Salaam Mohamed: Embodying Maldivian hospitality at OBLU NATURE Helengeli

Salaam Mohamed, the Front Office Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, embodies the rich tradition of Maldivian hospitality—a tradition deeply rooted in the culture and passed down through generations. His career is a testament to resilience, growth, and a commitment to service, which have shaped him into the leader he is today.

In an interview with Hotelier Maldives, Salaam shared his career journey, his experiences managing through the challenges of COVID-19, and his views on the hospitality industry in the Maldives. His passion for the industry is unmistakable, and his story offers valuable insights into the dedication required to succeed in this fast-paced, ever-evolving field.

Salaam’s foray into the hospitality industry was no accident. Growing up in the Maldives, a nation where hospitality is embedded in the culture, he was drawn to a career that would allow him to extend the tradition of warm service that had been practiced by his grandparents. “Hospitality is in Maldivians’ blood, and it came from our grandparents for sure,” he says. After completing hotel school, Salaam began his career with an internship at Kuredu Island Resort & Spa.

From there, his journey took him across several prestigious properties in the Maldives, and each role added a new layer of experience to his portfolio. At Kuredu, he was promoted to reception and later, to Guest Relations Officer at sister-resort, Komandoo Island Resort & Spa. It was at Komandoo, Salaam reflects, that he first began to hone his leadership skills. “There was no front office manager or supervisor, so I found myself managing the entire front office department—handling arrivals, departures, check-ins, check-outs, and luggage. It was a tremendous learning opportunity,” he recalls.

Salaam’s quest for learning and growth took him to Kanuhura Maldives, where he worked for nearly four years as a receptionist before being promoted to Front Office Supervisor. “Kanuhura was one of the best properties I worked at,” he says. “The operations there were extremely well-organised, and I learned a lot of technical skills.” His time at Kanuhura would set the stage for future leadership roles, including joining Atmosphere Kanifushi during its pre-opening phase—a period that Salaam describes as one of his most valuable experiences. “Pre-opening is completely different from working in an established property. I learned about setting standards and creating SOPs from scratch,” he explains.

Salaam’s career reached new heights when he joined Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts. “I wanted to gain international experience,” he says, reflecting on his decision to join Jumeirah Vittaveli. “I was promoted to Senior Front Office Supervisor and was on track to become a Duty Manager. However, before that could happen, I received an opportunity to return to Atmosphere Core with OBLU NATURE Helengeli as Assistant Front Office Manager.”

Salaam’s return to Helengeli in March 2020 was marked by unexpected challenges. “I joined the team, and within 20 days, the COVID-19 lockdown began,” he says. Being on probation during such a turbulent time was difficult, but Salaam credits the leadership of then Helengeli General Manager Maria Luisa Lalli, his mentor, and Salil Panigrahi, the company’s top management, for their decision to retain him despite the hardships. “It was a difficult time for everyone, but they chose not to terminate anyone, even though I hadn’t completed my probation period. Their kindness and support kept me going.”

During the lockdown, Salaam was tasked with maintaining the resort’s infrastructure, a responsibility he took seriously. “We couldn’t just leave everything shut down for too long—it could have caused damage. I was given the job of checking 10 rooms each day, ensuring the lights and water systems were functioning properly.” This period, though tough, strengthened his resolve to stay with the company.

Following the lockdown, Salaam was transferred to OZEN LIFE MAADHOO as Assistant Front Office Manager, where he played a key role in the reopening. “The reopening was one of the most challenging periods in my career,” he says. “We were expecting 20% occupancy but ended up with over 80%, all while facing staff shortages due to travel restrictions. Many colleagues were stuck abroad, and others had to quarantine before starting work. It was a tough time, but we managed to pull through.”

After three years at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, Salaam received a call from General Manager Ali Shakir, offering him the position of Front Office Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli—a return to the property he had helped navigate through the pandemic. “This is my first role as Front Office Manager, and I am grateful to Ali Shakir and Resort Manager Manas Pandar for this opportunity,” he says.

Taking on the role came with its own set of challenges, including adapting to a new property management system (PMS) called Opera Cloud. “Opera Cloud was new to me and my entire team. Most of my team members were also new to the industry, so it was a dual challenge—training myself and training my team. But nine months in, I can say it has been a success.”

Salaam attributes much of his success to the guidance of his mentors, particularly Luisa, whom he continues to consult when facing new challenges. “Luisa has always been there for me, both professionally and personally. Whenever I’m unsure of the next step, I call her, and she helps me find the way forward.”

Salaam’s approach to hospitality is deeply influenced by his upbringing. His mother, in particular, instilled in him the values of kindness and generosity. “My mom is my other mentor,” he says. “She always told me, ‘If a visitor comes and asks for help, give them your bed, even if you have to sleep on the floor.’ That’s the extreme level of hospitality service she taught me, and it’s something I carry with me every day.”

For Salaam, hospitality is not just a career—it’s a way of life. “Hospitality is the tradition of the Maldives. The smile on a Maldivian colleague’s face is genuine, and that comes from our culture,” he says. He recounts how, before the development of the resort industry, Maldivian households would share meals with their neighbours, a practice that exemplified the communal spirit of hospitality that has since been carried into the nation’s world-renowned tourism industry.

As he looks to the future, Salaam remains committed to the values that have shaped his career. His message to aspiring hoteliers is simple but profound: “Be thankful for everything you have. Love what you do, and do what you love. Hospitality is not just a job; it’s a reflection of who we are as a people.”

In Salaam Mohamed, OBLU NATURE Helengeli has a leader who not only understands the operational demands of his role but also embodies the heart and soul of Maldivian hospitality—a trait that has earned him the respect of his colleagues and guests alike.