Latest Profiles

Sanjeet Gopee: From farm boy to Executive Chef at Nova Maldives

Imagine waking up to a stunning view of the turquoise ocean, feeling the gentle breeze on your skin, and smelling the mouth-watering aroma of freshly cooked food. This is what awaits you at Nova Maldives, a modern all-inclusive community concept that offers guests a variety of dining options and cuisines. Whether you crave for a […]

Sanjeeva Perera

GM’s View: Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives’ Sanjeeva Perera

For our GM’s View segment, we sit down with Sanjeeva Perera, an experienced General Manager with an impressive track record in the leisure, travel, and tourism industry. Perera holds an MBA with a focus on Business Administration, Management, and Operations from the University of Wolverhampton. He has been recognized for his exceptional achievements in the […]

Young hotelier: Mariyam Ishva’s journey from intern to permanence at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

In the dynamic landscape of Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, a contemporary all-villa retreat under Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, innovation and indigenous charm meld to fuel professional growth narratives. Allow us to introduce Mariyam Ishva, a former intern who now stands as a permanent member of the Airport Representative team. Reflecting the resort’s commitment nurturing talent […]

VARU By Atmosphere’s Resort Manager Abdul Ghafoor Ali drives success in hospitality industry

Abdul Ghafoor Ali, a highly experienced and accomplished hotelier, is known for his exceptional leadership and service-oriented approach. He is the Resort Manager at VARU By Atmosphere, a popular ‘Naturally Maldivian’ five star resort by hospitality company, Atmosphere Core. He joined Atmosphere Core in 2021, as a part of the pre-opening team member of OBLU […]

Women in Hospitality: Creative digital marketer Hunaina Ahmed Iqbal

Hunaina Ahmed Iqbal is a young Maldivian woman with a background in creative digital marketing and experience in media, audio, and video production. She is currently the Marketing Communications Manager at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, one of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives. Hunaina’s career journey began after she completed her Diploma in Sound and […]

Chef Mohamed Satheeh: A culinary maestro with a passion for excellence

In the realm of the Maldivian luxury hospitality industry, Chef Mohamed Satheeh has carved a remarkable path, showcasing his culinary prowess and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences. With over 37 years of experience, Chef Satheeh’s journey is a testament to his passion for the culinary arts and his unwavering dedication to achieving excellence. […]

Interviews

Sanjeeva Perera

GM’s View: Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives’ Sanjeeva Perera

For our GM’s View segment, we sit down with Sanjeeva Perera, an experienced General Manager with an impressive track record in the leisure, travel, and tourism industry. Perera holds an MBA with a focus on Business Administration, Management, and Operations from the University of Wolverhampton. He has been recognized for his exceptional achievements in the […]

From reluctant student to passionate hotelier: Inspiring journey of Nova Maldives’ GM Abdulla Aboobakuru

As a child growing up in the Maldives, Abdulla Aboobakuru dreamed of flying high in the skies as a pilot, instead he planted his feet firmly in the world of hospitality. Now the General Manager of Nova Maldives, Aboobakuru reflects on the experiences that shaped his long career over 24 years working in resorts. “Two […]

Young hotelier: Mariyam Ishva’s journey from intern to permanence at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

In the dynamic landscape of Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, a contemporary all-villa retreat under Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, innovation and indigenous charm meld to fuel professional growth narratives. Allow us to introduce Mariyam Ishva, a former intern who now stands as a permanent member of the Airport Representative team. Reflecting the resort’s commitment nurturing talent […]

VARU By Atmosphere’s Resort Manager Abdul Ghafoor Ali drives success in hospitality industry

Abdul Ghafoor Ali, a highly experienced and accomplished hotelier, is known for his exceptional leadership and service-oriented approach. He is the Resort Manager at VARU By Atmosphere, a popular ‘Naturally Maldivian’ five star resort by hospitality company, Atmosphere Core. He joined Atmosphere Core in 2021, as a part of the pre-opening team member of OBLU […]

Women in Hospitality: Creative digital marketer Hunaina Ahmed Iqbal

Hunaina Ahmed Iqbal is a young Maldivian woman with a background in creative digital marketing and experience in media, audio, and video production. She is currently the Marketing Communications Manager at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, one of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives. Hunaina’s career journey began after she completed her Diploma in Sound and […]

Nika Island Resort’s Jacopo Doria: Championing eco hotel management

Jacopo Doria is no stranger to the Maldives. A native of Milan, Italy, he set foot on Male’s sandy roads in 1990 and was amazed by the country’s beauty upon arrival. He witnessed the Republic’s development into one of the most iconic destinations on Earth. Jacopo’s background in economic studies aligned with his passion for […]

GM Mohamed Ashraf on developing next generation of Maldivian hoteliers

Mohamed Ashraf is the General Manager of Jumeriah Maldives Olhahali Island. With over 20 years of experience in the Maldives tourism industry, Ashraf has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the Maldives leisure travel sector. Hoteliers Maldives sat down with Ashraf to discuss how the next generation of hoteliers can prepare themselves to support the rapidly […]

Iain McCormack Maldives

GM’s View: Iain McCormack, Vakkaru Maldives

Iain McCormack is the General Manager of Vakkaru Maldives. With an international career, starting in the kitchens to managing palace operations to resort management, Iain has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Hotelier Maldives speaks to Iain about his career, achievements, day-to-day experience as a Resort General Manager and the changes he […]

Women in Hospitality

Farahiah Ariffin: Shaping Maldives’ hospitality landscape

In the heart of the Maldives, a visionary architect has been quietly revolutionizing the luxury hospitality industry. Farahiah Ariffin, a Malaysian native, has made her mark on the tropical paradise for the past five years, spearheading development and construction projects that have left an indelible impression. Her journey has been one of determination, resilience, and […]

Women in Hospitality: Creative digital marketer Hunaina Ahmed Iqbal

Hunaina Ahmed Iqbal is a young Maldivian woman with a background in creative digital marketing and experience in media, audio, and video production. She is currently the Marketing Communications Manager at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, one of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives. Hunaina’s career journey began after she completed her Diploma in Sound and […]

Choris Rusdiana

Women In Hospitality: Choris Rusdiana

Choris Rusdiana is the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. With managerial F&B experience in Muscat, Oman and Bali, Indonesia, Choirs brought her rich expertise to the Le Méridien Maldives pre-opening team. Hotelier Maldives sat down with Choris to discuss her career, responsibilities, and advice for young women pursuing […]

Constance Chang, W Maldives

Women in Hospitality: Constance Chang

Constance Chang is the director of Sales & Marketing at W Maldives. She has over a decade of experience in luxury and lifestyle hospitality. Hotelier Maldives sat down with Constance to discuss her career and the future of luxury hospitality. HM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your career?  CC: Yes […]

Nashra Hassan (Nattu)

Women In Hospitality: Nashra Hassan

Nashra Hassan (Nattu) is the Deputy Director of Brand Communications and Digital Marketing for Pulse Hotels and Resorts. Hotelier Maldives spoke to Nattu about her career, hotel marketing and the impact of digital marketing on Maldives’ destination marketing. HM: Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your career.  Nashra Hassan: My name is […]

Risha Rasheed

Women In Hospitality: Risha Rasheed

Risha Rasheed is a Maldivian hotelier with over 10 years of experience, starting as a Guest Relations Officer and rising up lastly serving as Duty Manager at Jen Singapore Tanglin by Shangri-La. Hotelier Maldives interviewed Risha about her experience working abroad, outside of the Maldives hospitality industry and her advice for young female hoteliers looking […]

GM's Views

Sanjeeva Perera

GM’s View: Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives’ Sanjeeva Perera

For our GM’s View segment, we sit down with Sanjeeva Perera, an experienced General Manager with an impressive track record in the leisure, travel, and tourism industry. Perera holds an MBA with a focus on Business Administration, Management, and Operations from the University of Wolverhampton. He has been recognized for his exceptional achievements in the […]

From reluctant student to passionate hotelier: Inspiring journey of Nova Maldives’ GM Abdulla Aboobakuru

As a child growing up in the Maldives, Abdulla Aboobakuru dreamed of flying high in the skies as a pilot, instead he planted his feet firmly in the world of hospitality. Now the General Manager of Nova Maldives, Aboobakuru reflects on the experiences that shaped his long career over 24 years working in resorts. “Two […]

Nika Island Resort’s Jacopo Doria: Championing eco hotel management

Jacopo Doria is no stranger to the Maldives. A native of Milan, Italy, he set foot on Male’s sandy roads in 1990 and was amazed by the country’s beauty upon arrival. He witnessed the Republic’s development into one of the most iconic destinations on Earth. Jacopo’s background in economic studies aligned with his passion for […]

GM Mohamed Ashraf on developing next generation of Maldivian hoteliers

Mohamed Ashraf is the General Manager of Jumeriah Maldives Olhahali Island. With over 20 years of experience in the Maldives tourism industry, Ashraf has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the Maldives leisure travel sector. Hoteliers Maldives sat down with Ashraf to discuss how the next generation of hoteliers can prepare themselves to support the rapidly […]

Iain McCormack Maldives

GM’s View: Iain McCormack, Vakkaru Maldives

Iain McCormack is the General Manager of Vakkaru Maldives. With an international career, starting in the kitchens to managing palace operations to resort management, Iain has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Hotelier Maldives speaks to Iain about his career, achievements, day-to-day experience as a Resort General Manager and the changes he […]

Giorgio Pini Maldives

GM’s View: Giorgio Pini, Gangehi Island Resort

Giorgio Pini is the general manager at Gangehi Island Resort. He brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Hotelier Maldives speaks to Giorgio about his career, experience managing a resort in the Maldives, and his advice to aspiring hoteliers. HM: Tell us a bit about yourself and career  My experience in the […]

GM’s View: Noel Cameron, Huvafen Fushi Maldives

Noel Cameron joined Huvafen Fushi back to the position of General Manager, nine years after his first appointment. With an impressive track record in the hospitality industry, including leadership roles with some of the world’s most exclusive luxury hotels and hospitality brands, Noel brings exceptional creativity and expertise to the role under the management of […]

GM’s View: Antonio Saponara, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

Antonio Saponara was appointed general manager at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, following the luxury resort’s first anniversary. Antonio brings in over fifteen years of experience overseeing hotels around the world, working for companies such as AMAN Resorts, Marriott, and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts. Hotelier Maldives speaks to him about his career, experience managing a hotel […]

GM’s View: Renato De Oliveira, The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Renato De Oliveira joined The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands family in March 2022 as the resort’s new General Manager. Bringing in over seventeen of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, De Oliveira has worked with six different properties across Europe, South America, and Asia between The Ritz- Carlton and St. Regis brands of Marriott International. […]

GM’s View: Christophe Adam, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

GM’s View: Abdulla Fathhey, Sun Island Resort & Spa

Abdulla Fathhey is the General Manager at Sun Island Resort & Spa, a luxury family-friendly resort in South Ari Atoll. Fathhey has two decades of experience in the industry and has worked seventeen years at local company Villa Hotels & Resorts. Hotelier Maldives talks to Fathhey about his career in the hospitality industry, managing a […]

GM’s View: Karen Merrick, JA Manafaru

Karen Merrik is the general manager at JA Manafaru, multi award-winning barefoot luxury property in Haa Alifu atoll. During her thirty years of experience in the hospitality industry, Karen has operated properties in Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Scotland and two properties in Maldives, including its first private island for one booking at a time, ahead of […]

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