Search
Close this search box.

Meet Your Butlers: The Real Life Genies

Meet your Butler of Maldives.
Tucked away with the endless blue seas and beautiful isles of Maldives. The experienced offered to the guest by the butlers

Those welcoming you with a warm smile, ready to offer you exceptional services and make your holidays far more special deserve great appreciation. Taking care of your every need, Butlers work extremely hard to ensure you have the most memorable holiday. We questioned some of the Butlers working in the industry about their work and how they feel about being a part of your unforgettable experiences. Here is how these inspiring individuals found their true calling.

Ibrahim Siraj – Dusit Thani Maldives

Along with his warm and friendly attitude, Ibrahim Siraj has over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. With a passion to serve, Siraj was quick to join Hotel School as soon as he completed his GCE O’Level exams in 2006. After graduating from Hotel School in 2008, he commenced his career as a room boy. Then he joined Hilton Maldives as a Villa host for 02 and a half years. After which, he worked at SRL Kanuhura Maldives before joining Dusit Thani Maldives. Siraj has been with Dusit Thani for more than 06 years and he is proud to be the Head Butler of the luxury resort, managing a team of professional butlers.

I can proudly say that my team is one of the best teams in the service industry, assuring we will sustain our service.

Ibrahim Siraj
1- What are the challenges butlers face in the tourism industry?

Siraj: My recent biggest concern is that in many resorts, management is misusing the word “butler” as pool butler, beach butler, etc. No, the ‘Butler’ that I know (thanks to Mr. Steven Ferry from the international institute of Modern Butlers) is the person who takes care of everything related to guests, from arrival to departure. It depends on the guests but mainly full butler service is expected from the high-class guests.

2- Why do you think that Maldives as a destination needs more trained butlers in the tourism field?

Siraj: With high end brands being introduced in Maldives as 5-star and above category resorts, they require professional individuals to take care of their exclusive and upper-class guests. In my view, this can only be achieved by having the proper training as a butler and intensive levels of customer care training so that we can offer the most luxurious and personalized services for the guests.

3- What would your words be to someone who wants to become a butler?

Siraj: My honest answer would be, study hard. Get your service and customer training to the maximum you could achieve. Start off your professional career at front desk or any other department. Learn the basics and learn every bit of what is required to get the task complete. Learn the brand and the resort inside out. When a person has achieved that, then I believe they are ready to give the proper service as a “Butler “to the guests.

Ahmed Mamdhooh – JOALI Maldives

Ahmed Mamdhooh started his career in hospitality over a decade ago as a Steward in Paradise Island Resort. From there on, he joined Constance Halaveli as a waiter before working in Front Office. Mamdhooh has experience with luxury brands such as Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, and Gili Lankanfushi. His dedication to the work and passion has driven him to the role of Head Butler. Today, Mamdhooh is leading an efficient team as the Head Jadugar (butler) of JOALI Maldives.

1- What was your inspiration choosing to be a butler?

Mamdhooh: When I started my career in the hospitality industry, it was always my aim to provide exceptional services and to create lasting memories for the guests. I figured that as a butler, I would be able to create lifetime memories as I will be able to spend more time with the guests and therefore let my guests have the most memorable holidays and extraordinary experience.

2- Can you tell us the most memorable experience you have come across in your career?

Mamdhooh: I once looked after a royal family. Who offered me a job as their personal butler back in Europe. I had to refuse due to personal reasons. Once i had my guest proposing to his girlfriend while snorkeling. Hence I hid the ring in the reef and prepared a “will you marry me” banner, which I placed under water as well. Later on, when we snorkeled along the reef, I was able to capture this special moment. I could go on and on, as there are just too many memorable experiences.

3- What are the challenges you face while working as a butler?

Mamdhooh: It is always my aim to create an unforgettable holiday for my clients. The weather these days can really be a challenge, as it is not predictable anymore. Especially for guests coming for a special occasion or the first time to the Maldives. It is definitely easier to create lifetime memories with sunshine, than it is with rain.

Khadeeja Mohamed – SONEVA

A butler’s job is typically associated with a man. However, there are amazing women working to change that notion. Breaking social and cultural barriers as a woman in the business industry takes a lot of courage and hard work. Here’s what Khadeeja Mohamed says about her journey as a Butler.

1- Could you tell us a brief of your journey till today?

Khadeeja: I studied Front Office Management in Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (Maldives). I had to do training after the studies, so I joined Taj Exotica Resort for three months for training. That’s where my interest in this field started. After that, I got the opportunity in Six senses Laamu (Ex-Soneva) as a GEM (Guest Experience Maker). That’s when I got to know about Soneva’s philosophy – the luxury and sustainable experience. I have also worked with other brands like Vakarufalhi, Anantara Maldives and Atmosphere Kanifushi. But none of the places touched my soul like Soneva did, and I’m very happy that I’m back with Soneva.

2- What makes you go that extra mile for each guest you attend?

Khadeeja: Believing in what you do. I love my job. And I love to guide them through the experiences they (everyone) need to discover here in Soneva. Each and every experience will stay with you for a life time

The original interview was published FLYME, FIYA Magazine, Issue 10, Published by MVHOTELS.

Ad - immaldives.com

Latest

Le Méridien Maldives Appoints Coumba Sène as Director of Marketing

Coumba Sène Marketing director of Le Méridien Maldives

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa appointed Coumba Sène as its new Director of Marketing and Communications. In this role, Coumba manages the resort’s marketing and communication strategies. Her primary goal is to enhance the brand’s visibility through both traditional and digital media channels.

Reflecting on her appointment, Coumba Sène shared her enthusiasm for joining Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa:

“I am thrilled to join the team at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, a property renowned for its breathtaking location and dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences. I look forward to collaborating with the team to further elevate the resort’s visibility and connect with travelers seeking memorable stays.”

As the new marketing director of this luxurious resort, Coumba focuses on promoting the resort’s unique offerings. These include its vibrant culinary experiences, luxurious overwater villas, sustainability initiatives, and curated guest experiences that highlight the Maldives’ natural beauty. Her global experience and strategic expertise help engage international markets, ultimately enhancing the resort’s global presence.

Coumba Sène brings years of experience from her leadership roles across Morocco, Cabo Verde, Qatar, and Seychelles. Throughout her career, she built a strong background in strategic marketing, public relations, and digital communication. She specializes in brand positioning and market engagement. Fluent in five languages, Coumba’s international experience plays a vital role in reaching new audiences and expanding the resort’s appeal.

About Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa sits on the tranquil Thilamaafushi Island in the Lhaviyani Atoll. The resort offers a five-star, eco-conscious experience, blending luxury with the Maldives’ natural beauty. It features 134 villas, each surrounded by lush tropical foliage and offering stunning ocean views. The villas perch above clear waters, providing guests with a sense of privacy and serenity. The resort also lies next to a pristine lagoon, home to a vibrant coral reef that teems with marine life. This makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers who wish to explore the underwater world.

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa follows the European philosophy of “Savouring the Good Life.” It offers a variety of cultural and lifestyle programs to engage guests. Four restaurants and two bars serve a range of culinary delights, from fresh seafood to local flavors. These dining experiences encourage guests to indulge and savor every moment. Le Méridien Maldives blends natural beauty and refined luxury, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Maldives.

Ad - immaldives.com
No more posts to show