An Insider
Ursula Schoefl: Inspiring Through Dedication and Friendliness
Maldives Promotion House – History teaches us that opportunities don’t always come running after us. It also teaches us that they don’t always last. While one human century maybe short, it is our efforts that grant us the long and fulfilling lives that makes great people. As gravity pulls us down, we must climb up, ever so slowly, up the ladder of success. Ms. Ursula Schoefl is one of those people who earned respect and greatness through hard work and kindness and friendliness to others.
Ms. Ursula Schoefl is the newest General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. After over two decades of hard working, Ms. Schoefl has become the person that most of us dream of becoming.
After graduating from the Hotel Management School Schloss, Klessheim in Salzburg, Austria, Ms. Schoefl began her career in 1988 at Sheraton Frankfurt Hotel. However that is not where her story begins. During an exclusive interview with Maldives Promotion House, Ms. Schoefl told us of her tale of success.
“Well, I started more than 20 years ago, in the hotel industry at the Frankfurt Airport in Europe, the largest airport hotel,” she began. “But I developed a taste for the industry much much earlier. I had to do a technical training and an internship when I was 17, in a hotel.”
Her internship was what sparked her interest in the industry. As her young age fuelled her curiosity and desire to explore life, she took the opportunity to experience the hospitality industry. Since then she set a goal in her mind, and went on with her journey to achieve it. Never turning back, and never giving up hope.
“I truly enjoyed doing it. There were two reasons, first of all I was 17 and I was allowed to leave home for three months. So being a teenager that’s an opportunity to explore life, and then I had a job which I truly enjoyed. So I came home from this practical training, saying ‘that’s what I want to do’,” Ms. Schoefl continued.
She then joined a Hotel Management School Schloss, Klessheim in Salzburg, Austria, where she studied for two years. She got her first job in Sheraton Frankfurt in Germany in the food and beverage department. After she switched to front office she also worked for night audit to receive two years of assistant controller training. When she returning to front office again she became Assistant Front Office Manager.
“I spent two years in a hotel management school in Austria before I started at Frankfurt airport hotel. I spent a lot of time there and I learnt quiet a lot. Then I spent some time rebranding a hotel in Germany for Arabella Sheraton, before I started moving internationally,” she said.
After ten years with Sheraton Frankfurt, she took up the position of Front Office Manager at Arabella Sheraton Pelikan Hotel in Hanover, Germany. Since then she has been to Egypt, Tanzania, China, Malaysia, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
“My first overseas was in Egypt, because Egypt isn’t far from Europe, so in case I got home sick, I could hopefully get on a plane. That was the first reasoning behind it, so to say. I really enjoyed it and I’d say that’s where I was bitten by the travel bug. Ever since then, I have been travelling the globe,” Ms. Schoefl further explained.
Prior to commencement of her leadership role at Sheraton Maldives, Ms Schoefl was Hotel Manager at Le Méridien Chiang Mai and served as Deputy General Manager at Sheraton Lagos Hotel & Towers, the only international five-star hotel in Lagos, Nigeria.
For Ms. Schoefl, being assigned to Maldives was like a dream come true. While this is her first time in Maldives, she confidently says that Maldives is beyond her expectations. “Maldives has always been on my list of destinations that I would like to visit as a tourist but I never expected I would get a chance to visit and work in Maldives. While I have never been to Maldives, when I was asked to come here, I said of course quickly, yes,” she humoured.
“Maldives is better than I expected. To be quiet frank, I think it has to do with the colours of the Maldives. I mean, when you look at the pictures, you know they can be adjusted and edited. So you don’t expect much, but when you sit here and when you look at those sun downs, you look at the day light set with all those colours, and on a sunny day how the sea changes its colours, it’s just amazing. It’s just breathtaking. It’s just beautiful,” Ms. Schoefl said.
She explained to me how she spends her days in Sheraton. “It starts simply in the morning when you walk here through the island. I usually would come here early in the morning and look at the surrounding and all you would see is the blue skies and the blue water and all the different shades of blue, obviously which is marvellous, and all the peace and quietness because no one is awake yet. Except maybe you’ll see a little bit of the wild life,” she marvelled at the beauties of Maldives.
However, enjoying herself and spending time alone to breath in the glamour of Maldives is not what she desires most. For Ms. Schoefl, the best part of her job is the time she spends with the guests and her team.
“After I go to my office, reality kicks in. I read my e-mails and then there comes the best part of my job, which is meeting guests and spending time with the team, and honestly I wouldn’t be able to count how many guests I meet,” Ms. Schoefl said.
Ms. Schoefl thinks of everyone working at the resort as one big family. If one link in the chain fails the chain has failed. She also observes her team very closely and looks after them.
“It’s like a big family. I make time for all the members of the team. I get to interact with them even if it’s a quick interaction. I get to ask them how they are. But I always get the same answer which is very well, but when you look in their eyes sometimes you see something very different. But I guess that’s part of the culture, but then again Maldivians are very humble and a little bit shy, I would say,” she said with a smile.
When asked about the various departments, their importance, and how they are trained, she simply replied saying that they were equally important.
“The whole team is equally important. It’s like a watch, you know, it like a clock work, if one piece doesn’t work the rest fails,” Ms. Schoefl said. “We take training very seriously but we do it by walking the talk. I observe them and if they do anything wrong, then I make sure that their supervisors are aware of it, and I have a little chitchat with them and work it out.”
When asked about her job as a General Manager and about the difficulties faced she pointed out that the rain is a major issue faced by the resort.
“Rain is one of the difficulties I would say but that’s something you can’t control. There are good days and bad days, so when you have a bad day in operations, you try to recover as much from it as you can, and you make the best of it,” Ms. Schoefl said. “But the rain here is warm rain so if the sea is not rough you still can go snorkelling and diving.”
She also noted that even the rain does not take away the beauty of Maldives but adds more flavour to it. “Again talking colours, it’s amazing what you see when the rain starts moving in. When it starts getting dark you can see the colour of the sea changing,” she added.
Speaking about how the resort handles their guests she said that it’s not difficult because of the nature of the resorts. “I have worked in secluded places but this is my first island resort. It’s easy to handle even a large number of guests because they come in boats. So we do the usual, we welcome them and immediately make them feel at home. Then we check them in and take them to their rooms,” Ms. Schoefl said.
Ms. Schoefl also admits that she has much to learn about the Maldivian culture, its rich heritage and its wonderful geography. “I haven’t explored so much so far but I have been to a couple of resorts so far and I know my way a little bit around Malé. But there’s so much more still to explore and to get to know,” she noted.
She also expressed her feelings about the opportunity to work in Maldives, saying that “things couldn’t get any better.”
“Having the opportunity to come to Maldives and work here, well things couldn’t get any better. It’s the best job you could ever ask for because this is the best place to be having a job as a general manager,” Ms. Schoefl said.
Ms. Schoefl also gave an inspiring message to those who want to become successful. Speaking from her own experience she speaks of passion as a path to achievement.
“It’s not difficult to run a resort, not when you have the passion for it. I think it doesn’t matter whether it’s a resort or whether you work at a post office or where ever it is. You need to have the passion for what you do, and as long as you have that you will enjoy what you do, when you have no passion anymore than its going to get difficult,” Ms. Schoefl said.
Ms. Ursula Schoefl’s story teaches us that while we can’t always have what we desire, our efforts will never leave us empty handed. Life is never a straight road, and success can be achieved with much hard work. You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do, and plans are only good intentions unless they are modelled into hard work. You may not always win, but you can always stand up and try again, but above all, whatever it is, try it with passion.
We at Maldives Promotion House congratulate Ms. Ursula Schoefl on her achievements and wish her more success in her career. We also welcome her to Maldives and hope she finds us to be hospitable hosts. We thank her for her words of wisdom and advice and for her kind gestures, hospitality and time. Thank you.
At the heart of Anantara’s commitment to tailored luxury and authentic experiences lies the passionate work of Oriana Migliaccio, a marine biologist whose devotion to oceanic preservation resonates deeply in the sky-blue waters of the Maldives. Oriana, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer with a PhD in Life and Biomolecular Sciences, embodies the spirit of discovery and conservation at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, and Naladhu Private Island Maldives.
Raised on the sun-kissed shores of Naples, Italy, Oriana’s early years were steeped in the wonders of the Mediterranean Sea, a rich biodiversity hotspot. She frequently spent winter breaks at the aquarium. “It is this deep love for the marine world that got me interested from an early age in pursuing a career in marine biology,” she reflects. Following her passion, Oriana earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Marine Biology in Italy. Her journey then took her to the Maldives for an additional master’s in Tropical Marine Biology, where the allure of tropical environments steered her focus towards specialising in coral reef biology and conservation. This newfound dedication culminated in earning her PhD in the United Kingdom, solidifying her commitment to preserving marine ecosystems.
Oriana’s expertise, honed in the jungles of Borneo as a Conservation Manager and Dive Leader, now flourishes in the Maldives. Her initiatives span coral reef restoration, sea turtle protection, and sustainable practices, all pivotal to the region’s marine ecosystem. A crowning achievement is her creation of the “Reef Hero” PADI specialty, a course designed to educate divers on coral conservation, nurturing a new wave of ocean stewards.
“I created the ‘Reef Hero’ course during my time as a marine biologist and dive instructor in Malaysian Borneo. This course, focusing on coral reef restoration and rehabilitation, was inspired by my diving students’ desire to positively impact the oceans they love exploring. Witnessing the adverse effects of marine issues like debris, over-fishing, pollution, and global warming, this inspired me to create guidelines that can be used by recreational divers to save coral reefs around the world.” – Oriana Migliaccio
In April 2023, Oriana joined Anantara, where her role transcends traditional boundaries, as she immerses guests in a world of marine wonders through various interactive initiatives:
- Marine Talk on Coral Reef & Marine Life: Weekly educational sessions that spotlight the vital role of coral reefs and the importance of responsible diving.
- Discovering Marine Biology for Kids: Fun, interactive lessons that spark young minds’ curiosity about the underwater world.
- Workshop on Repurposing Ghost Nets: Transforming abandoned fishing nets into bracelets, raising awareness about their impact on marine life.
- Marine Biologist Corner: An open forum for guests to engage with Oriana, deepening their understanding of marine conservation.
- Visit the Coral Nursery: Snorkeling adventures to coral nurseries, where guests explore coral species and participate in the resort’s coral restoration efforts.
- Coral Adoption: Encouraging guests to play an active role in coral restoration, either by planting corals or sponsoring a coral rope, and tracking their growth.
“In the Maldives, a country faced with pressing environmental challenges, sustainability and environmental conservation are not just trends. They are a necessity,” Oriana emphasises, outlining the long-term goals for sustainability and marine conservation at Anantara’s Maldives resorts. “The survival of this tropical paradise is intertwined with adopting sustainable practices and reducing the anthropogenic impact on the environment.”
Following the devastating coral bleaching event of 2016, Oriana has been instrumental in Anantara’s HARP initiative (Holistic Approach to Reef Protection), aimed at rehabilitating damaged coral reefs. With over 10,000 corals grown and planted since 2017, the project is on course to double this number, enhancing marine biodiversity. Guests are invited to become coral gardeners, contributing to the project’s success while receiving progress updates on their adopted “baby corals”.
Collaborating with esteemed organisations like the Olive Ridley Project, Manta Trust, and the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program, Oriana’s work includes a photo-ID programme for studying sea turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks. She invites guests to join as citizen scientists, aiding in data collection during their underwater explorations.
Oriana Migliaccio’s contributions reflect the essence of Anantara’s luxury experience — unique, immersive, and deeply connected to the local environment. Her passion and dedication are not just preserving the ocean’s beauty but also inspiring guests to become active participants in its conservation, ensuring its wonder endures for generations to come.
For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com.
In the heart of the stunning Maldives, where luxury resorts and crystal-clear waters come together to create a paradise on Earth, there are individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every guest’s experience is nothing short of exceptional. One such individual is Abdulla Wisam, whose remarkable journey in the hospitality industry is a testament to his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to providing the best possible service to guests.
Abdulla Wisam’s journey in the hospitality industry began right after completing his schooling. In 2003, he embarked on his professional career by joining Dhoveli Beach Resort & Spa, where he gained his first taste of the world of hospitality. It was here that he discovered his passion for creating memorable guest experiences and building relationships with visitors from around the world.
After his initial foray into the industry, Wisam’s career path continued to evolve. His dedication and hard work caught the attention of industry leaders, leading him to take on roles of increasing responsibility. His time at Meeru Island Resort saw him as an Outlet Cashier and Night Auditor, roles that allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the operational aspects of a resort.
Wisam’s determination and eagerness to learn led him to the iconic Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, where he started as a Recreation Attendant. Over time, he showcased his exceptional skills in guest relations and management, and he was promoted to the position of Front Office Supervisor. His journey with Four Seasons served as a stepping stone for what was to come next.
In 2014, Wisam joined the W Maldives, a resort known for its luxurious offerings and unparalleled guest experiences. Starting as a Welcome Team Leader, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his impeccable guest service skills and innate leadership abilities. His promotion to Guest Experience Manager was a testament to his ability to not only meet but exceed guest expectations. He was then transferred to The St. Regis Maldives as the Assistant Front Office Manager with the pre-opening team.
As his career trajectory continued its upward trajectory, Wisam took on the role of Front Office Manager at prestigious resorts such as Milaidhoo Island, Raffles Maldives, and The Standard Maldives. These roles allowed him to refine his management style, hone his problem-solving skills, and contribute to the overall success of each resort.
Wisam’s journey eventually led him to COMO Cocoa Island, a resort renowned for its unparalleled luxury and exquisite attention to detail. Joining as the Front Office Manager, he embraced the challenges and responsibilities that came with the position. His dedication, combined with his innate ability to create genuine connections with guests, led to his promotion as the Director of Rooms.
Wisam’s journey in the Maldivian hospitality industry is a remarkable tale of perseverance, growth, and a genuine passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. His diverse roles, spanning from recreation to guest experience management, have equipped him with a holistic understanding of the industry. His commitment to continuous improvement and dedication to delivering top-tier service have not only benefited the resorts he’s been a part of but have also contributed to elevating the reputation of Maldives as a premier luxury travel destination.
As Wisam continues to shape the guest experience landscape at COMO Cocoa Island, one can only imagine the heights he will reach and the impact he will make on the ever-evolving hospitality industry of the Maldives. His journey stands as an inspiration to aspiring hoteliers and a testament to the boundless opportunities that await those who are truly passionate about their craft.
In the fast-paced and thriving hospitality industry of the Maldives, where exceptional service and guest satisfaction are paramount, there are individuals who stand out for their dedication, expertise, and leadership qualities. Hamzath Ameen is making his mark as a proficient human resources professional in island resorts of the Maldives. With an impressive career trajectory and a passion for excellence, Hamzath has become a respected figure in the industry.
Hamzath Ameen was born and raised in Addu Atoll, a region known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. Following his schooling, he pursued his higher education at Cyryx College in Male’, where he successfully completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Management. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future career in the dynamic world of hospitality.
Hamzath embarked on his professional journey at Dhonveli Beach Resort, where he assumed the role of Accounts Officer. This initial foray into the hospitality industry allowed him to gain valuable insights into the financial aspects of resort operations and the importance of maintaining accurate records and efficient systems.
Eager to expand his horizons and broaden his skill set, Hamzath sought opportunities at various reputable companies and resorts throughout the Maldives. His determination and exceptional work ethic caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to his appointment as the Human Resources Officer at Furaveri Island Resort. Recognizing his potential, Ameen quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to the position of Assistant Manager, and subsequently, Human Resources Manager.
During his tenure at Furaveri Island Resort, Hamzath made significant contributions to the establishment’s human resources department. He spearheaded various initiatives to enhance employee engagement, streamline recruitment processes, and foster a positive work culture. Under his leadership, the resort witnessed an increase in employee satisfaction and a notable reduction in turnover rates, solidifying Hamzath’s reputation as a skilled people manager.
In 2022, Hamzath accepted an exciting new opportunity and joined Rihiveli Maldives Resort as the Human Resources Manager. With his wealth of experience and proven track record, he assumed a pivotal role in overseeing the resort’s human resources functions, including recruitment, training and development, performance management, and employee relations. Hamzath’s strategic approach and ability to build strong relationships with staff and management alike have made him an invaluable asset to the resort.
Hamzath Ameen’s journey from an Accounts Officer to a respected Human Resources Manager exemplifies his commitment to personal growth and professional excellence. Through his hard work, dedication, and leadership abilities, he has successfully carved a niche for himself in the competitive Maldivian hospitality industry. Hamzath’s passion for nurturing talent, fostering positive work environments, and delivering exceptional guest experiences continues to make a lasting impact on the resorts he has served.
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