November 13
THE LEADERSHIP TEAM OF SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHI
In these insightful interviews by Hotelier Maldives, the leaders of the operational team at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi shared their invaluable lessons learned throughout their journey as they traces their remarkable career growth.
From intern to resort manager: Atham shares recipe for success
Abdulla Abdul Latheef (Atham)
Atham joined Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in July 2009 when Hilton took over management. When the resort changed back to an owner-operated property in May 2013, Atham remained and rallied up the staff to take on the challenges of the abrupt transition.
It was a difficult period as the resort was undergoing major changes in terms of management, but Atham remained committed to delivering exceptional service despite the disruptions. Over the years, he took on increasing responsibilities at Iru Fushi in several capacities including Operations Manager, Director of Operations and culminating in his appointment as Resort Manager in September 2022.
Today, Atham oversees all facets of operations at the 221-villa luxury resort, from staff management to guest services, food and beverage, marketing, and more. He frequently interacts with guests and builds personal connections through his warmth and hands-on approach. For Atham, the best part of working in hospitality is meeting people from diverse cultures and creating memorable experiences for them.
“It is fulfilling to see guests light up with joy and know that we played a role in creating a special vacation for them they’ll cherish for life,” he shared.
Read the full interview with Abdulla Abdul Latheef (Atham).
Women in Hospitality: Director of Operations - Dorothy Bahati
Dorothy Bahati
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s Director of Operations Dorothy Bahati is a firebrand in the hospitality industry where she has developed her career for the last 19 years or so, having spent most of that time in the Maldives.
Her journey has been that of resilience, persistence and utmost dedication coupled with passion for what she does. Her motivation comes from creating solutions for the various challenges she faces day by day in the hospitality industry.
“I was involved in the pre-opening phase with the local management. Subsequently, when Hilton assumed management and later departed, I participated in the ‘de-branding and rebranding’ process for Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. Throughout my career, I’ve been a key contributor to major projects, including the implementation of market metrics, the development of butler service principles, and the establishment of quality assurance standards, among others. Notably, I also served as a task force member for the pre-opening team at Siyam World for nearly a year,” she recalls.
“Through these diverse experiences, I’ve acquired a comprehensive understanding of the global hospitality sector, all in a single location.”
Read the full interview with Dorothy Bahati.
From receptionist to front office manager: Baasith’s career lessons at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Ibrahim Baasith
Baasith’s first job was as a receptionist at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, which he joined in April 2009. He was interviewed by the resort’s then Guest Relations Manager Dorothy Bahati (now Director of Operations), who gave him his first opportunity. “That was my very first job interview,” he recalls. Before that, he had worked at Sun Siyam Olhuveli for a month as part of his internship.
At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Baasith learned everything on the job, from handling payments and reservations to dealing with customers and colleagues. He was not afraid to take on new challenges and responsibilities, and soon he was promoted to cashier and then front office supervisor.
In 2009, the resort changed management to Hilton, which brought new standards and expectations. Baasith adapted well to the change and became a guest service manager in 2013. He also developed his skills in using Opera, a software for guest check-in and check-out. He taught himself how to use the system and became so proficient that he was sent to train other staff at Waldorf Astoria Manafaru, another property managed by Hilton at the time (now JA Manafaru).
“I was highly motivated, you know, and being very young and new, I had the opportunity to provide training with the knowledge I possessed, and I was very pleased,” he says.
