Exclusive Interview with Imroz Uddin, Group Director of Sales & Marketing at Lily Hotels with Over 20 Years of Experience

The luxury Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives is known for its unbeatable all-inclusive plan and pioneer of the affordable luxury concept. The resort has a sister-property, Hideaway Beach Resort, Maldives. Hideaway is known for ultimate privacy and likewise, the resort is perfect for honeymooners.

MVHOTELS.Travel caught up with Imroz Uddin, Group Director of Sales & Marketing at Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd, Maldives to find out about how he ended up working at Lily Hotels and how the resorts are coping with the pandemic. Imroz is a dynamic hospitality professional with 20 years of experience. He started working with Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd Maldives from March 2020. Imroz joined in difficult times to lead and formulate the group’s sales and marketing strategies to maximize profitable revenue globally.

01- How did you career end up in Tourism? Is it possible to briefly share your career up to today?

Imroz: In the first 5 years of my career, I’ve played as Investment Banker (HNWI) in UAE from (2000-2005). At the beginning of the 2006 financial crisis arisen, time was difficult to sustain in the banking industry. I can say its game of destiny played a vital role to bring me to this beautiful industry. In the year 2006, February – Hilton Worldwide approach me with an offer to join this beautiful industry as Senior Account Director (ISO) based in Saudi Arabia.

I continued to build an impressive career with luxury brands including corporate and property-level roles with Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Kempinski, Starwood Hotels and Resorts & CapitaLand in across 3 different continents (the Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific & Europe) & 11 different countries (UK, Russia, UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Cambodia, Vietnam & now in the Maldives), where I stint involved leading international delegations, Leisure luxury selling, cultivating corporate account relationships and enhancing the guest experience.

Prior to joining Lily Hotels, drive the position of Group Director of Commercial at MerPerle Hotels & Resorts, based in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. During the company’s high growth period, I’ve established a high performing sales culture and oversaw the group’s sales and marketing function for the portfolio of 5 properties and 1,500 keys inventory across Vietnam.

MVHOTELS.Travel Talks with Imroz Uddin

02- When did you come to know about the Maldives and what was your first impression of the destination?

Imroz: I came to know about the Maldives in February 2020. My initial thought was “Wow” as the Maldives is a unique & luxury destination opportunity and an excellent career prospect as a new addition in my profile.

03- How did you end up in Lily Hotels? When did you decide to join there?

Imroz: Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd, Maldives is a well-establish renowned hospitality brand with a market presence of the last 27 Years. Lily Beach Resort & Spa is iconic property that has first introduce the All-Inclusive Concept in the entire Maldives. Likewise, Lily Hotels has lived by a core values & Our culture’s leadership philosophy, the Red Ring, to live bold and stay sharp. These values attracted me so I decided to persuade my career path with Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd – Maldives.

04- When you took over the position, what was the first things you did for the company?

Imroz: I looked forward to collaborating with my new team and leading them to a game-changing mind set whilst navigating Lily Beach Maldives Resort and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa to achieve strong, profitable benchmarks for the industry and disrupting the industry norm. I am confident I will be able to propel the brand to even more successes and build on Lily Hotels’ vision to create value for our guest and stakeholders.

05- What are the challenges like? Is it possible to share 03 Challenges you are facing right now?

Imroz: Honestly, we don’t have any challenges. As you can see, during the high lockdown period our properties are run as normal operations with decent occupancy. So this I take it as strength & symbol of a strong stand.

06- How was August month for you? In terms of occupancy?

Imroz: In August 2020, Lily Beach Resort & Spa – delivered good results with decent occupancy. I can say we are on par within the top 5 performing properties in the destination of Maldives.

07- Do you think Maldives has the advantages of an isolated island destination? And Do you believe the destination and resorts are prepared enough?

Imroz: Obviously, Isolation is that’s beauty & destination of Maldives is offering to their unique travelers. Yes we have in place all Safety & Hygiene Protocols & measure are arranged during at this COVID19.

08- What do you think makes the resorts different and What’s new for Lily Hotels in 2021?

Imroz: They’re many uncountable benefits & features guest can enjoy at Lily Beach & Hideaway Beach i.e. Unique Accommodation, Exemplary Delicious Food, Water Sport Activities, Natural Sea Life & many many exciting features.

For Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is adding a unique new category of inventory, which will disclose to our partners & unique guest in mid-Q4 2020. And for Lily Beach Resort & Spa is soft upgrading facilities, which we will disclose to our partners & unique guest in mid-November 2020.

Feature image by Lily Hotels

Heidi Grimwood has stepped into a new leadership role as Senior Vice President of ELE|NA, the flagship wellness brand under Atmosphere Wellness Pvt Ltd. The move marks a key chapter in both her career and the brand’s growth journey.

Grimwood has shaped ELE|NA since 2020, when she joined as Assistant Vice President. Since then, she has redefined wellness across the Maldives, helping turn ELE|NA into a standout name known for its forward-thinking approach and growing global reach.

Expanding ELE|NA’s Global Footprint

Now, her promotion signals the brand’s intention to broaden its footprint beyond the Maldives, with planned expansion into South Asia and the Middle East. In this new chapter, Grimwood will lead the development of wellness sanctuaries in new regions, grow the brand’s wellness amenities and essentials business, and launch the ELE|NA Wellness Academy—a platform designed to train and inspire future leaders in the field.

Heidi Grimwood says that ELE|NA’s growth reflects their belief that wellness should be accessible, experiential, and deeply personal. She adds:

“As we expand into South Asia and the Middle East—while deepening our roots in the Maldives—we’re not just creating spaces, but cultivating a movement. With new sanctuaries, an evolving product line, and our Wellness Academy, we’re proud to be shaping the future of holistic well-being in a way that’s sustainable, soulful, and globally resonant.”

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

Over the years, Grimwood has combined strategy and soul to guide the brand. She has introduced experiences that blend wellbeing with fine dining and built a cohesive identity across the resorts that carry ELE|NA’s name.

Grimwood brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the role. She began her wellness career at 19 and went on to lead global initiatives. For instance, she co-directed FG Innovation Management in Ireland, where she introduced Virgin Atlantic Airways’ first in-house gym. In addition, she managed spa operations at world-class properties including One&Only Reethi Rah, the QE2 Oceanliner, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, and Inchydoney Lodge & Spa.

Furthermore, Grimwood has earned recognition as an internationally respected speaker and advocate for sustainability and innovation in wellness. Her accomplishments have brought in several accolades, such as Global Spa Leader of the Year (World Spa & Wellness Awards, 2022) and Wellness Personality of the Year (Hotelier Maldives Awards, 2024).

Her appointment signals more than a title change—it reflects ELE|NA’s commitment to shaping global wellness through thoughtful, experience-led growth.