Mr. Steinhilber, congratulations on the prestigious Best New Luxury Resort in the Maldives award for 2023! Amari Raaya is a resortonly few mounts old, how did you manage to achieve such a high quality of service?
Our success in delivering high-quality service within relatively short time frame stems from team effort and our unwavering commitment to excellence. We placed a primary focus on few key elements that contributed significantly to our service quality and in return great feedback and review from our guests
– Prior to the launch of Amari Raaya Maldives, a lot planning went into every aspect of the resort including the amazing concept of a ship-wrecked artist that the resort was built upon, layout of our villas and facilities to the intricacies of service delivery.
– We focused a lot of training on hospitality standards, service excellence and unique elements that defines luxury in Maldives
– Understanding our guest needs are key. We listen to feedback, adapt quickly and tailored our services to exceed our guest expectations
– Our team’s dedication and passion for delivering unparalleled service have been the major key to success. Each member plays a crucial role in upholding the commitment to excellence Despite our success we continuously seek opportunities for improvement and enhancing our service standards
You are the GM from the opening. Tell us a bit about your journey leading up to this position.
I arrived in the Maldives in 2007, so I have spent the last 15 years here, in various resort management roles. Before that, I worked in France, USA, North Africa and of course, my home country of Germany. Over 16 years in Asia, I held various roles in hospitality. I started in guest relations and front office roles at Maldivian resorts like Banyan Tree Resort, Angsana Velavaru. In 2013 I became Executive Assistant Manager in a hotel in Malaysia and returned to Maldives in 2014 as General Manager at Sandies Bathala and held that position for 6 ½ years The Maldives is such a unique destination and I feel lucky every day to be able to work and live. It sounds such a cliché, but I literally have fallen in love with this beautiful country and its people, I met my wife Shafiyya here, so I truly consider The Maldives to be my home.
What sets you apart from other resorts in the Maldives and what will keep guests coming back to stay with you again and again?
We have created a unique story concept behind Amari Raaya that sets an intriguing ambiance all around the island for our guests to explore. The resort features design elements and experience touch points inspired by a fictitious castaway explorer named Sebastian, an artist and amateur sailor who was shipwrecked and lived alone on the island for eight years before allowing himself to be discovered. Amari Raaya Maldives immerse travellers in a reinterpretation of the legacy he left behind through a series of structures, shelters and landmarks Sebastian creatively constructed from island-sourced raw materials and flotsam washed ashore over the years. Highlights include an upturned Dhoni shipwreck hidden within a jungle, abandoned watchtowers, and in our Artists Zone, Sebastian’s rustic home and huts show cases Maldivian Arts & Crafts. Our guests find beautiful natural island full of discoveries: On the Island you will get a glimpse into the world of a survivor and artist as you immerse yourself in the buildings and objects created by Seb during his life as a castaway. Apart from this, we take pride on the perfect harmony of luxury, hospitality and an array of carefully curated experiences. Our goal is to create an emotional bond that transcends a mere vacation, ensuring that guests feel compelled to return to Amari Raaya Maldives, for an unmatched and enriching experience
With the changing trends in the Maldivain tourism industry, how do you see the Amari Raaya positioned to these changes?
In the post-lockdown era, we closely monitor evolving travel trends. Sustainability and responsible tourism are continuing to gain prominence, with eco-friendly options and community support becoming increasingly important. Digital transformation is enhancing the guest experience through technology, while the focus on health and wellness remains strong in the post-pandemic era. Travellers are also seeking authentic, local experiences, driving demand for unique and immersive journeys. We are quick adapt by customising our services to align with these shifting traveller preferences. Together with our main company ONYX Hospitality Group we are taking several key initiatives such as
- Spa Brands Development: ONYX recognises the increasing demand for wellness and relaxation among travellers. In response, the group has invested in the development and expansion of a new spa brand, maai spa – which features at Amari Raaya Maldives. This spa offering is designed to provide guests with rejuvenating experiences, aligning with the growing trend of health and wellness-focused travel.
- ONYX Rewards Loyalty Programme: The group has also introduced ONYX Rewards, a loyalty programme aimed at enhancing the guest experience and fostering brand loyalty. This initiative aligns with the trend of travellers seeking unique and personalised experiences.
- Sustainability Programmes: We recognise the importance of sustainability and responsible tourism in today travel landscape. To address this trend, we have implemented comprehensive sustainability programs across the resort. These initiatives focus on reducing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and promoting eco-conscious practices, aligning with the increasing traveller preference for sustainable travel options.
We are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of modern travellers while ensuring a positive and responsible impact on the environment and local communities.
What are your plans for the development of the resort?
Our development plan encompasses a multi-faceted approached aimed at enhancing guest experiences, sustainability initiatives and overall excellence. In line with our commitment to sustainability we are dedicated to advancing eco-friendly practices and initiatives. Our goal is to further reduce our environmental footprint by enhancing waste management systems, and fostering partnerships that support local conservation system. We aim to set new benchmarks in responsible tourism while preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding. In essence, Amari Raaya Maldives is centered on innovation, sustainability and guest centric enhancement.
www.amari.com
