Nurturing family experiences: JOALI Maldives’ Mariyam Hana on crafting experiences for younger guests

In JOALI Maldives, Mariyam Hana leads the Kids Club with a vision shaped by both professional experience and personal conviction. With a career that has taken her from front office operations to managing one of the most distinctive family programmes in the country, Hana’s career reflects the evolution of Maldivian hospitality and the growing role of women in the industry.

Hana began her career in 2006 at a time when few women pursued roles in resorts. “It was a tough decision for my parents to let me join,” she recalls, explaining how she promised to return home every night before realising the reality of resort shifts. From her early roles as receptionist and telephone operator, Hana explored diverse areas of hospitality, working across reservations, spa reception, and guest relations. Her time with Six Senses as part of the pre-opening team marked a turning point, eventually guiding her towards the Kids Club, an area where her natural affinity for working with children aligned with her career.

Her move into children’s experiences was also influenced by her family background. “Many of my sisters and even my niece are in similar roles in the industry,” Hana explains. “It felt like something that came naturally.” After a career break to raise her son, she returned to the industry at JOALI, first as a Kids Club Supervisor before progressing to Manager.

At JOALI Maldives, Hana has overseen the creation of a kids’ club experience that stands apart from traditional models. “Our focus is on art, creativity, and cultural immersion. Most activities are complimentary, which is not common across many resorts,” she explains. Children can join cooking classes that go beyond pizza and sushi to include tacos, traditional Maldivian dishes like fathu mas huni, huni roshi and even beverage workshops. Hana emphasises the importance of offering variety: “We want to create experiences that both children and parents can take home, including recipes and small mementos.”

The resort’s regular foam parties, first introduced in 2021 have also become a favourite, while special setups such as surprise baby moon experiences for expectant parents highlight the personalised approach. Local culture plays a key role too. Hana recalls hosting coconut tree discovery sessions, where children observe how coconuts are harvested and taste different stages of the fruit. Festivals also bring traditional games and crafts into the programme. “It’s important for kids to see the environment and culture around them, not just resort life,” she says.

Her approach to designing activities is grounded in both experience and education. Having studied Early Childhood Education and Psychology, Hana applies academic knowledge to tailor age-appropriate and safe activities. She stresses that flexibility is key: “We don’t separate children strictly by age groups. Every child is different, so we personalise where we can.” This adaptability extends to her handling of repeat guests. For returning families, the team often prepares customised itineraries to ensure fresh experiences.

Safety is central to her work. “It’s a high-responsibility job. Parents trust us with their children, and one blink can change everything,” Hana remarks. From protocols for infants as young as two months to one-on-one support for children with disabilities, her team is trained to manage a range of situations. Babysitting services extend late into the evening, with long-stay families sometimes requesting the same attendant for their entire stay to build trust and familiarity.

Talent development is another area where Hana places strong emphasis. Daily 15-minute training sessions, combined with annual external training programmes, ensure her team remains sharp and confident. “Communication is the most important skill I look for,” she says. “We need to connect not just with children, but also with parents, management, and colleagues.” This communication underpins seamless service delivery, especially in a luxury environment where expectations are high. She adds: “In ultra-luxury, it’s about behaviour and detail. You must know how to handle every interaction.”

Her reflections on industry change over the past decade are telling. “Luxury family travellers today expect more variety and authenticity. Ten years ago, activities were simpler. Now families want experiences that are educational, creative, and culturally relevant.” She is excited about JOALI’s upcoming projects and a Sustainability Ambassador programme. The latter, developed with the resort’s sustainability team, will certify children who complete activities around marine biology, recycling, and conservation. “We want kids to leave with not just memories, but also a sense of responsibility,” she explains.

For Hana, the role of Kids Club Manager is not an isolated function but a vital part of the resort’s overall guest experience. “If families keep returning, that’s a huge achievement,” she says. Repeat visits, she believes, are a measure of trust built through meaningful experiences for children. In her view, this contributes directly to the commercial success of the resort.

Her personal journey also carries lessons for young Maldivians. “Start anywhere. Even in public area cleaning or reception, you can develop yourself. Explore until you find your passion,” she advises. She highlights how opportunities for women in the industry have broadened significantly in the last two decades. “It’s no longer limited to a few roles. Women are working across all departments now.”

Balancing motherhood and her career has been challenging, especially in the early years. “At first, I would cry whenever I saw children because I missed my own son. But now he understands, and I’m proud of his independence,” she says. Support from JOALI has also been critical: “If there is any family issue, I can leave immediately. That flexibility makes a big difference.”

The most rewarding moments for Hana come from seeing the direct impact of her team’s work. She recalls instances of children reluctant to join activities who later became regular participants, or parents who expressed gratitude for giving their children confidence. “For me, it’s about creating those connections. That’s what makes families return, and that’s what makes this job meaningful.”

As JOALI Maldives continues to evolve, Hana’s leadership ensures that its youngest guests are not only entertained but also inspired. Her story underscores the importance of passion, adaptability, and cultural grounding in shaping unique hospitality experiences. For the children who pass through her care, the memories are not just of games and crafts, but of discovery, learning, and connection—experiences that may well shape their lifelong relationship with travel.