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MAHRP: Challenging age-old mindsets, championing humane workplaces

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When Hussain Afeef, Ali Adam and Ahmed Ibrahim met about three years ago, they knew they had to do something at a grand scale to pass on their knowledge and experience to budding HR professionals in the country. These three passionate heavyweights in the local HR scene then set out to resurrect an old idea; to found a platform to nurture the talents and skills of their peers.

Six months to their initial chat, the Maldives Association of HR Professionals (MAHRP) was born, with Afeef as its president and Ibrahim as one of two vice presidents. And in doing so, Afeef, Adam and Ibrahim achieved what many others before them had attempted but failed; to establish the first ever professional association in Maldives, dedicated to HR and people development.

“As many developing nations, we have a tendency to focus heavily on infrastructure development. In the process, we often forget about human capital development,” Afeef, who serves as the Regional Director of Training, Development and Quality Assurance at LUX* Resorts, said.

“Although it’s a sad reality, that was our biggest motivation. We wanted to develop human capital to cater to the increasing demand created by the rapid expansion of our infrastructure. Almost every sector in Maldives is slowly becoming more and more service-oriented.”

Consistency is key

MAHRP’s mission is to serve the needs of HR professionals by providing the most current and comprehensive resources, and to advance the profession by promoting HR’s essential values, setting professional standards and providing the know-how. It is committed to linking and connecting HR professionals and practitioners locally and oversees through signature events and membership activities.

Since its inaugural meeting on February 24, 2018, MAHRP has organised exclusive training events in Maldives with world’s leading customer experience consultant Ron Kaufman and world-renowned motivational speaker Robin Banks, enabling organisations to have access to world-class trainings at discounted rates. The first National HR Convention and Expo and the first learning and development conference in Maldives were also held in 2019. Regular knowledge share events complement these activities.

“Most NGOs in Maldives that are focused on professional development are not active. MAHRP’s difference is consistency. We organise at least one event per month. All of our exco members are employed full-time at some of the biggest companies in the Maldives, but we have been able to give time and drive the association forward,” Afeef said.

Over the past two years, MAHRP has consistently been in the news. Despite initial reluctance by some organisations to participate in the association’s activities, MAHRP’s events have now captured the attention of almost every private and public enterprise in the country. Its myriad of activities are closely followed by all HR professionals throughout the archipelago.

“As the current president, I thank MAHRP exco and advisory team for their relentless support, as well as our sponsors and partners for their contributions. Without their guidance and collaboration, we won’t be where we’re today,” Afeef said.

Taking on existing mindsets

For most newly-formed organisation, the biggest challenge will perhaps be raising funds for its activities. It was a challenge for MAHRP as well. But the biggest and most important challenge the association faced was the existing mindset of some organisations.

“We had to hold several meetings with [some organisations] to make people understand the importance of capacity building and human capital development,” Afeef explained.

“At the beginning, some organisations were a bit reluctant to send their employees to our forums and events. But once these employees went back and gave their feedback, those organisations also started realising how important it was.”

Many organisations treat HR as the management of the day-to-day affairs of their workforce. They usually host a training session at the beginning and at the end of the year. That means is no organisation-wide learning taking place during 10 out of 12 months of the year!

Human capital development goes beyond the basics of managing the day-to-day affairs of the workforce. It’s about keeping each and every employee’s performance and progress consistently in check. It’s about implementing written policies, and making sure the organisation’s training department, if there is one, focuses on identifying and focusing on the skills and areas needed by the employees.

“Some development initiatives require funds. Any organisation would need a return on the money they spend on training. In each and every event we conduct, we make sure that the participating organisations get double the value of what they had paid for. That’s why we host regular follow-up sessions after each major training. For instance, our monthly ‘Great HR Share Sessions’ are follow-up sessions,” Afeef said.

“Even in an organisation, the key to a successful HR regime is to have regular follow-ups. Doing the performance appraisal of employees isn’t enough; it should be followed up appropriate steps and actions.”

Grand plans

MAHRP’s line-up of events for 2020 include the second National HR Convention and EXPO, second Learning and Development Conference, as well as trainings with world-renowned thought leaders like Marshall Goldsmith, Robin Banks and Ron Kaufman. The first speakers convention in Maldives, aimed at developing great public speakers, will also take place this year. As always, regular HR best practice share sessions will complement those events.

The challenge of the country’s geography leads to a dispersed population across many small islands, which makes service delivery difficult and can limit opportunities for job creation and economic diversification. But MAHRP is determined to take its events to all major populations centres in the country. In fact, reaching all corners of the nation is one of the priorities of the association for 2020.

This year, MAHRP also seeks to establish greater links with organisations to identify the underlying issues in their HR policies and propose solutions.

Rewarding organisations that showcase exceptional performance taking care of their employees features high on MAHRP’s agenda. The association is in the process of introducing a National People Excellence Award, which covers different aspects of HR policies and practices. Modelled after the now-defunct Presidents of Maldives Award for Human Resource Development in the Tourism Industry, MAHRP’s awards will serve as a national-level recognition for excellence in human resource development not just in the tourism industry but across a broad range of service sectors.

MAHRP has an ongoing research partnership with Villa College and collaborates with the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) on raising public awareness about tourism sector jobs and opportunities. But MAHRP is determined to take its training initiatives to the next level; the association will establish its own training institute and position it as a certifying body for globally-recognised courses offered by Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

“Our vision is to be the leading authority in Maldives in human capital development. What that means is that in five years there will be HR professionals certified by MAHRP and organisations endorsed by MAHRP for excellence in HR practices,” Afeef said.

MAHRP sees itself as a value addition to the society.

“It’s important to know the big picture and incorporate your vision into the big picture. In our case, it’s all about aligning human capital development initiatives with the government’s plans. MAHRP’s events for the coming three years will serve as value additions to the human capital development initiatives outlined in the government’s Strategic Action Plan,” Afeef explained.

“Everything — private training institutes, public institutes and organisations like MAHRP — needs to link up with the big picture. The lack of connection is a major issue. Connecting the dots — this needs to happen.”

MAHRP’s vision and mission revolves around creating a more humane workplace. Deeply enshrined in the association’s philosophy is the belief of its founders that people are the most important part of any organisation, public or private. In everything MAHRP does, the universal quality of empathy stands out. In a workplace championed by MAHRP, paying employees for their work isn’t enough or sending them to training sessions isn’t enough; there has to be a mindset change for the better, in how the organisation sees its employees.

Awards

Multiple SATA nominations for Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

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Two renowned Maldivian resorts, Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, have been nominated across multiple categories at the 2025 South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), a prestigious recognition of excellence in hospitality and tourism across the region.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has secured nominations in the following categories:

  • Leading All-Inclusive Resort
  • Leading Family Resort
  • Leading F&B Resort

These nominations highlight the resort’s sustained commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality, dining, and family-oriented experiences. As a trailblazer in all-inclusive luxury in the Maldives, Lily Beach offers a refined guest experience through its award-winning Platinum Plan, which includes à la carte dining, curated excursions, wellness services, and an extensive selection of premium wines—crafted to suit the needs of today’s discerning traveller.

Guests at Lily Beach can enjoy a variety of dining options across venues such as Tamarind, Lily Maa, Vibes, AQVA, Teppanyaki, and Les Turquoise d’Aqua. The resort’s wine list has been recognised with a Wine Spectator Award. This August, Lily Beach will host Michelin-starred Chef Igles Corelli for an exclusive ‘Flavour’ dining experience.

A preferred destination for families, the resort features a lively Kids’ Club, the Vibes Family Pool, and year-round entertainment suitable for all ages. A range of activities is available, including tennis, water sports, nightly shows, and treatments at the Tamara Spa. Located adjacent to the South Ari Marine Protected Area, the resort also offers extraordinary opportunities to swim with whale sharks and manta rays, as well as explore a vibrant 360° house reef.

The nominations reflect Lily Beach’s enduring focus on culinary distinction, family-friendly amenities, and meaningful island experiences.

Voting for Lily Beach Resort & Spa is open until 15th July 2025.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, located in the remote and unspoilt Haa Alifu Atoll, has also earned nominations in three categories at SATA 2025:

  • Leading Beach Resort
  • Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel/Resort
  • Most Romantic Resort

Well known for its generous villa sizes and natural surroundings, the resort offers a private and tranquil setting ideal for couples, honeymooners, and families seeking relaxation away from busier destinations. Villas are set among dense tropical greenery and some of the Maldives’ most pristine beaches.

Guests can explore a diverse culinary offering across five restaurants, featuring beachfront fine dining and overwater options. With a focus on fresh seafood and international cuisine, each meal is enhanced by the island’s calm atmosphere and attentive service.

Hideaway is also one of the few natural islands in the Maldives with a double house reef, giving guests direct access to rich marine life from the shore. For those who enjoy staying active, the resort’s Recreation Centre includes tennis courts, a golf simulator, padel, pickleball, a putting green, indoor badminton, beach sports, a waterpark, and a gym.

The Hideaway Spa provides treatments based on Balinese and Ayurvedic traditions, delivered in a serene garden setting. Romantic beachfront dinners and private villa experiences further contribute to the resort’s reputation as a leading destination for couples.

With a focus on space, privacy, and personalised service, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers an experience rooted in the natural beauty of the Maldives, catering to both leisure and wellness seekers.

These nominations collectively reflect the commitment of both resorts to delivering exceptional hospitality, distinctive dining, and memorable stays in the Maldives.

Voting for Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is open until 15th July 2025.

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Villa Park named leading family resort in Maldives by Travel + Leisure

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Villa Park has been recognised as one of the Maldives’ top family resorts at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, reaffirming its reputation as a premier destination for families seeking meaningful island escapes. Located in the South Ari Atoll, the resort blends barefoot luxury with a range of immersive experiences tailored for guests of all ages.

The resort offers activities that span from encounters with whale sharks and manta rays to moments of relaxation on the island’s powder-soft beaches. Among its family-oriented facilities is Park Players, one of the Maldives’ largest kids clubs, designed to provide a creative, nature-based environment where children can play, learn, and explore. Meanwhile, parents can unwind at Araamu Spa or dine on sustainable, plant-based cuisine at Zero Restaurant.

Villa Park also features the widest selection of beach pool villas in the country, offering spacious and comfortable accommodations suited to multi-generational travellers. Sustainability is integrated across the guest experience, with initiatives such as solar-powered operations and farm-to-table dining underscoring the resort’s commitment to responsible hospitality.

This accolade from Travel + Leisure highlights Villa Park’s continued efforts to deliver high-quality, family-friendly holidays where nature, comfort, and lasting memories converge in one of the world’s most iconic island destinations.

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Angsana Velavaru shines in T+L Luxury Awards 2025 with top pool and GM honours

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Angsana Velavaru, part of the esteemed Banyan Group, has secured prestigious placements in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, ranking #8 for Best Resort Pool and #3 for Best General Manager in the Maldives. These accolades underscore the resort’s dedication to outstanding service, thoughtfully crafted accommodations, and guest-centric innovation.

Located in the unspoiled South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru features 113 villas—79 of which are equipped with private infinity pools. Among them are the celebrated Beach Villas and the signature InOcean Pool Villas, which extend elegantly over the lagoon’s turquoise expanse. Each villa is designed to offer a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, enabling guests to immerse themselves in nature with both privacy and style.

Central to the resort’s social ambiance is the Kuredhi Pool Bar, a lively and inviting venue that offers more than just refreshments. It serves as a communal hub where guests can enjoy curated experiences such as DJ nights, aqua aerobics, and wellness sessions. This programming reflects the resort’s vision of merging serenity with social vibrancy.

Spearheading this success is General Manager Ahmed Zahir, who was recognised as the #3 Best General Manager in the Maldives. Zahir’s inspiring career began three decades ago as a Laundry Supervisor and has since evolved into a historic milestone—becoming the first Maldivian General Manager within the Banyan Group. His leadership is characterised by a deep understanding of local culture, empathy, and hands-on experience across resort operations.

“This recognition is not only an honour—it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come as a team and as an industry,” Zahir shared. “I’m proud to lead with values shaped by the Maldives itself: resilience, hospitality, and heart. At Angsana Velavaru, we aim to deliver something genuine and lasting—for our guests, our people, and our community.”

Under Zahir’s stewardship, Angsana Velavaru has fostered a culture rooted in authenticity, local empowerment, and purposeful guest engagement. The resort remains committed to evolving as a destination that honours tradition while embracing forward-thinking experiences.

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