Year: 2022

The Meeru team is filled with exceptional talent and dedicated individuals who have been with Meeru for a long time. As one of the team members behind the scene ensuring guests the best holiday experience, for this month’s Meet the team, we interviewed Meeru’s electrician, Abdulla Hussain Fulhu, nicknamed ‘Lhiyambe’ (brother-in-law in Dhivehi).

ABOUT YOU

Q: Tell us about yourself and what it is like to be an Electrician at the resort? How long have you been with the resort?

I am Abdulla Hussain Fulhu – usually called “Lhiyanbe” by my colleagues, born 3^rd February 1972,  from the island of Hinnavaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives and married with 2 children.

It was 2010 when I joined Meeru Island Resort as Air Condition (HVAC) technician helper and now currently working as an Electrician. I am on my 12^th year working on this beautiful island and I truly enjoy the people and the working environment.

Q: Tell us about your background, where you have worked and how it has shaped you?

My previous work experience was in Hinnavaru islands’ biggest shopping outlet from 2002-2008 as a Sales Manager.

I was determined to explore more of my technical capabilities in a different working environment, so I decided to join my first resort job, which was at Meeru Island Resort.

Q: Why did you decide to become an Electrician at a resort island?

Being a Maldivian, we have many opportunities to explore the resort hospitality industry.

Joining the Maintenance Department, I was exposed to attending requests, servicing and troubleshooting AC units and handling all related equipment. Working in this environment motivated me to complete my National Certificate III in 2016 and Advance Certificate Level 4 in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and Mechanics Course in 2017.

The next opportunity opened for me as an Electrician because I have the required certification (National Certificate III – Electrical Course conducted by MIT), which paved the path for me to be more exposed and acquire more knowledge as part of the Maintenance Department team.

Q: What do you love most about your work?

My work exposes me to daily challenges and I have to make sure the work is done up to standard and code. I love talking and helping guests while dealing with any issues that require rectification.

Q: What hobbies do you enjoy when you are not at work?

When not at work, I enjoy drinking coffee and playing games in “Ekuveni” (Team activities and Entertainment area). I believe that it is important to connect and socialize with colleagues and friends in order to maintain a positive environment both during and off work periods.

Q: What is your favourite sports, what sports do you play?

My favourite sport since childhood is Football. In Meeru I am one of the regular players in my department and we have been three times champion in the Inter-department football tournament.

I also do long distance running and I was an athlete during my younger years.

Q: What advice or motivational words can you give to your co-workers?

To keep learning new skills and knowledge, get the certifications and continue to work with determination and drive.

There is plenty of talent to be found in Meeru Island Resort & Spa and Meeru’s culinary team can have exceptional individuals. Here at Meeru, we have been lucky enough to build a team that truly excels in the Food & Beverage department. For this month’s Meet the team, we are proud to present the long-serving, Sanjay Nayek – Stewarding Supervisor at Meeru.

Q: Tell us about yourself and what it is like to be a Stewarding Supervisor at the resort? How long have you been with the resort?

My name is Sanjay Nayek, working as the Stewarding Supervisor for 11 years

Q: Tell me a bit about yourself and your background, where are you from and where you have worked and how it has shaped you?

I am from Kolkata, West Bengal in India. Working in Meeru has given me the opportunity to learn new skills and interact with different nationalities.  With the knowledge that I have gained from my experience and through observations from my colleagues, I would say that it has changed my perspective from the time that I first came to the Maldives.  Training and kind words from my leaders have taught me a lot and I am happy to share this with the team working with me.

Q: How did you come to be in the Maldives? 

I applied to work in the Maldives because it is a beautiful country with great opportunities. It was just a dream before but now it has been 11 years and I would say I am still happy to work here in Meeru.

Q: What is your role and why did you decide to become a Stewarding Supervisor?

Stewarding Supervisor is a position responsible for maintaining all the back of house cleanliness and safety, especially in the food and beverage areas. Being a central part of the team who makes sure that HACCP standards are followed by ensuring the maintenance of equipment and scheduled thorough cleaning adhering to the principles, confirms that we are looking after the wellbeing of the guests and team alike and this is something to be proud of.

Image: Sanjay at the Meeru Cafe’

Q: What do you love most about the resort you work at?

Meeru is a beautiful island to be living in as a team member as there are a lot of facilities and activities. I enjoy the daily challenges in the work environment.

Q: What hobbies do you enjoy when you are not at work?

Playing Chess, Cricket, Billiards and going to the Gym are some of the things I do when not at work.

Q: What advice or motivational words can you give to your colleagues?

Respect others as you want others to respect you.  Different nationalities and cultures are together on the same island and Respect is very important to live a harmonious life in this lovely workplace. Also, understand the importance of the procedures in place and follow them without fail.

Q: What outlet or food on the menu will you recommend guests to try?

Meeru buffet has a wide selection of food catering to different menus from around the world.  The highlight is the food served during dinner time as there are different Themed nights at both Maalan and Farivalhu buffet restaurants.  My favourite is the Arabian Night which features famous dishes from the Middle East such as Samak Harra which is fillet fish in tomato and Harissa, shawarma, beef kofta, Maliya date cake and other tempting dishes to explore.

There is plenty of talent to be found in Meeru Island Resort & Spa and Meeru’s housekeeping team have exceptional individuals. Here at Meeru, we have been lucky enough to build a team that truly excels. In our latest blog, let us introduce you to Nawaf, the housekeeping coordinator.

Q: Tell me about yourself and what it is like to be working as a housekeeping coordinator at the resort? How long have you been with the resort?

My name is Mohamed Nawaf Ali, 24 years old and working as a Housekeeping Coordinator. It has been 5 years since I started working in Meeru.

Q: Tell me a bit about yourself and your background. Where are you from and where you have worked and how it has shaped you?

I am from an island called Fuvahmulah on the south end of the Maldives. I accomplished my Primary education in Mohamed Jamaaludheen School and completed my Secondary education and my O’ Level at Gn. AEC Education Centre. After my studies, I started my work life at the age of 16 at a small shop as a cashier. I worked there for a month, and then I realized that this was not the life for me as I wanted to join the tourism industry. This motivated me to look for opportunities which led me to my current role.

Q: Why did you decide to become a housekeeping coordinator?

Among the jobs in tourism, my preference is to be in the Housekeeping department because that way I can meet the guests daily, chat with them (which they love) and get to know about different parts of the world. I started applying for jobs in resorts, and then finally, I got a job as a Room Boy at one of the resorts here in the Maldives. After working for 6 months I decided to resign and look for other opportunities, and Meeru opened its door for me. In 2016, I started as Room Attendant. I love the Meeru environment, and my colleagues and supervisors are very supportive.

Q: What do you love most about your work?

Being a Room Attendant for 4 years was a good experience, and I learned a lot. In 2021, I was promoted to housekeeping coordinator, and it was a dream come true and an opportunity that I will truly treasure. I enjoy interacting with different guests from different parts of the world. In addition, as a housekeeping Coordinator, I get to learn how to manage and organize things and deal with different kinds of people and scenarios. Providing excellent service and learning new things drive me to love my job.

Q: What hobbies do you enjoy when you are not at work?

I love playing football and working out at the Gym when I am not working.

Q: Which villa is your favourite and why?

My favourite villa in Meeru is the 300 Jacuzzi Water Villa side as these are the best rooms in the resort. These villas are situated near the infinity pool, where guests can chill. This is also the area where at the end of the jetty is a great spot to watch the stars or different kinds of fishes.