The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives welcomes Justin Swart as its new General Manager, as of April 3, 2025.

Justin grew up in Worcester, a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. From a young age, he saw the positive impact hospitality had on people visiting his family home. “They left with incredible memories, and I realized how meaningful authentic engagement could be,” he recalls. “Seeing how shared experiences could bring joy inspired me to pursue a lifelong career in hospitality. I wanted to create more of those unforgettable moments for people from all over the world.”

Justin brings nearly two decades of experience in luxury hospitality in South Africa, Thailand, and the Maldives, spanning diverse operational roles.

His career began as a personal trainer and fitness supervisor at the Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel in Cape Town (now The Westin Cape Town). He was then offered an opportunity to work in Thailand, where he developed a strong foundation in guest experience, public relations, and resort operations before transitioning into leadership positions. Justin quickly progressed into senior management, leading sales and operational strategies at boutique resorts and city hotels across Phuket.

His first General Manager role came in 2016, overseeing multiple properties in Bangkok. In 2021, Justin took the helm at Cora Cora Maldives. Now, as General Manager of The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives, he intends to push boundaries and deliver unique and immersive guest experiences while cultivating a forward-thinking hospitality environment.

“I plan to foster an environment where our team feels free to explore and experiment,” says Justin of his new role. “Experimentation will be at the heart of our strategy—keeping people interested, informed, involved, and most importantly, inspired. Along the way, we’ll challenge norms, break some boundaries, and rewrite the playbook—always in true Standard style.”

Justin is married to Aigerim, a TV host, polyglot, and former Mrs Universe Kazakhstan. They have three children: 13-year-old Isis, who loves painting and digital animation; nine-year-old Aiaru, who loves crafting; and eight-month-old Aiden.