Exclusive: Qaisar Naseem, General Manager at Paradise Island Resort

Villa Hotels & Resorts is known for its exquisite collection of resorts. The high standards of service and experience holidaymakers find at the property is possible due to the hardworking team behind the company. Villa Resorts’ property, Paradise Island Resort General Manager, Qaisar Naseem oversees every aspect of operations at the resort. Furthermore, Qaisar ensures that Villa Hotels uphold its standards and deliver quality service.

MVHOTELS.Travel caught up with Qaisar Naseem to find out how Villa Hotels & Resorts and Paradise Island Resort has adjusted to the new normal and continue to seamlessly deliver service to holidaymakers.

1. Could you briefly tell us about the new offerings at the resort with the reopening?

Qaisar: With the situation we all faced, we planned to keep our staff active and engaged. We have utilized all the resources available here at the resort. Likewise, at Paradise Island Resort, we introduced two new room categories and a fantastic kids club.

We are also doing a lot of other renovations at the moment which includes one of the biggest swimming pools in the Maldives. And In regards to the safety of our resorts post-resort reopening, we’re following HPA guidelines, the SOP’s imposed by the Tourism Ministry of Maldives, and our own in-house SOP’s to ensure our guests’ safety and comfort throughout their stay with us.

2. What’s your opinion on how to provide quality customer service?

Qaisar: It’s very simple. There are two things we need to focus on; guests and staff. We have to understand the needs of our guests and cater accordingly. Moreover, we also have to understand our staff. Their feelings; and treat them like a family. Because they are our family. A happy staff will make customers happy.

3. What is it like to be a part of Villa Hotels?

Qaisar: I am very proud to be a part of this team. This is a platform that gives opportunities for locals to uplift themselves and thrive. I have friends and colleagues, who today are in very higher positions; in the government and as well as in other hotels throughout this industry.

4. Tell us about the safety practices at the resort in terms of guests’ arrival and experience.

Qaisar: When our guests arrive in the Maldives, they are brought to the resort directly in a speed boat from Velana International Airport. So in terms of transportation, it is very safe. Our resorts are geographically isolated. Thus, making the Maldives really safe. Furthermore, our villas here at paradise Island resort are distanced and we organize experiences and other activities for our guests in a way that maintains social distancing, focusing on guest healthcare and wellbeing.

5. What do you think is the most important quality to uphold as a team leader?

Qaisar: In order to be successful in this industry the most important quality that we need is punctuality and be humble. Because that’s what defines hospitality.

COMO Cocoa Island has just appointed Federico Tidu as its new Executive Chef. With years of experience in some of the world’s best Michelin-starred kitchens and luxury resorts, Chef Tidu brings a wealth of culinary expertise. His arrival promises an exciting shift in the resort’s dining scene, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Chef Tidu grew up on the Italian island of Sardinia, where his love for food began at the age of 13. Surrounded by the island’s vibrant food culture, he quickly developed a passion for cooking, particularly with local ingredients that continue to inspire his dishes today.

In 2022, Chef Tidu received the Chef Hat Award from the Australian Good Food Guide during his time at Jonah’s Restaurant in Australia. The award is a mark of culinary excellence, given to chefs who excel in all aspects of the dining experience—taste, presentation, and technique. This recognition highlights Chef Tidu’s commitment to creating unforgettable meals that stay with diners long after they leave the table.

A Focus on Fresh, Local Ingredients

At COMO Cocoa Island, Chef Tidu is in charge of Ufaa, the resort’s signature restaurant. The menu at Ufaa is a unique fusion of Mediterranean influences and the fresh, local flavors of the Maldives. Each day, the menu changes to highlight the best of the region’s seasonal ingredients, particularly the seafood that the Maldives is known for.

The philosophy at COMO Hotels and Resorts has always centered on creating meals that nourish both the body and the soul. Chef Tidu’s approach aligns perfectly with this ethos. His focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients and dishes that are both innovative and rooted in tradition will no doubt elevate the dining experience at COMO Cocoa Island. Guests can look forward to a dining journey that’s as exciting as it is delicious.

As part of COMO Hotels and Resorts’ dedication to bringing wellness into every meal, the brand has also released a cookbook, COMO Simple. Compiled by Mrs. Christina Ong, the brand’s founder, and the resort’s chefs, the book features over 30 recipes from around the world. These easy-to-follow recipes celebrate COMO’s approach to healthy, nourishing food, offering anyone the chance to recreate the COMO dining experience at home.

With Chef Tidu now leading the way, COMO Cocoa Island is ready to offer guests an unforgettable culinary experience that brings together the best of Mediterranean cuisine and the freshest Maldivian ingredients.

Exclusive: Qaisar Naseem, General Manager at Paradise Island Resort

1. Could you briefly tell us about the new offerings at the resort with the reopening?

2. What’s your opinion on how to provide quality customer service?

3. What is it like to be a part of Villa Hotels?

4. Tell us about the safety practices at the resort in terms of guests’ arrival and experience.

5. What do you think is the most important quality to uphold as a team leader?

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A Focus on Fresh, Local Ingredients