1. Tell us a little about you

I am born and raised in India and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from AHLA. Following my graduation, I began my career in the industry with Oberoi Hotels and Resorts in India. My Hospitality management career has also included positions with prestigious International brands including The Constance Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels in India, Four Seasons and Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in Maldives. While advancing in career, I continued my education with executive development programs from Harvard and Cornell University. During my free time I pursue my love for photography, new technology and music.

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2. Which is your role at Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa?

As the General Manager of the Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, the Groups first flagship property in the Maldives, my first task and priority was the successful opening and positioning of the Resort. I focus on enhancing the guest experience and the staffs’ wellbeing by developing a sustainable culture of excellence. I am also responsible for managing the budgets and achieve targeted GOPS for all stakeholders involved.

3. How many years have you been working in the accommodation industry?

My journey in the hospitality industry has been amazing, 17 years of progressive experience undertaking various roles in India, Seychelles and Maldives.

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4. Why did you choose this career?

I would say because of my passion for travelling and discovering new cultures. I was fortunate to travel and stay in great hotels in India during my childhood and was always fascinated with Hotels. My parents wanted me to be a doctor but I found my true passion in the Hospitality.

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5. Where did you work before Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa?

Prior to my current role at Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, I served as Executive Assistant Manager at Constance Ephelia Resort in Seychelles. I also spent four years as Executive Assistant Manager at the Constance Moofushi Resort in Maldives assisting the general manager in managing the daily operations and developing key strategies for the hotel.

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6. Why did you choose Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa?

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. The Island has a natural charm with the contemporary design that exists in harmony with the surrounding seascape. When I arrived on the Island, during the construction phase, I felt immediately connected with the surroundings.

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Maldives is my second home.  When you connect with the natural beauties of this world and have the opportunity to live and work in paradise, you just want to share this experience with everyone.

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7.    What shouldn’t clients miss when they come to Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa?

At Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa Guests can look forward to diverse range of food and beverage and facilities, as well as an extraordinary coral reef just a few steps from the villas.

a)    Solo Traveller and Family

The resort offers a range of activities for either category. From the Emerald Spa with free yoga classes to the Sport & Gym Center with Tennis and paddle courts. The resort also offers environmental sustainable initiatives such as sessions conducted by our Resident Marine biologist to increase the environment awareness of the ecosystem. On the other hand, the resort offers various spacious family villas and a complimentary Dolphin Kids Club with many daily outdoor and indoor activities.

b)    Couple and Honeymoon

This is a perfect place for biking around the Island with your loved one or having a dive into the blue Indian Ocean with your partner. Couples can dance to the everyday tunes at the Sunset Grill with our in-house DJ performing. Not to forget the romantic dining destination, the couples spa treatments at Emerald Spa and the magnificent sunset at the Sunset Bar accompanied by the finest bubbles, and the peaceful melody of our resident musician from Cuba. 

8.     Which are your daily activities?

No day is exactly the same, that’s the beauty of Hospitality life. I start my day with a quick tour of the Island followed by internal meetings with my Leadership team.

Interacting with Guests is really a significant part of my job, ensuring that their stay is running smoothly, is the only way to get a genuine read on the service the resort provides. Guests always come first and that extra personal touch of speaking with the manager can make their stay that little bit more special. I also take time to read and personally reply to all reviews on social media.

Random Villa inspections, there’s always some paperwork to catch-up on, answering emails, writing reports or developing business plans are typical day to day tasks.

9. What makes Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa so special?

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa is a real first in terms of spectacular and unusual design and with an outstanding deluxe all-inclusive offer. All guests stay on a deluxe all-inclusive basis. This means that upon guests’ arrival at Emerald Maldives, everything is taken care of. Deluxe all-inclusive allows guests to dine at any of the four resorts' restaurants as many times as they wish during their stay.
At Emerald, you can expect an unparalleled experience and an incredible approach to well-being. And most important of all, a passionate team that will go above and beyond to ensure you will have an unforgettable perfect holiday at the Maldives.

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10. Up to now, tell us about your favourite moment at Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

There are many moments!
When I joined in May 2019, the opening date was already confirmed. I had 2 months to bring 250 plus Team members onboard and get everything fixed and ready on time for the opening on the 01st of August 19. My favourite and emotional moment was when we welcomed our First Guest on this very day. My second favourite moment was welcoming our first returning Guest to Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa in December 2019 and that was just 4 months after the opening.

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11. Why is the team work, in your department, so important at Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

“Everything we achieve, we achieve through our people”
At Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa we are family of 320 Team members who are genuinely passionate about taking care of our Guests. Effective teams allow the initiative to innovate, in turn creating a competitive edge to accomplish goals and organisational objectives. Sharing differing opinions and experiences strengthens accountability and can help make effective decisions faster, than when done alone, and this is very important in remote Islands.
We are now seeing an influx of new openings in the Maldives to compete in the Luxury segment, however it is often the outstanding quality of the service, combined with the personalised service shown by our team members towards guests that create the longest lasting memories, and keeps attracting our guests back year after year.