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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.
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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