W Maldives celebrates 13th anniversary!

The Maldives is a luxurious bucket list destination and we are conveying this vision through fashion, fuel, music, and design activations. W Maldives targets a hip and young at heart vibe that delivers moments. Initiating approachable luxury through fun-filled healthy lifestyle choices like sunrise yoga, private dinners, and celebratory once in a lifetime events.

On the occasion of achieving the milestone, Hotelier Maldives is featuring an exclusive with Anuj Sharma, General Manager of W Maldives.

Hotelier Maldives: Continuous innovation is more than just incremental changes; it relates to the ongoing and gradual evolution of product offerings and service. How has innovation played a part in the success of W Maldives over the past thirteen years? 

Anuj Sharma: With a mission to fuel guests ‘lust for life’ W Maldives has evolved by utilizing social media as a key strategic channel to showcase all of its glory. Digital marketing has become a very powerful communication tool to increase engagement and create infinite days for all to see. With each post, we create a flashback for loyal guests who continue to follow our events even after they have returned home and a dream destination for new followers. Our guests have an endless appetite to discover more, to see more, and go longer and we love connecting and creating that sense of excitement. 

With faster communication channels, through the Marriott Bonvoy app, we are also able to give real-time updates, reinvigorating the Whatever/Whenever® motto on the island.

HM: As the number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives increased, so is the number of new openings and exciting offerings. How does W Maldives distinguish itself above its competition and what are some of the strategies employed to maintain its reputation? 

AS: The Maldives is a luxurious bucket list destination and we are fueling this vision through fashion, fuel, music, and design activations. W Maldives targets a hip and young vibe that delivers moments money can’t buy. Initiating approachable luxury through fun-filled healthy lifestyle choices like sunrise yoga, private dinners, and celebratory once in a lifetime events.

We are most proud of the spectacular house reef right at our doorstep. Teaming up with marine life specialists our team practice safe diving and partake in monthly events towards ocean conservation. By doing our part in protecting this heart-shaped paradise, home to hundreds of species, we look forward to having more visitors’ holiday in one of the best house reefs of the Maldives. 

We have also just taken home Marriott Bonvoy Member Favourites in Family Favourites, Beach and Island Escapes, Spa in Paradise and Ultimate Luxury categories in the Asia Pacific! Which is a result of years of fantastic guest feedback. No ask is too big and that is the backstage access to our service element that sets W Maldives apart.

HM: Thirteen years of continuous, and successful operation is no small feat; it calls for celebrations with style! How is W Maldives embarking on yet another year full of new and endearing possibilities? And what are some of the special events held to commemorate thirteen years of affluence? 

AS: In celebration of thirteen years we look forward to celebrating with our in-house guests and amazing talents some who have also been with the W family for this long. Together with our music curator from Spain hailing from the Canary Islands Jennifer Dons is ready to steal the scene and give everyone new tunes on repeat.

As a further commitment to our location, we have taken part in Project Aware where our team pledges to clean and preserve the coral life in support of diving against debris. 

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this tropical journey.

HM: As W Maldives embark upon new avenues and possibilities, what does the future hold for the property and the brand? 

AS: W has been trailblazing its way around the globe with W records, FUEL Weekends, Future Rising Music events, What She Said talks and new openings in line with the brands expansion list of 75+ by 2020. W Maldives is iconic and we continue to live it up by pushing the boundaries in style by partnering with specialty chefs, artists and musicians to detox retox repeat. 

Stay tuned for what’s next!