Featured
Women in Hospitality: Jaya’s journey to becoming Assistant Front Office Manager at Le Meridien Maldives
Meet Jaya Paliwal, a driven and passionate Assistant Front Office Manager at Le Meridien Maldives. Originally from a small village in India, Jaya grew up in a joint family where she learned the importance of respect and hard work from her elders. After studying Arts and completing a hospitality course in Bhopal, India, Jaya was introduced to the world of hospitality, which would later become her career.
Jaya’s passion for the industry grew as she witnessed her seniors going above and beyond to exceed guest expectations. She became humbler and more extroverted and decided to pursue a leadership role in hospitality. Starting as a front office associate with a luxury brand, Jaya has worked her way up to her current position, an achievement she is proud of.
When asked about her biggest professional accomplishment, Jaya shared, “Since I joined hospitality, I got many opportunities to grow, and now I am working as an assistant front office manager, which is an achievement for me. I have also learned how to be patient and be kind to everyone. I have gone through many difficult situations; however, it did not affect my focus towards my goal.”
Jaya is known for her friendly and efficient work ethic. She believes in getting the job done within the time frame, but also maintaining a positive attitude and relationship with her colleagues.
For young women just starting their careers in hospitality, Jaya advises, “Do not lose focus even if you get the hardest time in your career. You are strong and if you believe in yourself, you can achieve miles.”
When she’s not working, Jaya enjoys reading books and cooking. She is also proud to be part of Le Meridien Maldives, where gender equality is valued and where she has never felt less than anyone else. “I am given equal opportunities at Le Meridien Maldives. They do arrange activities for everyone. In fact, the fun fact is we have more ladies in front office than gentlemen, and we are doing all the work whether it is to drive a buggy or to pick up the guest luggage,” she shares.
Jaya’s journey in the hospitality industry is a testament to hard work and determination. She is a role model for young women who are just starting their careers, and her story inspires us all to stay focused and believe in ourselves.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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