Ultimate Maldivian experience
Set across two private islands, Niyama Private Islands Maldives is a Maldivian resort in the south-western atoll of Dhaalu. Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of the property shares his plans for the new year.
Share a brief about Niyama Islands.
Niyama is synonymous with luxury and is ideal for luxury travellers. Niyama Private Islands Maldives is an independent brand and the sister property of Anantara — a part of Minor Hotels. We specialise in curating bespoke experiences like private island dining, watching your favourite movie under the stars and much more. Also, we have 11 deluxe room categories ranging from spacious beachfront villas and one-bedroom water pavilions to three-bedroom family beach pavilions with two private pools, jacuzzi and a personal spa treatment room.
With nine dining destinations, including a tree house restaurant and the world’s first underwater playground, guests can enhance their stay with surreal gastronomic experiences.
What is the USP of the property?
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean’s azure waters, Niyama offers guests the tranquil and paradisiacal surroundings synonymous with the Maldives as well as a refreshing sense of discovery, stimulation and fun. The twin islands offer a multitude of once-in-a-lifetime luxury experiences for the stylish aspirational traveller. In addition to the islands’ silvery sands and crystalline waters, guests are encouraged to explore the numerous activities available across the two islands. From dining in the treetops at Nest to underwater partying at Subsix — a restaurant and bar beneath the ocean — Niyama provides ample opportunity to expand on the traditional Maldivian itinerary. The beauty of a dual island setting is that space at Niyama is in abundance.
The jewel in the resort’s crown is the magnificent Crescent, a playground of five ultra-chic villas, all with private pools, for upto 14 adults and eight children. Boasting a private chef, two butlers, a housekeeper and a host of complimentary activities including movie under the stars, this over water sanctuary is the perfect paradise treat for the discerning Middle Eastern traveller with extended families.
Privacy and flexibility are key requirements of the Middle Eastern clientele. The Middle East market has a significant role to play as it is the closest major market to the Maldives with well-established routes
Since the Middle East clientele requirements differ from others, how do you cope with the requests?
Privacy and flexibility are key requirements of the Middle Eastern clientele. The Middle East market has a significant role to play as it is the closest major market to the Maldives with well established routes. Also, the Maldives offers a lot of things that this market loves — personal service, water sports options from diving to surfing and kite surfing, high-quality food and phenomenal hotels. Niyama Private Islands with its family-friendly and laid-back luxury vibe is large, but private — as it is built keeping privacy in mind.
Please share your 2019 outlook.
Whilst the market in 2018 was quite turbulent, Niyama performed well and our growth has been excellent. Our focus on delivering the best services and working closer with our partners will enable us to continue our planned growth. The market is growing in the Maldives and as the curve appears to be moving more towards oversupply of rooms, there is a great opportunity for those that offer something different and compelling.
What should the itinerary be for those visiting Niyama Islands for the first time?
Niyama in its small space has so much to offer from delicious dining options to sport and leisure options — an incredible spa, indoor and outdoor gym area, the only surf spot in the Island you can reach from our beach, diving snorkelling, sailing deep sea fishing as well as a multitude of excursions around the island and to neighbouring islands. We are happy to tailor-make experiences for our guests.
which made my transition exciting, and my parents have always encouraged me to take on new challenges in areas that I’m passionate about. I have always viewed Travelport as a progressive company with diverse areas of interest, allowing me to gain experience and knowledge as Head of UK Sales, Operations Manager for Europe, Global Customer Advocacy Senior Director and Strategic Customer lead for Europe. These roles enabled me to broaden my outlook on the business and gave me opportunities to develop my management skills across a number of teams while leading
Being customer-focused, Wallington’s proudest moments, which will always stand out for her, are winning awards voted and judged by customers. She says, “One was a prestigious award I received as Sales Manager of the Year at the TTG Business Awards and the second was Travelport being awarded the Best Technology Partner and Best Travel Technology provider for the second year running at the Arabian Travel Awards 2018.”
Changes in the industry
Wallington shares about the many changes witnessed over the years in the industry that she holds dear to her heart. “The technology enthusiastic to adopt new technologies to better serve their customers. They also face the same challenges when dealing with experienced travellers. In both countries, our customers are passionate about what they do. I believe that there aren’t major differences between the two. However, the culture in the UAE presents a greater focus on the development of relationships with customers.”
Travelport makes a mark
Working for over two decades at Travelport, Wallington shared her thoughts on its growth 3’ aggregator under its New Distribution Capability initiative. In November 2018, we achieved another milestone as the first travel commerce platform to process bookings through NDC.”
Millennials & technology
According to ‘Travelport’s Digital Business Traveller Research 2018’, millennial business travellers in the UAE are driving an evolution in corporate travel by demanding both cutting-edge digital support throughout their trips and ondemand advice from consultants.