Behind the Scenes: How Resorts in the Maldives Maintain Luxury Standards

The Maldives has been the epitome of luxury, especially when it comes to the tourism industry. In addition to its turquoise water, white sandy beaches, and stunning overwater villas, the hospitality in the Maldives has also made it a top pick among travellers. But behind this veneer of paradise lies a complex and meticulously managed operation. Ensuring that every guest experiences unparalleled luxury involves not just beautiful locations and architecture but also a dedicated team of unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes. These efforts are crucial in maintaining the high standards expected by discerning travellers from around the globe.

From sustainable practices to culinary excellence, and from impeccable service to innovative design, Maldivian resorts leave no stone unturned in their quest for perfection. The logistical challenges of operating in such remote locations demand innovative solutions and a commitment to both guest satisfaction and environmental stewardship. The following insights shed light on the intricate workings that allow these resorts to deliver extraordinary experiences.

1. Sustainable Luxury

In the Maldives, luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. Resorts like JOALI Maldives and Soneva Fushi are pioneers in this respect, integrating eco-friendly practices into their operations. By banning single-use plastics and participating in coral reef restoration programs, they ensure that their environmental impact is minimized. These efforts not only protect the stunning natural surroundings but also enhance the guest experience by preserving the pristine beauty of the marine ecosystem. Sustainable luxury practices can be found in almost every single resort in the Maldives. In addition to the resort’s initiatives, Maldives resorts ensure that guests are included in the sustainability effort.

2. Culinary Excellence

Dining at Maldivian Resorts is an experience in itself. From destination dining experiences at sandbanks to candle-lit beach dinners, Maldives resorts take your culinary experience to the next level. The majority of the Maldives resorts focus on wellness, organic and seasonal ingredients. As more resorts in the country embrace farm-to-table dining experiences, guests are welcome to explore a wide range of dining experiences. In addition to fresh and health-focused culinary experiences, Maldives resort also continues to collaborate with Michelin-starred chefs to create diverse and exquisite menus, ensuring that every meal is a culinary masterpiece. These resorts go to great lengths to source the finest ingredients and employ the best culinary talents, making dining a highlight of the stay.

3. World-Class Service

Exceptional service is a hallmark of Maldivian luxury resorts. The hospitality and service in the Maldives can be felt from the moment you land in the country to the moment you leave. Staff in Maldives resorts undergo extensive training to provide a personalised experience. The attentive service is taken to another level with the butler service that is provided in luxury resorts. This dedication to hospitality creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel like part of a family. The focus on high-quality service is evident across many resorts, where staff strive to exceed guest expectations at every turn.

4. Unique Guest Experiences

Resorts in the Maldives offer a plethora of unique experiences tailored to various interests. Maldives resorts feature luxurious over-water villas, private terraces, and a wide range of activities. This includes art shows, dolphin watching, and diving excursions. Additionally, resorts also offer an array of activities for both adults and children, ensuring that every guest can find something to enjoy during their stay. These bespoke experiences are designed to create lasting memories and provide a sense of adventure and relaxation. Although Maldives used to be known for its romantic experiences, over the years adventure travellers and families have also embraced the experiences available in the country.

5. Innovative Design and Architecture

Architectural innovation is another key aspect of Maldivian resorts. Resorts such as SO/ Maldives as well as Patina Maldives have been noted for their innovative design and architecture. In addition to embracing the island-coastal feel, Maldives resort designs make you feel right at home. The design often takes on simplicity and luxury in addition to intertwining comfort.

6. Community and Environmental Commitment

Resorts in the Maldives also place a strong emphasis on supporting local communities and environmental conservation. Maldives resorts include initiatives that support local schools, promote sustainable farming, and empower the local communities through education and training. These programs reflect the resorts’ commitment to fostering positive relationships with local communities and protecting the natural environment, highlighting a dedication to responsible luxury. Resorts such as Oaga Art Resort focus on sourcing locally produced ingredients for their Spa (Hoba Spa).

The luxurious allure of Maldivian resorts is the result of comprehensive efforts behind the scenes. From sustainable practices and exceptional service to culinary excellence and innovative design, these resorts ensure every aspect of the guest experience is meticulously crafted. The dedication of the teams working in these paradises truly underscores the magic. Through these efforts, the team members at resorts make the Maldives a premier luxury destination.

On 20th February 2025, Dusit Thani Resorts in the Maldives, in partnership with the esteemed Maldivian NGO MOMS Aid, held a significant event at Salt Cafe and Restaurant. The event marked Dusit’s contribution to the Ramadan Aid 2025 initiative, where they provided essential items for the “Care Baskets” which will be filled with food staples and given to families facing financial hardship across the country during the holy month of Ramadan. The event saw participation from the teams at Dusit Thani Maldives and the soon-to-be-opened DusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, as well as members of the MOMS Aid executive committee, the Chefs Guild of Maldives, and Hope for Women.

Inauguration and Speeches from Dusit Leadership

Jean Louis, the Area General Manager of Dusit properties in Maldives, and Mauroof Mohamed, the Cluster Director of Human Resources for both Dusit Thani Maldives and DusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, inaugurated the event. Both spoke about the importance of supporting the community, particularly women, and their efforts to empower the Maldives’ vulnerable families.

Jean Louis, the Area General Manager, expressed pride in the company’s commitment to supporting the women of the Maldives. He emphasized the importance of mothers, the foundation of any family, stating, “We are truly proud to contribute to this donation because, for us, it is very important to support the ‘mom’—the foundation of any family.” Jean Louis also highlighted Dusit’s values of operating as a family and stressed the importance of respecting women and providing equal opportunities for them, both today and in the future.

Moreover, Mauroof Mohamed, the Cluster Director of Human Resources for Dusit Thani Maldives and DusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, shared the inspiration behind the Ramadan Aid initiative. As Ramadan approached, the team at Dusit wanted to support mothers by providing gifts, and the idea quickly evolved into something broader. They invited contributions from their team members, who responded with generosity, especially from both resorts. “Both resorts have generously supported this effort. With their contributions, we’ve been able to assist 178 families through this initiative.” Mauroof also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with MOMS Aid, a partnership that enabled them to make a meaningful impact on those in need during Ramadan.

Dusit Thani Resorts Maldives Supports MOMS Aid Ramadan Relief — From left to right:
Jean Louis: the Area General Manager for Dusit Thani Resorts Maldives,
Mauroof Mohamed: the Cluster Director of Human Resources for Dusit Thani Resorts Maldives
Fathimath Riyasa: Executive Director of MOMs Aid Exco,
Fathmath Zain Zareer: Marketing & PR Director of MOMS Aid Exco

MOMS Aid: Empowering Communities During Ramadan

MOMS Aid is one of the Maldives’ most prominent NGOs, dedicated to empowering women and tackling hunger and poverty across the nation. Their mission includes providing both immediate and long-term assistance to vulnerable families, offering care packages, and creating livelihood opportunities. In addition to supporting families, MOMS Aid works to educate the community on violence against women, offering training on how to eliminate violence and support those in vulnerable situations. The organization also empowers women by helping them recognize their strengths and providing platforms to develop their skills.

One of MOMS Aid’s most impactful initiatives is their Ramadan Aid campaign, which began in 2020. During Ramadan, they distribute “Care Baskets” filled with essential food staples to families enduring financial hardship. These packages go beyond just providing food—they represent MOMS Aid’s commitment to the community. With over 260 families registered in their care list, the organization aims to provide packages to 500 families this year. This includes both registered families and others who reach out for support, demonstrating MOMS Aid’s wide-reaching impact.

Addressing Financial Hardship and Empowering Women

Fathimath Riyasa, Executive Director of MOMS Aid Executive Committee, spoke about the stark realities of financial hardship in the Maldives: “Unimaginable situations are happening across the country. We once thought there would be no poverty, no children struggling to get food. But as we started visiting families, we found that some are facing extreme financial hardship—these are the realities we are facing.”

Riyasa highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to support those in need, especially during Ramadan, through their initiative of distributing care packages. These packages, filled with essential food items, aim to bring some comfort to families who are enduring financial struggles. Riyasa expressed her gratitude for the sponsorships, which help ensure that more families can benefit from this initiative. She also reflected on the importance of the Ramadan campaign, which marks the sixth year of their mission to assist vulnerable communities.

Moreover, Uza. Azima Shukoor attended the event as a member of MOMS Aid and Hope for Women, where she highlighted the crucial role of financial independence in empowering women and protecting their rights. She emphasized the significant impact of organizations like MOMS Aid. Uza. Azima Shukoor also urged more resorts in the Maldives to collaborate with local NGOs, stating, “I appeal to others who can contribute to the protection of women’s rights. It is not an easy task. Thank you all so much for your support and for opening your hearts to our NGOs.”

Dusit’s Commitment to Empowering Women

Dusit took the opportunity during the event to highlight their ongoing commitment to empowering women, particularly within their organization. They shared that at their soon-to-open DusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, a special focus is placed on offering greater flexibility for female employees, enabling them to return home after work each evening—an important shift in an industry where workers are typically stationed at the resorts. In addition, Dusit emphasized their strides toward gender equality in leadership, noting that 30% of the leadership team at DusitD2 is made up of women. At the event, they also revealed that the resort will feature a female-only restaurant, a significant milestone for Dusit that underscores their continued dedication to creating opportunities for women within the workplace.

A Heartfelt Celebration of Giving and Empowerment

The Dusit 🩵 MOM event, guided by the heartfelt slogan Every Mom Matters, beautifully showcased the spirit of giving and empowerment. This collaboration with MOMS Aid not only provided essential support to families during Ramadan but also reinforced the importance of uplifting mothers—truly the foundation of every community. Through Dusit’s dedication and compassion, the event became a celebration of women’s strength, inspiring all to embrace the profound impact that each mother has in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.