Careers: Abdulla (Lolly) Saeed – Tour Guide
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Abdulla (Lolly) Saeed’s face is a familiar one, you’ve likely seen him on the street shepherding flocks of tourists, especially around landmarks and the tourist shopping district. He’s been a tour guide for 32 years, he reckons; almost a lifetime for someone who’s not even 50. Saeed’s a native of Ha. Dhidhdhoo, the youngest of […]
Hotel Review: W Maldives
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When you’re with W they really put an effort to take care of you: something I observe when I arrive at the seaplane terminal. A representative comes up to me, verifies my identity and ushers me into the W lounge. It’s a swanky, tech-friendly place, outfitted with a Ferguson Hill sound system, Bose surround sound […]
Careers: Ahmed Hussain – Restaurant Supervisor at Makunudu Island
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ahmed Hussain hails from Fuahmulak and has spent most of his life in hospitality. 2016 marks the 34th year since he joined the industry, yet he seems as eager to carry on as a man half his age. Ahmed’s schooling was completed in the early 80’s on his native island. Tourism was expanding its footprint […]
Branding – It can make or break a property
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Brands are ubiquitous. In our everyday life we’re confronted with a plethora of them; there are those that fulfil our most basic needs, like milk, and others that we indulge in every now and then, like a treatment at a particular spa. Branding is part of the process that gives tangibility to something that is […]
Furaveri – A portrait of a resort as a youngster
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’re at Furaveri’s capacious reception after brief introductions to the General Manager Nicholas Mason and Marketing Executive Yvonne Gehrmann, who welcomed us at the jetty. The building is somewhat austere; its interior harks back to the Maldivian past. Chandeliers with glass lamps, the sort you might still find on some islands, hang above us. We’re […]
The GM’s View – Mark Hehir, Amilla Fushi and Finolhu
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mark Hehir is the General Manager of the Amilla Fushi and Finolhu in Baa Atoll. He is also the CEO, Partner and Curator at the Small Maldives Island Co, the company that manages the two Baa Atoll properties. He comes from a culinary background and his first managerial position was with Huvafen Fushi in 2005. […]
Careers – Abdulla Adam, Carpentry Team Leader at W Maldives
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Abdulla Adam, the youngest of three siblings, was born in Noonu Atoll Kendhikulhudhoo and raised in Alifushi in Raa Atoll. He went to school but had little interest in academic studies preferring instead to learn a trade. So, after completing the eighth grade, he joined the vocational training centre in Alifushi. He enrolled in a […]
Careers: Mohamed Riyaz, Executive Chef at Furaveri Island Resort & Spa
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mohamed Riyaz is the executive chef and F&B head at Furaveri Island Resort & Spa, a newly opened Raa atoll property. He’s the eldest of six siblings. “I lived in Maradhoo [in Addu Atoll] until I was twelve,” says Riyaz. “I went to school there, but we weren’t taught in English medium so I came […]
The GM’s View: John Bendsten, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]John Bendsten is the general manager at Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives. His first taste of hospitality was as a porter in his native Australia. Over the years he has worked in several continents and countries. Hotelier Maldives sits down with him to have a chat about his career, his approach to management and why he keeps […]
Emerging Destinations: Raa Atoll
The first tourism development master plan’s vision was for the Male’ region to be the sole gateway and hub for tourism, but just for a short period. This was to be followed by the establishment of hubs in the north and south.
Hotel Review: Adaaran Select Meedhupparu Maldives Resort
The first resort in Raa Atoll is a title that Adaaran Meedhupparu holds comfortably; it has withstood the test of time to a certain degree, having been in business for over a decade.
Careers: Nasreena Ali – Demi Chef at Furaveri Island Resort & Spa
Nasreena Ali is the Demi Chef at Furaveri Island Resort & Spa. Hotelier Maldives sits down with her to find out more about her, to discover the highpoints of her career, and whether a woman needs to sacrifice family to become successful.
