Resort: Jumeirah Maldives
Position: General Manager
Appointee: Mohamed Ashraf
What They Said: To head up the operations of Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, the all-villa resort which opened to guests in October last year, Jumeirah Group has appointed Mohamed Ashraf. Ashraf brings 20 years of experience from across Asia and the Indian Ocean. As a native Maldivian himself, he has earnt a reputation across the archipelago working at islands and luxury resorts for Four Seasons, One & Only Resorts, Anantara and more recently The Nautilus Maldives. Ashraf will oversee the property’s 67 villas, Talise spa and dining venues, including Shimmers and Kayto.
Company: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Position: Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for the Maldives
Appointee: Michael Vance
What They Said: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Vance as Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for the Maldives, where he will oversee two Six Senses properties. Michael brings more than 15 years of international experience in the high- end hospitality sector to the role.
Michael spent the last four years as the Head of Sales & Marketing at Perowne International in London where he oversaw a global portfolio of more than 20 independent luxury hotels, resorts, and lodges. He is no stranger to Six Senses having previously spent six years as Director of Sales, based in London, looking after the UK market on behalf of the group.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming Michael back to Six Senses to oversee the sales and marketing strategies for our two properties in the Maldives: Six Senses Laamu and Six Senses Kanuhura,” explains Marteyne van Well, Regional General Manager.
Opening in December 2022, the re-launch of Kanuhura under the Six Senses brand represents a new beginning in the island’s rich history in the Maldives, and Michael will oversee the reopening strategy, alongside driving the continued success of Six Senses Laamu. “A great addition to the team, I am confident that Michael’s inspirational and results-oriented leadership will lead to a successful launch of our second property, while also ensuring growth and further strengthening relationships with our key partners,” adds Marteyne.
“Both of the Six Senses properties in the Maldives will offer incredible experiences for guests, and I am looking forward to working with our teams on the ground to develop these further and share our stories and plans with guests and partners around the world,” says Michael. “Having such a connection to the brand and to the Maldives, I have long aspired to take on such a role. To have the opportunity to do so at this pivotal time in the development of Six Senses and its growth in the Maldives is something incredibly special.”
Michael and his family will remain based in the UK but needless to say his two young children are very much looking forward to becoming two of Six Senses Laamu’s newest Junior Marine Biologists. Michael has always been an avid traveler and his passion for the Maldives stems from his first visit more than 25 years ago. Michael’s personal passions are good food (both cooking and eating) as well as scuba-diving and exploring the world with his partner and children.
To head up the operations of Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, the all-villa resort which opened to guests in October last year, Jumeirah Group has appointed Mohamed Ashraf. Ashraf brings 20 years of experience from across Asia and the Indian Ocean. As a native Maldivian himself, he has earnt a reputation across the archipelago working at islands and luxury resorts for Four Seasons, One & Only Resorts, Anantara and more recently The Nautilus Maldives. Ashraf will oversee the property’s 67 villas, Talise spa and dining venues, including Shimmers and Kayto.
Resort: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Position: Director of Engineering
Appointee: Janaka Vithana
What They Said: An experienced Head of Engineering and hospitality expert, Vithana will be responsible for elevating the guest experience whilst upholding the high-quality facilities standard that the resort is renowned for.
With an impressive career spanning 21 years, Janaka’s versatile skillset includes a background in property management, pre-opening, project management and sustainability implementation. Most recently, he was Director of Engineering at One & Only Reethi Rah and prior to this was Director of Engineering for the Huvafen Fushi, Finolhu and Niyama sister resorts in Maldives. In addition. He has held leading engineering roles in Shangri-La Gold Resort & Spa, Aman Resorts and John Keells hotels in Sri Lanka, as well as Intercontinental properties in Singapore and Maldives.
His proficiency in maintenance management, strategic planning and sustainability implementation in luxury hotels has led him to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. With a strong eye for detail, optimization, budget management and communication, Janaka will supervise and support the team in their constant strive to continuously enhance the guest experience.
“I am excited to be joining Conrad Maldives Rangali Island at such an exciting time for the property as its avant-garde philosophy has set the tone for luxury hospitality in the Maldives for the past twenty-five years, and it is an honour to be part of this new chapter for the iconic brand,” said Janaka.
Carla Puverel, General Manager, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, said: “We are delighted to welcome Janaka as the Director of Engineering as Conrad Maldives Rangali Island begins a new era to its property-wide transformation, with reimagined water villas, culinary venues and innovative guest experiences. It’s important that we continue to pioneer and set the standards for the destination and Janaka has demonstrated a keen interest in embracing the resort’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. We look forward to seeing his experience and insight translate into unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
