Latest Profiles
Hidden voice, amplified: Seema Misra on shaping narratives at Atmosphere Core
This year, the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 recognised Seema Misra, Assistant Director Communications at Atmosphere Core, as the ‘PR and Communications Personality of the Year’. The accolade follows five years of shaping the brand’s voice from behind the scenes. In this feature, we explore the strategy, philosophy, and journey of the professional behind one of […]
Nurturing leadership from within: Deanne Garling on empowering talent at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, the drive for excellence is grounded not only in delivering guest satisfaction but also in empowering its people. Deanne Garling, Director of Human Resources, plays a central role in this effort. Her leadership and commitment to developing local talent were recently recognised […]
‘If a guest has to ask, the moment is already lost’: Mariyam Shaghaf’s intuitive service at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, where service is redefined through culture and connection, the role of Aris Meeha carries unique significance. Rooted in Maldivian tradition and adapted to meet the expectations of modern luxury travelers, the Aris Meeha is more than a butler—it is a companion, a […]
Soul of Machchafushi: Nalin Dissanayake on crafting new legacy of meaningful luxury
By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed In Maldivian hospitality scene, where luxury and nature intertwine in harmony, few figures embody the spirit of transformation as seamlessly as Nalin Dissanayake. As Resident Manager at the newly rebranded Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, part of the Centara Collection, Dissanayake is not just managing a resort—he is […]
Dakshina Moorthy Thankarajan: Cultivating a landscape of purpose at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Dakshina Moorthy Thankarajan manages more than landscaped gardens. As Landscape Grounds and Environmental Manager, he leads a team focused on shaping and maintaining the environment of a manmade island in the Indian Ocean. In June 2025, this ongoing effort was recognised at […]
Passion and precision: Culinary journey of Werawit Yiensakunpaisarn at Centara Ras Fushi
In the heart of the Maldives, at the Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, there is a culinary gem where the vibrant flavours of Thailand come alive. This is Suan Bua, the resort’s celebrated Thai restaurant, where the kitchen is led by the talented and dedicated Werawit Yiensakunpaisarn, or as his colleagues affectionately call him, […]
Interviews
Hidden voice, amplified: Seema Misra on shaping narratives at Atmosphere Core
This year, the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 recognised Seema Misra, Assistant Director Communications at Atmosphere Core, as the ‘PR and Communications Personality of the Year’. The accolade follows five years of shaping the brand’s voice from behind the scenes. In this feature, we explore the strategy, philosophy, and journey of the professional behind one of […]
Dusit’s second generation: New chapter in Maldives with dusitD2 Feydhoo
Thirteen years after the launch of Dusit Thani Maldives, a property that cemented the brand’s presence in the nation’s luxury sector, Dusit International is embarking on a new phase of its journey in the Maldives. The opening of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, located a short distance from the capital, is not merely an addition to the […]
Nurturing leadership from within: Deanne Garling on empowering talent at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, the drive for excellence is grounded not only in delivering guest satisfaction but also in empowering its people. Deanne Garling, Director of Human Resources, plays a central role in this effort. Her leadership and commitment to developing local talent were recently recognised […]
‘If a guest has to ask, the moment is already lost’: Mariyam Shaghaf’s intuitive service at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, where service is redefined through culture and connection, the role of Aris Meeha carries unique significance. Rooted in Maldivian tradition and adapted to meet the expectations of modern luxury travelers, the Aris Meeha is more than a butler—it is a companion, a […]
Soul of Machchafushi: Nalin Dissanayake on crafting new legacy of meaningful luxury
By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed In Maldivian hospitality scene, where luxury and nature intertwine in harmony, few figures embody the spirit of transformation as seamlessly as Nalin Dissanayake. As Resident Manager at the newly rebranded Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, part of the Centara Collection, Dissanayake is not just managing a resort—he is […]
Dakshina Moorthy Thankarajan: Cultivating a landscape of purpose at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Dakshina Moorthy Thankarajan manages more than landscaped gardens. As Landscape Grounds and Environmental Manager, he leads a team focused on shaping and maintaining the environment of a manmade island in the Indian Ocean. In June 2025, this ongoing effort was recognised at […]
Passion and precision: Culinary journey of Werawit Yiensakunpaisarn at Centara Ras Fushi
In the heart of the Maldives, at the Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, there is a culinary gem where the vibrant flavours of Thailand come alive. This is Suan Bua, the resort’s celebrated Thai restaurant, where the kitchen is led by the talented and dedicated Werawit Yiensakunpaisarn, or as his colleagues affectionately call him, […]
Harmonising diversity: Sanjeeva Perera on new vision for Cinnamon Maldives
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts recently announced Sanjeeva Perera as the new Area General Manager for its Maldives resorts. Sanjeeva is a seasoned hospitality professional stepping into this pivotal role with a clear vision: to elevate guest experiences, drive operational excellence, and enhance the distinctive character of each island. Q. How do you feel about this […]
Women in Hospitality
Hidden voice, amplified: Seema Misra on shaping narratives at Atmosphere Core
This year, the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 recognised Seema Misra, Assistant Director Communications at Atmosphere Core, as the ‘PR and Communications Personality of the Year’. The accolade follows five years of shaping the brand’s voice from behind the scenes. In this feature, we explore the strategy, philosophy, and journey of the professional behind one of […]
Nurturing leadership from within: Deanne Garling on empowering talent at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, the drive for excellence is grounded not only in delivering guest satisfaction but also in empowering its people. Deanne Garling, Director of Human Resources, plays a central role in this effort. Her leadership and commitment to developing local talent were recently recognised […]
‘If a guest has to ask, the moment is already lost’: Mariyam Shaghaf’s intuitive service at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, where service is redefined through culture and connection, the role of Aris Meeha carries unique significance. Rooted in Maldivian tradition and adapted to meet the expectations of modern luxury travelers, the Aris Meeha is more than a butler—it is a companion, a […]
Alia Korshykova: Driving purposeful luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed In a world where luxury hospitality is defined as much by the calibre of its people as by the experiences they curate, Alia Korshykova stands out —not through flamboyance, but through consistency, integrity, and professional intuition. Recently named ‘Sales Personality of the Year’ at the Hotelier Maldives Awards […]
From housekeeping to heart-keeping: Mother’s story at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
In a resort, it is often the details that define a guest’s experience – fresh linen folded just right, a room prepared with care, the quiet sense of comfort that feels almost like home. These thoughtful touches don’t happen by chance. They come from people – dedicated individuals whose work often goes unseen, yet never […]
Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Azra Taj: Training, developing hospitality talent
Azra Taj, the Training and Development Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives, has had a diverse career journey spanning multiple sectors before transitioning into hospitality. With a strong foundation in education and extensive experience in training and development, she brings a unique perspective to her role in the Maldives’ resort industry. Azra began her career […]
GM's Views
Harmonising diversity: Sanjeeva Perera on new vision for Cinnamon Maldives
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts recently announced Sanjeeva Perera as the new Area General Manager for its Maldives resorts. Sanjeeva is a seasoned hospitality professional stepping into this pivotal role with a clear vision: to elevate guest experiences, drive operational excellence, and enhance the distinctive character of each island. Q. How do you feel about this […]
Francesco Pompilio: Shaping Centara’s vision at Machchafushi, Ras Fushi Maldives
Francesco Pompilio’s journey in the hospitality industry reads like a tapestry woven with global experiences, cultural understanding, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Now serving as Cluster General Manager for Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa in the Maldives, Pompilio brings over 20 years of expertise, a deep appreciation […]
How Raffaele Solferino transformed Grand Park Kodhipparu into resort icon
The path to success in the hospitality industry often takes unexpected turns, and no one knows this better than Raffaele Solferino, the General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives. Born on Italy’s picturesque Amalfi Coast, Raffaele was immersed in tourism from an early age, but his career would span continents and cultures in ways he […]
Building unique experiences: Leadership of SAii Lagoon Maldives, CROSSROADS Marina’s General Manager Alexander Traeger
In a career that spans over two decades and multiple continents, Alexander Traeger’s rise through the ranks of the hospitality industry is a story of passion, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Now the General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the CROSSROADS Marina, Traeger is reshaping the landscape of […]
Passion and leadership: Andrew Jansson’s vision for Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Andrew Jansson, the Cluster General Manager of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, has dedicated nearly 30 years to the hospitality industry. His journey, marked by a deep passion for travel and a commitment to leadership, has taken him across 14 different countries, each contributing to his unique approach to managing luxury […]
JOALI’s Enver Arslan: Crafting legacy in island luxury
Enver Arslan’s journey through the world of hospitality reads like an adventure novel, filled with passion, resilience, and a relentless drive for perfection. His story begins with a simple curiosity about hotel life and spirals into a leading role as the Area General Manager of JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING. Enver’s academic roots are in […]
Mohamed Sobah: Orchestrating excellence at COMO Maalifushi
In the kaleidoscope of the Maldives’ hospitality panorama, Mohamed Sobah shines as a leader with passion and dedication. As the General Manager of COMO Maalifushi, he embodies the ethos of excellence and service that defines this luxurious retreat in Thaa Atoll. Sobah’s journey from a young aspirant to a seasoned leader is a testament to […]
Masdhooq Saeed: On mission to make Sun Siyam Iru Veli soulful, romantic, authentic Maldivian boutique resort
Maldives is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, who flock to its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and luxurious resorts. But what makes the Maldives stand out from other tropical paradises is the warmth and hospitality of its people, who welcome visitors with open arms and treat them like family. It […]
From Baa Atoll to International Heights: Ahmed Asim’s Journey as a Leading Maldivian Hotelier
Ahmed Asim stands as an inspiration within the hospitality industry, representing a rare cohort of Maldivian hoteliers who have ventured beyond the island’s shores to carve out illustrious careers abroad. With a fervent passion for hospitality instilled from his upbringing in Baa Maalhos, Maldives, Ahmed embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to the […]
GM’s view: OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s Elisabeth Alleyne on excellence in luxury hospitality
Elisabeth Alleyne, General Manager at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, is a seasoned leader in the hospitality industry with a journey marked by dedication, diverse experiences, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In this exclusive interview, she shares insights into her remarkable professional journey, the unique challenges and rewards of managing a luxury resort in the Maldives, […]
From intern to resort manager: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s Atham shares recipe for success
As the seaplane glides over turquoise waters dotted with picture-perfect islands, passengers catch their first glimpse of Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – a true island playground for families, groups of friends, couples and honeymooners alike and a luxurious Maldivian resort known for over a decade of excellent service, stunning villas, and world-class amenities. Leading the […]
Unveiling soul of hospitality with NOKU Maldives’ GM Manoharan Mannarlingam
Manoharan Mannarlingam, Area General Manager at NOKU Maldives resort, did not originally set out for a career in hospitality. But a part-time job as a waiter sparked what has become a lifelong passion. Now with over 20 years of experience under his belt, Manoharan oversees operations at both NOKU Maldives and NOKU Phuket. His career […]