Yogeswaran Veerasamy on dusitD2 Feydhoo’s new paradigm for Maldivian hospitality

The opening of a new resort in the Maldives is a regular occurrence, yet the inauguration of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives on 27 July 2025 signals a notable shift in the nation’s hospitality landscape. As the second property from the Dusit International portfolio to launch in the country, it brings a distinct proposition to the market, one centred on accessibility, diverse functionality, and a deep integration with the local community. On the day of its soft opening, Hotelier Maldives sat down with General Manager Yogeswaran Veerasamy to understand the vision and strategy behind this new venture.

The Maldivian tourism model has long been defined by its seclusion, with seaplane or lengthy speedboat journeys being a rite of passage for visitors. dusitD2 Feydhoo challenges this convention directly. Located a mere seven minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, the resort eliminates a significant travel barrier, repositioning itself not as a remote outpost, but as a central and accessible hub.

Yogeswaran Veerasamy explains the strategic importance of this proximity. “What makes this resort special is its proximity — just seven minutes from the airport,” he states. This convenience is not just a selling point for transient international travellers; it is the foundation upon which the resort builds its multifaceted identity. It is designed to be a premium all-inclusive destination that caters to a broad spectrum of guests, from families and couples to corporate groups.

A key component of this strategy is the forthcoming introduction of a dedicated conference centre, scheduled to open in November 2025. This facility is poised to address a growing demand for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) tourism in the Maldives. “We have 127 beautifully curated rooms, and we’re also introducing a conference centre in November,” says Veerasamy. “This will allow us to cater to weddings, meetings, conferences, and events. With all these features, this resort is set to become a central hub in the Maldives.” The development positions dusitD2 Feydhoo to capture a market segment that has often been constrained by the logistical challenges of island-hopping. By providing state-of-the-art event facilities within minutes of the international gateway, the resort is making a calculated move to become a nexus for both business and celebration.

While the physical infrastructure and strategic location provide the framework, Veerasamy is clear that the core of the guest experience lies in the brand’s service philosophy. Dusit International is rooted in Thai culture, and its commitment to gracious hospitality is a defining characteristic. At dusitD2 Feydhoo, this is not merely a slogan but an operational mandate.

“You are truly at the heart of hospitality here,” Veerasamy notes. “Our focus is on graciousness — we ensure that every guest receives a unique and warm welcome, that they’re treated with care, and feel genuinely connected.” This ethos, he explains, is systematically embedded into the resort’s operations through rigorous staff training and a consistent focus on delivery. It is an approach that seeks to create a tangible sense of warmth and recognition for every visitor, moving beyond the transactional nature of service to foster genuine human connection. “This comes through in how we train our team and how we deliver our hospitality,” he adds. This focus on the intangible aspects of a stay is what elevates the “lifestyle” brand from a concept to a reality.

In today’s travel climate, particularly in an ecologically sensitive region like the Maldives, sustainability is non-negotiable. For dusitD2 Feydhoo, environmental and social responsibility has been integrated from the ground up. The resort’s commitment extends beyond token gestures to inform fundamental operational choices.

“From the start, all our front-of-house operations are aligned with sustainability,” Veerasamy confirms. “Our amenities, water systems, and packaging are all eco-friendly.” This indicates a proactive approach, where sustainability is not an afterthought but a foundational pillar of the resort’s design and daily function. This is further reinforced by a company-wide framework. “Sustainability is something the company deeply believes in, and it’s built into our daily operations,” he says. “We also have an internal component called ‘Tree of Life,’ which is based on key pillars that guide us in our sustainability journey.” This structured programme ensures that the commitment is consistent, measurable, and permeates every level of the organisation.

For any new property, the initial months are a critical period of stabilisation and market positioning. For dusitD2 Feydhoo, the opening has been met with a reception that has surpassed expectations. Veerasamy reports that early performance indicators are strong. “Our focus for the first year is to stabilise and ensure we deliver on our brand’s promise of gracious hospitality,” he says. “We’re very lucky — in our very first month, we’ve seen occupancy levels that are unprecedented in any previous resort opening in the Maldives.”

He attributes this early success to two key factors: the strength of the Dusit brand, which already enjoys recognition in the market through its sister property, Dusit Thani Maldives, and the effective collaboration with the resort’s owners. “The Dusit brand is already well-known in the market, and the strong partnership with our owners has really brought this resort to life,” he remarks. With forward bookings already showing significant strength, the outlook is positive. “I’m very excited for what lies ahead. We’re already seeing very strong bookings.” The team is now focused on preparing for the upcoming high season. “Right now, we’re gearing up for the high season, just four months away. The team is working hard around the clock to bring everything together. August already looks promising — we have multiple groups and FIT guests arriving, which is very exciting.”

Perhaps one of the most forward-thinking initiatives at dusitD2 Feydhoo is its deliberate effort to engage with the local Maldivian community. The resort is leveraging its accessibility to create new experiences for residents, a segment often overlooked by luxury properties.

“Experiences are part of our DNA,” Veerasamy explains. “One exciting initiative is our new day-pass program specifically for locals.” This programme allows Maldivians to access the resort’s facilities for a day, providing a new leisure option close to the capital. “Maldivians can now come and enjoy our facilities, dine around the outlets, and spend time here since we’re just seven minutes away.” He highlights the programme’s appeal and its planned evolution. “The value of these day passes is fantastic. And we’re expanding this further — soon the day pass will include spa access, water park features, and more. It’s all about giving people a great escape, right at their doorstep.” This initiative serves a dual purpose: it builds goodwill and a strong relationship with the local community while also creating a new revenue stream.

Ultimately, the vision for dusitD2 Feydhoo is one of inclusivity. It is a property designed to dismantle the idea that a Maldivian resort must cater to a single demographic. By combining its strategic location with a diverse range of facilities and a welcoming philosophy, it aims to serve a wider audience.

“What I love most is that this resort is built for everyone — families, couples, business travellers, event guests,” says Veerasamy. The physical assets are there to support this. “We have enough villas, event spaces, and even three beautiful lagoons.” He returns to the resort’s core advantage, the feeling of transformation it offers despite its nearness to the urban centre. “And again, all of it is just seven minutes from the airport. When you arrive here, you really feel like you’re in a different world — it’s so beautifully designed and placed.”

The arrival of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is more than just an addition to the country’s room inventory. It is a statement of intent. It presents a model where convenience and luxury coexist, where international MICE business can thrive alongside traditional leisure travel, and where the local community is not just a neighbour but a welcome guest. With a strong start and a clear, multifaceted strategy, dusitD2 Feydhoo is positioned not just to succeed, but to offer a new benchmark for what a resort in the Maldives can be.