Seven years, one dream: Mariyam Malaak becomes Maldives’ first female pilot cadet from cabin crew
When Mariyam Malaak steps into the cockpit of a Manta Air seaplane on 1 December 2025, she will be doing far more than beginning her first day as a First Officer. She will be closing a seven-year chapter of perseverance—one marked by setbacks, sacrifices, shifting continents, motherhood, and an unwavering belief in the dream she […]
Breaking barriers, building futures: Nus-ha Hassan’s mission to empower Maldivian women
When Nus-ha Hassan left her home island in Addu, a career in hospitality was the last thing on her mind. “I never thought I would be working in a resort,” she said. “But I wanted to get out of my local island because there was nothing for us there. I didn’t want to work in […]
Finding purpose through wellness: I Gusti Ayu Ariani at Cora Cora Maldives
When I Gusti Ayu Ariani arrived in the Maldives for the first time in 2009, she had little idea that the islands would become her second home. Sixteen years later, she manages MOKSHA® Spa & Wellbeing Centre at Cora Cora Maldives and has been recognised as Wellness Personality of the Year at the Hotelier Maldives […]
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 […]
Nurturing teams, nourishing guests: Culinary vision of Taylor Shearman at JOALI BEING
When Taylor Shearman stepped into the role of Executive Chef at JOALI BEING in June 2024, she brought with her more than a decade of experience in kitchens across the Maldives and beyond. Having first arrived in the country in 2016, she has been part of its rapidly evolving hospitality and culinary landscape, contributing to […]
JOALI BEING’s Josephine Njenga on why wellness begins within
By Ali Naafiz and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed Josephine Njenga’s career path reflects both a personal calling and a professional evolution in the field of holistic wellbeing. Today, as a Wellbeing Trainer at JOALI BEING in the Maldives, she plays a central role in shaping the island’s approach to integrated healing and transformative guest experiences. Her […]
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 […]
