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Qaisar Naseem: example, hope, mentor for aspiring locals

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9 years ago

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The Maldives is a development success story. From one of the poorest nations in the world to one of the wealthiest in the region, the country has completely transformed over the course of a few decades, all thanks to its world-famous upmarket tourism industry.

Despite this remarkable growth of the tourism industry, it has always been dominated by expatriates, especially in managerial positions. They undoubtedly deserve our praise and appreciation for so many reasons; for bringing along with them wealth of experience and know-how, for guiding and leading local hospitality professionals, for passing their knowledge onto passionate locals and most importantly for genuinely representing this country as their own — all of which have led to the Maldives making its mark on the map as one of the ultimate destinations in the world.

But Qaisar Naseem is an exception. If there is any one success story of locals in an industry dominated by foreigners, there simply is no perfect example than this misfit who entered the industry in 1997, shortly after being expelled from the school in his native island of Fuvahmulah. He did not look back, and his dedication to self-development and enrichment has seen him rise through the ranks in the industry to become the General Manager of Paradise Island Resort.

“Motivation and commitment to self-develop and improve are the key here. You have to be willing to start from the very bottom and work your way through until you reach your goal. It might be a long journey. So, you have to be committed all the way,” Qaisar says.

Qaisar receives the Indian Ocean’s Leading Conference Hotel 2013 award for Paradise Island Resort at the World Travel Awards. PHOTO/ WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

His 20-year long career in the tourism industry is a testament to those ideals he so passionately preaches. After spending a year in Thundufushi as a receptionist, Qaisar joined Villa Hotels to work as an Administrator at Royal Island Resort and Spa which was under construction. He oversaw several aspects of the project, including construction, earning himself the position of Assistant Manager when it opened in 2001. While officially holding the title of Assistant Manager, he served as the Acting Resort Manager when the Resort Manager left in 2004.

It was a great opportunity for him to prove his leadership skills. But for someone who has always had the neck for self-development, it was not quite enough. He moved to Malaysia in 2006 to pursue a degree in hotel management. When Qaisar returned to the Maldives in 2009 after successfully completing his degree, he was appointed the Resident Manager at Paradise Island Resort. His commitment and massive transformation to the island both in terms of landscape as well as in administration in keeping with the current trends in the industry was another success story of him. A year later, he assumed the post of General Manager — a title he has since held, and deservingly so.

“Managing a resort like Paradise Island Resort isn’t easy. Apart from the day-to-day operations, there are so much going on here that visitors don’t see. For instance, this is the central hub of maintenance for all Villa properties. We have to manage everything, from carpentry to maintenance of our boat fleet, in such a way that it doesn’t affect the guests’ stay here,” Qaisar explains.

“We also conduct regular training sessions for our existing staff as well as for new recruits. We take in school leavers with no prior training and give them the skill set necessary to join the industry.”

A guest on holiday at Paradise Island Resort. PHOTO/ ASAD IBRAHIM

Over the past eight years, Qaisar has transformed and overhauled Paradise Island Resort. Rooms have been renovated and upgraded. New room categories have been introduced. The main restaurant and bar as well as the Italian restaurant have been upgraded. The Dive and Water Sports Centre have been brought under the parent company’s management with Maldivians tasked to operate it. A state-of-the-art convention centre is being built and is set to play host to its first event — a regional conference by a multi-national development agency — in a few months.

All these changes have greatly increased the resort’s revenue and made it one of the highest performing resorts in the Maldives in terms of occupancy and guest satisfaction. It has several local and international accolades, including several recognitions in the World Travel Awards, World Luxury Travel Awards and Maldives Travel Awards, to its name as proofs of its success.

“This is all because of the team’s work. I don’t just give commands. I have to share and discuss with my team, be it about any concerns they might have or about any operational aspects. We have to work as an extended family. That’s how we have been able to achieve such phenomenal results,” Qaisar explains his management philosophy.

At a critical juncture where a number of new properties, especially those managed by international hotel chains, coming up across the archipelago, in top management positions are on the rise. But in an industry driven by large international hotel chains and expatriate managers, especially general managers, Qaisar has proven over and over again that local brands and talent can be as successful and as prominent in the excellence of service, just as them.

“The number of Maldivians in position such as GMs are very few, but there are some. Most resorts, especially those run by foreign parties, have foreign GMs. I think it’s because of the mentality. But if you look at the industry as a whole, you can see that Maldivians can deliver just as well. Villa is an example. All of our resorts are headed by locals. It’s so much easier to work with Maldivians because I think hospitality is in our DNA. With personal efforts towards self-development and motivation from the leaders, every Maldivian who joins this field is golden,” he says.

“At the same time, resort operators need to provide more opportunities for locals to reach top positions. Of course, commitment and dedication are required from the employees. But the extra push by owners, especially Maldivian hoteliers, to promote local talent in the management has to be there as well.”

Qaisar receives the Tourism Personality of the Year award at the Maldives Travel Awards – People’s Edition gala on July 13. PHOTO/ MATATO

As a top executive in the industry, Qaisar sees his career as being bigger than himself. His personal achievements, including the Best General Manager in Indian Ocean title at World Luxury Travel Awards in 2015 and the recent Tourism Personality of the Year award Maldives Travel Awards, are to him more about inspiring locals to make their mark in the industry. His journey alone is a testament to the fact that hard work and dedication pays off no matter where you start from.

“I see several Maldivians who worked with us at Royal Island Resort are now in senior positions like HR Managers, F&B Directors, Resident Managers, Assistant Mangers and so on. For instance, our current Executive Chef is a Maldivian who had worked as a Sous Chef at Royal Island Resort and later at several high-end properties in the country. Whenever I go to another property, I always meet people I have had the opportunity to train and work with. That’s the biggest pleasure in winning an award,” Qaisar says.

For the next generation of local executives, he advocates self-development, dedication and commitment — qualities that have made him who he is today. For hoteliers, he preaches the ideals of staff motivation, training and guidance, and team work — qualities of led. A team leader whose career is a story in itself of a self-made man, Qaisar stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring local hospitality executives; that locals can be just as good or perhaps even better at driving the local tourism industry forward.

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Year of the Horse celebrated across Sun Siyam’s Luxury, Privé and Lifestyle resorts

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2 hours ago

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February 11, 2026

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Sun Siyam Resorts is marking the Lunar New Year across its Luxury, Privé and Lifestyle collections with a coordinated programme of cultural experiences, festive dining, music and family-focused activities from 15 to 20 February 2026. Celebrating the Year of the Horse, each resort’s programme reflects its individual character while embracing the spirit of renewal and togetherness associated with the season.

Siyam World – Lifestyle Collection

At Siyam World, Lunar New Year celebrations combine cultural heritage with contemporary island energy. A highlight of the programme is a live showcase featuring Chinese-inspired DJ sets paired with the traditional guzheng, creating a fusion of electronic rhythms and classical melody. Performances by the Chaozhou Shantou lion dance troupe add further cultural depth, with guests invited to observe, participate and learn traditional movements.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli – Lifestyle Collection

Sun Siyam Olhuveli is presenting a relaxed Lunar New Year programme shaped by traditional symbolism and island living. Throughout the week, the resort will host family-friendly cultural activities, traditional performances and live music. Red-themed décor and festive elements will set the tone, while dragon displays and cultural showcases bring movement to the island’s central spaces. The celebrations peak on 16 and 17 February with performances by DJ Slim Belghith, whose international sound will accompany evening festivities.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli – Privé Collection

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, the Year of the Horse will be marked through a programme that combines cultural traditions with family-oriented experiences. The Kids Club will host themed activities including red envelope crafting, lantern making, zodiac-inspired art and traditional games. The Fire Horse Pool Party at Chemistry will bring families together with music and refreshments. Dining highlights include hot pot lunches and dinners, along with a dedicated Chinese section titled “Flavours of Fortune” at the Aqua Orange buffet. Guests may also enjoy seasonal spa treatments at Ocean Spa designed to promote balance and renewal.

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef – Privé Collection

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef will conclude its celebrations with a Grand Spring Gala Dinner featuring international cuisine alongside Chinese specialities. The evening includes a traditional lion dance performance, filling the island with movement and symbolic gestures intended to welcome prosperity and good fortune.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – Luxury Collection

At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Lunar New Year celebrations will blend Chinese traditions with Maldivian island experiences. Dining features include beachfront seafood platters, Blue Lobster barbecues and traditional hot pot dinners, complemented by chocolate, cheese and champagne tastings.

Younger guests may take part in dragon dance workshops and lantern painting sessions, while signature resort experiences such as Sunset Jet Car rides, Cinema by Moonlight on a private boat and floating breakfasts add further variety. Evening turndown moments incorporate local Maldivian touches, reflecting the resort’s approach to cultural exchange. With 15 dining venues, family-oriented villas and dedicated adults-only spaces, the resort’s programme is designed to accommodate a broad range of guests.

Commenting on the celebrations, Ahmed Naufal, Group Director of Business Development, noted that China remains an important market for Sun Siyam. He stated that the Lunar New Year celebrations provide an opportunity to honour Chinese traditions while delivering experiences consistent with the group’s standards of hospitality.

Across its Maldivian portfolio, Sun Siyam Resorts presents Lunar New Year as a season of cultural appreciation, shared celebration and renewal by the sea.

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LUX Tennis joins St. Regis Maldives Vommuli to expand active lifestyle programme

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4 hours ago

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February 11, 2026

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St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced a partnership with LUX Tennis, strengthening the resort’s established tennis offering and introducing plans for a new padel court. The collaboration expands the resort’s active lifestyle programme, with a particular focus on families and multi-generational travel.

The St. Regis brand draws on the legacy of the Astor family, founders of the original St. Regis New York, whose Gilded Age lifestyle celebrated refined leisure and sporting pursuits. Tennis, in particular, became a symbol of elegance within the Astor social circle, reflecting a culture shaped by hospitality, recreation and sophistication. This heritage continues across the St. Regis portfolio today, where classic sports remain an integral part of the brand’s identity.

Set within the resort’s private island environment, the enhanced LUX Tennis programme is designed to elevate on-island tennis experiences for guests of all ages and skill levels. The programme features expert-led coaching, bespoke clinics and visiting residencies by internationally recognised professionals, offering guests opportunities to train, play and engage with elite talent in an accessible and inspiring setting.

Confirmed visiting professionals include Angelique Kerber, three-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, who will visit from 29 to 31 March 2026, and Feliciano López, former Spanish champion with a career-high singles ranking of world number 12, scheduled from 16 to 17 May 2026.

The expanded tennis programme is designed to integrate seamlessly with island life, offering everything from relaxed family matches and junior-friendly coaching to more focused sessions for experienced players. Activities are structured to complement time spent at the beach, spa experiences and family dining.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort features 77 beachfront and overwater villas, each with a private pool, alongside facilities such as the John Jacob Astor Estate, the largest overwater three-bedroom villa in the Maldives. Guests also have access to the award-winning Iridium Spa, six dining venues and a private yacht available for charter, reinforcing the resort’s positioning as a destination for both leisure and active pursuits.

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Centara Hotels & Resorts marks Valentine’s Day with island-wide celebrations in Maldives

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2 days ago

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February 9, 2026

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Centara Hotels & Resorts is marking Valentine’s Day across its four Maldivian resorts with a collection of curated experiences designed to reflect different expressions of romance, from wellness and gastronomy to shared adventure and quiet celebration. Set within the Maldives’ natural environment of open horizons, white-sand beaches and private island settings, each property presents a tailored programme for couples seeking time together in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives will mark Valentine’s Day on 14 February with a programme of romance-themed experiences set within its island surroundings at The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts. The day is designed around shared activities and curated moments intended to encourage connection and creativity.

Evening celebrations begin at Coco Drift with the Salaan Galaan Valentine’s Soirée, followed by a four-course beachfront dinner accompanied by selected beverages, personalised cocktails, live entertainment and musical serenades. The celebrations conclude with an intimate sip-and-paint session under the night sky.

Couples may also unwind with the Grand Valentine’s Ritual at Spa Cenvaree, a 105-minute treatment comprising a massage and body wrap designed for shared relaxation. Guests can further personalise the occasion by arranging fresh floral bouquets through the front office.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives

At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Valentine’s Day is presented through a full-day programme of shared experiences set in North Malé Atoll. Activities include sunrise yoga, a tree-planting ceremony and henna art, offering couples a blend of relaxation and meaningful engagement.

The evening programme centres on a mixology masterclass, followed by a candlelit dinner at Sailhouse Beach featuring seafood, Asian-inspired dishes, desserts and free-flowing beverages. The night concludes with an outdoor movie screening beneath the stars.

Spa Cenvaree complements the celebrations with a Valentine’s Indulgence ritual, a 120-minute couples’ treatment that includes a body scrub, massage and bath ritual paired with sparkling beverages. Floral arrangements may also be arranged through the front office.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives

From 10 to 14 February, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives will host a series of Valentine’s experiences designed to reflect personal moments and shared celebration. Highlights include vow renewal ceremonies at Reef Beach and private canapé and champagne experiences at Aqua Bar.

On Valentine’s Day, couples may begin with a floating breakfast served in-villa, followed by a choice of dining experiences ranging from international buffet dining to a four-course gourmet dinner at the Love Hut, complete with sparkling beverages and floral arrangements. Additional options include a three-course beachfront dinner at Reef Beach, a relaxed BBQ and movie night at North Beach, and an evening DJ programme at Coral Lounge.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, an adults-only resort in North Malé Atoll, will host a refined Valentine’s celebration on the evening of 14 February. The highlight is a seven-course beachfront dinner at Waves Beach, paired with sparkling beverages and accompanied by live music.

The evening continues with an after-dinner beach gathering, extending the celebrations in a relaxed setting. Guests may also opt for a package that includes an in-villa breakfast with sparkling beverages the following morning.

Across its Maldivian portfolio, Centara Hotels & Resorts presents Valentine’s Day as an opportunity for couples to celebrate through shared experiences, thoughtful dining and time spent together in distinctive island settings.

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