How did you get into your line of work?
I’ve been in hospitality for a long time, getting my feet wet when I was just 22, in Germany where I went to hotel school. I joined a management program offered by Marriott and trained in various parts of the world, at various positions. This allowed me to get in depth knowledge in Food & Beverage, Sales & Marketing, Accounts, Rooms Division and Purchasing where I have run through all the different Levels of the business.
So that helped me immensely to be ready for a General Manager Role, which is indeed a multi tasking position day in and day out. Also, working in different destinations around the world, like Europe, the Middle East and Asia, has given me an appreciation of and sensitivity to cultural and religious norms and practices.
Tell us a bit about the design and concept of the hotel?
Constance Halaveli is an island shaped like a curved dhoni, the traditional Maldivian boat and floating in the North Ari Atoll. This idyllic location gives us the opportunity to access to some of the best and most famous dives sites to discover the exceptional marine life as turtles, whale sharks, manta rays etc.
Our luxurious retreat offers a unique and individual escape with beach and water villas (totally 86 villas) all equipped of plunge pools that evoke a sense of privacy and seclusion in the turquoise lagoon and lush tropical vegetation. The island is also surrounded by a 360º white beach of powdery sand.
Constance Halaveli is also a proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
What makes the hotel so special in your opinion?
Our resort is a real ultimate hideaway where our valued guests can find a peaceful atmosphere combined with barefoot concept and an island chic environment.Besides having luxurious and privacy villas, our demarcation with most of the others resorts is our villas classification where the water villas are our entry level category.
Constance group and thereby Halaveli is well-known for the culinary philosophy. We can be proud to possess the biggest wine collections in the Maldives with two outstanding wine cellars including one located over water. Some unique and spotlight experiences like a wine tasting in the lagoon can be organized. On the same direction, we have a fine dining restaurant (Jing) where our Executive Chef and his brigade offer a fusion cuisine combining elegance and refinement.
Likewise, we also offer a real family-friendly environment with idyllic villa’s categories and facilities to welcome families. Knowing that Maldives have always been highlighted as a honeymooner or wedding anniversary destination, it is not so common to find such adequate infrastructure.
Do you think there has been a shift in the way fine dining is being presented within hotels?
I truly believe that nowadays, fine dining is probably less conventional than it used to be. Fine dining now doesn’t need to follow any specific criteria like before (table clothes for example) and can feature a wide variety of cuisine from all around the world and with different concept like using only organic or local products for example.
What do you hope guests will expect when they walk into the restaurant and the hotel in general?
Our ultimate goal at Constance Halaveli is to ensure that each and every guest feels very special and unique with a personalized service. We expect them to leave with great lasting impression of their stay and experience with us.
What do you think will leave the biggest impression on guests who visit the hotel?
Our tremendous culinary approach has a great impact on our guests. As mentioned above, we are proud to possess two remarkable wine cellars offering an incredible wine selection, which is not so usual in Maldives and might seem unexpected due to our location. In addition, our fine dining restaurant where we offer a world class cuisine is also a real culinary journey which is regularly mentioned by our guests. Considering our isolated location and the challenges in term of logistic, it usually provides a surprising effect from our guests.
Lastly, I definitely need to add that our genuine team providing a professional, friendly and discreet service at the same time, remains a long lasting impression.
What is your business philosophy in regards to the Hotel?
In my eyes a successful hotelier must be a good leader who is managing by walking around. Being on the floor, knowing your clientele and team, is essential to achieve an extraordinary service delivery, which I think is the key to success in these days.
Do you have any events or projects lined up?
As we are a busy destination all year round, we have special events going on all the time. This goes from high profile wine dinners to guest chef events and private parties.
Alifu Alifu Atoll
Halaveli 09130
Republic of Maldives
+960666 7000