OBLU SELECT Lobigili bridges gender gap with 80% women team

Having a women-majority workforce is uncommon in the Maldives. Typically, resorts have a significant gender gap, with ladies making up only around 25% of the staff. In contrast, at OBLU SELECT Lobigili almost 80% of the 100-strong workforce is made up of women. Even the Housekeeping teams have ladies – something rarely seen in Maldivian resorts.

Hiring, developing, and promoting top female talent in the hospitality industry is a deliberate strategy by Atmosphere Core. With OBLU SELECT Lobigili being an adults’ exclusive resort, having a women-majority team adds a softer, feminine touch to the service experience. It also breaks stereotypes, proving that women can succeed in any role and position.

Take for instance the remarkable team of Island Hostesses – the resort’s interpretation of butler service. Guests are assigned two Island Hostesses. These ladies pay attention to the ‘little things’ and anticipate guests’ needs. Creating a luxurious and personalised holiday experience.

Pairing hostesses from two departments is a unique approach. The Front Office Hostess handles special requests, spa bookings, and activities for guests. While the Food & Beverage Hostess keeps track of dietary preferences for a top-notch dining experience.

At OBLU SELECT Lobigili, there’s an inclusive culture where women are encouraged to learn, advance, and thrive in diverse positions and career levels.

Some of the women colleagues at the resort include Khadheeja Mausooma and Mariyam Faruheen, Airport Representatives; Laiza Mohamed, Assistant Human Resources Manager; Jumaina Ali Shareef, L&D Executive; Priya Dubey, Duty Manager; Daia Roilin and Ramya Raghu, Commis Chefs; Mousumi Sharma, Assistant Food and Beverage Manager; Nuttaporn Changpra, Spa Manager; Elizabeth Nekesa Kimori, Island Hostess; and Ambika Maity, Housekeeping Supervisor.

Audly Rose Alicante, Assistant Director of Sales OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili, adds “Women are now in the heart of hospitality—leading with grace, strength, and passion to create unforgettable experiences”.

Along with providing opportunities for Maldivians, the resort employs female colleagues from Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Russia, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Kenya, Morrocco, Nepal.

OBLU SELECT Lobigili, opened on 24 March 2022, is a dazzling adults-exclusive resort in the Maldives. Located 15 minutes from Velana International Airport, Lobigili is a contemporary 5-Star resort, designed for couples and adults to enjoy a romantic getaway amidst brilliant Maldivian vistas. Lobigili island (length 461m, width 76m, and water villa jetty length – 250m) is connected to the neighbouring Ailafushi island by a 270m interconnecting jetty. The resort is committed to operating sustainably and is Green Globe certified.