This year marks a milestone not only for Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru as it celebrates its 30th anniversary but also for Mohamed Naeem, the resort’s Deputy General Manager, who concludes his remarkable 40-year journey on Vabbinfaru Island as he enters retirement. From teacher to deputy general manager, and from the opening of Vabbinfaru Paradise Island in the 1980s to nearly three decades at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Naeem’s story mirrors the growth and transformation of Maldivian tourism itself.
What first inspired Naeem to join Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in 1995, and what has kept him there ever since was the company’s unique approach. “What Banyan Tree introduced was something different. The company set a new standard by giving genuine care to its associates, respecting Maldivian culture, and investing in people as much as in the property. This approach was not common in the Maldives then, and it marked the beginning of a transformation in how tourism could positively impact both employees and the community. For nearly three decades, Maldivians have witnessed Banyan Tree’s role in shaping not only a successful resort but also in contributing to the development of the Maldives tourism industry and the lives of its people. That vision and commitment to people are what continue to inspire trust and loyalty from Maldivians to this day.” he recalls.
Looking back on the resort’s evolution, Naeem reflects on milestones not only for Banyan Tree but also for the country. “Very quickly, both operators and Maldivians realized the extensive benefits of Banyan Tree’s way of operating a resort. Resort operators across the Maldives began adopting practices that Banyan Tree first introduced on its property, setting new standards in sustainability, guest experience, and employee wellbeing. At the same time, Maldivians recognized Banyan Tree as the best employer in the country. The company’s reputation for valuing and caring for its associates spread so widely that employment applications poured in from across the Maldives. For us as Maldivians, these milestones are not just about one resort’s growth, but about how Banyan Tree helped shape the wider industry and created opportunities that raised the bar for everyone. That legacy is what truly stands out when looking back at the journey from its soft opening to the present day.”
From the very beginning, sustainability was central to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s philosophy, long before it became a buzzword in global tourism. Naeem is proud of how this vision has influenced the country. “Today, that early vision has become a powerful legacy. Now, all resort operators, government bodies, and even individual Maldivians are actively talking about sustainable ways of operating, living, and protecting our fragile environment. More importantly, the idea of passing the Maldives to future generations in a better condition than we received it has become a shared national responsibility.”
The resort also broke new ground by opening the first spa in the Maldives in 1997. What seemed like an experiment became a defining feature of Maldivian hospitality. “The response was remarkable. What started as a new offering quickly became a highlight of the guest experience. Over time, the industry realized that spa services were not only widely embraced by customers but also became one of the most profitable revenue-generating departments in any resort. Today, spa and wellness treatments are something every visitor looks forward to as part of their Maldives experience.”
For Naeem, one of the proudest achievements has been Banyan Tree’s role as a best employer. “From the very beginning, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru became the preferred employer in the Maldives because it understood and cared for the realities of Maldivian life. Before Banyan Tree entered the country, many associates working at resorts had to endure long separations from their families, sometimes only managing to see their parents, spouses, or children once every 18 months. Banyan Tree changed that reality. It made a revolution in the industry by introducing an effective leave system that allowed associates to visit their families every three months. This single initiative brought enormous relief to society and directly improved the wellbeing of Maldivian associates.
And that was just one example, Banyan Tree also pioneered many other benefits, from training and career development to a comprehensive package of staff welfare measures that were unheard of then but have now become standard across the industry. This culture of genuine care and investment created deep loyalty among associates over the past 30 years. Maldivians saw Banyan Tree not just as an employer, but as a company that respected their lives, families, and futures. That trust and sense of belonging are what made Banyan Tree the best employer in the Maldives, and its legacy continues to influence how resorts manage and care for their people today.”
These legacies continue to define Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru as one of the Maldives’ most iconic resorts. “For international tourists, Banyan Tree has always maintained the originality of the Maldives experience. From the very beginning, it protected the natural environment and showcased the true beauty of the islands without over-commercializing or damaging what makes the Maldives unique. Guests experienced not only luxury, but also authenticity and sustainability, which gave Banyan Tree a reputation as a resort that truly cared for the destination.
For associates, Banyan Tree introduced a culture of genuine care that was unheard of in the Maldives at the time. It provided benefits that supported not just employees but also their families, offered extensive training and strong career development opportunities, and created a safe, flexible workplace. Most importantly, Banyan Tree eliminated the discrimination that was very visible in the industry when it started. Associates were treated equally regardless of nationality, colour, or gender, with differences based only on job grades. Anyone, Maldivian or foreign, could progress and enjoy the same benefits if they were in the same grade. This combination, protecting the Maldives for visitors while uplifting associates through fairness and opportunity, is what has made Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru an enduring icon in the Maldivian tourism industry.”
As Naeem prepares for retirement, his message to the next generation of Maldivians is heartfelt. “The message to young Maldivians is first to recognize how blessed we are with our home, the little Maldives. The beauty of our islands and environment is unlike anywhere else in the world, and people from across the globe are rushing to visit and return again, as if there is no tomorrow. We must be grateful for this blessing, and in return, give genuine care to every guest and make them feel safe, because the Maldives is one of the safest and most welcoming places they can be. As for building your career, it does not matter where you start in the tourism industry. What matters is your commitment, attitude, and willingness to stay on track. If you are dedicated, the opportunities for career development are unlimited. The Maldives tourism industry has proven that those who are focused can rise to the very top, while still carrying the values of care, respect, and pride in serving our country.”
After four decades on Vabbinfaru Island, Mohamed Naeem steps into retirement leaving behind not just a resort but a legacy: one that shaped modern Maldivian hospitality, inspired loyalty across generations, and helped define what it means to care for guests, associates, and the islands themselves.
