Featured
Neil Shorthouse on inter-resort collaboration, training locals in Maldives fast-growing tourism industry
When Neil Shorthouse first arrived in the Maldives in early 2008 as the Cluster Director of Human Resources at Anantara Resorts Maldives, the Maldives tourism industry was an altogether different story. New investments, tightly controlled and directed by the government, were made mostly by a handful of seasoned local and foreign hoteliers. Growth was impressive and return on investment was unmatched. But for travellers, accommodation options were limited to luxury resorts that cost tens of thousands of dollars for a night’s stay.
Fast forward 10 years, and the industry has inevitably evolved. A plethora of new properties has come into play, with the backing of a combination of local and international entrepreneurs and seasoned hoteliers. Dozens have forayed into new and untapped segments of the market, greatly expanding the scope of an industry that was previously exclusive to luxury tourism. Tourist arrivals have crossed the one million milestone and is on course to reach an ambitious target of 1.5 million.
This rapid expansion in a short period of time poses several challenges, especially in getting enough skilled individuals to fill up managerial positions. Resorts are forced to bring in professionals from abroad to an industry already dominated by expatriates or promote individuals without giving them proper training and guidance.
“Some people will pick up very quickly and are very good at that role. But some people are put there because there is no one else to do it and they don’t necessarily have the skill set to do their job. This means that if they go to another property, they may actually fail,” Neil, whose 20-year long career in hospitality involves working with a variety of top luxury brands such as Regent Seven Seas, The World, Soneva, Six Senses, Anantara Resorts and Cheval Blanc Randheli by LVMH, says, in an interview with Maldives Insider.
Neil poses for a photo with the participants of a training programme he conducted at the Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) in Maldives. PHOTO/ HIH
Smaller resorts have to bear the brunt of the current deficit in getting skilled Maldivians for senior positions, as international hotel chains have the luxury of moving employees within its hotel portfolio. For new resorts, especially those owned and operated by up and coming local hoteliers, apprenticeship programmes run by industry leaders could be the answer.
Apprenticeship programmes for the hospitality industry are growing in popularity in countries such as the UK. In the Maldives, Four Seasons and Minor Hotels have been running their own apprenticeship programmes for years, and leading local resort operators such as Universal Resorts are formally getting into the game with their own apprenticeship and internship programmes for aspiring locals. These programmes have already enabled several young Maldivians to enter into the industry; starting at the very bottom and climbing up the ladder to achieve their goals.
“It’s all about getting to understand that when you start from the bottom and move up the ladder in the right pace, you appreciate it far more and you have a better understanding of the operation. So, if you want to be a chef, you start as a commis or in any other similar position. This way, they understand what it’s like to work at the very bottom and to move their way up,” Neil explains.
“What a great place it is to study hospitality when you have over a 100 resorts to get your work experience from. Almost every international brand is here. The experience students will get here in the Maldives is phenomenal.”
Neil conducts a training programme.
However, apprenticeship programmes are not enough to bridge the gap that currently exists, especially in light of the number of new resorts opening up across the Maldives. With dozens more expected to come into market in the next few years, Neil believes that resorts should collaborate with established local educational institutes such as the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Studies of The Maldives National University to offer courses as well as internship opportunities.
This collaboration needs to extend to inter-resort cooperation as well. Industry stakeholders should come together, and share information and ideas in an attempt to find ways to better adapt to the fast-changing trends.
“When I first came to the Maldives 10 years ago, it was very collective. Everyone spoke to each other. Everyone was involved and willing to assist. Nobody would say we can’t do this, we can’t do that. We had that trust and respect for each other,” Neil, who has worked in countries such as the UAE, Thailand, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Seychelles and the US, says.
“Nowadays it has become very secular in the sense that only some properties will talk to certain properties, or if there is a request for information, people don’t want to provide information to anymore. With the market becoming so challenging, it’s almost silly that no one speaks to each other and shares ideas. It maybe because it’s growing so big, that there are so many resorts, that it’s becoming more difficult to coordinate. But we need to have the inter-resort collaboration we used to have.”
Despite the challenges, Neil, who now runs his own hospitality consultancy firm Shorthouse Hospitality International (SHI), believes that training locals to take over managerial roles is the only way forward. Having worked with some “phenomenal” Maldivians who have gone onto become General Managers and HR Managers at reputed resorts across the country, he says that Maldivians can do every single task just as well as their colleagues from abroad if given the right skill set and opportunities.
“If you go to Thailand or any other destination, you can see a lot of locals in senior management positions. So, even from the guest perspective, having more locals in your workforce, especially in senior positions, is key. They are coming to the Maldives and they want to see locals. I think guests get more excited when they see that the resident manager is a Maldivian, or when they see a Maldivian chef or a Maldivian GM,” he explains.
“Those of us who are foreigners working here, are here as a guest. We have been given a work permit to work. I try to make sure that there is always a local capable of taking over my position. In my view, it’s all about giving back. It’s all about giving the skill set that they may or may not already have so as to ensure that they succeed.”
Neil (R-5) attends a networking session organised by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in London. PHOTO/ SHRM
The expansion of the tourism industry is set to continue, as local hoteliers and international hotel chains keep announcing new developments almost every month or so. With these developments, the uniqueness of the Maldives is changing as well; it is no longer the luxury, high-end destination that can only be accessed by the ultra-rich from the world over. New segments such as the booming guesthouse sector have opened up the Maldives to budget travellers and made the luxury resorts more affordable as well.
In this fast-growing industry, cooperation amongst properties and developing a capable workforce comprising a local majority are the key to survival. As Neil says, “We all make mistakes, but we need the opportunity to make mistakes in our career. If you don’t give the opportunity to locals, you won’t know their capacity.”
Editor’s Note: Shorthouse Hospitality International (SHI) is a luxury management and consultancy company headquartered in London, with operations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Indian Ocean and South Pacific Islands. SHI provides a hands-on approach to services focused on operations, corporate audits, human capital, and significant projects. Specialty vertical markets include boutique hotels and resorts, cruise lines and private member clubs, yachts and residential estates. Working from an individual project basis to full retained consultancy, SHI assists in identifying “who you are”, “where you want to be” and “how to get there”. The international hotels and resorts and luxury properties are not only each exquisite in their own way; but are all culturally authentic, emotionally compelling and completely unique. SHI was founded by Neil Shorthouse in 2014 following more than two decades of experience in creating industry-leading, revenue driving platforms for companies from start-ups to Fortune 500s. He has launched business endeavours for multi-national corporations and led world-class teams of hospitality professionals. His portfolio includes The Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, The Soneva Group, The World, Six Senses Hotels & Resorts and Cheval Blanc Randheli by LVMH-Hotel Management.
You & Me Maldives has been named Best Adults-Only Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s positioning, guest experiences and continued focus on adults-only hospitality in the Maldives.
The award was presented during the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August 2026, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards recognise achievements, innovation and contributions across the Maldivian tourism industry.
Located in Raa Atoll, You & Me Maldives has established itself as an adults-only retreat catering to couples, honeymooners, friends and solo travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity.
The resort combines its island setting with accommodation, personalised service and experiences centred on romance, wellness, gastronomy and exploration, creating an intimate environment designed specifically for adult travellers.
The recognition comes as You & Me Maldives marks seven years of operations and welcoming guests from around the world.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, we are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, partners, and dedicated team members who have been part of this journey,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.
“These seven years represent not only growth and success, but countless love stories, memories, and unforgettable experiences created on our island. Receiving the ‘Best Adults-Only Resort’ award at the TTM Awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire team.”
The Best Adults-Only Resort award further strengthens You & Me Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector, recognising its focus on combining an adults-only concept with personalised service and island experiences.
Looking ahead, You & Me Maldives plans to continue developing its concept and guest experience through new activities, offerings and services, while maintaining its focus on the adults-only luxury segment in the Maldives.
Featured
From art to island adventures: Marriott International luxury resorts unveil festive programmes
The festive season often brings some of the simplest moments into focus: long lunches that extend into the afternoon, children discovering somewhere new, and conversations without the pressure of being elsewhere. In the Maldives, that time together unfolds naturally between ocean and shore, with each island establishing its own rhythm for multigenerational families, couples and groups of friends.
This year, the Luxury Group by Marriott International portfolio of resorts in the Maldives is inviting travellers to experience the festive season through art and design, marine discovery, local culture, gastronomy, wellness and time spent outdoors. From the creative shores of the Fari Islands and the house reefs of North Ari Atoll to the secluded northern reaches of Shaviyani Atoll, each destination offers a different setting in which guests can reconnect, celebrate traditions and create new ones, with the Maldives itself at the heart of the experience.
Available to book from 15 September to 15 November 2026 for stays between 20 December 2026 and 10 January 2027, the Festive Early Bird Offer adds tailored inclusions to each island stay. These range from resort credits of up to USD 400 per stay and complimentary non-motorised water sports to complimentary stays and dining for children under 12 and festive activities at selected participating resorts.
For guests looking to make the most of their time in the Maldives, two island experiences are within easy reach of Malé. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort are both accessible by speedboat, while scenic seaplane journeys lead farther into the atolls to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, W Maldives and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.
A Canvas of Festive Wonder at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
A 50-minute luxury speedboat journey from Malé leads to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, where the 2026 festive season brings contemporary art into conversation with the light, colour and landscape of the Maldives.
From 20 December, the island will become a festive canvas through bespoke installations by French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet in collaboration with the House of Ruinart. His expressive use of shape and colour will appear throughout the resort, from a specially conceived Christmas tree and ornaments inspired by the destination to playful installations culminating at Beach Shack.
The experience brings a new creative dimension to the resort’s Circle of Island Life, while leaving room for guests to shape their days at their own pace. Couples can move between the spa, lagoon and intimate dining experiences, while families and groups can gather in 100 ocean- and lagoon-facing villas designed by Kerry Hill Architects.
Larger parties can stay in expansive two-bedroom villas or the four-bedroom The Ritz-Carlton Estate, with an Aris Meeha island butler available to personalise their time together.
The Festive Early Bird package includes daily breakfast at La Locanda, New Year’s Eve celebrations and festive experiences.
A Season of Endless Wonder at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort
Close to Malé yet removed from the pace of the capital, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is preparing a festive season centred on joy, discovery and wellbeing.
A 15-minute speedboat journey from Malé, the island will host ‘Enchanted Soirée: A Season of Endless Wonder’, with a programme featuring culinary experiences, restorative moments at Spa by JW, lagoon adventures and activities for younger travellers. In the evenings, multigenerational families, couples and groups of friends can come together over shared meals and festive celebrations.
Residential-style two-bedroom beach and overwater villas provide space for guests to gather and retreat, while the three-bedroom Ocean Residence includes a private gym, spa treatment room and waterslide with direct lagoon access.
Dedicated Safeeru ambassadors personalise each stay, while the Family by JW Kids’ Club provides creativity and exploration for younger guests. Other experiences include dolphin cruises, nurse shark snorkelling and dining across seven venues inspired by Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, South American and Nikkei cuisines.
The Festive Escape package includes a full-board meal plan, complimentary dining for children under 12, and access to festive activities and celebrations throughout the stay.
Ten Years of Island Stories at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
In Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will mark its 10th anniversary with ‘Chapter X: Celebrating 10 Years Through the Island’s Story’, a festive programme inspired by the landscapes and communities that have shaped a decade on Vommuli Island.
The celebration follows the resort’s four ecological zones — Lagoon, Beach, Jungle and Coast — providing families, couples and friends with different ways to discover the island through marine life, nature, cuisine, wellness and Maldivian heritage.
Children and grandparents can explore the biodiversity surrounding Vommuli House, turning shared discoveries into new family traditions, while days by the lagoon showcase the resort’s house reef and nature-inspired design.
Along the coast and beach, shared meals, storytelling and seasonal gatherings draw on the Maldives’ fishing and seafaring heritage. Christmas celebrations will include a tree-lighting ceremony, Santa’s arrival and family programming, while curated dining and wellness experiences will lead into a New Year’s Eve celebration overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The Festive Getaway includes breakfast for two and resort credits ranging from USD 200 to USD 400 per stay, depending on the villa category. St. Regis Butler service will also be available throughout each stay.
Children aged 11 and below stay and dine with compliments.
Made the Revelry List at W Maldives
For travellers looking for a more energetic festive season, W Maldives brings together North Ari Atoll’s marine life, newly refreshed villas and the resort’s social island atmosphere.
A 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé takes guests to the resort’s house reef, where days can begin underwater, continue with a nurse shark excursion or sunset cruise, and end with dinner by the beach.
From 23 December to 1 January, ‘Made the Revelry List’ will move between relaxed daytime experiences and after-dark celebrations. Christmas Eve will bring guests together at FIRE Beach for flame-grilled dining and live entertainment, while New Year’s Eve will take its cue from ‘The Velvet Revelry’, a speakeasy-inspired soirée moving from golden-hour cocktails and dinner to performances, music and a midnight countdown on WAVE Beach.
Beyond the festive programme, 77 beach and overwater villas with private pools provide space for couples and friends to settle into island life, while the two-bedroom Oasis Beach Villa with Slide is designed for families and groups.
For a change of setting, Gaathafushi, W Maldives’ private island, offers an intimate location for private dining and time away from the main island.
The Festive Favors package includes a full-board meal plan for two adults and USD 200 in daily resort credit.
An Enchanted Island at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
The journey north forms part of the experience at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, which is reached by a scenic 50-minute seaplane flight from Malé.
In the quieter reaches of Shaviyani Atoll, spacious villas, tropical gardens and open stretches of ocean provide a setting for different generations to spend time together. Duplex Overwater Pool Villas and Two-Bedroom Duplex Beach Pool Villas provide generous living spaces for families and groups of friends, while dedicated Thakuru private butler service takes care of arrangements throughout the stay.
This year, ‘Enchanted Island, Midnight in Paradise’ will bring aerialists, fire performances, live music and a DJ into a festive calendar that balances celebrations with opportunities for families to spend time together.
Younger travellers can choose from more than 100 activities at the Family by JW Little Griffins Kids’ Club, one of the largest children’s clubs in the Maldives. Cooking experiences using ingredients from the JW Garden and Boduberu evenings will also bring different generations together during the festive period.
The Festive Splendor package includes daily breakfast for two at Aailaa and a one-time 30-minute photography session with one printed photograph.
Guests booking a Duplex Overwater Pool Villa receive a complimentary upgrade to half board, while children aged 11 and below stay and dine with compliments.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will welcome Indian chef and restaurateur Atul Kochhar for a culinary residency from 7 to 9 November 2026, coinciding with Diwali.
Kochhar, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, will bring the culinary approach of his London restaurant, Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, to Helios. The residency will present his contemporary interpretation of India’s regional cuisines, drawing on the traditions and influences that have shaped his cooking.
Rooted in Kochhar’s connection to India, the menu will combine regional flavours with contemporary techniques and carefully selected ingredients. It will reflect his approach to developing Indian cuisine while retaining its cultural foundations.
With more than 30 years in the industry, Kochhar has built an international reputation for his contribution to Indian dining. He received his first Michelin star in 2001, followed by another in 2007. His culinary philosophy brings together India’s regional diversity, traditional cooking practices and contemporary methods.
At Patina Maldives, this philosophy will be interpreted through the resort’s Indian Ocean setting and the multicultural character of the Fari Islands. The residency will give Kochhar an opportunity to adapt his culinary identity to the island and the Diwali celebrations, creating an experience shaped by the occasion and its surroundings.
Kochhar leads the Atul Kochhar Hospitality Group, whose portfolio includes Kanishka in Mayfair, Vaasu and Sindhu in Marlow, Riwaz in Beaconsfield, Masalchi in Wembley Park, Indian Essence in Petts Wood and Essence in Tunbridge Wells.
The residency forms part of Patina Maldives’ culinary programme, which connects guests with different cultures, perspectives and creative disciplines. Through Kochhar’s cooking, guests will have an opportunity to explore India’s regional food traditions and celebrate Diwali through shared dining experiences.
-
Featured7 days agoBaros Maldives sets festive calendar of dining, culture and marine experiences
-
News1 week agoGullivAir announces direct Maldives–Bulgaria service for winter 2026/27
-
Action1 week ago18-yacht Azimut fleet to serve Waldorf Astoria, Rosewood resorts in Maldives
-
Drink1 week agoFinolhu welcomes New Zealand’s Sato Wines for two exclusive dining experiences
-
Cooking6 days agoBBM’s Studio of Culinary Excellence to debut Masterclass programme with Chef Romain Dupeyre
-
Meditation6 days agoThe St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort to mark World Wellness Weekend with three-day celebration
-
Action1 week agoOcean Group Maldives marks PADI AWARE Week with nine-resort dive campaign
-
Drink6 days agoTHE OZEN COLLECTION to host sixth Bodegas Viñátigo wine master class