job opportunity. Fortunately, Sonu was on the look for someone to manage Soneva’s Male’ office and Shahid was hired as Office Manager and Personal Assistant to Sonu.

In mid-2000, Soneva started the works to take over Lankanfushi, which became Soneva Gili.

While moving from Male’ to resort and vice versa, Shahid realised he wanted to go out of Male’ and work in a resort.

With the opening of Soneva Gili, he was given the permanent position as Executive Secretary cum Administrative. This was Shahid’s first assignment in a resort, the start of a successful career.

CLIMBING UP THE LADDER Shahid worked in Administration Department at Soneva Gili for over a year, until his bosses observed his talent in Human Resources. They saw something in him that was

very good with people. With the position of HR Assistant Manager vacant, Shahid was asked to fill in temporarily.

“That got me into Human Resources. Then obviously you try to learn and you try to prove that you can do it and the rest fell into place.”

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

35

EXCLUSIVE

In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami caused the resort to halt operations. It was a life changing moment for Shahid.

He was told to keep the motivation going on for the 200 and 300 people that were left behind working on a project.

Every morning, he started telling them stories to motivate them and inspire them. This eventually revealed his potential in training people. After the resort reopened in 2005, he was made permanent Training Manager and he was trained to train.

Another couple of years passed and upon asked by his bosses where he wanted to be next, Shahid expressed his goal to be HR Director. He remembered his boss’s exact words: “If you

“When you didn’t get mobile signal, you had to go around thirty to forty meters into the mountain towards Al Sharjah and everyone will be there in evening after work because that’s the only place you get a small bit of mobile signal to talk to your family. It was a very tough time. It was no man’s land,” he said, proud of the successful opening.

After two years abroad and almost a decade with the Six Senses company, Shahid wanted to return back to the Maldives.

At the time in 2007, Six Senses and Soneva has expanded rapidly with around twentyfive resorts around the world.

With this, he believed that the company had lost its edge.

“Why am I working for this

team of 675 staff. After a year at Shangri-La, Shahid felt the need to move closer to his family in Male’ Atoll.

Managers move to operations and become a General Manager.

But I had never heard someone transition from HR!” he said.

Things turned around for him when Kandooma Tourist Resort announced in 2009 its rebranding to Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, an IHG property.

It was 2017 when he took the challenge and made a bold decision to change from a fixed 9-5 job to an all-day, flexible, no two-day is the same type of work. He was assigned the role of Resort Manager with the title Executive Assistant Manager.

THE IHG JOURNEY, FROM HR TO OPERATIONS Twelve years ago in December 2009, Shahid joined Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives as Director of HR. After a couple

As second in charge, Shahid works with the General Manager to handle operations from restaurants to boats to managing generators to water plants. Due to his background in HR, the Head of HR at the resort also reports to him. Shahid starts the day with rounds of

Soneva Gili image caption: Soneva Gili opening in 2001

are to lead the HR division, you have to live, feel and experience as an expatriate”. Shahid was up for the challenge.

company? The longer you can answer this question you can remain. But this question was getting cloudy for me.”

He went to Six Senses Koh Yao Noi in Thailand and witnessed its preopening, which led him to believe that he can work abroad as an expat. He was then assigned to Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman in 2006 as the pre-opening Training Manager.

This was the toughest opening of his life.

Hence, Shahid was searching for an opportunity in Maldives when he saw Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa looking for an Assistant Director of HR. He applied and was quickly hired. The opening took place in 2008. Again a tough project and also the largest operation handled by Shahid, having a

36

www.hotelier.mv

of years of spearheading the HR department, IHG recognized his keen interest in operations. At the time he had eighteen years of experience in HR and Admin and had completed an MBA program, so he wanted to take a move forward.

“How many people have you heard cross-functioning from HR to operations? That’s a very rare story to hear. You hear F&B Managers, Front Office Managers and Room Division

the resort, ensuring that all areas of resort operations are ongoing. His first and foremost duty is ensuring that people are ready to serve the guests.

There’s one thing in particular he never misses. “There’s no day I will not go into the staff canteen first. To see if the breakfast is there for the staff and that they’re looked after.”

EXCLUSIVE

“If you don’t have a certain level of discipline, your career will not be sustainable.

Like anything else, your career needs to be sustainable.

And I believe the hospitality industry is still about grooming, discipline and language; using nonabusive, nonintimidating, non-hostile and nonthreatening language.”

PEOPLE – BIGGEST CHALLENGE AND SUCCESS Talent and resourcing people are the biggest challenges for Shahid. “In twenty-three years we have tried different ways to cater this problem. There’s no long term solution. As long as Maldives’ current system of managing education and educational institutions is as it is, we will not find a solution.

I know, it will be fifty years for Maldives tourism next year, but I am very open to say that we are way behind in people development compared to many countries.”

“You cannot change some people’s paradigms once they are sixteen or eighteen years old. You need to start from the bottom of the educational level.”

During Shahid’s experience, he has identified a significant deficiency of skills and professions in Maldives. He expressed that he hasn’t got a single local application for a kitchen positon in the past couple of years.

However, what’s amazing is that, his biggest challenge is also what he considers as his greatest achievement.

“I’m very proud that there are many people out there, in many resorts, that I have hired as interns. Some call me and say that they are now Hotel Managers. And they are younger than me! I can’t express how happy it makes me. Many people call me and express their gratitude. I consider myself a good coach and a good mentor.”

Following his strong belief that a person requires a balance of both education and experience for a successful career, Shahid has given advice to many of his team members. He is proud that he can look back and see hundreds of people that are thankful for his coaching and mentoring.

Another achievement, a significant boost of motivation in his career was a special award by IHG. During the first three years at Holiday Inn

Resort Kandooma Maldives, Shahid faced many challenges that were outside resort operations. He went beyond normal day-to-day HR duties to solve problems related to a neighbouring inhabited island.

To recognize his efforts, Shahid was given a special award at the IHG Annual HR Event. “I was very pleasantly surprised.

That was the first and last time somebody received that award.

It gave me a boost of another ten years to stay here!”

BALANCING PERSONAL LIFE AND WORK Throughout his career in the hospitality industry, Shahid has spent many years away from his family. He also noted that working at a resort can make anyone feel lonely. However, things were easier for Shahid because when he joined the resort sector, he was quite mature; he was able to deal with loneliness.

During his time off work, Shahid spends time listening to music, focusing on his fitness and drawing. He advises that it is very important to give yourself time and take care of yourself and never get boredom get to you. When it comes to family time, Shahid’s position of work since Soneva Gili has allowed him to bring his family to the resorts. This way he is able to spend time with his children and wife during the holidays.

KEY TO SUCCESS Shahid believes that to move forward in career requires discipline. “If you don’t have a certain level of discipline, your career will not be sustainable.

Like anything else, your career needs to be sustainable.

And I believe the hospitality industry is still about grooming, discipline and language; using non-abusive, non-intimidating, non-hostile and nonthreatening language.”

the advisory committee at Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Studies (FHTS), Maldives National University, Shahid sees how much they can integrate education and experience.

Providing education for people who have experience but no certificate, and providing experience for those with education but no experience.

FUTURE GOAL When he was assigned Resort Manager, Shahid knew he didn’t want his career to stop there. He wanted to be the first Maldivian General Manager of a large international brand in the country.

That still remains a dream he wants to pursue.

“If the pandemic was a person I would slap it on the face,” he laughed. “It slowed down my progress a lot. Just before the pandemic, I was enrolled in a “General Managers Potential” programme run by IHG. I started the first training and with 3 more phases left, the pandemic hit in early 2020.”

Now almost two years later, as the resort has started to ramp up operations, the company has resumed works to develop his career. Shahid started the course last October online and was working towards completing the necessary projects in December 2021.

The plan is, if things go well in the industry, Shahid will be assigned a project abroad as a task force General Manager, in a mobile location for him. After proving he can handle a smaller, medium-scale project, he can come back to the Maldives to take over one of the project IHG manages in the destination.

The second factor is a balance of education and experience.

“I believe that the Maldives education system should actually change to mix these two up.” As current chair of

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

37

CAREERS

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

Meet Ali Waheed, the Highly Experienced Boat Captain at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Ali Waheed, 55, is the boat captain at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in Noonu Atoll. With 22 years of experience in Sun Siyam Resorts, Ali is one of the oldest employees on the island. We interviewed him to learn more about his long journey.

Tell me about yourself and your job?

My name is Ali Waheed and I’m from Meemu Maduvvari.

I have been working in Sun Siyam Resorts for 22 years.

I first joined the company as the diving boat captain at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. I have a certificate in open water diving and advanced diving. After receiving the chance to work at Iru Fushi, I transferred here as boat captain, where my team and I are mainly in charge of guest excursions.

How did you get into this field?

I was working in resorts before joining Sun Siyam Resorts, including Reethi Rah Resort in 1980s. Even then I worked mostly in boats and that’s where I learned how to be a boat captain. After Reethi Rah, I returned to my island for a while and worked as a fisherman before joining Vilu Reef in 1998.

I have always liked the ocean.

I think it keeps me healthy and, of course, it is extremely calming to be near the water.

38

www.hotelier.mv

How would you describe a day in your life?

On a busy day, I could be travelling from morning to midnight.

What changes have you seen due to the pandemic?

The crew and I make sure that the boats are clean and it meets the hygiene standards. One of the biggest change is that currently guests are unable to go to inhabited islands for excursions due to local restrictions. However, demand for excursions are almost as high as pre-pandemic levels.

What do you think are the most important skills a boat captain should have?

Safety. People of different ages go on excursions, including kids. So we need to be cautious all the time. Another feature is punctuality. A boat captain and the crew should be on time and follow the schedules. I think it’s a big deal if guests are kept waiting because the crew is late.

You have spent a quarter of your life at this company.

How do you feel about this?

There are many reasons I stayed working for the same company for so long. I think Sun Siyam is a great place to work. I have enjoyed working here since the very beginning and I will continue going forward in this path.

CAREERS

BY NABEEHA AHMED

Premgeeth P Nair, Chief Engineer, Grand Park Kodhipparu At Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, one of the most noted sustainable projects conducted is the solar power installation, whereby the chief engineer overseeing the project was Premgeeth Nair, more fondly known within the resort as Prem.

Prem began his journey at Grand Park Kodhipparu in the year 2018, as the assistant chief engineer. He then received the promotion of becoming the engineering manager in 2019, and in 2020; the chief engineer of Grand Park Kodhipparu.

As the chief engineer, Prem is focused on ensuring that all actions taken under his department adheres to the sustainability standards that Grand Park Kodhipparu has committed to uphold. This consists of energy saving, preventative maintenance programs throughout the property in addition to focusing on sustainability practices. Upon being asked about his leadership as well as team management skills and strategies, Prem mentioned that, “at the end of the day, it is team work that brings in results to the table.” He enjoys being alongside his team; “side by side for all their needs, as one amongst them and to work as a team.”

An Engineering graduate specialized in Electrical and Electronics, Prem completed his studies in Tamil Nadu, India.

Prem began his career with a Technical Apprenticeship at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) following with a move to Dubai, UAE

where he worked as a marine electrician at Dry Docks World. Prem first relocated

to Maldives in 2008, as an electrical engineer at Platinum Residence, Hulhumale’ and then

to Sun Siyam Olhuveli Resort as the assistant engineer, which was his first venture into the hospitality industry. Having found the Park Hotel Group infrastructure remarkable, and wanted to grow alongside the organization, Prem joined the 5-star property, three years later.

During the pandemic, in order to ensure that the standard of health is maintained at the resort, Prem mentioned that he stayed back along with his coworkers. Fortunately, despite the long distance, due to the network providers, Prem was able to stay in touch with his family and friends back home.

He further mentioned that it brought a sense of peace being connected to his loved ones until he was able to go and see his family in person. Prem was also delighted to mention that the general manager as well as the resort manager of the resort constantly makes the employees including Prem, feel valued and appreciated for the energy and effort being invested by the employees of the resort.

When asked if there is any advice that Prem would like to give to anyone entering the industry, he stated that, it is crucial to win the hearts of the customers that come to the resort. Additionally, he believes that it is also important to not just think out of the box for solutions but to also constantly be going the extra mile. The hospitality industry as well as the success of the resort and the property you work at, will heavily depend on the satisfaction and happiness of all the customers.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

39

HAPPENINGS

BY LAURA WILLIAMS

Launching Ceremony of the Manta Wings Apprenticeship Programme made available in the areas of Ground Operations, Flight operations and Scheduling and Reservations departments.

The first batch commenced in December 2021 and second batch in June 2022. The program will be held twice a year, opening applications for ten apprentices every six months.

Ahmed Maumoon, Deputy CEO, Manta Air said: “The purpose of the Manta Wings apprenticeship

Manta Air has officially launched the Manta Wings Apprenticeship programme on 28th December 2021.

The apprenticeship programme was launched by the Vice President of Maldives Hon Faisal Naseem.

The six-month programme offers apprentices paid onthe-job training, dedicated mentorship as well as four classroom training sessions regarding Leadership in the information age -how to be a leader in digital age, Service Culture, digital tools for modern day workspace and Excel in Presentations skills. Opportunities are program is to create an opportunity for the young local talent in Maldives to gain much needed job experience.

Manta Wings program will give the Apprentices a platform for them to learn and develop their skills to get ready for their future careers. We believe this is a golden opportunity for the locals completing the O’Levels to be paid and get essential job experience at same time to kick start their dream career.”

40

www.hotelier.mv

HAPPENINGS

BY LAURA WILLIAMS

BBM Enters 2022 Inspiring Young Chefs in the Maldives designed to uplift the next generation of chefs such as the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, the Global Chefs Challenge culinary competition, an international trade exhibition, and diverse activities to enhance both your personal and professional network.

Over the course of 92 years of history, World Chefs Congress & Expo has been organized in 38 cities around the globe. Since 1928, World Chefs Congress

Bestbuy Maldives Pvt Ltd (BBM), in keeping with its philosophy of helping the industry, has engaged with promising upcoming chefs to support them under its program ‘BBMInspire’. BBM sponsored six students of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies of The Maldives National University to the World Chefs Congress & Expo 2022. The event is to be held from 30th May to 2nd June 2022 in Abu Dhabi.

World Chefs Congress & Expo brings together chef delegates and professionals from five continents to network and expand their professional bonds. The unique program delivers presentations and workshops from leading experts in the industry, impactful educational programs, including the World Chefs Educators’ Forum, specialised events

& Expo has united a global community of chefs and crossindustry innovators to explore the past, present, and future of the culinary trade.

The Congress is a platform to connect with thoughtleaders and key influencers from progressive, relevant industries for an immersive program designed to promote collaboration, build relationships, and set light to a shared vision for the future of hospitality.

BBM, as one of the leading suppliers of food; bakery; cooking ingredients as

well as non-food offerings to Resorts; HORECA; and the mainstream consumer market in the Maldives, has taken the initiative over the years to groom Chefs in the country by providing them the opportunity to attend various world competitions; conferences; training and Masterclasses locally and internationally.

The aim is to enhance their knowledge and skills to be on par with world-class professionals in the industry,

which has brought immense pride and recognition for the Maldives in the Culinary World.

BBM is the choice distributor favoured by some of the world’s leading brands: Unilever, IREKS, Lamb Weston, TWG Tea, San Benedetto, Ravi Fruit, Fontana, Veliche, and Da Vinci Gourmet, Aryzta, Caffé Vergnano, Harvey Fresh and many more.

BBM’s service goes beyond mere supplies and extends to knowledge sharing. The company regularly hosts trainings under its ‘Masterclass’ series, led by world-renowned (usually Michelin Starred) chefs and industry professionals.

These trainings are offered to chef’s pro-bono to enhance their appreciation of the culinary art.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

41

ISLAND HOTEL REVIEW

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

Comfort in the City – h78 Beachfront Hotel, Hulhumale’ Just a fifteen-minute drive from Velana International Airport, h78 is a top-choice transit B&B in Hulhumale’ City.

Offering a slow and relaxing ambiance in the fast-growing city, h78 is an amazing stay for both international travellers and locals looking for a hassle-free getaway.

The guesthouse is situated in front of the East beach and features fifteen rooms in four different categories, distributed through four floors. All rooms come with amenities such as air-conditioner, bathrobes, slippers, a flat screen TV with cable, free coffee, tea, Safe, mini bar (serviced 24 hours daily) and complimentary highspeed internet. B&B rates for international travellers range from USD 111 to USD 133 per night.

The Deluxe Double Room and Deluxe Twin Room are 12sqm and are ideal for two-person stays. Slightly bigger than these is the Deluxe Double Seaview, the only room category featuring a balcony facing the sunrise beach. Guests staying in this 18sqm room have the luxury

42

www.hotelier.mv

of enjoying the view through the full-length windows or to unwind and unravel with a drink out on the balcony. The most spacious room is the Deluxe Suite, accommodating up to four people in an elegant

20sqm space. The Deluxe Suite is ideal for small families as well as business travellers, with the lounge area offering enough space for children to play and for transformation into a workstation.

With a cosy ground-floor restaurant serving drinks, breakfast, lunch and dinner; guests need not step out of the property for delicious food. The Catch 78 Restaurant offers a variety of gastronomic

and worked in the industry for many years and they use their practical knowledge to ensure that the team is trained to put service at the forefront.

“One of the things we aim to achieve is to make sure the customers have a hassle free journey, we make sure that we get their arrival details so that someone waits for them at the airport and escorts them to the hotel. We ask guests for the resort or guesthouse information they are going to next and coordinate their journey there including getting their transfer details and drop them off at the correct time sometimes as early as 6am.

More recently we have been assisting our guests to get PCR tests and any other Covid related documentation they need so that they don’t have to worry. We believe that a hassle free start or end is imperative to a great Maldivian experience.

We must also give a shout out to our family especially our parents, who are our biggest supporters and helps us maintain our standards” To top off the wonderful experience, h78 also offers its guests the chance to purchase beautiful souvenirs, including wooden dhoani (traditional boats), which are locally sourced from an inhabited island.

experiences, from delicious local cuisines to mouthwatering seafood to healthy salads. On top of this, guests also have the option of enjoying the menu on the stunning rooftop restaurant from 2PM every day.

Due to its convenient location in front of the beach, guests have a variety of activities to indulge in. The guesthouse will arrange excursions and city tours and will also guide you with any recreational activities that you are interested in. A variety of water sports centres line up the East beach while shops are just a short walk away.

“At h78 we offer our guests a comfortable place by the sea to rest and relax before moving on to their next destination,” said Vuly, co-founder of h78.

“With our close proximity to the airport, we get lots of guests who stay with us for a night or two before going to different islands or taking a flight. We are also close enough to the capital Male’ for our guests to go explore or to head to meetings and do work there before coming back where they still can enjoy the blue sea and white sand. ” Vuly explains that h78 in essence is a family business.

The owners, husband and wife duo Vuly and Rok have studied

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

43

WOMEN IN HOSPITALITY

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

Women in Hospitality –

Monika Angliker, Guest Services Manager, Kandolhu Maldives

and opportunities have you faced in your career?

MA: To be honest, for me it was really the opportunity to get the chance to work in this industry without having prior knowledge. Baros Maldives, who hired me back in 2012 really gave me the chance and taught me what I needed to know.

Monika Angliker joined Kandolhu Maldives as guest services manager in October 2021.

Since then, the Swiss national has been leading the Front Office team at the exquisite resort, lending her valuable skills in guest service management.

HM: Do you have any females you look up to or take as inspiration?

MA: My mother has always been an inspiration for me. Coming from a communist country and managing to flee at a young age and make a life for herself all by herself is very courageous. She taught me and my sister how important it is to travel, see the world and respect different cultures.

Monika began her career as a flight attendant for Swissair. She then entered the hotel sector as guest service executive and guest services manager at Baros Maldives.

HM: Do you think there are equal opportunities for women in the industry?

MA: Yes, I do. If you compare with the last few decades definitely a lot has changed.

Hotelier Maldives speaks to Monika about her work in this exclusive interview. `Hotelier Maldives: Tell me more about yourself and your role as guest services manager at Kandolhu Maldives.

Monika Angliker: Coming from the airline industry I have always known how important guest service is. For me it is all about communication and putting yourself in other peoples shoes to be able to understand their expectations and preferences.

Working on a small island is not so much different than on an airplane. It’s a lot of organization, communication and maintenance.

44

www.hotelier.mv

HM: What drew you into the hospitality industry?

MA: I love to help people. I always try to see through the eyes of the guests. So when the opportunity arose to work in the Maldives in 2012 I jumped on it.

HM: Can you guide me through a day in your life at the resort? What are your daily duties?

MA: For me it is very important to be present for every arrival and departure. So my day can start pretty early sometimes.

In between the arrivals and departures, I liaise with

our departments regarding guests’ requests, reservations, accounting, inventories and work on email requests of guests and travel agents. In the evening I pass by the bar and restaurant to check up on the guests and have a little chat.

HM: What do you love most about your work in the Maldives?

MA: It’s never cold! Although I am from Switzerland and grew up skiing in winter, I am not the biggest fan of the cold temperatures.

HM: As a woman in hospitality, what challenges

HM: Is there anything exciting upcoming at the resort, in terms of guest experience?

MA: We have a new executive chef arriving soon and we are very excited to see what creations our guests will get to enjoy!

HM: What’s your advice to women aspiring to join the hospitality industry?

MA: Just try it! Even if you think you don’t have the experience or knowledge, it is often more the motivation and willingness to learn that counts. Everything else can be taught.

LoRo.

The De Cecco Method: a guarantee of premium-quality pasta.

We are loyal to a production method that has never changed over the years: the Method that underlies De Cecco quality.

First of all, the wheat: De Cecco selects the best wheat from Italy and around the world, using only the heart of the grain, the most valued part, which is then ground in the Fara San Martino mill. A largegrain semolina is obtained, kneaded with ultra-pure cold Majella water to guarantee pasta with a perfect consistency that maintains its shape when cooked. Bronze-drawing of the dough gives the pasta excellent porosity so it can better retain the sauces. Finally, drying (the crucial stage of the process) can be carried out in two ways: slow at low temperatures (the De Cecco choice), or quickly at high temperatures, a more popular method in the industry.

Only slow drying at low temperatures can preserve entirely all the flavour, aroma and nutritional quality. It is a system that De Cecco did not simply adopt, but actually invented.

It was in 1889 that Filippo De Cecco invented the first machine designed for “slow drying” pasta at a low temperature.

This historic “first” is also recorded in the Treccani Encyclopedia.

The De Cecco Method is thus a longer and more expensive process but is the only way to achieve the quality that De Cecco demands from all its pasta.

www.dececco.com

THE BEST DURUM WHEAT

LARGE-GRAIN SEMOLINA

COLD MOUNTAIN WATER

BRONZE-DRAWN

SLOW DRYING

De Cecco pasta factory in Fara San Martino

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

45

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

A Day in the Life of Yasith Keshan Yasith Keshan Kokuhennadi is the learning and development manager at Cinnamon Velifushi. Yasith has worked with the management to create a great learning environment throughout all the departments. He is responsible of effectively and efficiently implementing the full learning cycle at Cinnamon Velifushi, starting from the development of TNA (training need analysis) to carrying out the post training evaluations.

how big or small the content would be, 70 per cent the time I’m occupied with a training program during these hours, some days it could be a full day program, other days It could be a half a day program and also could be bite size programs throughout the day, purely the programs are based on the need of the business and based on

visit the departments during the operation to observe as well as for quality assurance purposes, which is something I do wholeheartedly. I enjoy being in the operation because that is where I started my career and there is always a special place in my heart for key operations of the hotel.

“The best thing at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is the working culture, it’s not only a hotel but also a family to all of us, we strongly believe our strength is the diversity of the team and we feel valued, safe, comfortable, and flush with opportunity for growth. So what else an employee needs to give their 100 per cent back at work?” he said.

7.00 – I always love to start

8.00 – In an ordinary day I would read and reply all the pending mails and handle any administration work related to Learning & Development function, because I prefer to complete any pending work prior to the start of days’ trainings.

9.00 – Usually I will definitely be on the training location at least 30 minutes prior to the starting time, no matter

46

www.hotelier.mv

20:00– After getting refreshed it’s time to start the second half of my day, being a hotelier living in an Island, I would prefer to keep myself engaged all the time, as same as I start my day in the morning it’s time to visit all the operational areas and mainly focus on speaking to guests during this walk, by experience I would say this is one of the best ways to find out different levels of training needs and points of improvement as an establishment. Believe me, this really works for a trainer.

21.00 – As a person who always looks at developing people, I will invest some time daily for my personal development as well. This one hour is dedicated to improving myself as well as to getting prepared with any pre-preparation or pre-studies needed for next day’s programs.

Here is a what a normal day looks like for Yasith.

the work bit early and the first activity of the day is to take a walk around the Island and to have brief conversations with people I meet during the walk and usually my walk ends up with a hot cup of coffee. This walk would help me to make sure all our products are up to the standards as well to assist the departments if any area needs immediate attention.

which I can witness the hidden talents of our employees.

the pre-communicated training plan. It’s not always classroom programs, we have a wide variation of On the Job training sessions, Online training programs, outbound training sessions and Individual & group coaching sessions, also it could be a blended program which we plan according to the need of the business.

On other 30 per cent of the time where there are no planned training programs, I spend time on several different activities to keep me occupied, starting from developing training programs by analyzing the future need of the business. Afterwards, I

Furthermore, if there is no planned training session from 10.00am to 10.30am, attending the morning meeting would be a regular activity of my day.

16.00 – The first half of an ordinary day will come to an end after the evening tea together with all my colleagues, this is where we all get mingle and enjoys a cup of tea/ coffee along with a fun filled chat, I personally believe that these sorts of causal catchups strengthen the bond of the team. After tea/coffee, it’s time to get some excise so I would engage with a sport activity every evening, it could be volleyball, football or cricket

22.00 – This is the final activity of an ordinary day of mine to check and complete any pending administrative work and reply any pending emails.

Review the day and soft plan for the next day. Also, If there is any event happening at the hotel, I would always attend and offer my fullest assistance to make it a success.

All in all, I enjoy my career as well as my life to the fullest being in a profession of people development and working with Cinnamon family, what keeps me motivated and enthusiastic throughout is seeing the continues development and success of people which reflects the effectiveness of a wellestablished learning culture, In my free time, I love to watch movies, watch sports especially when it’s a live show and to experience different cultures. I also love to try authentic food from different cultures.

AIRLINES

BY DONNA RICHARDSON

IATA Figures Show Dip in Demand for Air Travel Around the World from 2019 The latest figures from IATA show that demand for air travel in November 2021, measured in revenue passenger-kilometres (RPKs), was down 47 per cent compared to November 2019 and 48.9 per cent in October 2019, according to a report in TNA News.

International passenger demand in November was 60.5 per cent below November 2019, bettering the 64.8 per cent decline recorded in October.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw their November international traffic fall 89.5 per cent compared to November 2019. This was a slight improvement on the 92 per cent drop recorded in October 2021 versus October 2019. Capacity slumped 80 per cent and the load factor was down 37.8 percentage points to 42.2 per cent –the lowest observed.

European carriers’ November international traffic declined 43.7 per cent versus November 2019, much improved compared to the 49.4 per cent decline in October compared to October 2019. Capacity dropped 36.3 per cent and load factor fell 9.7 points to 74.3 per cent.

Middle Eastern airlines had a 54.4 per cent demand drop in November compared to November 2019, well up compared to the 60.9 per cent reduction in October, versus the same month in 2019. Capacity declined 45.5 per cent, and load factor slipped 11.9 points to 61.3 per cent.

North American carriers experienced a 44.8 per cent traffic drop in November versus the 2019 period, significantly improved over the 56.7 per cent drop in October compared to October 2019. Capacity dropped 35.6 per cent, and load factor fell 11.6 points to 69.6 per cent.

Latin American airlines saw a 47.2 per cent decrease in November traffic, compared to the same month in 2019, a rise over the 54.6 per cent decline in October compared to October

2019. November capacity fell 46.6 per cent and load factor dropped 0.9 points to 81.3 per cent, which was the highest load factor among the regions for the 14th consecutive month.

African airlines’ traffic fell 56.8 per cent in November versus two years’ ago, improved over the 59.8 per cent decline in October compared to October 2019. November capacity was down 49.6 per cent and load factor declined 10.1 percentage points to 60.3 per cent.

Australia remained at the bottom of the domestic RPK chart for the fifth consecutive month with RPKs 71.6 per cent below 2019, though this advanced from a 78.5 per cent deterioration in October, due to the reopening of some internal borders.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, told TNA: “Unfortunately, governments over-reacted to the emergence of the Omicron variant at the close of the month and resorted to the tried-and-failed methods of border closures, excessive testing of travellers and quarantine to slow the spread. If the experience of the last 22 months has shown anything, it is that there is little to no correlation between the introduction of travel restrictions and preventing transmission of the virus across borders. And these measures place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods. If experience is the best teacher, let us hope that governments pay more attention as we begin the New Year.”

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

47

KEY APPOINTMENTS

Justin Swart Appointed General Manager at Cora Cora Maldives

Cora Cora Maldives has appointed Justin Swart as general manager. He brings in over fifteen years of experience in the luxury hotel industry to the new all-inclusive property

in Raa Atoll.

Born in South Africa, Justin began his career in the hospitality industry as a sports and leisure manager and

quickly gained experience as a pre-opening sales director and hotel and wellness manager in resorts across Thailand. He was part of the team at Siam@ Siam Design Hotel Bangkok, STAY Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort, and Royal President Hotel & Kingston Suites Hotel, part of the Kingston Hotel Group.

Speaking of his appointment, Justin said, “Freedom for me means choosing where to spend your time and choosing who to spend it with. Cora

Cora Maldives Resort with its’ 250 employees from over thirty countries is the perfect workplace for me because they have created such a diverse multicultural environment allowing me to spend more time at work doing what I love – interacting with people! I heard the call of freedom, and I followed it straight to the Maldives!”

“We are thrilled to have Justin join our remarkable team. His down-to-earth and friendly nature combined with his passion for the industry will, no doubt, add to our reputation of being the resort where both our team and our guests are overjoyed to embrace the Cora Cora Mission of – It’s Freedom Time,” said Martin van der Reijden, managing director, Cora Cora Maldives and HMM Pvt Ltd.

Marco Araujo Appointed Hotel Manager at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has appointed Marco Araujo as the new hotel manager. Marco brings over fifteen years of global hospitality experience to the role.

“We are delighted to welcome Marco to our beautiful island.

His experience and passion will position us for continued success, and ensure our guests have the most extraordinary experiences,” said General Manager Etienne Dalançon.

Marco most recently supported Conrad Bangkok as acting general manager, stepping in seamlessly to lead the hotel during a challenging period.

Prior to that, he was director of operations at Conrad Koh Samui and later transitioned into the resort’s commercial director role. In both roles, he made a significant contribution to Conrad Koh Samui’s success.

48

www.hotelier.mv

Marco’s hospitality career began in his home country of Portugal, where he graduated with a degree in hospitality management. With a background in hotel operations, as well as commercial, Marco is poised to lead the team at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi in continuing to deliver its consistently unforgettable service and stellar commercial performance.

“I am truly honored to join the iconic Waldorf Astoria Maldives family,” he said. “It is a pleasure to be working with an amazing multicultural team, representing more than over thirty different nationalities. Their passion and dedication are really the secret ingredients that makes Waldorf Astoria Maldives one of the best resorts in the world. I’m looking forward to all the great things that we will accomplish together in 2022,

to keep elevating our services and provide new unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

KEY APPOINTMENTS

Nanda Kumar Appointed as Director of Rooms at Radisson Blu Resort Maldives Radisson Blu Resort Maldives welcomes Nanda Kumar Konduru as the Director of Rooms. He will be overseeing the entire rooms division and its operation. This position also involves him being responsible for providing analysis and recommendations on rate strategy and in charge of revenue generation.

Nanda is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in diverse departments including Front Office, Reservations, Revenue Management and Room Operations. One of his previous experiences include Revenue and Reservation Manager Position at Le Meridien Bengaluru before he took the

role of Rooms Division Manager in 2017 at Radisson Golf and Convention Center Batam with the responsibility of enhancing guest experience level.

“I am a true believer in ‘Teamwork = Goal Work’ and with my congenial personality and sincere love for delivering memorable moments have been known to inspire fellow colleagues and delight guests,” said Nanda.

Nanda is also a fitness enthusiast who loves exploring new places. Because of this, working in Maldives is a dream come true for him and he believes it to be a great opportunity to explore this paradise to the fullest.

Ida Ayu Nyoman Widiaptini Appointed Director of Spa at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Spa Retreat located at the family island, Rangali-Finolhu and The Over-Water Spa at the couple’s island, Rangali Island – as the award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island turns the page to write its next chapter after a multi-milliondollar refurbishment.

The extensive multi-year makeover further elevates the resort’s health and wellbeing offering, including the revamped Over-Water Spa, which offers a luxurious sanctuary 100-meters into the Indian Ocean and caters to all demands, from soulful meditation to absolute therapeutic pampering.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has appointed Ida Ayu Nyoman Widiaptini as its new director of spa. Originally from Bali, Ida brings in more than twenty years of luxury spa experience to the role.

An experienced spa leader and wellness expert, Ida will be responsible for bringing the resort’s holistic wellness program to life, including overseeing operations for two unique spa experiences – The

“I am thrilled to be joining Conrad Maldives Rangali Island at such an exciting time for the resort, the team and guests,” she said. “Its pioneering approach has set the standard for luxury hospitality in the Maldives for almost 25 years, so to have the opportunity to

be part of the next phase of its story is a real honour.”

Carla Puverel, general manager, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island said: “We are delighted to welcome Ida as Director of Spa at a really key time for us as we head into the final stage of what has been an extensive, islandwide, transformation, including reimagined spacious water villas, reinvigorated culinary venues and innovative guest experiences. Moving forward, it’s important that we continue to push boundaries and seek out new firsts; Ida has shown a genuine passion to embrace the spirit of innovation and I can’t wait to see how that translates into memorable experiences for our guests.”

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

49

KEY APPOINTMENTS

Adam Clive Lockwood Appointed Director of Culinary at Siyam World Siyam World has appointed Chef Adam Clive Lockwood as its new director of culinary.

Chef Adam will oversee the overall food and beverage department and craft innovative menus that reflects the resort’s 24hrs premium all-inclusive dining experiences.

Chef Adam graduated from The University of Huddersfield in England and brings in over twenty-five years of experience in the industry.

Adam has worked on-board seven different vessels in the fleet at Celebrity Cruises under Apollo Ship Chandlers hotel operations.

Additionally, Chef Adam has worked around the globe with Cunard, The Apollo Group, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Australia, Costa Crociere

S.p.A., sea chefs at jobs auf Kreuzfahrtschiffen, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, and ACL Culinary Consultancy holding various titles such as executive chef, corporate executive chef, traveling culinary manager, culinary consultant, and food & beverage director. He is known for his creatively-prepared dishes and unique interpretations of local and international recipes.

“I’m thrilled to be part of such a progressive island concept and unique property here in the Maldives, along with its outstanding dining outlets,” he says. “My aim is to bring more distinctive culinary experiences to Siyam World that are in line with the resorts experiential never-seen-before ethos.”

General Manager Abdulla

Thamheed said: “We are extremely pleased that Chef Adam has joined us and welcoming him with open arms into the Siyam World family. I

trust that his extensive portfolio of experience will shine as he settles into his new role.”

Universal Resorts Management Appoints Chief Operating Officers are putting Universal on the path to continue our success over the last fifty years into the next decades. Visha and Sanjay have a deep passion for the hospitality industry and will ensure that our resorts continue to deliver the highest levels of service and delight our guests at all levels,” said Universal Chairman Mohamed Umar Maniku. “They will make sure that our associates have great opportunities for career development and that we continue to evolve our operations and adopt international best practices across all our resorts.”

Universal Resorts Management (URM) has appointed Visha Mahir and Sanjay Maniku as chief operating officers of the company.

50

www.hotelier.mv

Visha brings in over twenty years of experience in the Maldives tourism industry and has served as executive director at Universal Enterprises since 2002. Meanwhile, Sanjay

has served as executive director for Development and Joint Ventures at Universal Enterprises since 2004.

“With these appointments, we

URM is the hotel management division of Universal Enterprises and currently manages eight properties in the Maldives: Kurumba, Velassaru, Baros, Milaidhoo, Huvafen Fushi, Kuramathi, Dhigali and Kandolhu.

KEY APPOINTMENTS

Bryce Seator Appointed General Manager at Kanuhura Maldives Kanuhura Maldives has appointed Bryce Seator as general manager. Bryce brings in over seventeen years of experience in senior management roles in international luxury hotels and resorts.

Prior to joining Kanuhura Maldives, Bryce served as resort manager in Amanyara in Turks and Caicos and in Six Senses Zil Pasyon in the Seychelles.

Previously, he held the position of executive assistant manager of rooms in Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman and task force assistant manager in Six Senses Kaplankaya during its preopening. He has also gained international experience working in Vietnam, Hong Kong and Australia. Hailing from New Zealand, he has received his International Hotel Management qualifications from the Pacific International Management School.

“I am very pleased to welcome Bryce to the Kanuhura Maldives family,” says Marteyne van Well, Area General Manager.

“His passion for delivering exclusive and tailor-made guest experience finely defines him as a leader and as a personality and I believe his is an invaluable asset for the team as we move forward. His profound knowledge of the brand is key for the implementation of the brand’s wellness, conservation and sustainability initiatives and his insights are pivotal for the resort’s relaunch as Six Senses Kanuhura.”

Bryce says: “I am delighted to be joining the Kanuhura Maldives team during this transitional, yet exciting, phase in the resort’s long history. Kanuhura is a naturally beautiful island and I look forward of being a part of its transformation and re-opening as a Six Senses resort.”

F&B

BY BALSAM IY AZ

Abdul Matheen Adam, Restaurant Manager, The Edge, Grand Park Kodhipparu Offering the best of open dining on the beach, the Edge at Grand Park Kodhipparu is where guests indulge in a wide range of international cuisines from the restaurant’s extensive ‘live cooking’ buffet menu. Spearheading the operations of the Edge is Restaurant Manager Abdul Matheen Adam.

as cross exposure training in Mumbai. Matheen said that his leadership, management skills and strategies involves working together as a team.

Due to the pandemic, life at working in a resort has changed drastically because of the health safety measures that are needed to be taken in the tourism industry. Nowadays, you need to sacrifice spending time with your family in order to work at a resort. When asked about how he is handling the distance he mentioned that it has been really challenging for him to be away from his parents, wife and his kids. This makes it quite challenging to balance personal life with work life. However, Matheen dealt with this head on as he knows that his resilience through these struggles is what’s taking care of his family and this kept him motivated.

Matheen is an honest, reliable man that treats every customer and employee with utmost respect. On a daily basis he ensures that the food and beverage quality exceeds customer expectations and meets employee satisfaction.

When asked about one thing that was important to him on a normal day at work, he emphasized that it is making sure that all customers are satisfied with the service that they receive.

With over ten years of experience in the hospitality industry, Matheen’s motivation to work is to take care of his family back home. He has been working hard since day one to prove that it doesn’t matter where you come from and as long as you work hard and learn to overcome challenges, anything is possible.

Matheen’s journey in this industry started at Kuramathi Island Resort as a waiter, after which he worked at Paradise

52

www.hotelier.mv

Island Resort and then at Taj Eotica before joining Grand Park Kodhipparu. He rose up the ranks from waiter, senior waiter, captain, team leader, supervisor, assistant manager and then to his current position as restaurant manager. He joined Grand Park Kodhipparu in May of 2017 as a restaurant manager with years of experience in this field.

After the completion of his GCSE O’levels he was not fortunate enough to be able to further continue his studies to his family’s financial status. However, he did not refrain from obtaining more knowledge about his profession as he participated in several training programmes. He did a hospitality training program, international lifestyle host training as well

When asked about Matheen’s advice to young hotelier aspiring to get to his positions one day, he said that thing that he wishes he knew earlier is to admit when you have done something wrong, as this just means that there is room for improvement and growth. He added that it’s important to never let your ego get in the way of personal growth that could help you move forward in your career.

F&B

BY LAURA WILLIAMS

LG & Spire Strengthens its International Presence in the Maldives

After eight successful years of serving over 100 hotels and resorts in Maldives, LG & Spire, UAE’s leading food distribution operator has recently ventured in the ever-growing Maldivian market to establish a local distribution facility.

The new facility provides customers easy and quick access to their wide range of commodity, specialty food, frozen, chilled, fresh food and vegetables and alcohol. They currently operate in Maldives, GCC, Seychelles, Djibouti, Fiji & Azerbaijan.

As more tourists choose Maldives as their go to getaway spot, LG & Spire are able to meet this increase in the market demand through their expansive portfolio that includes brands such as American Garden, Lipton, Hellmann’s, Knorr, Fortune, Le Supreme, Sabroso, RS Olive Oil, Mara, Perrier, Dececco pasta, Granoro pasta, Evian, San Pellegrino and many more.

They have their own sourcing

centres across the globe which allows them to discover unique flavours and incorporate them in their food range.

While the local distribution allows flexibility in the quantity of the order and the ability to meet unexpected increases in demands, the hotels are also able to avail any special products based on their guests’ preferences in the shortest lead time of less than three working days, given that the product is available in the UAE, their home base. The direct supply will allow them to build trust and brand loyalty through an increase in the level of interaction they have with their targeted customers in Maldives.

“We see the opportunity to grow more significantly in the Maldives on the back of vast tourist inflow, improving infrastructure and the need to cater to the locals,” says Mr. Harish Bhojwani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LG FMCG & Spire.

LG & Spire are excited to bring popular international brands to Maldives, one of the most wellknown vacation destinations in the world.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

53

DESIGN

BY DONNA RICHARDSON

AN INSIGHT INTO

GX ASSOCIATES

Baros Maldives - Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Light House Restaurant & Beach Grill

GX Associates is one of the leading architectural firms in the Maldives.

Among their projects are the resorts of Huvafen Fushi, Velassaru Maldives, Kuramathi, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and LUX* Maldives. They have worked on over 70 hospitality projects to date, and they continue to grow with a pipeline of private island resorts in the Maldives.

Furthermore, the company is increasingly taking on international projects. As a full-service architectural firm, they cover conceptual aspects as well as architectural, structural, detailing and interior design.

54

www.hotelier.mv

The company are behind some exciting projects to date which have included Siyam World at Noonu Dhigurah which opened its doors on 28 October 2021, Kuda Villingili Maldives which debuted on 6 June 2021; The Nautilus, 2020; Heritance Aarah, 2018; Milaidhoo, 2016; Kandolhu, 2014 and Niyama, 2012.

After designing so many hotels, the senior management at GX found it was hard to pick their favourite as each project has its own interesting aspects. For instance, some are challenging in terms of budget while others are more open. However, it goes to reason that the most enjoyable projects are those where there is more freedom to play around with the design.

Factors to consider when designing in the Maldives include climatic conditions, topography, and context. One also needs to consider the size and shape of each island, its lagoon, vegetation, reef, depth of lagoon and its location in the atoll.

Kuda Villingili

For GX Associates design is not just about creating a layout that meets the function and an exterior that pleases the eye.

They pay close attention to the feeling each space creates. It has to have the right kind of ambiance, so a lot of time is spent on this.

For example, the design brief always gives the starting template to work on. From there they try to establish a temperament and ambiance of the place through simple mood boards and sketches.

The mood boards will then transform into actual layouts and three-dimensional sketches. Some layouts get discarded; others go through incremental refinements until the final design is arrived at.

This sets this firm apart from other architects with similar experience.

The internet, social media and ease of sharing means that everyone finds it easier to access different parts of the world that would otherwise be out of reach. This has been good

news for the Maldives, since it has given designers references that spark more ideas.

If you look around the capital of Male’ there are many welldesigned cafe’s, shops and guest The Nautilus Maldives Beach Suite Stair & Roof Feature

Anantara Kihavah Villas Spa Relaxation Deck

Heritance Aarah - Beach Grill

the vegetation line facing the beach. Then they are faced with the challenge of creating something unique while working within that linear space and a given budget.

As such GX Associates has always given emphasis to the internal spaces, their function and the feeling that is created within each space. The exterior look, though very important, becomes secondary. The result is that GX has mostly maintained a recognisable language throughout their designs by giving emphasis to these very aspects.

Milaidhoo Maldives - Dhoani Restaurant

houses. People are becoming more aware of well-designed spaces. With the introduction of international hospitality brands in Maldives, designs have headed in various directions.

One of the key ingredients in their designs is the revival of traditional Maldivian architectural elements. Many of these old proposals relied on natural and local resources.

When it comes to resorts, this is evident in the works of some of the Maldives’ best designers who work for GX Associates such as Mohamed Shafeeq, aka Sappe’ who planned Huvafen Fushi. One of the restaurants with the roof that resembles an upturned dhoni. He designed the rest of Huvafen Fushi like a playground with plenty of space for guests to relax and unwind.

Every project begins with design works and before any project starts, GX Associates looks at the following factors: environmental condition of the site, power generation and energy conservation, waste management and recycling, water generation and water conservation, All this, alongside conservation and mitigation measures to protect flora and fauna and minimise the adverse effects of redevelopment.

In this respect Heritance Aarah has been awarded

GX Associates has pioneered sustainable design long before ‘green’ became trendy.

the environmental LEED certification.

GX Associates has begun a revival of Maldivian traditional architecture and its elements, and this still contributes to their designs. It’s a huge challenge to create when you are given a similar context, design brief and budget.

All islands different in shape and size, can be simplified to a sort of oval. Within that oval, all bungalows need to be facing the beach. For the resort island to function as a business, any client would want to serve as many guests as possible. This means that guest rooms would mostly have to be housed inside a linear bungalow placed along

Currently the company is working on couple of private island resorts in the Maldives and they continue to focus on building their excellence as an architectural design firm.

Looking ahead the future is bright. The business during the pandemic slowed but it is now picking up as Maldives continues to be at the forefront of architectural designs.

GX has worked on conceptual projects in Dubai, Sri Lanka, India, the Philippines, Mauritius and the Seychelles. And now GX is offering consultancy services to resort and hotel projects including peer review client representative and design critic.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

55

AIRLINES

BY AMINATH SHIULEEN

Shubham Moondhara,

Head of Corporate Strategy & Business Development, Trans Maldivian Airways Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) began its journey in 1989 as a company operating a helicopter fleet by the name Hummingbird Island Helicopters. However, as the destination was struggling with its infrastructure, helicopters did not seem to be the ideal mode of transport as the majority of resorts were still accessible via boat transfers.

Thus the beginning of Maldivian Air Taxi in 1993, which is now named Trans Maldivian Airways with the World’s Largest Seaplane Fleet carrying approximately 1 million passengers per year.

HM: Could you tell our readers a little bit about yourself?

To get more insight on the company and career in this industry, Hotelier Maldives conducted an exclusive interview with the very able Head of Corporate Strategy & Business Development of TMA - Mr. Shubham Moondhara, who has come a long way in his career with his first work experience being rooted back to Grocery and Apparel Retail industry.

In my current role at TMA, I oversee the Reservations, Scheduling, on day backend operations, Sales & Marketing and Terminal Services verticals.

I am also responsible for the Corporate Strategy vertical which involves formulating both short term and long-term strategy for the organization and at the same time evaluating internal and external projects that come up.

56

www.hotelier.mv

SM: Sure, I head Corporate Strategy and Business development at Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA). I joined TMA in July 2015. Prior to that, I have worked at Aditya Birla Group which is a ~USD 65bn conglomerate in India. I hold a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from IIM Ahmedabad and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from BITS Pilani, India.

HM: What made you choose this career path?

HM: How do you keep yourself motivated?

SM: I have always wanted to explore businesses and understand the nuances that go into making a good business.

In my first job in India, I learnt about the Grocery and Apparel Retail industry and the different aspects that go into building a business. Being a fresher then, it was a steep learning curve. When I switched to TMA (leaving behind my first job at an Indian conglomerate), most of my peers from B-school had chosen the path to build their CVs working for MNCs,

SM: When you are surrounded by great people – motivation just follows! I strongly believe that if you are spending time with people who are well aligned and working towards achieving a common goal, the whole ecosystem is motivated then. In a sense, my motivation is a derivative of the motivation of all the people and stakeholders that I affect on a daily basis. I try to positively affect everyone and that keeps me motivated.

HM: What management style do you adhere to?

conglomerates or the start-ups which were slowly booming then. However, for me the opportunity at TMA was a unique challenge – which came along with a lot of risks. Most of my friends advised me to rethink my decision. However, my desire to learn about new businesses coupled with a new country and the challenges it will pose, helped me make up my mind to move to Maldives.

SM: We are living in times where adhering to only one style doesn’t create the impact or the value which a mix of multiple styles can bring in. To optimize, one needs to have multiple approaches and adapt based on the situation at hand.

I personally like to follow the Laissezfaire Management style which essentially empowers the people to make decisions and take complete control of their tasks and responsibilities without trying to micromanage. At the same time, it is important to throw in the right amount of Autocratic style of Management since the buck would stop at me. Our CEO, Mr. A.U.M Fawzy says, it is important to listen to everyone democratically but decide autocratically. I tend to follow that approach closely.

HM: What was the biggest challenge you encountered in your entire career?

SM: I would rate the spread of Covid-19 as one of the biggest challenges I have encountered in my career so far. In fact, Covid-19 was not just a challenge, but it was something which had no precedence.

Along with the ambiguity it posed, the challenge became a puzzle which required new and innovative solutions to get through. At TMA, we were geared up for full-throttle performance in January 2020.

And then Covd-19 hit. Within two months, we were faced with the task of dramatically scaling down the operations and also planning a shutdown roadmap for the airline. This was something which no one had even dreamt of. It was unprecedented.

HM: Tell us about your journey in TMA? SM: My journey at TMA has been very interesting and dynamic. Since I joined in 2015, every year has brought a different challenge and that has ensured that I continue to evolve, not just as a manager but also as a person. We were owned by Blackstone Private Equity who sold the business to a consortium led by Bain Capital in 2017. It was a great learning experience to go through the sale process- from pitching for the business to eventually sealing the deal with complete due diligence. I take pride in the fact that all the verticals I manage have predominantly local staff who not only have immense experience in the business but also help me in ensuring that we run a very effective operation. Over the last seven years, we have grown manifold, adding more than 30 new resorts in our portfolio while expanding our fleet considerably as well.

HM: What does TMA stand for as a company?

SM: TMA is the world’s largest seaplane operator with a fleet of 57 aircraft and transferring 1 million passengers every year to more than 80 resorts in Maldives. As a company, we stand for reliability and

flexibility. Our operations are extremely complex. Hence, it is very important to be there for your partner resorts whenever they need support. We strive to provide our mutual guests the most memorable flight of their life and seek to always improve and innovate in our journey.

HM: How do you maintain service standards at TMA? SM: We monitor all service level agreements (SLA) in a holistic manner. Of course, there will be bad days. However, we try to learn on how we could do things differently in order to avoid certain situations. Our systems are very robust and evolved and provide us with data which we can work with.

We can track the complete guest journey from the time they land in Maldives till the time they disembark from the seaplane at their resort. We also have our in-house scheduling software which was built and customized to suit the business model of TMA. In addition, we welcome customer feedback in order to offer the best service standards to our guests.

HM: What makes TMA different from its competitors?

SM: TMA’s business model is one of the most unique in the world. A traditional airline has a number of aircraft and pre-defined routes. They fly on those routes and hence the task at hand is to ensure maximum seats are utilized at the right revenue metric. At TMA, we do the opposite. We aggregate the demand from all our resort partners. Once we get that, we work on a schedule which will be based on our service commitment to every resort – enabling for optimal seat utilization across our fleet. We have had many subject matter experts come and exclaim their appreciation on the complexity involved in the scheduling and the on-day operations. Our unique business model offers immense flexibility to our resort partners whereby we accept last minute changes, additional bookings, charter requests and any other exigencies. It is this flexibility with a great degree of reliability which helps TMA standout.

HM: How did Covid-19 affect the company?

SM: As I touched upon, Covid-19 hit us really hard. Being an airline dedicated to serving tourist resorts in a country which thrives on tourism, you would imagine it would be the worst possible outcome for

us. Aviation and Hospitality industry across the world was reeling under the Covid-19 aftermath. From a full throttle bustling seaplane operation to a complete stand still – those were scenes you would never want to witness again! However, we took it in our stride. The government of Maldives did tremendously well to open the borders and kick-start tourism.

All the tourism stakeholders burnt the midnight oil in order to ensure that we could offer a safe destination for the guests to choose to fly to – amidst the pandemic! We trimmed down on our costs – since it was a matter of survival and we are glad to have had full support of our staff. We brought a lot of changes in our operations in order to ensure that we offer a safe and sanitized environment to our guests. Now that I think back, it has been a tremendous journey with participation from everyone to bring us where we stand today!

HM: What is the ultimate goal of TMA as a service provider and how do you see the future of TMA?

thrive on. They say business of business is doing business.

While it is true, we strongly believe that if we can take care of our resort partners and our mutual guests, business will do well and continue to evolve and grow. TMA will continue to expand and serve as the backbone of tourism infrastructure in Maldives.

We started with just two seaplanes, more than 25 years ago, and have expanded to a fleet of 57 aircraft now. We strongly believe that Maldives as a destination is on a growth trajectory where guests from across the world are now learning about the destination and are eager to visit the island nation.

HM: What is your advice to the newcomers in the industry?

SM: Keep things simple and be open to exploring opportunities that come your way. As a newcomer or fresher in any industry, it’s very important to be open to accepting roles – even though they might not fit exactly in your “planned” scheme of things. In the initial two-three years of your career, try to explore different verticals in the business you are in and use the time to understand where your interest actually lies. This would help you to gain invaluable experience of that business and also aid in the future as you climb up the corporate ladder.

SM: As a service provider, our ultimate goal is customer satisfaction. The smiles on the faces of our guests is what we

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

57

WATERSPORTS & DIVING

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

Fifty Years of Diving in the Sunny Side For the islanders, the sea has always been an important part of their lives.

Its power and what lies underneath have always fascinated man. However, just like the rest of the Maldives, its underwater beauty remained unknown to the world for centuries. This changed when EuroDivers opened its doors, together with the opening of the country’s first resort.

Over the past fifty years, Euro-Divers has opened eleven centres in the Maldives and has expanded into Thailand, then Indonesia, Egypt, Spain, Mauritius, Oman, and Japan.

Thorsten Antons, regional manager, Euro-Divers Maldives, says that despite their international expansion, “the ‘first borne’ is still the most important destination, due to the long-standing relations with the Maldivians and the uniqueness of the underwater world.”

58

www.hotelier.mv

Thorsten’s responsibility is to oversee operations in the Maldives, put together teams, assist dive center managers, and link with hotel management to ensure a smooth operation while guaranteeing the quality of their services. “Throughout the years, Euro-Divers’ mission is to provide world-class diving, water sports, and excursions, giving clients access to the best locations in the world, in a safe, friendly, and professional manner. Selecting and training our staff properly is key to this, we have always advocated equal opportunities and equal pay policies regardless of nationality and seek actively to train and

promote local staff.

“We are also committed to protecting the environment and are involved in or sponsor different programs worldwide.

‘Diving with Friends’ and having fun together has always been and will remain, our philosophy.”

Today Euro-Divers operates dive centers in a huge variety of resorts such as Kurumba Maldives, Meeru Island Resort & Spa, LUX* South Ari Atoll, Velidhu Island Resort, Vilamendhoo Island Resort, Amari Havodda, Club Med Kani, Club Med Finolhu, Dhigali

Maldives, Eriyadu Island Resort and Kagi Maldives Spa Island.

“Every resort does have a different concept which creates already a natural difference.

Of course, also the location of the resort plays a big role in the type of diving and water sports services offered by EuroDivers,” explained Thorsten.

“We are always committed to integrating into the whole philosophy of the resort and with now eleven operations we have the ability to offer all guests what they are looking for.”

of the business all the time, we manage the challenges coming our way quite well.”

All their dive centres in the Maldives offer the full range of PADI diving courses, from beginner to divemaster, PADI Specialty courses, and the freediving course at selected dive centres. Their experienced team of qualified multilingual PADI Instructors and Water Sports Guides assures guests an unforgettable experience.

In the southern Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Amari Havodda Maldives is known to deliver big fish encounters like sharks, tuna, barracuda, and sailfish in the channels. Here, their diving center includes morning dives, full-day trips, afternoon, or sunset dives, and night dives.

Meanwhile, the vibrant LUX* South Ari Atoll offers famous whale shark safaris, full-day manta trips and fluorescent night dives. In Male’ Atoll on

the exclusive wellness island of Kagi, Euro-Divers offers non-motorized water sports, snorkelling, and diving in a breath-taking house reef.

Speaking of the five-decade journey, its biggest success and challenge, Thorsten said, “The biggest success is and was the trust from the hoteliers to have a Euro-Divers dive centre on the Resort and work closely with them to accomplish happy

clients which are diving.

“The biggest challenge is to keep it ‘young and trendy.

Fifty years is a long time and to keep it going is the result of continuing to find ways to expand, manage, promote and guide our people, developing new ideas, and renewing ourselves. With a team like the Euro-Divers team behind each dive centre and the regional managers being on the pulse

To celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, Euro-Divers has created an incredible ‘Special Marine Life Weeks’ program across its dive centres in the Maldives. This year-long celebration aims to raise awareness about protecting marine life habitats and highlight the uniqueness of the Maldives as a destination.

There will also be an Online Underwater Photography Competition from 1st March until 31st May 2022.

Furthermore, Euro-Divers has launched a special edition T-shirt design, available for sale at their dive centres in the Maldives.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

59

EDUCATION & TRAINING

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

How to Effectively Lead Your Team into a Post-Pandemic World During the past two years, we have faced unprecedented challenges in our professional and personal life. For leaders, the pandemic added on the heavy responsibility of having a positive outlook without even having a guarantee. They needed to keep themselves and loved ones safe while making sure that their team is cooperative, healthy and motivated.

For those leaders who and whose teams were working away from their families on a remote island, this was an extremely tough challenge.

In the Maldives, eleven resorts have opened amidst the pandemic – three in 2020 and eight in 2021. One of the resorts was Marriott’s Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, which opened on 1st September 2021 in Lhaviyani Atoll. Ahead of its opening, Human Resource Professional Uday Nayak was hired as the Director of Human Resources at the resort.

Uday is a seasoned HR professional with over twentyseven years of hospitality experience across the globe.

He started his career with Taj Group of Hotels as a management trainee in 1994 and after fifteen years of operational experience as a chef moved in the L&D field as a training manager with Le Méridien Fujairah. He then continued his career growth as Director of Human Resource at the Sheraton Dushanbe in

60

www.hotelier.mv

Tajikistan before moving to the Maldives as the pre-opening Director of HR for JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. Having helped open the Westin Maldives and JW Marriott Maldives, Le Méridien Maldives is Uday’s third pre-opening for Marriott Resorts in Maldives.

Certainly, Uday’s job involves the normal duties of a HR director to lead the department.

However, some of the key works he likes to focus on are how to keep his associates engaged to be able to perform and excel better, to allow them associates to grow themselves in their careers and to act as a mentor and career guide.

“The reason I made my move to Human resource field from being a Chef was I believe in the immense human potential,

which if guided properly every one of our associate can achieve greatness. Being a part of the Marriott International whose values are of ‘Putting People First’ and allow them to grow only fuels my passion to dedicate myself to our associates,” said Uday.

THE START OF THE PANDEMIC When the pandemic hit the Maldives in early 2021, he was with JW Marriott as director of HR. He explained that the biggest challenge they faced was how to navigate the immediate challenge without losing focus on their values and also the future of the associates.

“Business levels dropped and we had to go in for a short term closure to be able to protect

the jobs and the organizations future. We ensured that the associates were constantly communicated on the steps we were taking and that we were there for them through this challenging times.

“Through the area team, Marriott International, as a company, was in touch with us through our leaders. Always ensuring and providing us with all the necessary support and guidance throughout the period and continue to do so even today.

“Overall I believe we did very well in navigating this important period at the JW Marriott Maldives.”

“We decided that we need to keep our associates engaged in a positive mind-set and to use this time productively and upskill them in regards to the new normal cleaning procedures and how to be ready with the new protocols when we were ready to open.

Our associates were extremely supportive and listened to our guidance and helped in every way possible.”

THE CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP With major and abrupt changes everywhere, it is with no doubt that there was a requirement for an adjustment in leadership and management as well. Uday believes that this great reset made us more empathetic and value the relationships at work, family and friends. “We learnt that decisive action and honest communication played a vital role and that we act in an urgent, honest, and iterative fashion, recognizing that mistakes are inevitable and correcting course — not assigning blame — is the way to deal with them when they occur.

“Keeping an open mind, listening to our associates and responding in a caring way was topmost to ensure that no one felt left out and uncared for.

“Before the pandemic it was business as usual but once it struck, it brought us all together and we were resilient and strong – as they say ‘Tough times don’t last but tough people do’.

“We are still not out of the woods yet but every single day as new challenges come up we are more adapt and quick in our response knowing that the only way to move forward is to live each day with hope, certainty and positivity.”

EMOTIONAL SAFETY – NO.1 PRIORITY Living away from family and loved ones would possibly have added up to the feeling of dejection and demotivation many were feeling. As Uday stated, along with associates, leaders were also going through anxiety, discouragement and frustration as each day passed and the news was not getting better.

“Our strategy was of hope and resilience, the message was clear – we will win this no

matter what, as we have always done through various crises.

“We received support and timely communication from our leaders to know that they had our back and will support us throughout the Pandemic – at that time we didn’t know how long it would last and that was adding to our anxiety.

“We decided that we need to keep our associates engaged in a positive mind-set and to use this time productively and upskill them in regards to the new normal cleaning procedures and how to be ready with the new protocols when we were ready to open.

Our associates were extremely supportive and listened to our guidance and helped in every way possible.”

The psychological safety of his team members was his utmost priority. Uday made sure to keep them engaged, carry out team building activities to build trust and remained open to ask their suggestions and implement them where possible. He was also available to listen to his associates’ concerns and maintained

timely communication, which helped them maintain a safe environment where the associates did not feel lost.

He further mentioned the use of online resources such as meQuilibrium, which provides a personalised experience for employees to build resilience that were offered to them for free. Additionally, they partnered with Singapore based Mindwealth360 to offer free counselling to associates should they need it, which proved to be immensely helpful.

SKILLS AND QUALITIES OF A GOOD LEADER Uday presented us the list the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard Marriott shared with his son Bill Marriott Jr. 1. Challenge your team to do better and do it often.

2. Take good care of your associates, and they’ll take good care of your customers, and they’ll come back.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

61

EDUCATION & TRAINING

3. C elebrate your peoples’ success, not your own.

11. A lways hire people who are smarter than you are.

4. Know what you’re good at and keep improving.

12. View every problem as an opportunity to grow.

5. Do it and do it now. Err on the side of taking action. (“This is one of my favourite rules for success. There is such a thing as ‘analysis by paralysis’ … don’t get weighed down by indecision. Go with your gut.”)

“We give this list to our leaders and ask them to make use of the practical wisdom it carries,” he added. “I have found this list to be immensely beneficial and keeps me grounded.”

6. Communicate by listening to your customers, associates and competitors.

7. See and be seen. Get out of your office, walk the talk, make yourself visible and accessible.

8. Success is always in the details.

9. It’s more important to hire people with the right qualities than with specific experience.

10. Customer needs may vary, but their bias for quality never does.

62

www.hotelier.mv

ADVICE TO ASPIRING YOUNG HOTELIERS Uday Nayak: My advice to young hoteliers aspiring wanting to make a career in Human resources would be very simple – We are the custodians of the culture and everything Human in the organization and we need to believe in our ability to make that difference.

Young hoteliers need who aspire to make Human resources their career need to ask themselves the question “why do I want to make a career in Human Resources?’ – What is

that inspires me every morning to get up and go make the difference because if you are not inspired and motivated – you cannot inspire others.

Once you have found your why – you need to have a vision for yourself and that should be aligned to the vision the company you want to work for has for Human resources.

Then you go and deliver on that vision every single day as you deliver on your other KPI’s (key performance indicators).

You also need to keep constantly learning and keep yourself up to date with the trends happening in your industry specifically HR and Hospitality in general as your strategic advice and guidance is of utmost importance for the future of the hotel or resort and to your General Manager and leaders in making key decision.

MBWA – The concept of Management By Walking Around is priceless for you to understand what’s happening on the floor and that you listen to them and solve their concerns immediately

if possible. Some of the best ideas are generated by your associates who can tell you the real issues and how to solve them. You will learn more by doing this then getting suggestions in your suggestion box.

Another aspect of your career in Human resources is to know your numbers. This skill will be put to test if you want to spend on new programmes and initiatives, something that costs money. You will need to be able to make your case for the expense as if you are running your own business.

Lastly one skill you must surely develop is to become a great communicator. Look for opportunities as you grow in your career, enrol in trainings as they become available, conduct line ups as a part of your overall strategy for your career.

Remember what matters is, it’s your career and you need to own it because no one else will do it for you.

SUSTAINABILITY

BY AMINATH Z AHIR

Emporia and Gulf Apparels Support Sustainability in its Expansion into Maldives With sustainability labelled as a critical part of postpandemic recovery, Emporia and Gulf Apparels have partnered with Lal’s Group to enter the Maldives market with a more sustainable product range.

Emporia is one of the most popular customer choices when it comes to bed & bath linen and customisation. Emporia is one of the wings of Spire and Gulf Apparels and already has an existing portfolio which serves a diverse range to over 150+ hotels across GCC, Maldives, Seychelles and Djibouti and has an in house Linen Manufacturing Factory in UAE. The company has now expanded its base in Maldives locally, allowing them to have a direct access to the market.

This will help in discovering the gaps and catering to them with effective solutions. They will be distributing their private labels including NNM designs, which focuses on a complete bespoke range; Torroly, providing an array of room appliances and lighting; Linen by Navin N. Moolchandani, offering luxe bed & bath products; and Eco-Vite, which features an innovative sustainable range of bed & bath linen, uniforms and consumer disposables such as compostable bags.

They are also introducing Biotique Advanced Ayurveda

& Organics hotel amenities, a range of high-performance skin, hair and body care products made from all natural, organic and cruelty free ingredients.

Over the coming months, the company also expects to agree a partnership with OceanЯ, a company designing and producing sustainable and ethically-made clothing collections as well as a range of eco-friendly accessories for the luxury hospitality industry.

With the increase in demand for secluded getaways, Maldives is a perfect destination for travellers to escape the bustling city life and finding a safe haven in these islands. However, past trends show that an increase in tourism typically goes hand in hand with an increase in the environmental pollution. Hence, Maldives is perfectly positioned for Emporia and Gulf Apparels to promote their sustainable solutions.

“Sustainability should be at the forefront for hotels and resorts to help improve the environment and in turn secure a better future,” said Navin N Moolchandani, CEO of Emporia and Gulf Apparels.

Emporia and Gulf Apparels welcomes you in this journey to move from the conventional to an ecological approach and contribute back to our environment.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

63

WELLNESS

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

INTERVIEW WITH DR RAHUL KRISHNAN, SPA MANAGER, SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHI Dr Rahul Krishnan spearheads the wellness experience at The Spa by Thalgo France, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi as spa manager. Charmingly situated amidst lush vegetation, The Spa

by Thalgo France is one of the largest spas in the Maldives, featuring 20 treatment rooms, as well as hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms and saunas. Hotelier Maldives interviewed Dr Rahul to learn more about his work and the awardwinning spa.

64

www.hotelier.mv

1. Tell me a bit about yourself and your career.

How did you come to the Maldives?

I am from the State of Kerala, India - a region that is famed for its Ayurvedic principles, with family background in the holistic medicine from years. I earned my medical, a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, of five and a half years including one year internship at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore.

My career started sixteen years ago back home. In 2007, I started my career in Maldives as Ayurvedic and Spa specialist.

Then joined Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives in 2008 as acting assistant to spa manager & Ayurvedic doctor and has since been promoted to spa manager.

2. Can you describe a day in your life as spa manager at Iru Fushi?

Always starts with meetings, walking around the spa areas, discussing operational/ technical issues if any. It’s important to stay connected with the resort operations and the spa team. As we are one of the largest spas in Maldives, it’s a big task to keep the area clean and tidy, and to maintain it. So, constant reminders might be required. Our spa is set in a tranquil lush green atmosphere with water bodies by the side of the pathways, all gives a

positive vibe to the guests when they visits us, so to maintain it we have to have great attention to details, round the clock.

Then it’s time to meet and greet the guests. As I am Ayurvedic consultant too, I might have consultations with guests. Work on new ideas to enhance guest experience, to create strategies to improve sales, small touches to the ambiance of the spa; is a continuous process. Motivating the team, especially when they have excellent guest feedback or an achievement is also a part of the daily routine.

3. What do you think are some skills and attributes that should be present in a good spa manager?

Spa might not be always a must for all the guests – this should be very clearly understood.

We should provide unique and excellent experience to attract the guests. If we create a journey which the guest will never forget, they will return for few more treatments. Such a guest who is loyal to us will bring their families to us, may spread the word with whom they interact. Creating loyalty is important. We always have to have promotions and deals, to market the spa – spa team need to go to the guests and get them to the spa whenever possible through upselling.

Team should be able support the guest in Emotional Wellbeing. Spa is a place to

heal the body and mind, and the team should be focused to connect with the guests, show empathy when required. A genuine care with a pampering experience, should be the goal.

Attention to detail is an important factor, it’s very important for spa. If you are good with this, you will see everything happening around you and if anything not in order, shall correct it with ease. I am repeating again the word ambiance, since it’s very important for healing. A healing ambience is essential for a spa.

If you have one, half is done.

Trust of the team is another attribute that you should have.

Team will exceed expectations if they trust their leader, if you shoulder them. I believe in empowering the right people, so that guests will have a very quick solution in case of any difficulty.

4. Can you guide me through The Spa by Thalgo France? What are the facilities and treatments available?

The Spa by Thalgo France features 20 individual spa pavilions of double occupancy, each with changing room, rest room, outdoor bath and shower facility. Out of these, two are for Shirodhara (an Ayurvedic treatment), one is dedicated for Chinese Medicine treatments and one is for Traditional

Maldivian treatments, designed with respective traditional looks.

The spa complex also features separate hair salon and nail salon, dedicated relaxation lounge, Yoga pavilion, retail boutique, Ayurvedic Doctor’s clinic, The Spa Café offering healthy cuisine and two separate hydrotherapy areas featuring sauna, steam bath, hot & cold plunge pools, outdoor showers.

The spa menu offers more than 140 treatments ranging from Thalgo, Classical treatments, Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, Traditional Maldivian, Sea Shore treatments, Yoga, Pranayama, Mediation, Pilates, a dedicated kids menu ‘Sweet Pea Spa’ serving the younger guests. Being in Maldives if you dream to experience few treatments by the shore, then get pampered at Sea Shore Spa Pavilion.

The guests benefit from the expert consultations and guidance of the resident Ayurvedic Doctor, Naturopathic Doctor, Yoga Guru, and Fitness Instructor. The fitness center operates aroundthe-clock, boosting the health of the guests offering guided sessions such as Body Pump, Body Building, Aqua Aerobics and Tennis sessions.

5. What has been the most popular spa treatment among guests at the resort?

It depends on the person, but shall say Spa Journeys by Thalgo gets to list. Balinese massage is one of the best seller always, Shirodhara from Ayurveda is very popular, and Iru Power Pack goes well with the guests who loves deeper pressure.

6. What’s your approach towards holistic healing?

Our spa philosophy is ‘Discover Nature’, we create a holistic guest journey based on the natural benefits of ‘organic earth (Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, Naturopathy, Maldivian treatments) and vibrant sea (Thalgo)’ incorporating a comprehensive menu of holistic treatments overseen by the resident

7. The pandemic has dramatically reshaped traveler attitudes towards health and wellness. What are the changes brought to the spa as a response to this?

Yes. I am not talking about the sanitisation and hygiene, but about the concerns of guests who visits us.

should be able to support this as its core goal.

8. As spa manager at Iru Fushi, what do you love most about your job and what are the challenges you face?

It’s interesting, motivating.

When I see the happy face of a guest after the spa experience, that makes me feel proud of what I do and it inspires me. Maldives is a place with a natural positive vibe, blessed by the nature – you will feel inspired always, working in Maldives is always a pleasant experience. Iru Fushi is my home away from home, I got great guidance, coached from the company, especially from our Group General Manager, Mr. Abdulla Thamheed.

Apart from the usual challenges of the role, now we have to ensure that team members are not mentally down due to pandemic scenario back home, sudden travel restrictions which prevents them from visiting their families and other challenges.

9. What’s your advice to hoteliers aspiring to get to your position?

Ayurvedic Doctor who can prescribe the ideal course of treat¬ments based on guests’ individual Dosha or energy. In addition, Thalgo products which draw upon the powerful richness and efficiency of the marine universe, are used in a broad range of innovative treatments for the face and body. Thus the team at The Spa, gently guides guests to harmony and happiness through the paths of detoxification and rejuvenation to achieve a proper way of life.

Many are under severe stress, concerned; hoping to revive back. They are here in Maldives, to recharge their energies.

More guests are visiting our spa this year compared to 2019, more guests are repeating their visits and more guests are selecting multi day packages.

The role and space for wellness tourism is even bigger now. This is the time where the guests who previously considered spa treatments as luxury would now consider it as a requirement.

As I mentioned earlier about Emotional Wellbeing, spas

Be open to learn, learn the basics, you need to have a clear understanding about everything happening in spa.

Get proper experience and build your confidence. A lot of opportunities will then open.

Once you are in a role, be dedicated, be honest and trustworthy with the team.

Support of the team is the most important factor for the success of the leader and department.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

65

WELLNESS

BY LEESHA HANEEF

HEIDI GRIMWOOD, VICE PRESIDENT, ELE I NA SPA Heidi Grimwood, the Vice President of ELE I NA by Atmosphere shares with Hotelier Maldives her vision in steering ELE I NA towards the future of Maldivian Wellness.

At the age of eighteen, Heidi first began her career training as a fitness instructor and personal trainer in New Zealand. With her experience in fitness, she was offered a unique opportunity in her home country, England, to do the set-up of the first Corporate Gym for Richard Branson at the Virgin Atlantic Corporate Head Office in London. With these accomplishments and strong passion for adventure, she sought out to work at cruise ships and ended up spending over seven years on water. Her fitness career then slowly evolved from fitness towards wellness and eventually began to find herself drawn towards Maldives.

Hotelier Maldives: Is this your first time here in Maldives?

Heidi Grimwood - Not at all.

The first time I was here was when One & Only Reethi Rah opened around eighteen years

66

www.hotelier.mv

ago. I came in as the Director of Spa, developed that spa over the years, then I left.

After working in several spas in Ireland, I ended up opening my own consulting company specializing in spa development and training. While running the

company, I frequently found myself in Maldives, consulting several companies and even hosted a special programme with Cyryx College of Maldives.

So for the past two decades, I have been familiar with Maldives.

HM: How did your career evolve from fitness expertise towards wellness?

HG: I was a fitness instructor, then became a Manager. At the age of 23, I stepped up as a manager temporarily and twenty years later here I am still at it. So I suppose for me, when things were developing in the industry, where there was a transition of spa and wellness, it was very interesting for me, because I was trained in each section and as I was trained as a therapist as well, for me there was always a synergy. It all connected well.

HM: How did you come across with the current opportunity with ELE I NA? HG: While I was running my consultancy business, I kind of got a message from Atmosphere, saying that they have a position and are looking for a recommendation. It was in the midst of the pandemic and I was longing for a change and I said, “I would be very interested and I am available”. In the end here I am, I got the offer and along with my family, we moved to Maldives.

HM: Could you tell us a bit about the rebranding of Elena Spa? HG: When I arrived we did a full rebranding of Elena.

Even though we still have the same name, ELE I NA is now considered as our brand.

Under the same brand name, we have different sub brands, ELE I NA The Spa, found in our Atmosphere properties and ELE I NA Elements of Nature, which is for our luxury properties under our OZEN Collection.

Currently we are working on launching our training academy which will be ELE I NA Training and ELE I NA Wellness, which is a project which we are working on this year.

HM: As the Vice President, what is your current role and what are your development visions for the brand and properties?

HG: Wellness is obviously going to be a huge part of the whole

development phase. We just started it now and really kind of just getting it really well-known.

This year we will focus a lot on getting our name out there, we want more people to talk about our bespoke treatments and experiences. Instead of taking full treatments from other cultures, we focus on how we can provide a more relevant treatment. Like, instead of using lava shell, our corporate trainer created a treatment using the actual coconut shell, we smoothed it over and now we have a beautiful coconut shell massage and it gives the guests a more authentic experience.

We also have sand bundle massage and a treatment created with betel leaf paste, these are our three signature treatments designed with Maldives in our minds.

We are very much focused to keep developing the local influence, keep their authenticity there, and keep working with local companies.

On the wellness element, we are going to have wellness projects outside as well. We have our wellness retreats designed with visiting practitioners and other international experts, what we are most interested in now is getting to work with local practitioners.

HM: What kind of efforts are you making in collaborating with local practitioners and what is your current plan?

HG: Since we have this interest, we began working closely with some Maldivians and we invited some local practitioners.

As most of them are new to resort environments, it can be a bit overwhelming for them, so we are putting together a module to train them in how they can become visiting local practitioners for the resorts and enhance their career further. Currently they are not familiar with the expectations of a luxury tourist, so these training will help bridge the gap and eventually we can start introducing local practitioners rather than constantly bringing only foreign practitioners.

I think this will open many opportunities to further develop the local wellness industry.

What we are interested in is getting more local people trained into the industry. We are working on finding a way to begin the classes in Male’ region and we are trying to find the support which we need. I think there is a huge potential if we train young Maldivians as currently a huge percentage of this industry is occupied by foreign workers.

If we can provide at least some of these jobs to the locals, it will open new doors. So within our company, what I created when I arrived is a complete development program.

Like, some of our spa attendants have always wanted to become therapists, we have trained them and we are going to certify them. The biggest challenge they face is even after getting trained, most of them don’t have a professional qualification. What I don’t want for the people who work in our company is to leave empty handed. When they leave, I want them to have the opportunity for a professional career, rather than them facing the issue of only having on-site internal training without a proper qualification. I want to set them up for their future, so they can get certified. So that we know we have trained them up to a great standard and when they leave, they can move on and build themselves up. This is why we are focusing on opening a training academy.

Instead of taking full treatments from other cultures, we focus on how we can provide a more relevant treatment.

Like, instead of using lava shell, our corporate trainer created a treatment using the actual coconut shell, we smoothed it over and now we have a beautiful coconut shell massage and it gives the guests a more authentic experience.

HM: What are your tips for the readers to stay motivated?

HG: Rather than what’s in the trends, you should follow your passion, what you strongly feel about. Always focus on what drives us. It’s about moving towards what you’re passionate about. When you are trying to keep yourself ahead of the game, it’s following what you’re passionate about, then you keep on upgrading, upscaling, updating on those passions.

Then there is the synergy, it works.

About ELE I NA ELE I NA by Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts is the wellness brand behind the resort chain.

Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic, fast-growing hospitality company founded in 2012. Today, the ELE I NA brand operates in five different resorts in Maldives and further two more properties will be added to their portfolio

by March 2022. ELE I NA is working on developing other projects in India and Sri Lanka along with Atmosphere.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

67

LoRo.

De Cecco Extra-virgin Olive Oil. A warm heart, cold-extracted.

The key ingredient of our extra-virgin olive oil is passion, which we put into every product that bears the De Cecco name.

The same passion that drives us to search around Italy and Europe, season after season, for the best extra-virgin olive oils. All these oils are strictly cold-extracted: the only method that allows us to preserve every single aroma and taste of the olives.

These are precious characteristics that we protect by using dark glass bottles, to avoid light affecting the quality of the product. The result of this excellent production process, which is technologically advanced and certified, is a range of extra-virgin olive oils that can satisfy all palates, even the most demanding. For example: the Classic version, balanced and perfect for any dish, or the 100% Italian, created solely from Italian olives.

It really is true: passion always guarantees good results.

De Cecco Extra-virgin Olive Oil. Quality without compromise.

The one and only. www.dececco.com

PURCHASING POWER

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

PURCHASING POWER: KABIRDOSS INIYAN, PURCHASING MANAGER, HIDEAWAY BEACH RESORT & SPA In this interview with Hotelier Maldives, Kabirdoss Iniyan, purchasing manager for Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, speaks about the ideal supplier and his most successful deals.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN PURCHASING? I started my career in the hospitality industry as a purchasing manager at an organization in Singapore and then moved to Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa in 2016. I have total of nine years of experience in procurement sector.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PRODUCT? I look for good quality and a reasonable price while ordering any product. Also, I make sure that the products meet departmental expectations.

70

www.hotelier.mv

WHAT AREA OF THE HOTEL ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL DEALS.

WHAT DOES A SUPPLIER HAVE TO DO TO IMPRESS YOU?

There are many areas in Hideaway that I am proud of but mostly, it will be our in-house fruit and vegetable gardens, which provide us an adequate supply of organic food items that our Executive Chef uses to create healthier food choices at the resort and also adds to our sustainability efforts. Also, I am proud of all our team members who help the resort operation run smoothly and efficiently at this large island resort.

We had a lot of successful deals in the past few years. For instance, the wine deal that we made running up towards Festive 2020, was partly a factor which ensured the success of that peak period. As we have a wide range of wine selections for our guests, since consumption shoots up during that period, finding ample supply in that wide range is quite a challenge.

What impresses me the most is, if the supplier provides best quality products with the right price and most importantly, delivers on time. Moreover, honesty plays a vital role as most deals are made virtually.

This ensures an ongoing relationship for us to work together to keep guests happy and satisfied at our resort.

BOX FACIAL TISSUE

DISINFECTING LIQUIDS

TOILET PAPER

KITCHEN TOWEL

RESORTS | HOTELS AIRPORTS | FERRY TERMINALS INSTITUTIONS | OFFICES STADIUMS | HOSPITALS

3346004

info@reollo.com

M-FOLD TOWEL

SECTION TITLE

BY

BUYER’S GUIDE SUPPLIER NEWS

73 Aries Enterprises Brings Rasarco to the Maldives!

Kampos, Italy’s Luxury Sustainable Swimwear Brand Arrives at Diamonds Resorts Maldives

PRODUCT REVIEW

75 Brotherhood Introduces Thailand’s Premium Coconut Oil to Maldives

74

76 HamacLand Concept – An Innovative Beach Solution for Maldives Resorts

PRODUCT REVIEW (CLASSIFIEDS)

77

72

www.hotelier.mv

SUPPLIER NEWS

BY JANET SMAILES

Aries Enterprises Brings Rasarco to the Maldives!

Rasarco, is the leading provider of food colouring and flavouring in Sri Lanka, catering to discerning chefs and home bakers for over 50 years, continually adding flavours and colours to their range. Today they offer 34 Food Colours and 40 Food Flavours.

Originally known as the Ceylon Essence & beverage Co. LTD, the company was established in 1968, by the late Mr Simon Arthur Wickramasingha.

He later joined hands with Mr. R Sarant of Sarant & Co of the United Kingdom to bring machinery to Sri Lanka that could produce natural vanilla and became the first Sri Lankan Essence Company to be approved by the then government and the brand name of ‘RASARCO’ was born.

Since its inception Rasarco has become a firm favourite with both domestic and commercial users who have helped spread the word across borders.

“The colours are strong, bright and hold well, so I only need a few drops to get a great natural colour” said Chef Aruna Shantha, Senior Chef de Partie at The Waters Edge Colombo, and Gold Medal winner of the recent Dress the Cake competition at Sri Lanka’s Travel Expo 2021.

Rasarco colours and flavours are now readily available in the Maldives as Aries Enterprises became the Maldives distributor in June 2021, thereby providing the plethora of skilled Chefs, Pastry artists, cake decorators and home bakers, with an extensive collection of vibrant colours and flavours to enhance their creations.

fondant, under skilled hands.

The quality of the products makes them firm favourites with Resorts, local Cake decorators and Pastry Artists.

suit all sizes of operation and wallets.

In addition, they have a shelf life of 24 months and are Halal certified

Colours such as Peacock Blue, Ninga Green, Pillar Box Red are teamed with Black, White, Ash and Ivory to create stunning showpieces and edible flowery delicacies!

The black and white colours are especially sought after due to the thickness and pigmentation which produces an even colour on both buttercream and

These water-based edible food colourings are odourless and tasteless, so won’t alter the taste or texture of any recipe.

All flavours come in brown bottles to help protecting it from losing its original form.

Products are available in different sizes and quantities to

Products can be bought directly from Aries Enterprises or found in several shops in Male’ such as Agora, Evco, Esy Mart, Red Bee, Sosun Mart, I biz Holding and Efes Cakes. Finding them in the Atolls is a little harder, although the Sunny Store in Addu holds them, as do Thema Store k-4, Kilam Traders 0-8, Good Faith Q-10, Reward-G 4 and Cool Faru.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

73

SUPPLIER NEWS

BY NAZ A NAZEEM

Kampos, Italy’s Luxury Sustainable Swimwear Brand Arrives at Diamonds Resorts Maldives Kampos redefines luxury by creatively transforming marine pollution into high quality swimwear.

The Italian brand recently opened boutiques at Diamonds Thundufushi Island Resort and Diamonds Athuruga Island Resort, marking its entry into the Maldives.

The founder and CEO of Kampos, Alessandro Vergano grew up at the seaside on the Mediterranean, which created

a strong passion for the sea.

After gaining fifteen years of experience in sales and marketing and after working for Tom Dixon Studio as CEO for over a year, Alessandro wanted to transform his passion into a business. He brought together a team having the same vision as him, to maintain the pristine image of the Mediterranean and sustain its marine life. Hence, Kampos was founded in 2019 in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy, in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. The brand currently has six boutiquesfour in Italy and now, two in the Maldives.

“Growing up, I used to see lots of fishes, seahorses and other marine life. These days,

74

www.hotelier.mv

when I go back to the sea, it’s hard to spot anything. Plastic is a problem everywhere. And fundamentally, as plastic is a real problem, we thought about coming to the market with a product offering extremely high quality, made from recycled plastic taken from the sea,” explained Alessandro. His brand was recently certified a B Corp, a business meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency.

Kampos offers sustainable swimwear for men, women and kids, all made in Italy and with utmost attention to detail. Products are either made from recycled plastic bottles, abandoned fishing nets, or other recycled nylon and/or organic fabrics.

Kampos is also part of the Coral Conservation Project, an initiative launched in 2009

by Planhotel Hospitality Group and the University of Milano-Bicocca.

As a partner, Kampos donates part of its revenues for the conservation and restoration of coral reefs in the Maldives.

Every Kampos boutique is unique and all products by the brand are inspired by sea creatures, marine life and Mediterranean nature. At Thundufushi and Athuruga in South Ari Atoll, visitors are welcomed by the beautiful whale shark wall art created by Italian Artist Claudia Filigheddu.

Kampos also introduced an exclusive product to the Maldives, whale-shark inspired swimwear. Available in no other location, the whale shark swimwear comes as ladies’

Kampos’ Founder Alessandro Vergano and Store Manager Daniela Berti at Diamonds Thundufushi

swimsuits, male shorts and will soon be introduced for kids as well.

The men’s swim shorts are made from 100 per cent recycled plastic collected from the sea. Each short is made from seven plastic bottles and a mechanical process transforms the plastic into fabric. Apart from its softness, lightness and its stylish designs, what makes these shorts highly impressive is its ability to dry almost instantly. The pockets have two holes where water runs out and each short has a drawstring with bamboo aglets.

Luxurious and elegant, swimwear for women includes swimsuits, bikinis, pareos, kaftans, pullovers and swim shorts.

All products are handcrafted and produced with 100 per cent ECONYL® regenerated nylon from recycled fishing nets.

Further, Kampos offers a collection of ECONYL® sunglasses, organic cotton beach towels and straw hats

handmade in Italy. They also have special perfume, Mediterranean Myrtle, which evokes a clean and fresh smell reminiscent of the crisp sea air. The aroma leaves you feeling energetic and uplifted and is also available as home fragrance. For those looking for an eco-friendly home décor, Kampos offers unique art pieces made by Italian Artist Silvia Pasqualato, who uses recycled wood to creates unique artworks inspired by the sea life.

Alessandro and Kampos are on an ambitious journey to create a world where luxury meets sustainability, and the brand is exceptionally excited about its expansion in the Maldives.

PRODUCT REVIEW

BY AMINATH Z AHIR

BROTHERHOOD INTRODUCES THAILAND’S PREMIUM COCONUT OIL TO MALDIVES Coco-1 is a brand of Thai Kana Interfoods Co., Ltd, a company specialised in coconut oil production since 2013. Their range of coconut oil products includes extra virgin coconut oil and coconut oil beauty products.

Coconut oil in general is proven to have many benefits, including energy, healthy skin, hair protection and antioxidants. To offer premium quality, Coco-1 Premium Virgin Coconut Oil is cold-pressed, produced at a temperature not exceeding 35 degrees Celsius at every step of the process. This makes it easy to eat and use in cooking. The oil is made from carefully selected ripe coconut that is freshly removed from the shell and is produced using an advance coconut-oil centrifuge.

Furthermore, by controlling the humidity of the oil, it is made more durable and gives

off a natural coconut scent. The coconut oil is also filtered as small as 0.25 microns, allowing the oil to quickly absorb into the skin.

The cold pressed coconut oil has also been used to create a

special formula for shampoo, hair conditioner, shower cream and body lotion. The products radiate a soft natural fragrance. While the shampoo and conditioner leaves hair soft, shiny and moisturized, the shower cream and body lotion

helps keep skin moist with Vitamin E. Coco-1 products are exclusively distributed in Maldives by Brotherhood Investments Pvt Ltd.

ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

75

PRODUCT REVIEW

BY LAURA WILLIAMS

HAMACLAND CONCEPT – AN INNOVATIVE BEACH SOLUTION FOR MALDIVES RESORTS

At La Seynesur-Mer on the Mediterranean’s Provencal coast, an extensive team of professionals had founded a state-ofthe-art solution to increase the beach area of island resorts with eco-friendly extensions. Since then, the HamacLand Concept has expanded into Dubai, Oman, Bahamas, Qatar, Seychelles, Turks & Caicos and the Maldives, offering a dedicated space on water.

76

www.hotelier.mv

A HamacLand can be up to fourteen square meters and can be installed on any sufficiently calm body of water.

The concept combines modern technology and simplicity to put together a private experience where families, friends and couples can spend quality time together. The structure is securely anchored and in exceptional comfort with a host of optional extras such as electric motor, fresh water, refrigerator, solar panel, Wi-Fi, sound system and many other add-on features.

With the surge in demand for seclusion and experiences away from crowds, HamacLand seems more desirable than ever. This multi-purpose facility increases VIP spaces and creates new leisure areas and activities. It offers a private space that is right off the beach and can also serve as an extension to water villas. It seamlessly crafts an elevated private dining setting as well as a spot for relaxation.

Maldives resorts offering this unique experience include Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Constance

Halaveli, Hideaway Beach Maldives and Lily Beach Resort & Spa, and soon Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives.

PRODUCT REVIEW (CLASSIFIEDS)

EVA SPARKILING JUICE

PRODUCT REVIEWS

The perfect celebration. Sparkling fruit beverages, with their fine bubbles and which are alcoholfree, are a natural way of toasting and celebrating special moments. The aroma and the notes will surprise even the most demanding palates. In addition to these, marketing networking moments, Eva sparkling juice compliments your everyday main course.

Ideal for any time of the day. The sparkling juice is the perfect companion any time of the day. Their freshness and flavor make these fruit juices an essential drink in any of their different varieties.

The varieties we have are White Grape, Red grape, Muscatel, Raspberry and Apple. It has a fresh and natural bouquet, without added sugar nor preservatives, and most importantly it is alcoholfree MU Store Website: https://mustore.mv/ Email: sales@mustore.mv

Koel Eyewear

The Ran Akiri Series is a collection of sunglasses launched by Koel Eyewear. Designed in the Maldives with high quality materials sourced from around the Globe. The name itself is derived from the Maldivian language (Dhivehi) and can be directly translated as “Golden Sands”. The series introduces “Dhohohko”, “Mariyambu” & “Sarangu”. All Iconic names from the Maldives throughout its colorful history. The designs are a cross between Maldivian traditions and modern design, finding the balance between fashion and culture.

Koel Eyewear Email: info@koelshop.com Instagram : koel.eyewear Website : www.koelshop.com

Pure HarvestUnsweetened Almond Milk

Plant based milk and milk substitutes are becoming the choice of Milk for many people who are following a plant-based, vegan or non-dairy diet. Pure Harvest’s Unsweetened Organic Almond Milk is a full flavoured non-dairy milk made from real organic activated almonds with no added sweetener. You can add to your breakfast, coffee, smoothie or even use it for other sweet and savory uses.

Other Products in our range include Organic Unsweetened Soy Milk, Oat Milk and Rice Milk.

Pure Harvest is exclusively distributed in Maldives by Good Food Maldives. We have the widest selection of organic and plant based milk from Pure Harvest, Australia Good Food Maldives M. Blue Light, Majeedhee Magu, Male Contact: +960 7847497 Website: www.goodfoodmaldives.com ISSUE 56 HOTELIER MALDIVES

77

LISTINGS

Health Protection Agency

ILAA Maldives

H. Roshani Building, Sosun Magu, Malé 3014494

No: 10637, Zone: M2-24, Onugas Magu, Hulhumale’ 335 5751

ADK Hospital

Villa Hakatha

Sosun Magu, Male’, 20040 3313553

Villa Trade Centre 2 (Gas Building), Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’ 332-7811

State Bank of India (SBI) H, Sunleet, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 3312111

MCB Maldives H.Sifa Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 3305656

Maldives Post Limited Post Building, B oduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé 20026 3321558

Total Transport Solutions Maldives

Sea Gear M. Araliya, Alhivilaa Magu, Male’ 3302737

Seara Sports Maldives H. Hanidhoadhi, 1A, Bodu Thakurufaanu Magu, Male’ 3325552

Reollo Enterprises M.Kaneeru Villa, Orchid Magu, Male’ 3346004

get listed and feature your latest PR, please contact:

International Food Solution

05th Floor, Ma. Bodudhaharaage, Chandhanee Magu, Male’ 3011888/3011666

Lonuziyaarai Magu, Malé 300-0770

Green Path Pvt. Ltd

5th Floor, MUNI Building (M. Loobiyaa), Ameenee Magu, Male 333-1512

Thuniya Building 7th Floor Boduthakurufaanu Magu 333 0701

To advertise,

MUNI Home Care

Email: sales@hoteliermaldives.com Hotline: +960 7910858

78

www.hotelier.mv

Greenpath Private Limited info@greenpath.com.mv

Tel: (+960) 333 3017