Chef of the Month: Christian Bagasol Mac, Commis I at The Westin Maldives Mirandhoo Resort, Baa Atoll
Growing up in the wet market area of Manila in the Philippines, Mac was surrounded by fresh food from an early age, however he initially wanted an adventurous career such as a pilot or fireman, before being drawn to the culinary profession. A reconnection with an old school friend opened the door to a kitchen […]
Laurent Sung DJI Reynieix, Director of Operations, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Hotelier Maldives: Tell us a bit about yourself and your career Laurent Reynieix: My name is Laurent Sung Dji Reynieix, with origins from France and Korea, I grew up between France, Africa and Singapore, and have worked in different countries from Ivory Coast, Singapore, New Caledonia, Indonesia to Spain, and many others destinations. My love […]
Ahmed Jihad, Butler, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Ahmed Jihad’s 25-year long journey in the hospitality industry started as most journeys do – with a life changing spark of interest. As a young boy living in an island on the south, he was fascinated by the stories he heard from the resort workers from his neighbourhood. They would return to the island on […]
Chef of the Month: Mariyam Risma, Demi Chef de Partie, at W Maldives, North Ari Atoll
Growing up on AA Thoddoo, Risma loved the atmosphere created through food at large community gatherings and dreamt of being able to recreate the ambience when she was older. Leaving school at 16 she worked in local shops and restaurants but felt unfulfilled, so when her brother suggested she apply for the apprenticeship program at […]
Young Hotelier: Ibrahim Rasheed, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Kandima Maldives
Ibrahim Rasheed (Ebbi) is the Assistant Director of Human Resources at Kandima Maldives, located on the largest island in Dhaalu Atoll, boasting 264 studios and villas. Starting from humble beginnings, Ebbi paved his way to a managerial position before he turned 30. Hotelier Maldives interviewed him for an insightful look at his journey, the path […]
Chef of the Month: Abdulla Shareef, Senior Chef De Partie, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu
Abdulla Shareef grew up in a small island community, in the island of R. Meedhoo, known for its carpentry and boat building. These trades that required creativity and dexterity provided Shareef with genes that would serve him well. Now a seasoned chef with over 20 years in the industry, Hotelier Maldives spoke with Shareef to […]
Women in Hospitality: Aminath Sazra, Acting Front Office Manager, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
Aminath Sazra ‘Shazu’ is the acting front office manager at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, where she leads the amazing team of Mr/s. Fridays (butlers). Shazu began her Gili journey in 2017 and was recently promoted to her current position. Hotelier Maldives interviewed her to learn more about her work at the resort and her experience as […]
Chef of the Month: Aminath Abdul Rasheed, Chef de Partie at JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa
Originally from Firibaidhoo, (now Funadhoo) in Shaviyani Atoll, Aminath moved to Nilandhoo in Gaafu Alif Atoll (Huvadhoo Atoll) when she was 7. On completing her education Aminath became a primary school teacher, before a recruitment day for a new opening resort nearby, gave her an opportunity in guest services. However, it was not until her […]
Lucie Mohelnikova, Founder, Other Way Holiday Travel Company
Lucie Mohelnikova founded the Other Way Holiday over ten years ago in Czech Republic. The travel agency and tour operator offers travel to local islands, resorts, combined packages as well as guided sightseeing tours in the Maldives. Lucie is a talented multi-tasker who is involved in every aspect of her business, from being the manager […]
Nifraz Mohamed Naheem, Mixologist, W Maldives
Nifraz Mohamed Naheem is a mixologist at W Maldives. Born and raised in Kandy, Sri Lanka, he has worked in W Maldives as a mixologist since 2009. In 2019 he was promoted to head mixologist (liquid specialist). However, he never set out to become a mixologist, he dreamt of being an accountant before he started […]
Akshay Prakash, Bartender, JOALI Maldives
Akshay Prakash Ingole is a bartender at JOALI. Originally from central India, he graduated with a degree in Hotel Management and Catering Technology. His older brother, who is in the same industry, inspired and guided him to choose a career in beverages. Once he decided to train as a bartender, Prakash was able to explore […]
