Mr. Amar Lalvani is a President & Creative Director of Hyatt’s lifestyle group and former Executive Chairman of Standard International
Mr. Lalvani, congratulations on the prestigious Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort in the Maldives award for 2024! The Standard Huravalhi Maldives is one of the islands with the most beautiful beaches. Is it easy to manage such a classy island that is always one of the most desired in the Maldives for vacation and honeymoon?
Thank you! It’s a great honor for The Standard, Huravalhi Maldives to be recognized as the Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort in 2024. Managing a resort like this is comes with unique challenges, but also immense rewards. The island’s natural beauty is certainly a major draw, and we work hard to preserve its pristine environment while offering a luxurious, unforgettable and of course, anything but standard, experience for our guests. The way we are able to do it is by hiring people with great character and allowing them to be themselves. To express their personalities and love of hospitality in their own unique ways. So, yes, its hard but if you allow the beauty of the island and the beauty of our team shine through magic is created for our guests.
What sets you apart from other resorts in the Maldives and what will keep guests coming back to stay with you again and again?
What truly sets The Standard, Huravalhi Maldives apart is our blend of laid-back luxury and vibrant, unexpected experiences. We go beyond the seclusion and serenity most resorts in the Maldives offer by curating diverse and playful experiences.
From underwater experiences, fishing excursions, and dolphin cruises to beachside movie nights and social wellness programs with a spa menu like no other, our resort stands out for its creativity and energy along with our attention to detail. I am also proud of our embrace of the local culture including our wonderful Maldivian restaurant called Gudaguda which celebrates homemade recipes from local “aunties.’ It’s a very special experience;.
With the changing trends in the Maldivain tourism industry, how do you see the Standard Huravalhi positioned to these changes?
Unlike many resorts that cater solely to honeymooners, package tours, or high-end luxury clientele, we embrace a broader demographic including groups of friends and solo travelers who are often left out of Maldivian tourism. We think the Maldives is an incredible place for those types of travelers. Surf, fishing and diving adventures for groups and the ability to unplug and practice self care for solo travelers are fantastic ways to enjoy the Maldives, however, they are often overlooked by the more traditional hotel compenied.
Our Spa also breaks the mold of tradition found in the Maldives. Inspired by our beloved Spa at the Standard Miami, we offer a social hamam and innovative, holistic treatments not found anywhere else in the Maldives including mud baths, lymphatic treatments and ariel yoga.
Mr. Lalvani, tell us about your career in the travel industry?
Its been a long journey. I started my career in hospitality about 25 years ago with Starwood Capital Group. I was involved in Starwood’s acquisition of ITT Sheraton which really put Starwood on the map as a major hotel company. I went on to lead the global development of W Hotels and later acquired The Standard brand from its founder. Since then we have grown Standard from a US urban brand into a global brand with iconic city properties like The Standard, London and The Standard, Bangkok as well as resorts like our property in the Maldives as well as Ibiza. We have 22 hotels open today in our group with about 30 in various stages of development. We recently joined forces with Hyatt Hotels and I now oversee Hyatt’s Lifestyle division.
After the purchase by Hyatt recently, what are the plans for the Standard chain worldwide?
Hyatt gives us a powerful global infrastructure that will allow The Standard brand to grow in places that would have been difficult for us without their support. Places like Japan, India and the Middle East. So look for more “anything but standard” properties around the world. We couldn’t me more excited to collaborate with such a well respected organization.
Mr. Lalvani, what are Hyatt’s plans for Maldives resorts as well as upcoming island openings?
Hyatt already has two beautiful properties in the Maldives: the Park Hyatt and the Alila. And now, of course, The Standard. But relative to the other large hotel groups we are underrepresented and believe there is a great opportunity to bring our other brands to the Maldives. As far as other islands, we are actrively working on a project in Bali which I am very excited about.
www.standardhotels.com/maldives/
