Villa Haven Introduces Leadership Team Committed to Excellence

Villa Haven proudly introduces several new members to its leadership team. The new appointments include Ahmed Sinan as Director of Human Resources, Hamzath Abdulla as Director of Food & Beverage, Parana Vithanage Nishantha as Director of Culinary, Mohamed Hussain as Executive Housekeeper, and Shahid Ibrahim as Guest Service Manager.

As Villa Resorts embarks on an exciting new chapter with Villa Haven, these appointments arrive at an ideal moment. The resort is gearing up for its grand opening and has set ambitious goals to completely redefine luxury hospitality. Each leader brings significant experience and, more importantly, a passion for delivering exceptional service. Together, they aim to create unforgettable moments for every guest who walks through Villa Haven’s doors.

Ahmed Sinan, Director of Human Resources

Ahmed Sinan, formerly with Villa Nautica and Six Senses Laamu, takes on the Director of Human Resources role with clear objectives. His main goal is to build a strong, motivated team that consistently delivers top-tier service. With his dynamic leadership style, Ahmed seeks to inspire his team. Consequently, he ensures guests enjoy an exceptional service experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Hamzath Abdulla, Director of Food & Beverage

Hamzath Abdulla, having spent over a decade at luxury resorts like One & Only and Anantara, is prepared to lead Villa Haven’s food and beverage operations. Most recently, his work at Raffles Maldives sharpened his skills further. Now, he focuses on crafting menus that excite the palate while creating memorable dining experiences for guests long after their stay.

Parana Vithanage Nishantha, Director of Culinary

With more than 40 years in the culinary field, Parana Vithanage Nishantha brings valuable expertise to Villa Haven as Director of Culinary. After leading award-winning teams at Ritz Carlton and One & Only Reethi Rah, Parana is passionate about enhancing the resort’s dining offerings. His vision is clear: to create unforgettable dishes that celebrate local ingredients while introducing guests to unique flavors they’ve never experienced before.

Mohamed Hussain, Executive Housekeeper

Mohamed Hussain steps into his new role as Executive Housekeeper, bringing two decades of luxury hospitality experience. His background at St. Regis Maldives and W Maldives has earned him a reputation for meticulous attention to detail. Now, Mohamed focuses on keeping Villa Haven’s rooms immaculate and luxurious. As a result, guests feel pampered from the moment they arrive.

Shahid Ibrahim, Guest Service Manager

Shahid Ibrahim, the new Guest Service Manager, is dedicated to making every guest feel completely at home. With experience at Fairmont Maldives and Viceroy Maldives, Shahid excels at creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. His goal is to ensure that each guest leaves with cherished memories and is eager to return for another visit.

In conclusion, this leadership team is ready to elevate Villa Haven to new heights. Set to open in November, the resort will feature 73 stunning sea-facing villas and residences, each with a private pool. Designed to harmonize with the natural beauty of the Maldives, Villa Haven utilizes sustainable materials and traditional craftsmanship. Therefore, it ensures a truly intimate island experience.

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

Villa Haven Introduces Leadership Team Committed to Excellence

Ahmed Sinan, Director of Human Resources

Hamzath Abdulla, Director of Food & Beverage

Parana Vithanage Nishantha, Director of Culinary

Mohamed Hussain, Executive Housekeeper

Shahid Ibrahim, Guest Service Manager

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