Laurent Driole

With more than three decades in global hospitality, Laurent Driole brings a depth of experience shaped by continents, cultures, and countless guest interactions. From his early beginnings in the UK to leadership roles across Europe, Asia, Russia, Africa, and the Maldives, his career reflects a rare blend of operational rigour and human-centred leadership. Today, as General Manager of Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Laurent oversees one of the Maldives’ most respected and pioneering resorts, renowned for its authenticity, generosity, and enduring appeal.

At Lily Beach, Laurent’s philosophy is rooted in sincerity, emotional intelligence, and presence. Known for personally engaging with guests and teams alike, he believes true luxury lies not in excess, but in meaningful connection. In this interview, he reflects on leadership, evolving guest expectations, the future of Maldivian tourism, and the timeless principles that continue to guide his journey.

With a career spanning over 30 years across multiple continents, how has your leadership philosophy evolved, and which core principles have remained non-negotiable throughout your journey? 

My journey began in the Lake District, UK, working as a waiter and chef in a small, family-run 50-room hotel, where tradition, manners, and attention to detail taught me the importance of service values, respect and attention to detail.  From there, I moved to Disney World in Florida, where the energetic, informal American work culture offered a stark contrast, showing me how hospitality can be shaped by lifestyle as much as by genuine care. It was a fascinating contrast that deepened my understanding of what true hospitality really means. 

My career took me across Southeast Asia, where I learned the value of hierarchy, humility, and emotional intelligence; in France, my home country, I discovered the importance of communication and mutual respect, and in Moscow, the need to align personal ambition with the team’s goals.

Through these experiences, my leadership philosophy has evolved around three core principles: patience, because everyone works at their own pace; respect, as the foundation of trust and teamwork; and leading by example, because real leadership isn’t about titles or authority, it’s about consistency, integrity, and being someone people genuinely want to follow. 

And if there’s one final lesson these years have taught me, it’s that listening to our guests is what keeps us relevant. By understanding their evolving expectations, we continually improve and rediscover the essence of hospitality: to make people feel seen, valued, and truly cared for. 



Having lived and worked in such a wide range of cultures, how has that shaped your view on what true hospitality means? 

To me, true hospitality comes from the heart. It’s what we aim to deliver every day at Lily Beach, a sincere, human connection rather than just polished service. Financial results matter, but they should never come before warmth and authenticity; guests quickly sense whether what they experience is real or rehearsed.

I’m inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which celebrates simplicity, imperfection and time. That, to me, is modern luxury: quiet, honest and deeply human. Too many international brands bring one-size-fits-all concepts to the Maldives, driven by rigid SOPs and bottom lines, turning hospitality into something mechanical. SOPs should guide us, not define us. In the end, true luxury isn’t about flawless standards, it’s about emotion, a genuine sense of place, and the feeling guests take home with them.



Could you share some of the standout experiences and highlights guests can look forward to during their stay at Lily Beach? 

At Lily Beach Resort & Spa, every stay is designed as a journey through the senses, offering an authentic and emotional experience of the Maldives. With our signature excursion, the Ocean Adventure, guests can snorkel alongside majestic whale sharks in the sanctuary nearby, one of only three places in the world where these gentle giants are seen year-round, creating unforgettable moments of awe and connection to nature.

Equally important, Lily Beach is a paradise for families, where shared experiences create memories that span generations. Children beam with pride during sunset fishing trips, catching their very first fish, which later becomes part of a delicious family dinner, while our Teppanyaki evenings add excitement with fiery culinary performances that spark laughter around the table. Young adventurers can explore our vibrant house reef on beginner-friendly discovery dives, snorkel alongside graceful turtles, and watch in awe as dolphins leap and play on our magical Dolphin Safaris, moments that leave both children and adults wide-eyed, enchanted, and cherishing every experience together.

Couples at Lily Beach can expect truly unforgettable moments. One favourite is a private sunset on a secluded sandbank, just two loungers, champagne, and the Maldivian horizon, drone photos included, of course. We also offer our signature Royal Love Odyssey, which was inspired by guests’ special requests, like villa proposals or surprise days dedicated entirely to love. It includes a floating breakfast with lobster and caviar, a rosé-infused couple’s spa ritual, sunset champagne, and a private dinner under the stars with Kobe beef. Add a personal photographer and 51 red roses, and it really becomes a celebration of love and unforgettable memories.

At Lily Beach, we believe true luxury lies in emotion. Whether it is a child’s pride in their first catch, a family’s shared laughter at sea, or a once-in-a-lifetime romantic gesture, our mission is to transform beautiful moments into lasting emotional memories, ones that remain vivid long after our guests have left the island.

As one of the first resorts to introduce all-inclusive in the Maldives, Lily Beach’s Platinum Plan is known as one of the most generous packages. How has it evolved to stay competitive while offering value and premium selections? 

Celebrating Lily Beach Resort & Spa’s 30th anniversary was a moment to reflect on our pioneering spirit. As the first Maldivian resort to introduce a true all-inclusive Platinum Plan, we set a benchmark many have sought to emulate. From the very beginning, our owner’s vision was clear, to create an experience that feels effortless, generous, and uncompromising in quality.

Over the years, the Platinum Plan has evolved into a comprehensive experience, from curated excursions to unique inclusions like cigarettes, while culinary offerings have grown increasingly refined, featuring over 80 premium wines and authentic Champagne selections. Even festive celebrations embody indulgence with caviar, foie gras, lobster, and premium cuts.

Ultimately, the Platinum Plan is about more than inclusions, it’s about emotion, trust, and sincerity. Every detail reflects our commitment to delivering a generous, transparent, and effortless experience, which is why so many loyal guests return year after year, often saying that Lily Beach remains the best.



As one of the original pioneers of Maldivian hospitality, Lily Beach carries a rich legacy. How do you continue to reinvent the guest experience and maintain that ‘wow’ factor, especially for returning guests, while staying true to the resort’s identity and founding vision? 

As a pioneer of Maldivian hospitality, Lily Beach honours its legacy daily. Celebrating our 30th anniversary last year, we enter our 31st year as an independent, Maldivian-owned resort, consistently operating at high occupancies, an achievement in a market where new international brands emerge rapidly, often disconnected from the islands’ spirit.

Lily Beach stands apart for its authenticity. Nature is the true luxury, and our warm, sincere team, many with us since the beginning, serves with a genuine heart, creating moments that truly stay with guests. I greet every guest personally, meet them daily, and adjust details in real time. This closeness anticipates needs and resolves concerns instantly, long before they reach social media. When guests feel heard and valued, the real “wow” begins.

Our repeat guests embody Lily Beach’s legacy, returning not just for the island but for the people who make them feel at home. This season, one couple stayed with us for the 32nd time, showing that sincerity, attentiveness, and genuine connection are our true luxury. For us, reinvention means refining the small touches that create unforgettable feelings. Our mission remains: guests “come as strangers, and leave as friends.”

 How has tourism in the Maldives changed since your first role in 1996, and what do you predict for the next decade? 

Since starting in the Maldives in 1996 as F&B Manager at Club Med Farukolhufushi, tourism has changed dramatically. Resorts were simple, lagoons pristine, and experiences focused on tranquillity. That island is now part of Hulhumalé, reclaimed for development, a sign of how the country’s landscape has totally transformed.

Rapid changes around Malé highlight how tourism drives development, favouring the wealthy while remote islands maintain traditional ways of life. The evolution of tourism infrastructure reflects this shift. TMA’s scenic flights have expanded into large-scale seaplane operations, moving thousands daily, impressive growth, but often at the cost of a premium guest experience. Marine environments face similar pressures, with overcrowded dive sites and unregulated liveaboards threatening the ecosystems that sustain tourism.

The Maldives’ future depends on high-value, low-impact tourism, guests who respect nature, and resorts prioritising genuine hospitality. Its unique beauty, vibrant reefs, clear lagoons, and serene landscapes must never be compromised. Yet mass tourism and short-term gain threaten this essence.  Ultimately, the future lies in the Maldivians’ hands, balancing growth with preservation, ambition with responsibility, and innovation with identity to keep the Maldives a true paradise.

 What key lessons have you learned over your 30+ years in hospitality that you’d pass on to aspiring hoteliers?

After more than three decades in hospitality, spanning luxury resorts, boutique hotels, international chains, island destinations, and cruise ships, certain lessons stand out and remain timeless.

First, hospitality is a discipline before creativity. While the industry may seem glamorous, its foundation is following SOPs, consistency, and operational control. Across every property I have managed, from Paris to Moscow, Africa, Borneo to the Maldives, strengthening fundamentals has been essential for creativity and guest experience to flourish.

Second, leadership is service. Managing diverse teams of 100-350 taught me that authority alone isn’t enough. Being present, approachable, hands-on, and leading by example, supporting your team during crises, builds trust and delivers results.

Third, guests remember emotion more than perfection. I have worked in properties with Michelin-level dining, award-winning wine cellars, and stunning settings, yet what keeps guests returning is sincerity, kindness, and attentiveness. A warm gesture often outweighs marble, technology, or architecture.

Fourth, change is constant, and adaptability is a survival skill. Renovating resorts, opening a five-star hotel in Vietnam, managing islands during a pandemic and relaunching properties after crises taught me that flexibility is a top asset and every disruption is an opportunity to innovate.

Fifth, financial intelligence matters. A successful General Manager balances guests, owners, and staff, boosting Gross Operating Profit and Average Daily Rate, rewarding employees, and creating new revenue streams like Lily Beach’s e-shop and tours. Financial rigour ensures long-term sustainability.

Sixth, cultural sensitivity is essential. Working across Europe, the USA, Russia, Africa, Asia, and Oceania taught me that one approach rarely fits all. Respect, adaptability, and celebrating diversity are key to meaningful hospitality. Unlike robots or AI, human creativity knows no limits, and celebrating our uniqueness is what makes hospitality meaningful.

Finally, what drives me in this industry is curiosity about people, food, design, technology, and cultures, which fuels relevance and longevity in hospitality. For young hoteliers: master the fundamentals, work hard, lead with heart and by example, think with numbers, and stay curious. These principles have guided me from my early days to managing top resorts worldwide, and they still guide me today.