Insiders
Four Seasons, Building Communities
Maldives Promotion House – While taking off may mean a break from the touches of daily routine and busy life, it can also be an opportunity to experience the other people and places. It is also a chance to help distant communities locked away in the deep corners of the world.
Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world have taken a stand to assist you get involved with what’s happening around the world. As mentioned in their website, they have a longstanding commitment to building communities, this summer, they are inviting tourists to get involved in local community initiatives.
“More and more, our guests want to dig deeper and learn about the places they visit, and have a positive impact,” General Manager of Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Luis Argote said.
“In Dallas, we’ve introduced a ‘Build a Birdhouse, Grow a Tree’ program. Working with the Texas Tree Foundation, we’re enhancing bird habitats among the 3000 trees that surround the Resort and raising money for forest preservation in the region,” Luis Argote added.
Many Four Seasons hotels and resorts are located among diverse communities that provide diverse opportunities. From making donations to local hospices or helping serve meals to the less fortunate to walking shelter dogs or reading to orphaned children, are among the various activities. They even provide chances to clean up parks and beaches, and even opportunities to spend a few hours volunteering at a museum.
“Volunteering is a wonderful thing that families can do together,” Armando Kraenzlin, the Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives said. “It’s a great learning experience, and sets children on a course for a lifetime of community participation and generosity towards others.”
Four Seasons hotels and resorts worldwide are also offering special packages which feature complimentary room nights and hotel credits. Families can often book a second room at half price, upgrade to a suite, or even rent a private residence, so that everyone can stay together at Four Seasons.
Guests in many destinations can join in local tree planting programs that support the company’s recent project that aims to plant “10 Million Trees”. This new global program was launched by Four Seasons in celebration of its 50th Birthday in 2011.
In Hawaii, guests can join efforts to plant up to 500,000 native Koa trees on the Big Island and even keep tabs on its growth with a GPS tag. They can also help in their latest initiative, the “Growing Together” program, by helping to plant 1,800 fruit, shade and flowering trees around the golf course in Costa Rica.
Guests have the opportunity to fill backpacks with food for needy children in Las Vegas through “Three Square Food Bank”. They can donate meals and other necessities to Mumbai’s street children through the “Vatsalya Foundation”, or contribute food and other necessities to dozens of charities worldwide.
Making a difference has never been easier, whether you wish to read to children at an orphanage in Jakarta or serve meals in a hospice in Buenos Aires, the opportunities are endless. Prague offers guests who participate in a cooking class with the hotel’s chef to help prepare a meal for local families in need.
In Mauritius, the Resort welcomes 60 local children to lunch each week, which guests can sponsor or join. Southern California offers guests to pick produce that will be donated to the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.
Four Seasons hotels and resorts in London, St. Louis, Doha, Whistler and the island of Lanai work with local shelters, where guests are invited to walk dogs and spend time with animals in need. Hikers in Jackson Hole are encouraged to plant pheromone packets on white bark pines to help control destruction of forests by mountain pine beetles.
In the Maldives, guests can participate in the Resorts’ coral propagation program to restore reefs, among many other sustainability and community programs. The Marine Discovery Centre, opened last year, is a good starting point for finding ways to have a positive impact on the island nation of Maldives.
Tourists flock to landmark places like New York’s Central Park, Pinnacle Peak Park in Scottsdale, the beaches of the Seychelles and Hangzhou’s West Lake. Now, guests of Four Seasons can help preserve their beauty for all to enjoy by participating in cleanup programs.
In Philadelphia, local landmarks including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Franklin Institute welcome volunteers to work at special events and exhibitions. In Tokyo, guests can learn to fold origami cranes to be added to Senbazuru strings, which bring together sets of 1000 cranes as a symbol of recovery to be sent to those affected by the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis.
Guests can also join Four Seasons employees in a fundraising drive for the Japanese Red Cross by visiting the Living Values website.
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has announced the appointment of Warren Moore as the resort’s new Executive Chef.
Chef Warren Moore hailing from South Africa, brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, having earned his Culinary Degree at City and Guilds Culinary Institute. With over 25 years of distinguished service in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry, Chef Warren is poised to elevate the culinary offerings at Seaside Finolhu to new heights.
In his previous role, Chef Warren served as Executive Chef at Jawakara Maldives, where he showcased his culinary prowess and leadership skills. Prior to that, he spent seven years honing his craft within various properties of the esteemed Crown and Champa Resorts Group. His culinary journey has taken him across continents, including stints in South Africa, Mozambique, London, and the United States.
As the Executive Chef at Seaside Finolhu, Chef Warren will oversee all culinary operations, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and food quality are maintained. His responsibilities include supervising daily kitchen operations, managing food production, and leading kitchen staff with a focus on excellence and innovation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Warren Moore to our team at Seaside Finolhu,” said Steven Phillips General Manager of Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives. “His extensive experience and passion for culinary excellence will undoubtedly enhance the dining experience for our guests and further solidify our reputation as a gastronomic heaven in the Maldives.”
With Chef Warren Moore at the helm, Seaside Finolhu looks forward to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate the rich flavours of the Maldives and beyond.
W Maldives has announced the well-deserved promotions of two of its dedicated team members, Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed, effective April 15th, 2024.
Ahmed Zahir, known as Coacha, has been promoted from Welcome Manager to Rooms Division Manager. Coacha’s journey at W Maldives began in December 2010 as a Welcome Agent. Over the past 13 years, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, holding various roles within the Welcome department.
Known for his dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences and his outstanding interpersonal skills, Coacha is a true asset to the W Maldives team. His experience extends beyond the resort, having served as a task force member at the St. Regis Red Sea and as a pre-opening trainer. He is also actively participating in the Marriott Kurimagu Program, a program designed to cultivate Maldivian leadership in the hospitality industry. With his extensive knowledge of Welcome operations, Coacha is perfectly suited for his new role as Rooms Division Manager.
Ismail Saeed, also known as Saito, has been promoted from Lounge Manager to Welcome Manager. Saito’s W Maldives story began in March 2010 as a Welcome Agent. He then transitioned to airport operations as a Lounge Ambassador in 2013. Throughout his tenure, Saito has displayed a strong commitment to personal growth, consistently developing his skillset. He has participated in a cross-exposure program at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, working in Housekeeping, and has also supported the resort’s Style operations in the past three months. This diverse experience across multiple departments makes Saito a perfect fit for his new role as Welcome Manager.
The appointments of Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed underscore W Maldives’ commitment to nurturing talent and promoting from within. Both individuals bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and innovation to their respective roles, promising to further enhance the guest experience and uphold the resort’s reputation for excellence.
Insiders
Marriott International doubles down on luxury in the Maldives with focus on sustainability and local talent
Marriott International is solidifying its position as a leader in Maldivian luxury hospitality, boasting seven resorts across the archipelago’s stunning atolls. In an interview with Hotelier Maldives, Oriol Montal, Managing Director, Luxury, Asia Pacific (excluding China) at Marriott International, shed light on the company’s strategy for the region.
“In Marriott International’s luxury segment, we proudly feature seven classic and distinctive luxury brand,” said Montal. “Currently, in the Maldives, we have four luxury brands present: The Ritz-Carlton, The St. Regis, JW Marriott, and W Hotels. Each brand possesses its own unique identity.”
Marriott International’s Maldivian portfolio leans towards high-end experiences, with distinct identities for each brand. From the heritage-rich St. Regis to the trendy W Maldives, meticulous staff selection ensures each guest encounters the brand’s unique ethos, as Montal explains: “Maintaining each brand’s identity begins with our recruitment process, where we carefully select team members who fit the brand’s culture. W Hotels favours a casual approach, while classic luxury brands demands a more formal demeanour to deliver an exceptional experience.”
Beyond luxury, Marriott International prioritizes giving back. The Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program (MIMAP) recently graduated over 40 students, highlighting the company’s dedication to cultivating local talent. This initiative, a collaboration with the Maldivian government, equips apprentices with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
“For Marriott International, community impact is paramount,” said Montal. “Our comprehensive programme aims to benefit the communities where we operate. Take, for instance, the Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program (MIMAP), which recently saw over 40 students graduate. This historic partnership with the Maldivian government showcases our dedication to fostering local talent.”
The Maldives’ tourism industry has seen a swift recovery due to its natural social distancing advantage – one island, one resort. This aligns perfectly with current luxury travel trends, where privacy and pristine environments are paramount. Moreover, the country’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, including the elimination of single-use plastics, resonates with today’s eco-conscious travelers.
Marriott International echoes this focus on environmental responsibility. With a dedicated Director of Sustainability and property-level champions, the company has set ambitious goals for water and food waste reduction in its Maldivian resorts. Additionally, guest programs like “Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy” connect travelers with local communities and conservation efforts.
“The Maldives led the way in post-pandemic tourism reopening, setting standards adopted by many countries, which facilitated its rapid recovery,” observed Montal. “Luxury travellers now seek privacy, space, and nature, preferences that align with the Maldives’ one-island-one-resort policy. The country’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, including eliminating single-use plastics, resonates more than ever.”
Looking ahead, Marriott International’s Asia Pacific strategy prioritizes retaining its luxury leadership position. Talent acquisition and development are a cornerstone of this plan, especially in the Maldives with its upcoming resort expansions. MIMAP’s second iteration, launched in partnership with local institutions, further strengthens this commitment.
By fostering a skilled local workforce, Marriott International can ensure its continued success in the Maldives while contributing to the nation’s sustainable growth and community well-being.
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