‘Luxury is in the details’: Cheval Blanc Randheli’s Mohamed Aslam on the craft of housekeeping

By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed

When Mohamed Aslam was named Housekeeper of the Year at Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025, his response was marked by gratitude and reflection. “This award means a great deal to me because it is the first major recognition I have received in my career,” he said. “When I heard the news, I was overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude. It felt like a validation of years of hard work, dedication, and passion. But for me, the award is not only mine. It belongs to the entire housekeeping team at Cheval Blanc Randheli—the ambassadors who work day and night to ensure every guest’s stay is flawless.”

For Aslam, the award also represents something more. “This recognition shows the importance of the housekeeping department, which is often underestimated. It is rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged on such a platform, and I am very thankful to Hotelier Maldives for creating this opportunity for professionals like us to be celebrated.”

Aslam’s journey in hospitality did not begin in housekeeping. “My journey actually began at the front office. I started out as a receptionist, which gave me a good foundation in guest relations. But when I later moved into housekeeping as a supervisor, something clicked for me. I discovered that I enjoyed the operational side of things, especially the chance to create comfort and perfection for guests behind the scenes.”

That step set him on a career path that would take him across several properties. “From there, I worked in several resorts including Anantara Dhigu, Six Senses Laamu, and for a brief time at Anantara Veli. Each property had its own unique housekeeping philosophy and standards, and I found it fascinating to learn and adapt. That exposure deepened my interest and passion for the field.”

In September 2015, Aslam joined Cheval Blanc Randheli, where he quickly found alignment with the brand’s values. “When I joined Cheval Blanc Randheli, I immediately felt a strong connection to the brand’s values of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and excellence. Within two years, I was promoted to Executive Housekeeper, which was both a big responsibility and a huge motivator. What continues to fuel my passion is the fact that housekeeping is not the same everywhere—you are always learning, adapting, and evolving. That dynamic keeps me motivated and committed.”

Asked about key influences in his career, Aslam points to the collective impact of his colleagues and leaders. “It’s difficult to name a single pivotal moment or one mentor because my growth has been shaped collectively by all the places I have worked and the people I have worked with. At every resort, I was given opportunities to learn and prove myself, and that consistent support was invaluable.”

At Randheli, he acknowledges the role of leadership in his development. “I must especially thank our General Manager and Director of Operations. They both have a very people-focused approach and strongly believe in nurturing talent. Their trust in me has been a driving force in my career.” At the same time, Aslam believes personal responsibility plays a decisive role. “Without genuine interest in your job, you cannot succeed, no matter how much support you receive. For me, it was always about showing commitment to both my team and the guests. That attitude has shaped my leadership style—leading by example, being committed, and staying deeply engaged in the details that define luxury hospitality.”

One of the defining features of Aslam’s leadership is his ability to retain and engage staff in a field often known for high turnover. “In my view, the secret is creating a culture of teamwork and respect. From management to line staff, everyone contributes equally to the success of the department. We don’t think in terms of hierarchy when it comes to ensuring guest satisfaction—we think in terms of collaboration. When staff members feel included and know that their efforts matter, they develop loyalty. Our ambassadors are proud of the fact that the guest experience depends so much on what they do. That sense of purpose builds engagement and helps us retain people, even in an industry where turnover is often high.”

His philosophy on mentorship reinforces this approach. “I do not believe in micromanagement. Instead, I delegate tasks and give my team members ownership over their responsibilities. This empowers them to think independently, to solve problems, and to take pride in their work. Of course, I follow up and provide guidance where needed, but the key is to let people grow by trusting them.” He describes his role as that of a coach and guide. “This approach has created a culture where my team is highly cooperative, attentive, and motivated. They know that their contributions are valued, and in turn, they push themselves to excel.”

For Aslam, luxury is defined by detail. “Luxury is indeed about the details. It’s the difference between something being acceptable and something being extraordinary. To cultivate this mindset, we conduct continuous training sessions. Refresher trainings are a key part of our operations. They are based not only on our own high standards but also on feedback from LQA audits. These trainings sharpen the team’s ability to look beyond the checklist and notice the small details—whether it’s the alignment of items in a villa, the freshness of flowers, or the subtle finishing touches that guests may not consciously notice but deeply feel.”

The discipline has produced results. Cheval Blanc Randheli maintains an exceptional Quality Assurance score of 98.8 percent. “Achieving 98.8% was not easy—it required discipline, consistency, and a lot of hard work. The foundation of it is training. We don’t just train once; we continuously refresh and repeat. This ensures that everyone, from new joiners to long-serving ambassadors, is always aligned with standards. We also have regular internal audits and checks to make sure there are no lapses. Attention to detail is constantly emphasised, and team members are encouraged to take ownership of quality. For me, achieving such a score is about discipline, but maintaining it is about commitment.”

Sustainability also plays a central role in operations. “One of the most impactful changes has been replacing plastic amenity bottles with ceramic ones. It was a big step, but it not only reduces plastic waste but also enhances the sense of luxury in our villas. We also practice waste segregation. In every section, bins are placed for plastic, glass, and other materials. This makes it easier for villa attendants to separate waste before it is sent to the main collection point. These small but consistent actions contribute to sustainability while maintaining the uncompromised luxury that Randheli is known for.”

Personalisation remains another cornerstone of Aslam’s approach. “There are many stories, and it’s difficult to pick just one because creating unforgettable moments has become part of our culture. For departing guests, we often add special touches such as personalised villa decorations or sand art along the pathways. For honeymooners, we create custom designs and messages that make their stay truly memorable. Even something as simple as writing ‘See you soon’ in the sand can leave a lasting impression. These are not grand gestures, but small, thoughtful touches that make guests feel cared for.”

Reflecting on the wider industry, Aslam notes that logistics remain one of the main challenges. “Being in the Maldives, it is not always easy to source and receive certain items required for daily operations. That said, I consider us fortunate. With the dedication of the team and support from management, we are able to manage these challenges effectively.”

Technology, he believes, will continue to shape the future of housekeeping. “At Randheli, we already use integrated systems where guests can control villa features such as lighting, curtains, and air conditioning from an iPad. This makes their stay seamless and enhances the sense of luxury. Looking ahead, I expect technology will play an even greater role in hospitality, making experiences smarter and more personalised.”

One of the misconceptions Aslam wants to change is about the very perception of his profession. “The biggest misconception is that housekeeping is simply about cleaning and that it is a purely physical job. Yes, it requires physical effort, but it is so much more than that. It requires precision, attention to detail, and a deep sense of service. Housekeeping is not just about making a bed—it’s about creating an environment where guests feel comfortable, cared for, and impressed by the subtle details. I wish more people understood that housekeeping is a profession that requires skill, passion, and pride.”

To the next generation of Maldivian hoteliers, his advice is straightforward. “Love what you do and serve from the heart. In housekeeping, if you don’t feel genuine care and pride in what you are doing, you won’t excel. Dedication and passion are the keys to growth. This industry offers enormous opportunities for young Maldivians, but success will only come if they embrace the challenges, stay patient, and remain committed. Service must come from the heart, and when it does, it will show in everything you do.”

On a personal note, Aslam finds his greatest satisfaction in guiding his team. “For me, the most rewarding part is the dedication and discipline that comes with the role, along with the opportunity to guide and coach my team. Housekeeping is about much more than just cleaning; it is about going into details, coaching the team to focus on those details, and ensuring a standard of excellence that makes guests feel truly special. When I see my team grow, improve, and take pride in what they do, it is deeply satisfying.”

Summing up his philosophy in one sentence, Aslam puts it simply: “Luxury is in the details. Perfect housekeeping is about focusing on those details and delivering service with genuine care and passion.”

Aslam offers a final reflection. “To the younger generation, I would say: hospitality is one of the most important industries in the Maldives. Accept the challenges, be ready to face them, and work hard to build your career. The rewards will come when you dedicate yourself fully. Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my team, my family, my friends, and everyone who voted for me. This award belongs to all of them.”