Featured
Women in Hospitality: Naju finds her calling in HR at Le Meridien Maldives
Meet Aminath Najula Fathuhy (Naju), a Maldivian-born Psychology Major who found her calling in Human Resources in the hospitality industry. Naju completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Minor in Communication from Troy University in America and SEGi University in Malaysia. With five years of working experience in the service, banking, and retail industry, Naju’s dedication and commitment to her work has been recognised by many. She is currently working as a Human Resources Executive at Le Meridien Maldives Resort and Spa.
Naju’s interest in human psychology led her to explore a different aspect of psychology, which led her to pursue industrial or business psychology and ultimately Human Resources. She stated, “I wanted to explore a different aspect of psychology other than counselling or therapy,” which directed her towards her current profession.
Although Naju never envisioned herself working in the hospitality industry, her experience has been very different from what she heard. She believes that it is essential to always know the answer for yourself than believing whatever you hear.
Naju’s ability to get along with everyone and perform her job effectively enough to create the impression that she is well experienced in the industry is her biggest professional accomplishment to date. Maintaining relationships is one of the most significant challenges in working in HR, and Naju has learned that being patient and handling things professionally is how she maintains harmony with the associates who are also her friends on the island.
When asked what colleagues need to know about working with her, Naju said, “Although I am a very honest and humble person, when it comes to work, I do not take it lightly.” Naju’s advice to young women starting their careers in the hospitality industry is that there is a lot of room for career growth, and if they have the right mindset, they will go far.
When Naju is not working, she is operating a small business with her younger brother. As for hidden talents, Naju misses her fur babies 24/7 and stalks them from the smart feeder.
Le Meridien Maldives, and Le Meridien as a brand, are making progress towards advancing gender equality in the hospitality industry, according to Naju. There have been more female hires for various roles in the recent months, which Naju believes is a step in the right direction.
Naju’s background, education, and experience have allowed her to excel in her career in the hospitality industry. Her dedication to her work, ability to maintain relationships, and willingness to learn have helped her achieve professional success. Naju is a reminder that with the right mindset and dedication, one can achieve their goals and thrive in their profession.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of Manta Month this September, following the success of last year’s initiative. Now established as an annual programme, the celebration offers guests of all ages the opportunity to engage with the ocean while supporting marine conservation, with a particular focus on the manta ray.
Throughout the month, guests are invited to take part in guided excursions to known manta hotspots, led by the resort’s experienced team, who share insights into manta behaviour and conservation. Awareness talks highlight the story of a manta rescued near the island, serving as a reminder of the resort’s continuing efforts to protect marine life. Children can enjoy manta-themed arts and crafts as well as beach games, while the wider community will join reef and island clean-up activities, with collected waste repurposed into manta sculptures. In addition, proceeds from manta pendant sales at the resort’s retail boutique will be donated to The Manta Trust, extending support for research and protection initiatives.
Located close to several of the Maldives’ top ten dive sites, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives places importance on the wellbeing of the ocean and its ecosystems, a priority shared by both guests and staff. The resort’s sustainability initiatives are aligned with IHG’s purpose, True Hospitality for Good, through its Journey to Tomorrow programme, which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates a commitment to long-term environmental protection.
Commenting on the event, Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said: “What started as a special event last year has now grown into an annual month-long celebration. Kandooma Manta Month is not just about seeing these magnificent creatures up close, but about creating meaningful experiences that inspire awareness, responsibility, and care for our ocean environment.”
ROBINSON NOONU, one of the Maldives’ leading resorts, has introduced a summer programme that combines culinary highlights, family activities, wellness initiatives, and entertainment events. The resort is recognised for creating memorable experiences that remain with guests long after departure and has curated a schedule designed to appeal to a wide range of travellers.
Guests at ROBINSON NOONU are offered a selection of culinary experiences enhanced by weekly live performances from international artists and DJs. These performances provide a varied musical backdrop, creating an immersive atmosphere for dining and evening entertainment.
Families visiting the resort this season can participate in the Weekly Splash Action at the newly renovated water sports jetty. The highlight of the event is a ten-metre-long air cushion (Blob), which catapults participants into the lagoon. The activity attracts additional interest when the General Manager joins in, adding to the sense of occasion.
The resort has expanded its sports and wellness offering with the introduction of a padel tennis court, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to its facilities. Another addition is ‘YinSurf’ on the Strobel & Walter Balance Board, combining yoga, mindfulness, and full-body training. This programme is designed to promote physical wellbeing while supporting mental focus.
Every two weeks, the resort hosts themed events, including:
- Jungle Party – held in a driftwood-inspired venue.
- Underwater Party – featuring an inflatable octopus and 360° underwater visuals.
- Sundowner Beach Party – an evening gathering on the beach during sunset.
- White Party – an event on the pool deck with themed décor.
- BOHO Festival Show – a new addition, with a bohemian setting of teepees and natural tones.
- Pink Pool Party – a lively celebration with a colourful theme.
The highlight of the season will be the ‘This is NOONU’ Week, scheduled from 22 to 29 September. The programme includes performances from eight international artists, guest DJs, and WellFit experts. Events such as the Suite Party and a special edition of the Pink Pool Party will be featured, offering guests a range of experiences throughout the week.
By combining entertainment, wellness, sport, and culinary experiences, ROBINSON NOONU continues to strengthen its position as a Maldivian resort offering diverse programmes for its guests.
ROBINSON MALDIVES, located on the island of Funamadua, has been named ‘Best Adults Only Resort 2025’ at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards. The recognition reinforces the resort’s standing as a leading destination for travellers seeking privacy, tranquillity, and attentive service in the Indian Ocean.
The TTM Awards, regarded as one of the most significant honours in the Maldivian tourism sector, are presented annually during the TTM Maldives International Trade Show. The event brings together global travel professionals, tour operators, and media representatives. Winners are chosen through an international online voting process, with travellers casting votes across a range of categories. Commenting on the award, Andreas Stys, General Manager of ROBINSON MALDIVES, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering a holiday experience defined by style, relaxation, and outstanding quality.”
The resort has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment, introducing a number of new features to enhance the guest experience. These include:
- 28 new overwater villas with private pools, offering comfort and seclusion above the lagoon
- Redesigned interiors, including the main bar, restaurant, gym, and reception, refreshed with a contemporary look
- A Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, providing a live dining experience
- The Sundowner Bar, with panoramic views of the ocean
As an adults-only retreat, ROBINSON MALDIVES also offers white-sand beaches, coral reefs for snorkelling, a variety of sports and wellness activities, and dining options that combine international and local flavours. By securing the title of ‘Best Adults Only Resort 2025’, the resort has strengthened its reputation as a preferred choice for couples, solo travellers, and those seeking a premium escape in the Maldives.
-
Featured1 week agoMaldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation
-
Featured1 week agoOctober at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests
-
Featured1 week agoW Maldives to host ‘The Joy Rituals’ wellness programme in September 2025
-
Excursions1 week agoMarine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives
-
Drink6 days agoKandolhu Maldives introduces new villas and gastronomic journeys
-
Local7 days agoMU Maniku, key architect of Maldives tourism industry, dies
-
Featured7 days agoBavarian traditions meet island living at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Oktoberfest
-
Featured5 days agoSun Siyam unveils new identity and signature experiences