1. What inspired you to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, and how has your journey evolved over the past years? 

Even at a young age, I have been fascinated by the hospitality industry. Hospitality is all about people, and it’s one of the most creative industries anyone can come across – a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and ever-changing perspectives and trends. After graduating from Erciyes University with a Bachelor’s in Education, my journey began in the Four Seasons brand in Food and Beverage in the US, Wyoming, miles away from home, Turkey, gradually moving across the world from Saudi Arabia to settling in the Maldives in 2014, filling different roles in the hotel operations.

In 2017, I officially joined JOALI brand as the Resort Director, to debut a lifestyle luxury hospitality brand in a sea of well-established international brands operating for over 30-50 years. Now, here we are, after seven years with two islands, JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING, and soon-to-open JOALI Kaafu. I am extremely humbled and proud of the success the brand has gained within a short span of time, and I am looking to lead the brand to an exciting era of hospitality. 

2. How do you envision the future growth and development of the JOALI brand within the competitive luxury hospitality market of the Maldives?

JOALI is a distinguished brand, a dream born to create a meaningful lifestyle hospitality brand with a soul. JOALI Maldives is the first art immersive resort that opened in 2018, and JOALI BEING is the first wellbeing island that made its debut in 2021, positioned successfully in the ultra-luxury segment. Maldives is a competitive market. However, JOALI is true to its beliefs and has strong core values of sustainability and female empowerment. We share our success with our talented and passionate hosts, and proud to have a strong local team in leadership. The brand’s spirit and constant evolution to meet market trends, innovation, technology, and humble hospitality will definitely pave the way for a bright future. 

Our guests are not just guests for us; JOALI has become a community; we have a strong base of repeat guests, reaching up to 75% during the festive season. With the new project, the brand will definitely expand even further. The family will grow as well, JOALI Maldives currently employs 452, and JOALI BEING is home to 342 employees, and we are projecting 800 employees for the next property.

3. Can you tell us about a significant challenge you faced during your tenure at JOALI and how you overcame it, highlighting the lessons learned and how it influenced your leadership style?

I believe the pandemic was an unprecedented time for all of us, and it was a hard decision as a leader to see the last guest depart, half of the team sent home and to implement ‘minimum paid leave’. We closed in March and re-opened in August; during this time, with limited resources considering the country was closed, keeping the spirits high and maintaining a positive culture was challenging. However, I strongly believe that setting strategic goals and plans can help in navigating any situation. 

As a team, we conducted trainings and team building activities to improvise the facilities and services and bring creative ideas to the table to prepare for the re-opening. I am proud of the team for collectively demonstrating motivation and commitment resulting in satisfying the first batch of guests.

This has really shaped the culture of JOALI, and guests appreciate our genuine service, and we have been awarded as top in service by leading international bodies such as Leading Quality Assurance and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards.

4. As the Area General Manager, what leadership principles do you prioritize in guiding and empowering your team to consistently deliver exceptional service and experiences?

I am an advocate for balance and I believe discipline, respect and joy are key for a successful workplace. I am hands-on in every aspect. However, I have trained my team and empowered them to lead the operations even in my absence. Communication is imperative; we are always connected, and my doors are open for everyone. as we expand, teamwork is crucial to deliver exceptional service.

Development plans are important; each individual brings skills and talents that complete the team.

5. If you could spend a day as a guest at your preferred JOALI property instead of managing it, what activities or experiences would be at the top of your list to enjoy?

A day in JOALI is quite special, as a guest I would wake up for a sunrise run at JOALI Maldives’ jetty, the longest jetty in a resort with about 1.3 km, followed by a swim in the turquoise blue lagoon. Breakfasts are special here, my favourite spot is the Manta Treehouse, an art installation by a South African artist, Porky Hefer, the views wonderful with a side of local breakfast, Mashuni from our talented chefs.

There is something for everyone here, you can stop by the Art Studio to learn to make your own ceramics; my daughter absolutely loves crafting pottery.

In the afternoon, I would take the speed boat to JOALI BEING, only a 15-minute ride away, for a wellbeing getaway and filling yet healthy lunch. A few of my favourite experiences include kickboxing and cryotherapy at CORE, the largest fitness centre in the Maldives and Watsu, a water therapy with acupressure and bodywork.Lunch is served in MOJO by the poolside, there are light wraps, Japanese fare and even delicious mediterranean-style fish with salads. It’s perfect and light.

For sunset, I always find myself back at JOALI Maldives, at Mura Bar, with the bartender’s special cocktails accompanied by the tunes DJ and violinist. Saoke, the signature Nikkei cuisine restaurant with a concept and menu curated by a Michelin-star chef, Yamamoto Hidemasi, is a unique experience with fresh and delicious dishes such as avocado salad, freshly prepared sushi and sashimi, Miyazaki beef dishes and Sumiyaki Charcoal Grilled Black Cod.