With over three decades of distinguished experience in luxury hospitality, Paul brings a wealth of expertise in boutique resort management and a proven track record of success in remote and prestigious destinations worldwide.
Paul’s impressive career in hospitality includes leadership roles at esteemed properties such as Fregate Island in the Seychelles and Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa in Mauritius, both renowned for their luxury and exclusivity. His tenure at Fregate Island, a Virtuoso member, and Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, part of Leading Hotels of the World, underscores his ability to manage and elevate top-tier properties.
His strategic leadership contributed to significant financial improvements and enhanced guest experiences, showcasing his commitment to excellence in hospitality management.
What is the secret to being one of the most desirable boutique islands in the Maldives for leisure and relaxation and for 8 years now?
Milaidhoo’s secret lies in its seamless blend of personalised service, natural beauty and intimate surroundings. Each villa is paired with a dedicated Island Host, ensuring a bespoke experience that fosters relaxation and connection. Our commitment to mindfulness and offering unique, tailored experiences guarantees a tranquil escape for our guests, creating lasting connections with both nature and oneself.
What sets you apart from other Maldives resorts and what keeps guests coming back to you again and again?
Milaidhoo stands out not only for its location in Baa Atoll, the famous UNESCO Biosphere Reserve but also for the exceptional warmth and dedication of our Milaidhoo Family. Our staff are more than just a team – they are passionate hosts who take pride in creating deeply personal and memorable experiences for each guest. With an unwavering commitment to service, they go above and beyond to ensure that every need is met with care, creating an atmosphere where guests truly feel at home. This heartfelt hospitality is at the core of what keeps guests returning, time and time again.
Mr. van Frank, tell us about your career in the travel industry?
Even though my academic experience is in Law and Marketing, my travels around the globe propelled me into the Hospitality Industry and my realisation of my sheer passion to contribute all my experiences by means of my continued endeavours to make a significant difference in this most exciting industry.
To this end, I was offered my first General Manager position in Dominica, the Caribbean, at the age of 29 and spent the ensuing 10 years’ operating resorts in various Caribbean islands ranging from Antigua to Aruba.
Shortly thereafter, my success motivated me to elevate my career to a global perspective, and I accepted a position in the Seychelles, after which I went on to Istanbul, Turkey, where I managed a “Luxury” Golf and Country Club, with a considerable residential component.
Having realised my potential in the industry, I then went on to work in South-East Asia, Bali and Thailand, upgrading a number of “luxury” boutique resorts and spas, including Begawan Giri Estate (now known as “Como Shambhala Estate”) in Bali & “Rayavaedee” in Krabi, Thailand.
My crowning achievement is being the General Manager at “Ananda in the Himalayas”, where under my tutelage, the resort was voted #1 Destination Spa in the world and remains a leading spa destination to date.
Whilst at “Ananda”, I had the privilege to support the local orphanage and assist with tertiary education for some of the children who are now engineers and doctors in the USA.
My next appointment took me to Mauritius, where I spent 10 years running different 5-star high-end resorts whilst simultaneously having the opportunity to discover the beauty of the island and its vibrant culture, as well as its welcoming population.
Thereafter, I then returned to the Seychelles as the Managing Director of the highly world-renowned private island, being “Fregate Island Private”.
This brings me to my present appointment as General Manager at “Milaidhoo Maldives”, where my experience to date is being showcased with a view to elevating this fascinating world-class private island resort to further heights of excellence, whilst maintaining its unique concept of Maldivian heritage and reinvented luxury.
What is your definition of success?
“Success” is defined by perseverance and determination in the pursuance of set objectives, as well as the absolute conviction that all obstacles will be overcome and the desired goals will be achieved; therefore, it is necessary to possess the fundamental characteristic traits to enable the process, thereby realizing one’s dreams.
What are your plans for the development of the resort?
The backbone of the continued success of “Milaidhoo”, undeniably, lies in its Family Members and committed Leadership. Therefore, going forward, more emphasis will be placed on the development of the “Milaidhoo Family” at all levels in continuing to offer unique moments and, by doing so, creating memorable experiences. Simultaneously, we will continue to concentrate on our two-prong approach to marine sustainability by fortifying our existing awareness presentations, as well as promoting responsible snorkelling and diving practices. In addition, our commitment to repairing the shallow coral reef around “Milaidhoo” will be sustained through our coral frame restoration project.
With the changing trends in the Maldivian tourism industry, how do you see the Milaidhoo positioned to these changes?
Going forward, the Maldivian Tourism Industry will continue to strengthen its position as a leader in luxury hospitality, offering the most discerning of travellers new levels of luxuriousness and exclusivity. By the same token, it will push towards wellness and experiential travel. Furthermore, the Maldives will witness an expansion of direct flight routes, significantly improving accessibility to the Maldives. “Milaidhoo”, being a success, thanks to its unique concept, will in all likelihood go from strength to strength by remaining true to its roots and unwavering to its vision.
Maldives is the world leader in the number of luxury islands. Dozens more premium resorts are about to open. How will Milaidhoo manage to stay at the top?
Indeed, there can be no doubt, as to the fact, that the Maldives has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty, luxury resorts and a magnificent marine life. We are quietly confident that “Milaidhoo” will remain at the forefront of the “top end” of hospitality in the Maldives, primarily owing to the fact that our Private Island Resort, distinguishes itself from others, as it embodies the culture, spirit and heritage of the Maldives, epitomising the true contemporary Maldives architecture and design inspired by Maldivian tradition and offering a genuine Maldivian experience. “Milaidhoo” focuses on the luxury of simplicity, natural style and outdoor living. What further differentiates us is that the “Milaidhoo Family” exudes genuine passion about every aspect of the island, from eco-conservation to delivering heartfelt and palpable hospitality.
